Teens smoking? Here’s what you need to know
According to the University of Rochester's medical centre, a child’s brain is only fully developed at 25 years old.
It’s no secret that smoking has a seriously detrimental impact on your health, and when it comes to teenagers smoking, developmental challenges are also a concern.
According to the University of Rochester’s medical centre, a child’s brain is only fully developed at 25 years old.
Smoking during their teen years can, therefore, damage their cognitive development which further impacts their health as they grow older.
Health risks for teens include:
• Deteriorating physical health
• Respiratory diseases
• Impaired lung development and function
• Cancer
Teens who are subjected to second-hand smoke will also be impacted, with second-hand smoke known to cause ear infections and a higher risk of respiratory illnesses such as asthma attacks.
Vaping devices may seem like a safer form of smoking, however, vaping can cause injuries to the lungs. It is important to educate children about the dangers of smoking from a very young age.
Touching on topics such as peer pressure will encourage better decision-making. Teens who smoke and wish to stop can get help from any general practitioner.
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