I'd be happier about the new legislation to ensure that tobacco is sold in plain, olive green packaging with graphics and warnings about the possible effects of smoking if similar graphic photographs of obese people/liposuction procedures/stomach stapling/dialysis treatment and warnings about the hazards of consuming too much trans & saturated fats found in biscuits, potato chips, many fast and/or fried foods. oil, ice-cream, etc. was also placed on packages and bottles of soft drink that contain copious amounts of sugar.
Likewise, if photographs of people in car accidents, the bruised faces of women and children bashed by drunks, the bloodied faces of those who have been involved in aggressive fighting whilst under the influence of alcohol, as well as warnings about the possible affects of the consumption of alcohol was placed on beer, wine bottles and casks, I might feel that it's not just smokers who are being targeted yet again!
Each year approximately 3000 people die as a result of excessive alcohol consumption and around 100,000 people are hospitalized. Long-term excessive alcohol consumption is associated with: heart damage, high blood pressure and stroke liver disease cancers of the digestive system other digestive system disorders (eg stomach ulcers) sexual impotence and reduced fertility, increasing risk of breast cancer, sleeping difficulties, brain damage with mood and personality changes, concentration and memory problems, nutrition-related conditions, risks to unborn babies. In addition to health problems, alcohol also impacts on relationships, finances, work, and may result in legal problems.
Smokers tend to emanate from the poorer end of the spectrum and part of the reason for their unemployment is most probably prejudice towards them and their habit. They are already paying excessive amounts to cater for their addiction, which also impacts on their financial situation. They suffer poorer health because they must smoke outside in the cold weather. I wonder sometimes if this attack on smoking and smokers is just another opportunity for the well-off middle class to vent their anger about high taxes, which fund public hospitals and those perceived as not contributing adequately to our community and to give themselves that lovely warm feeling inside that they will be protected from elements that threaten their lifestyle.
Likewise, if photographs of people in car accidents, the bruised faces of women and children bashed by drunks, the bloodied faces of those who have been involved in aggressive fighting whilst under the influence of alcohol, as well as warnings about the possible affects of the consumption of alcohol was placed on beer, wine bottles and casks, I might feel that it's not just smokers who are being targeted yet again!
Each year approximately 3000 people die as a result of excessive alcohol consumption and around 100,000 people are hospitalized. Long-term excessive alcohol consumption is associated with: heart damage, high blood pressure and stroke liver disease cancers of the digestive system other digestive system disorders (eg stomach ulcers) sexual impotence and reduced fertility, increasing risk of breast cancer, sleeping difficulties, brain damage with mood and personality changes, concentration and memory problems, nutrition-related conditions, risks to unborn babies. In addition to health problems, alcohol also impacts on relationships, finances, work, and may result in legal problems.
Smokers tend to emanate from the poorer end of the spectrum and part of the reason for their unemployment is most probably prejudice towards them and their habit. They are already paying excessive amounts to cater for their addiction, which also impacts on their financial situation. They suffer poorer health because they must smoke outside in the cold weather. I wonder sometimes if this attack on smoking and smokers is just another opportunity for the well-off middle class to vent their anger about high taxes, which fund public hospitals and those perceived as not contributing adequately to our community and to give themselves that lovely warm feeling inside that they will be protected from elements that threaten their lifestyle.
If tobacco is dangerous and smokers such a burden on our health system, why doesn't the Government ban the sale of tobacco products? It's probably because the revenue gained from smokers is vast. And what of the thousands of retailers who sell tobacco products, small business tobacconists, the loss of jobs if those businesses closed? What of the thousands of people who work directly in the tobacco industry in Australia (in marketing and distribution) and the billions of net profit made by the companies? If smokers are, as is said, those who most frequent doctors and hospitals, what about the loss of finances to doctors, nurses and others involved in treating them? What of those who manufacture oxygen cylinders and masks for those suffering from emphysema and the loss of revenue for drug companies? Call me a cynic, but I don't believe that anyone wants to ban tobacco, because it's a big industry and I personally don't believe that plain packaging will deter young people from smoking (I hope it does because it is expensive in more ways than one) - people smoke tobacco, NOT brand names. Cannabis and other drugs of addiction are not labelled and yet people still seek them out.
I read this news two days back and it was disgusting to me. I am smoker and already upset by new packing of Dunhill Fine Cut.
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing on this topic
It's not olive green - it's drab brown... the olive industry didn't like the colour being described as olive.
ReplyDeleteAgree. But I thought it was all just part of the push to be "green".
ReplyDelete"approximately 3000 people die as a result of excessive alcohol consumption and around 100,000 people are hospitalized." But still they love to drink alcohol.
ReplyDelete