Smoke and mirrors

The regional scourge of tobacco

TOBACCO remains a major contributor to non-communicable diseases in this region. Smokers are more susceptible to coronary artery disease, diabetes and infections involving the lungs, teeth and gums. Most people in the Pacific who suffer from diabetes and heart disease are – or at some time in their life have been – smokers.

The smoke and chemicals in cigarettes carry toxins which increase the possibility of smokers damaging their lungs and contracting respiratory disorders.

These chemicals also help increase plaque on the walls of arteries, restricting blood flow. This is the major cause of coronary artery disease which causes heart attacks. The chemicals play a major role in causing clots which, when formed in the brain, are the cause of debilitating strokes.

These factors should be reason enough for smokers to give up their habit. But there is also the financial factor to consider. A smoker who averages 10 cigarettes a day pays $6 daily to support the habit.

This translates to $42 a week or $2100 a year – enough to pay for a television set, washing machine, school fees or food supplies to last several weeks. Most smokers in the region average 20 cigarettes a day and spend close to $4200 a year to feed the habit – the cost of a simple dwelling. This is more than some families earn in a year. Stiklo pertvaros, tur?klai, stogeliai, teras? stiklinimas ir stogai, laiptai, grindys, sulankstomos stiklin?s durys ir stiklo konstrukcijos

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