Who should read this chapter? All parents.

Summary: Most of us are lucky to have a healthy mind and body. Drugs and smoking damage the mind and body. This is a simple message that should be given to children. Would you rather have a damaged mind and body?

Why are we lucky? There are, of course, many reasons. Think of as many reasons as you can and teach these to your children. In addition to all the things you have thought of, most of us are lucky to be blessed with a healthy mind and body. Without a healthy mind, we would not be able to think, move about or appreciate the wonderful things going on around us. Without a healthy body, we would be limited in our movement and the things that we want to do. Being a pediatrician, I see many children who are not born with a healthy mind and body or become ill and cannot do what most children can do.

Since most of us are so lucky to have a healthy mind and body, I find it pitiful and sad when people take actions to damage their mind and/or body. We should be protecting our healthy mind and body. We should not be damaging it.

Drugs and smoking damage the mind and body. Take someone with a healthy mind and body who decides to smoke or use drugs. This happens to children too often. The reasons for trying cigarettes and drugs are complex. It is difficult to explain the complex psychosocial processes that are involved in peer pressure. Simplify this decision for them. Cigarettes and drugs damage your body and mind. Is there any good reason for damaging the healthy mind and body that you have been blessed with? There is NO reason. There is no good reason to smoke or use drugs. It's that simple. Sometimes such a simple message may be more effective.