By Sneha Singh: “Smoking is injurious to health.” We hear it on billboards, in commercials, even on the packs themselves. Yet, how often do we truly listen, truly internalize this message? Statistics paint a grim picture: without smoking, lung cancer rates could plummet by a staggering 80-90%. But do these numbers resonate amidst the haze of peer pressure, social anxieties, and misguided attempts at rebellion?
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Peer pressure, particularly among the youth, is a common challenge involving issues like anxiety, self-esteem, body image, stress, and bullying. In the quest to overcome these challenges, is befriending cigarettes the solution? Research suggests that today’s youth often perceive smoking as an act of rebellion, a declaration of independence. Shockingly, approximately 90% of all smokers embark on this perilous journey before the age of 18. However, it’s crucial to recognize that cigarettes are not healers; they are silent assassins, gradually compromising your health and exposing your body to a multitude of diseases, including a weakened immune system and diminished concentration.
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The hazards extend beyond active smokers to those subjected to passive smoking. What may seem like a source of comfort transforms into a serious vice, affecting nearly every organ in the body. It’s imperative to grasp that succumbing to peer pressure and adopting this ‘cool-not-so-cool’ habit is not an acceptable solution. Refusing to partake in this habitual sin doesn’t isolate you from your social circle; rather, it preserves your health. Instead of willingly falling into the smoking trap, individuals can play a crucial role in helping others extricate themselves from it.
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Benjamin Franklin’s wisdom holds true – “energy and persistence conquer all things.” Harnessing the inner strength to confront and overcome challenges is within everyone’s reach; it’s a matter of recognizing right from wrong. There are various safe, short-acting therapies available to aid in breaking free from the clutches of smoking addiction. By refusing to succumb to the allure of cigarettes, one not only ensures personal health but also contributes to a healthier community.
The question of whether smoking should be friends with us or not is not merely a matter of personal choice; it’s a decision that ripples through communities and societies. It’s high time we redefine our friendships and choose health over harmful habits. As we navigate the challenges of life, let’s remember that true friendship fosters well-being, not jeopardizes it.
About Author- Sneha Singh is a journalism student in Varanasi.
