Smoking issue

NICOTINE contained in various tobacco products, is an organic compound, which is an alkaloid (C10H14N2), commonly occurring in the tobacco plant.

In small doses it is a habit-forming stimulant (addiction); in larger doses it is toxic (lethal) and is often used in insecticides.

Got that “insecticides”. If it kills insects, it is going to kill you!

Today, there is great emphasis on the use of tobacco and smoking cigarettes; and, rightly so, as it is the No.1 worldwide killer disease, yet people pay no attention to these warnings.

I have lost many family members from smoking related diseases such as “Emphysema, COPD, strokes and heart attacks”.

In spite of the fact that the cigarettes sold here, contain a higher dosage of nicotine, making it harder to quit; the habit can be broken, bringing one back to good health and a longer life. I believe the one thing we did not ever need, was the establishment of the tobacco industry here in Fiji or other island countries.

Still, there is no reason you cannot break the habit.

I know, because I have been there; and, fortunately had the determination and willpower to quit.

Doctors today, report that I am in excellent health, at the age of 82 and a half years, and I was quite a heavy smoker.

Listen to what the Minister for Health and WHO are repeatedly telling you –– Quit now and stay healthy!

If I can do it, so can you! If you claim that drinking is causing you to smoke, then quit drinking! GEORGE KELLER

Mead Rd, Tamavua, Suva