Let smokers learn about dire effects of smoking

INCREASING the price of cigarettes, reducing the size of the packets, smoking e-cigarettes instead of the real ones and making smokers aware of the danger of smoking and smoking residue all have insignificant impact on smokers, “Creating awareness on danger of smoking residue” ( The Star, Nov 2).

The best way to make smokers quit is to let them see how smokers suffer due to the diseases caused by direct smoking, second-hand smoking or smoking residue. If smokers themselves are already suffering due to their chain smoking, perhaps it is too late for them to kick the habit.

I made up my mind not to smoke when I was young. Over the last few months before my father, a heavy smoker, died, he complained of intense pain in his lungs, nose and throat. He knew why he was a sick man but it was too late for him to do anything as the damage had been done.

My uncle was very health-conscious and did not smoke. Unfortunately, he was surrounded by colleagues, friends and customers who smoked heavily in his air-conditioned office. That went on for many years and when he complained of chest pain one day, the doctor told him he had contracted lung cancer due to secondhand smoking and overwork. He died painfully at a young age.

A few smoker friends used to ask me why I don’t smoke. They said smoking was pleasurable and helped them relax when they were under pressure.

My reply, which I think was sensible enough, was that I was short of money and wanted to save my hard-earned dollars for more worthwhile needs.

There is only one way to quit smoking: Understand that smoking is not a necessity. Its benefits are all psychological. It wastes money and will bring ill health sooner or later not only to the smokers but also to those around them. K. K. YONG Ipoh