By Deborah Naa Aku Allotey
Tema, Feb. 21, GNA – Some young people in Tema Community One say they have developed the habit of smoking daily as a relief from stress, depression, and anxiety while increasing their appetite to eat well.
It is a normal scene to see the youth engaging in open smoking of cigarettes and other substances in some sites and slum areas in Tema Community One.
Mr Prince Asare, a 30-year-old resident, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that he has been smoking for the past 13 years, adding that he was yet to see any negative impact of smoking on his life, as it gave him appetite for food.
He said society sees smokers as bad people, but that is not the case: “Those who wear suits are even the worst culprits,” adding that smoking makes him think wisely and smartly.
Mr Charles Nfodzo, a 36-year-old chain smoker, claimed smoking helps him a lot, especially in cold weather.
“I can take 10 sticks of cigarettes in a day,” he said, claiming that what he smokes is nicotine-free.
According to him, he relies on smoking to relieve stress and anxiety, making him unable to quit.
He advised that people who smoke must have enough money for food since smoking increases one’s appetite for food.
A man who only gave his name as Junior said smoking enhances his sexual libido and prolongs ejaculation.
Mr Isaac Odartey, pharmacist, said medically smoking is a bad habit, noting that the main ingredient in cigarettes, tobacco, weed, and other substances is nicotine.
He explained that nicotine is a dangerous and highly addictive chemical that could cause an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, flow of blood to the heart, and narrowing of the arteries (vessels that carry blood).
Mr. Odartey added that nicotine might also contribute to the hardening of the arterial walls, which in turn may lead to a heart attack.
He mentioned that smokers were not the only ones affected by tobacco, cigarettes, or weed smoke, as secondhand smoke and vapour are serious health hazards for nonsmokers, especially children.
He emphasised that nonsmokers who have high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol have a greater risk of developing heart diseases when they are exposed to secondhand smoke.
“The best thing you can do for your health is to quit smoking entirely. Do not spend the rest of your life chained to a nicotine addiction. Thousands of people stop the habit every year, and you can be one of them. It may not be easy, but you can do it,” he advised.
GNA