Sweet revenge for non-smokers

Written by Cherelle Jackson
Friday, 25 April 2008
Smokers beware the end is near She may have one of the softest most delicate voices in Parliament, but his Lady reserves no delicacies when it comes to matters pertaining to the health of the nation, with smoking, there is no stopping her. Minister of Health, Gatoloaifaana Amataga Gidlow is on a mission to stop smoking from impacting the health of Samoans. She did a noble thing last Friday, by pushing for the Tobacco Control Bill. Sorry readers, but this is one legislation where I could probably lead the march of support. There is vested interest of course, the one who bore me into this world smokes like a chimney and the one who employs me smokes like a spewing train, this naturally leaves this writer in a compromising position that many a non-smoker have willingly stepped into. The fact is, SMOKING IS BAD FOR YOU. No matter which way you put it, it is bad for you, there is absolutely nothing, and nothing that smoking can do that benefits the smoker, the non smoker, the soon to be smoker or the never ever will smoke person. The last time a smoker tried to justify their habit, it almost felt like Hitler was trying to justify the killing of the Jews. Ok, so that may be a little severe, but hey, it is a cause worthy of any literary severity one is capable of. Smoking kills The efforts by Gatoloaifaana to pass the legislation which will ultimately prevent children from buying cigarettes, ban smoking from public places and control the distribution of cigarettes may just be the most valuable bill ever to be proposed to Parliament in the last decade. It may also be the one piece of legislation that can directly save the lives of people, our people, without them even knowing it. WHO says that the global tobacco epidemic continues to take a terrifying toll. If nothing is done, tobacco-use related deaths in the Western Pacific alone will double by the year 2030 to 2million each year, 6000 a day. In Samoa alone studies have shown the high prevalance of smoking amongst professionals in the town area. WHO also revealed in a 2001 study that Samoans had a hard time quitting smoking, and in fact some never consider it. That was the last extensive survey done on the topic. In 2002, in a search for the link between cancer and smoking in Samoa, I discovered that Health records at the time were limited, so the results of my findings were inconclusive, however, one cannot deny that smoking contributes to major health problems internationally. For instance according to published health data, smoking tobacco is the single most important preventable cause of lung cancer. Smoking causes genetic changes in the cells of the lung that lead to the development of lung cancer. Passive smoking kills Smoking has also been proven to cause other cancers. Research shows that smoking tobacco can lead to respiratory and upper digestive tract cancers, particularly cancer of the mouth, throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx) and esophagus. Research also indicates that smoking tobacco is a contributing cause of leukemia and cancers of the bladder, stomach, kidney and pancreas. Female smokers are at greater risk for developing cervical cancer. The list goes on, respiratory diseases are also associated with smoking. Cigarette smoking is connected to an increased risk of respiratory symptoms, including coughing, phlegm, wheezing and difficult or laboured breathing. Smoking is also known to contribute to cardiovascular diseases and injuries of the heart, the blood vessels of the heart, and of the system of blood vessels throughout the body and brain. Cardiovascular diseases caused by smoking include heart attacks and angina, blockages in the legs, and strokes. Smoke alarm This is a serious issue, and one that needs the attention of not just the lawmakers, but the parents, the smokers, the non-smokers and especially those who smoke. Non-smokers should not have to put up with smoke in public places, children should not be made to inhale smoke anywhere, and they certainly should not be put in positions where they can be tempted to smoke. Yes the tobacco industry may be a multimillion dollar one, but the life of a person equals to none. This battle worth fighting for and the Minister of Health deserves a standing ovation for her efforts. Have a smoke-free day Samoa! Comments (2) Subscribe to this comment's feed ITS ABOUT TIME written by non-smoker, April 26, 2008 I support this 100%....Samoa need this law... because the smoker just light up everywhere..they don't care who is around them....they just huff and buff when they need one....the worst place is in the bus....i don't mind when they do it outside but light up indoor like in the buses or in restaurants....is not good for the people who don't smoke...its not healthy...here in Hawaii...the smokers are not allowed to smoke in any work places,.... in the bar.... at the bus stop.... in the restaurant or in the buses...or any school campus...the smokers have to smoke 20 meters aways from any working area.....and Samoa need the same law....They don't have to put a stop on it..that will violate the person who smoke's right....and lots of people will not have jobs...but just something similar like what we have here Have a safe and a wonderful weekend Samoa a breath of fresh air written by JL, April 26, 2008 Nice article. It is a compromising issue considering most of our elders smoke, and to tell them not to light up around kids and inside our homes, would be considered by most a tad rude. But like this article, it takes a bold stand, to ensure people's health and well being are of the utmost importance.... Write comment Name Email Title Comment

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