Smart, Healthy, Confident, Sexy …Nonsmoker

     It may seem like there are a lot of students who smoke because smoking is a very noticeable act. People who smoke often hang out around building entrances and are in groups of people who are smoking. This can make it appear that there are more smokers than in reality but the fact is that most MU students (79%) choose not to smoke cigarettes. Most MU students see themselves as Smart, Healthy, Confident and Sexy…Nonsmoker.

     We know that college is a time where there may be many temptations to start smoking. You now have the freedom of living on your own, perhaps for the first time. You may wish to experiment with things that were not allowed at home. However, smoking is not an act of freedom. In fact, the tobacco companies make sure that they take freedom away from you when you become an addicted smoker…their customer for life. Tobacco companies have manipulated chemicals in cigarettes and chew to make sure you absorb more nicotine and become addicted. To truly embrace your freedom – stay a nonsmoker.

    If you are pondering graduation, either soon or years down the road, it may be helpful to recognize the benefits of being a nonsmoker that your future employer sees. You don’t take smoke breaks at work, you are sick less often, your health insurance costs less, and your productivity is increased due to the aforementioned. These are all advantages a nonsmoker has in a tough job market. Increase your marketability by becoming or staying a nonsmoker.

     However, some college students come to campus already addicted to nicotine. Other students come to MU as occasional smokers (I only smoke when…) and eventually progress to become addicted smokers who smoke regularly as they move through each semester. We’ve heard numerous times students who were occasional smokers as freshmen telling themselves “I’m going to quit before I graduate.” Suddenly, they find it is harder to quit than they thought and are desperately trying to quit before finding their first job. The easiest way to avoid this situation is to never start. However, if you’ve found yourself in this situation, you have great resources at your disposal. Take advantage of the Be Tobacco Free program at the Student Health Center.