Healthy Teen Habits

Going through high school is hard enough without the bad breath, premature wrinkles and stained teeth that come along with cigarettes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 9 out of 10 cigarette smokers first tried smoking before the age of 18. Each day in the US, more than 3,800 teens smoke their first cigarette, and an additional 2,100 teens become daily cigarette smokers. According to the American Lung Association, smoking is the #1 cause of preventable death in the US, causing over 393,000 deaths each year. While electronic cigarettes are also a popular teen product, it is important to remember that the potential health consequences and safety of these products are still unknown. The ALA recommends parents set a positive example for their teens by not smoking themselves, and by keeping their homes smoke-free.