Smoking is a dangerous and unhealthy habit that causes a lot of health problems. Unfortunately, many of our youths have been hooked on to this habit. The government's continuous efforts do not seem to show much improvement. As a result, even tobacco companies are holding anti-smoking campaigns to show their commitments in fighting this problem. Youths' curiosity and false belief that smoking is a symbol of maturity have been identified as the main stream why youths smoke.

The high level of nicotine and tar in cigarettes causes smokers to suffer from lung cancers, heart diseases and chronic bronchitis. According to studies that have been conducted, 90% of lung cancer patients are smokers. Youths should realize that they could only enjoy life with a healthy body. How foolish they would be to spoil life just by smoking away. No citizen would want to see unhealthy members in their society.

The hazardous components contained in cigarettes not only endanger the smoker himself but also all the people around him. To counter this unfair situation, the government has banned smoking in public places such as schools, hospitals and offices.

Daily, our society spend millions of dollars just on cigarettes. It is rather shocking but this is a fact. While the government is on its efforts to reduce unnecessary spending, it's rather disappointing and sad to see smokers wasting their hard-earned money on cigarettes. Such large amounts of money could be channeled for other beneficial uses.

Some people think that smoking is not a serious problem that needs much attention. What they fail to realize is that smoking could drag a person into drug addiction. Almost all drug addicts start off as smokers. Therefore, it is rightly feared that our smoking youths will one day turn into drug addicts.

Lastly, I hope that our youths would realize their responsibility towards the society's well being. I also hope that parents and teachers will also play their part to mold the younger generation to be useful and productive assets for the country. All of us know that youths are our future leaders who will one day lead the country and the nation. Therefore, all youths should act wisely and stay away from smoking. If all youths could act like this, there will be no doubt on the nation's ability to be well-developed in the near future.

Learn more about this author, G. Lee.
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