Let’s chat about smoking and what happens to our bodies when people smoke. Imagine this – a single cigarette contains more than 4000 chemicals! These chemicals, instead of helping our bodies like medicines, actually do the opposite. They can make people sick and unwell over time.
It all starts in the brain: When someone smokes, it takes only 10 seconds for nicotine to reach their brain. Nicotine is like a tricky character that plays with the brain’s working cells, making them release chemicals (dopamine and adrenaline) that make the person feel relaxed. But here’s the catch – when nicotine levels drop, the person craves another cigarette, and the cycle repeats. It’s like a merry-go-round of cravings.
Meanwhile, in the heart: Now, let’s zoom into the heart’s world. Less than a minute after inhaling cigarette smoke, nicotine has already told the brain to release adrenaline. This makes the heartbeat faster. Meanwhile, a gas called carbon monoxide sneaks into the bloodstream. This gas messes with oxygen, the fuel needed by our bodies. The heart has to work 30% harder than normal, and if that’s not tough enough, fatty deposits start building up in the blood vessels. If a vessel gets blocked, it’s like a roadblock for blood, and that can lead to a heart attack.
Spotting a Smoker: First, there’s the smell. Smoke leaves a strong smell on everything – breath, skin, clothes, and hair. Cigarettes also have a friend called tar – a sticky mix that leaves yellow stains on fingers and teeth. It’s like a tricky paint that’s super hard to wash off. And guess what? Smoke can even make someone look older than they really are, up to 20 years older! Like a magic spell, but not the good kind. So, remember taking care of our bodies means saying NO to smoking. Let’s keep our bodies happy and healthy for all the adventures that lie ahead!