Smoking: The Negatives

The 12th of March signals national no smoking day. It’s a habit that first gripped the European population in 1560 when French diplomat and scholar, Jean Nicot (whose name is the derivative of nicotine) introduced tobacco as a snuff product. From there tobacco spread into the rest of Europe and the UK. Tobacco and in particular smoking, experienced astronomical growth in the UK with at least half of the population in 1972 being smokers. The fight for eradication of this addictive substance began in Ernest during the 1920’s, after breakthrough research revealed for the first time the damaging effects of tobacco and it’s by products. There are many negatives to smoking and there is no better time than now to kick the habit, with quit kits available from the NHS.

Health Risks

It is estimated that around 100,000 people each year die of a smoking-related disease, ranging from cancer, heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Research from action on smoking and health  suggests that over half of all regular cigarette smokers will eventually be killed by their addiction. Put that in to real terms and think of each and every individual that you know who smokes, then surmise that statistically half of those individuals are likely to pass away from a disease caused by their habit.

Money

We all know, and are reminded daily that we living in troubling times of tough austerity measures. The government raked in a massive £12.1 billion in 2011-12 on tobacco tax alone. Smokers have been hit by large tax increases in recent years, with the average pack of 20 cigarettes now costing around a staggering £8. Meaning a 20 a day habit will now cost you £56.15 a week and a staggering £2920 every year! Why not work out how much smoking costs you with the go smoke free cost calculator.

Social

The smoking ban has had many positive effects for the general public, not having to put up with the haze of poisonous chemicals whenever entering a pub is surely a bonus. The social effects of smoking have now become apparent, with smokers huddled under cover outside public houses across the UK. Ostracised from the general drinking population, smokers have to quit before they can have a night of uninterrupted warmth.
Why not take a look at the options available for smokers looking to kick the habit at http://www.nhs.uk/smokefree