Everyone should know by now that smoking is bad for you - it can even kill you. So why are so many people still smoking? And why are so many more trying it for the first time?

People under 18 are the largest group of nonsmokers, so cigarette companies naturally target young people in their advertising. They promote the image of happy, beautiful, popular & active people using their products. In reality, smokers are none of these things.

Its kind of hard to look nice when your teeth are yellow and your face is wrinkled. Nicotine stains your teeth, nails & fingertips - for as long as you smoke. No amount of brushing or washing gets rid of the yellow tint. And smoking damages your skin by interfering with circulation, causing you to age faster & get more wrinkles than a nonsmoker.

Smoking stinks. Literally. Your breath, your hair, your clothes, your car, your house - all reek of cigarettes if you choose to smoke. Most people don't enjoy that lovely aroma, so you probably won't have that many friends.

Smoking damages your heart & lungs, so you won't be able to play sports as well or for as long as a nonsmoker. It also weakens your immune system, so you'll be sick more often.

And finally...how can you be happy when you're addicted to a drug that's going to kill you - not to mention cost you an average of $700 a year in the process?