When we were in Israel in June, it struck me that some of the cream of Israeli youth had a nasty, dangerous habit.

  While in the central Jerusalem bus station I observed how many of the male and female soldiers smoked. While on the streets, I also noticed this and am very saddened that, no where were there signs, posters or any advertising about not smoking in the first place or options to quit.

It would seem that in the schools there should be programs telling the teens that there are 2,000 toxic chemicals in cigarettes. Nicotine, only 2 drops can kill. The other chemicals do their damage as well.

If only the government would tell the population, particularly the young that over 80% of illnesses that put people into care homes are directly caused by smoking.

Most people are aware that deep breaths are relaxing. Most of the time, the only time smokers take deep breaths is when they inhale.

Tobacco is sugar cured, which is why when a smoker inhales they get a sugar hit. This is why when they are hungry, to keep their weight down, girls smoke instead of eating.

In the schools there should be programs targeting the youth. In the army there should be programs to help the young soldiers resist starting.  If they are smokers, there should be pro-active programs to get them off the weed.

It is an expensive, dirty habit. The government gets taxes from the sale of cigarettes so it does have a real interest in stopping the behavior.

My grandson just graduated from high school in Israel. The peer pressure to smoke was terrible but fortunately, he resisted. It isn't cool to not smoke. This is the age group needing the education the most.

Take kids to the cancer wards and have them talk to patients who smoked. Ask them if they have a friend or relative that has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema how hard is it to draw a breath.

In my opinion, the schools have a duty to have anti-smoking programs as does the army. What are you going to do about it?

Think about it!