Module 5 Discussion Post T21 100% correct

21 Smoking has been called the number one cause of preventable death in the United States causing approximately 438,000 deaths a year (Samantha K. Graff. 2008). As someone who started smoking at the age of 15 due to having friends in high school who were 18 and could buy cigarettes, I do agree that the age limit should be increased to 21 for purchase. I’m now 26 and just quit smoking 2 weeks ago, which has been one of the hardest things to do in my life to this point. I believe that because it is available to those who are still in high school, or because younger teenagers are still very good friends with those are 18 and 19, it is easier for them to obtain cigarettes, and start smoking. If the age is increased to 21, this is not infringing on civil liberties and personal freedom because there is no constitutional right to smoke. If it were a constitutional right, it would be against the law to infringe on it, but since it is not protected under the constitution, the age limits can be changed (Samantha K. Graff. 2008). Simply because it has been age 18 for so long, doesn’t make it okay, or mean that it cannot change. Age 21 is the age where the brain is more fully developed for rational thinking and decision-making. And it has been estimated that this increase would cause a 25% decrease in smoking starting between 15-17year olds (Minnesota Department of Health. n.d.). Some ways we can educate our children, and the youth in general is to start by talking about it. Being honest, and truthful about the product, what is in it, and what can happen from smoking to your mind, and body internally and externally at a young age is highly impactful. It’s also important to set a good example by not smoking yourself, or bringing cigarettes into the house. The best way is to just be involved in your child’s life, and set firm rules, while understanding and helping them through peer pressure (Mayo Clinic. 2015).