Smoking is one of the most common and deadliest habits in the world. You have probably seen thousands of cigarettes smoked in your lifetime, 1 perhaps not by your family. Even though fewer people smoke today than in the past, one 2 every four adults still smokes, and there are parts of the world where smoking is increasing. Most people who become regular smokers started when they were young. This is the time to get the facts straight: smoking does no one 3 good, and it does a great 4 of harm to your health. It also often means giving up a lot later in life, such as the chance to excel in sports, extra spending money, and even years of one’s life. There is a lot to lose. Most smokers have a hard time explaining why they started – and why they continue. They know it is harmful, and many even know someone who has died from a smoking-related illness, like lung cancer or heart disease. But 5 the same time, these smokers continue lighting up when they go out for a drink, take a break from work, or hear alarming news. Some smokers even light up when they learn about the dangers of smoking, because they become worried. 6 the reason people start smoking, the habit soon loses 7 attraction. Apart from the obvious health risks, smoking is an ugly, unpleasant habit. 8 people would prefer to avoid a room that someone was filling with smelly smoke.