Tobacco and Lung Health
This week, students learned about the health problems and complications that arise from smoking. Many students were invested in this topic because several of them had at least one family member who was a regular smoker. They researched the problems caused by smoking and how a person can overcome the addiction.
Students discovered how the inhalation of smoke causes the lungs to lose their ability to inhale and exhale the gases that are vital for life. They also learned how smoking affects blood quality and the distribution of oxygen among different cells, which eventually leads to cell death.
Students learned about nicotine, the addictive chemical responsible for the calming effect that cigarettes provide, as well as for the urge to smoke more. They also watched several videos and viewed pictures comparing healthy lungs to those of a smoker. They saw how the lungs of a smoker had turned black and coal-like due to years of inhaling smoke.
Students then learned about methods to quit smoking. They learned about keeping their hands and mouth busy with things like chewing gum, crisps, or fidget spinners. They were also introduced to different therapies that could help. Many students were surprised to learn that peer pressure plays a significant role in developing a smoking habit, most often while people are young and in school or university.
Helping Families with Tobacco Addiction
This activity was both educational and moral because it broke the cycle of smoking in many of our students’ families. The students were previously unaware of the serious effects of smoking but became aware that living a healthy life requires avoiding smoking at all costs. As a result, many students are now likely to encourage their family members to quit smoking using the methods they learned at the center.
