Do You Smoke?

Do you smoke and want to quit? If so, you are not alone. A vast number of teenage girls in Westchester County want to quit, but it isn't easy. Big Tobacco works hard to get teenage girls hooked on cigarettes by portraying healthy-looking, pretty models in their ads, making girls think that smoking will make them more independent and beautiful. In New York State, they spend $558 Million!

Smoking robs you of your looks, making you smell bad and look worse, and the last thing it gives you is independence. Cigarettes are addictive, making you so dependent on them that you have to sneak out of school or home--and risk getting in trouble if you're caught-- to satisfy your addiction. And, contrary to popular belief, smoking does not make you relax. Instead, it give you the jitters, increasing stress and nervousness, and makes you lose your self-confidence and cool.

Bottom Line: You have the power to quit. Your health, looks and independence are worth too much to keep smoking.

If you want to quit or want information on quitting contact Westchester County Department of Health at 813-5000 or call New York State Smoker's Quitline 1-888-609-6292.