Teen Health Course 2

Chapter 8: Tobacco

Parent Letters - English

Parent Letter and Activities
For use with Chapter 8

Dear Parent or Guardian,
In your teen’s health class, we are now studying tobacco and how it affects users and nonusers. Students will learn about the effects that tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke have on health. Students will be reminded that tobacco is an extremely dangerous substance that is highly addictive because of the nicotine contained in it. We will also be studying the respiratory system and the ways to protect respiratory health.

Some questions your teen will consider as we discuss this topic are: What substances in tobacco cause health problems? How does tobacco affect various parts of the body? What are the parts of the respiratory system? What illnesses can damage the respiratory system? Why do some teens begin using tobacco? How can teens avoid tobacco use? To support and extend our classroom work, please set aside some time during the next few weeks to complete one or more of the following activities with your teen:

• Be available to answer questions and discuss concerns your teen may have about tobacco.
• If you were a smoker, share the reasons you started smoking, and discuss the method(s) you used to quit. If you are still a smoker, share with your teens the ways that smoking affects your life.
• Together with your teen, brainstorm a list of nonsmokers’ rights. Discuss ways to firmly but politely make sure these rights are respected by smokers.

Of course, feel free to engage in other activities you think will help your teen avoid tobacco use. Your activities will be a welcome addition to our efforts here. As always, do not hesitate to contact me for further information.

Sincerely,

Health Teacher