Tigers Sport & Education Trust

Smoking
Cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals. Many of the chemicals in cigarettes are harmful and the three main nasties are carbon monoxide, nicotine and tar.

Nicotine is a very addictive drug which acts on the brain within seconds of inhaling cigarette smoke.

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas. When you smoke, your blood is flooded with carbon monoxide. This means that the blood can't carry as much oxygen as it usually does. Oxygen is needed in every part of the human body and especially by the heart itself.

The tar in cigarettes is the tar used to surface roads. It can cause cancer and damages the lungs. Tar also leaves yellow-brown stains on smokers' fingers and teeth.

The smoke from cigarettes is poisonous and not only affects the person who is smoking, but anybody around them. This is known as 'second hand' smoke. 

Smoking is not only bad for your health, it is an expensive habit. 

Please note: the information above was accurate at the time of publishing, visit: www.smokesnojoke.com for all the latest!

Other results of smoking include:

• Cancers which result in death, loss of limbs or vital organs e.g., lungs
• Smelly clothes
• Bad breath
• Because the dangers are widely known, it is seen as stupid to even start

 

Did you know that it is illegal to smoke in enclosed public places e.g., a restaurant, cinema.

Alcohol
Alcohol slows down the brain, which make concentrating and balance difficult. Drinking too much alcohol can make you sick and lead to alcohol poisoning, as well as making you feel angry, upset and moody. It is illegal for anybody under the age of 18 to buy and drink alcohol. It is also important to note, that long term alcohol abuse can seriously damage the liver - a vital organ!

Drugs
Many people think that all drugs are illegal, but this is not always true. The drugs that we buy from shops or come from our doctors are legal. They are good for us and help us feel better. Drugs that are not bought from shops or come from doctors are illegal and are not good for you. They cause damage to the organs in your body and there is a high risk of developing mental problems, both will seriously affect your quality of life. 

Fit to Play Top Tips for Avoiding Serious Health Risks:

1. If someone offers you a cigarette, some alcohol or drugs say NO, even if these people are your friends.
2. If you are ill and taking legal drugs (drugs that have come from the doctor, hospital or shops), make sure that you read the instructions on how to take them and follow them. Do not take more and think you will get better soon, you will end up feeling worse!
3. Try not to be in the room as someone who is smoking as this can be bad for your health.

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