Everyone knows the statistics. Tobacco is the leading contributor to thousands of deaths and debilitating illnesses. So why do teens continue to smoke? The first part of this program explores not only why teens start, but also why it’s so hard to stop, why our society allows tobacco companies to promote a lethal drug utilizing state-of-the-art media persuasion techniques, how tobacco is economically entrenched in our system, and why politicians avoid the issues. Startling interviews with people stricken with smoking-related illnesses are contrasted with teen interviews demonstrating attitudes of self-deception. The program illustrates the immediate negative consequences of smoking...bad breath; stained, ugly, yellow teeth; and stinking clothes, as well as the devastating illnesses caused by long-term smoking. Instead of another peer to adolescent lecture, this program presents enlightening facts to help today’s youth make informed decisions. A Cambridge Educational Production. (30 minutes)