You might think that the smoker inhales most of the smoke from a cigarette, but really only 15% is inhaled. The other 85% is blown out and into the air that we all breathe. The 85% of unfiltered smoke is known as secondhand smoke.

We have all heard of adults with lung cancer, but we rarely hear about kids with smoking related illness. Children with developing lungs have a higher risk of getting asthma or other breathing conditions. For a woman who is pregnant, secondhand smoke may have negative affects on her breast milk. The levels of nicotine in her breast milk are more than double that in her blood stream. Studies show that women who smoke during pregnancy have a higher risk of having a baby who is premature and also has excessive weight loss. They may also develop many problems like learning disabilities. Children of women who have smoked during pregnancy are more likely to suffer behavioral problems such as hyperactivity.

Summer time is all about hanging at the beach with your friends, swimming in the lakes, and floating all day in the sun. With all this relaxing in the water, you could be getting a little more than you bargained for. Swimmers itch, an itchy rash caused by certain parasites that normally live on waterfowl and freshwater snails, could just be that extra something you take home from the beach.

On warm, sunny days, especially in calm freshwater lakes or ponds, these parasites can be released into the water. During your swim, these parasites might burrow into your skin, where they cause the swimmers itch rash. But, humans are not suitable hosts for these parasites, so the parasites soon die.

Summer vacation is about being outside and spending time in the sun. Fun in the sun is not always the safest. Dehydration and sunburns in the summer months alone land thousands of people in the hospital. To avoid getting into that predicament, here are some helpful hints.

Cover up. Covering up is the first and best line of defense against the sun. Wear a hat with a brim and use sunglasses. Also wearing cotton clothing with a tight weave will help you to stay cool. The suns most destructive rays are exposed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. During this time, it is important to limit your time in the sun if possible. Use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or greater. Be sure to apply enough sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating, even if it is considered waterproof.

Who doesn't want to have that summer glow in the middle of winter! But is that golden glow really worth your health?

Nearly 30 million people in the U.S. tan in tanning salons every year; on average, that's more than 1 million people a day who are baking themselves under tanning lamps. Ranging in age form 16 to 49 years. The indoor tanning industry's revenues have increased fivefold since 1992, to about $5 billion.

Using tanning beds comes with serious consequences including eye damage, cancer, and the weakening of your immune system.

Does it sometimes seem like everyone your age is having sex? Do you know anyone at your school who is pregnant or has a baby? Though teen pregnancy has been on the decline over the past decade, the United States still has the highest teen pregnancy rate of any western industrialized country.

It means that, if you're a girl in this country, you have a 34% chance of becoming pregnant by the time you're 20. And it's not just girls who are facing the consequences. The effects of teen parenthood also follow the young fathers and children throughout their lives.