Smoking

Many people have an experience of smoking at some point in their teens.

The first drags on a cigarette often happen because of peer pressure, stress at school or following the examples of friends and relatives.

Tobacco companies are now legally required to explain the dangers of cigarette smoking, but it's worth learning a bit about the facts yourself so you can make your own decision.

First and foremost, persistent smoking has been linked with many serious medical conditions, incudling lung cancer, coronary heart disease and bronchitis.

There are also less fatal but still unfortunate effects, including damaged taste buds, aging of the skin and stained teeth.

The small presence of nicotine in tobacco also makes cigarettes addictive. It is an incredibly hard addiction to break, especially if you are a long-term, regular smoker.

For information about the dangers of smoking, as well as advice on quitting, see:

• Brent Stop Smoking Service (Helpline - 0208 795 6669)
• NHS Choices - Stop smoking (Helpline - 0800 169 0 169)
• NHS Go Smoke Free