Eight months back I was in Islamabad and what I witnessed there was completely mind-boggling for me. There were a number of teenagers who were smoking fearlessly and upon asking they said: “it’s their lifestyle and they know what they are doing”………No kid! You have no idea what you’re doing if you knew you would never do it! So what else? It is shocking and sad at the same time, who would want to see such things in Pakistan. Although I know that smoking is quite popular in the whole of Pakistan teenage smoking is on the rise in Islamabad. One of the main problems with smoking is how easily young people can be influenced to start. And it only takes one or two people in a friendship group to start before you see every one addicted to it.
Harmful Smoking Affects On Health And Wellbeing:
It’s no longer a mystery; everyone knows that smoking has all sorts of negative impacts on health and wellbeing. In fact, it is one of the leading causes of preventable death. However, many people especially youngsters decide to ignore the risks and go on smoking.
Physical Health And Life Style:
You may not realize how smoking affects your physical health until it starts upsetting your lifestyle. Smokers spend more of their days by getting sick and because of this; they have higher health care costs. Moreover, smoking can cut at least 10 years off your expected lifespan. That’s why it is known as premature, preventable death.
Health Consequences And Chronic Diseases:
According to a study, approximately 85% of cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and lung cancer are caused by smoking. Other than this, some of the most common cancers and chronic diseases that can be caused by smoking include:
- Cancer of the mouth
- Stomach cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Cancer of esophagus
- Pancreatic cancer
- Cancer of the uterus
- Increase chances of clot formation
- Increase blood pressure and heart rate
- Narrow your arteries
- Damage your heart and blood circulation
- Increase the risk of conditions such as heart attack, stroke, coronary heart disease, and peripheral vascular disease
- Can cause your bones to become weak and brittle
- Lung diseases like chronic bronchitis
Not only this smoking can also disrupt your sleep and can increase your feelings of stress and anxiety. Smoking can also be the reason why our youth is more prone to mental health issues. There are many studies that show smoking can actually increase the symptoms of depression. It also affects the relationship and reduces the ability to lead a productive life.
We need our youth and teenagers to play their important role in the development of this country. If they are more likely to do something which is not good for their wellbeing then affective actions need to be taken in order to eliminate it. The government has sealed many shops in different parts of Islamabad for selling cigarettes to underage children. But government alone cannot put a barrier on smoking; we all have to fight against it. Moreover, if you have any breathing issues then consult with the pulmonologist.
