Smoking and Obesity are Trouble for Teens
Obesity is an increasing health risk among teens and the risks of smoking have been well documented. Many teens who take up smoking don’t feel any immediate risks from the habit. For most teens the risk of developing lung cancer in 40-50 years is just not something they are going to worry about. New research now points to a link between smoking and metabolic syndrome which can lead to the development of type-two diabetes. Even secondhand smoke can place teens at risk.
This research has prompted some to call for a ban on smoking in places where children and adolescents may be present. That would be fine with me but I’m sure could stir up a hornet’s nest of controversy. Could parental smoking be considered another form of child abuse?
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POSTED IN: Weary Parent
2 opinions for Smoking and Obesity are Trouble for Teens
Lei
Aug 3, 2005 at 4:49 am
Smoking is bad. No doubt about it. but I think unhealth diet and inactive lifestyle are probably more prevalent problems for most teenagers. I know my parents did not smoke and I was rarely exposed to smoking. My friends were the same. If they’re going to ban smoking, they should ban junk food and soda in schools too. Just my two cents.
Stef
Oct 25, 2005 at 10:52 pm
my papa smoked while we were growing up, though he gave it up more than 15 years ago — when he started learning how bad it is. yes, it could be classified as child abuse IMHO, but only if the smoker is fully aware of the consequences. i find that even today many are still largely uneducated about its negative effects — or in denial — sometimes both.
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