We already know how important the heart, blood and vessels are in the responsibility of life. Let’s see how cigarette smoking can affect this system:
When we inhale, smoke and air pass through our bronchial tubes until they reach the tiny air sacs of the lung called alveoli. During the time when blood releases carbon dioxide and absorbs oxygen, nicotine and carbon monoxide that are present are absorbed into the blood.
Also, the tiny capillary tubes in the walls of the alveoli can rupture and be destroyed. As a result, more pressure is needed to push blood through capillaries, resulting in an increased work load for the heart. Also, you are reducing the supply of oxygen that the heart requires. Nicotine can also increase the heart rate, straining vessels and causing high blood pressure.
Lesson I
You can spend a class period discussing or writing the cons on cigarette smoking. Students can just social and economic reasons why smoking is not a good habit. Students can also list how smoking plays a role in each cardiovascular disease that I mentioned in earlier pages. Finally, a debate can be developed over the hazards of smoking.