Politicians want Scotland 'tobacco free' by 2034

Following proposals to introduce plain packaged cigarettes in the UK, Scotland ministers have launched a campaign aimed at reducing the amount of its population that choose to smoke to less than 5% by 2034, paving the way for a virtually tobacco free generation. Scottish public health minister, Mr Matheson, said that the campaign would be an ‘achievement we could all be proud of’ and, if successful, would bring all sorts of ‘health, social and economic...

A Smokers Licence: Will it work?

It is really fair to need a licence to smoke, in the same way that one must apply and subsequently pay for a licence to drive a car? A public health expert in Australia believes that by doing just this, the damaging effects of tobacco will be greatly reduced. The scheme would involve users having to apply and pay for a mandatory licence in the form of a smartcard, which would restrict a smoker's tobacco allowance and furthermore would have to be shown every...

Is a lifetime of NRT better than smoking?

According to a health watchdog people should be advised by their doctors to use nicotine replacement therapy methods instead of simply quitting cold turkey. According to the report by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), advising people to use healthier nicotine substitutes or ‘inhaling less’ will be a much more effective approach to preserve the nation’s health than simply advising people to quit smoking cold turkey.

Ways to make it this Stoptober

You’ve probably heard about Stoptober and, if you are a smoker, you may have even started the day yesterday without your much-needed morning cigarette. This exciting new NHS initiative is an attempt to urge a large-scale mission to give up smoking. The plan is to get people to give up smoking for a full 28 days, hopefully kick-starting long-term abstinence from smoking.

Switzerland against full smoking ban – what does this say about attitudes towards smoking?

This week Switzerland’s final vote, by 25 of its cantons, on smoking in public places was revealed. The overall consensus was that there should not be an overall ban on smoking in public places, meaning that people can still smoke in designated smoking areas inside public establishments. Currently each canton has its own legislation, but an overall vote for a ban would have made the same law mandatory across Switzerland.

What are the dangers of smoking while pregnant?

The dangers of smoking are well documented and more scientific evidence is being presented each year, increasing the understanding of the detrimental impact smoking can have.

For expecting mothers the dangers of smoking while pregnant are no less harmful, but they can also negatively affect the health and development of their unborn baby. Despite this danger, some women continue to smoke during their pregnancy.

Why is quitting smoking so hard?

Quitting smoking is difficult. Anyone who has ever tried to quit smoking, successfully or not, will no doubt confirm just how tough is it to kick the habit.

This is partly because the routines smokers build up around their addiction can become quite concrete. Cigarettes in the morning, during a coffee break or after each meal; the list of instances goes on. But the real problem, and what makes quitting smoking so hard, is the chemical addiction...

World No Tobacco Day - What is the best way to stop smoking?

There are several ways to attempt to quit smoking, ranging from medication to good old fashioned cold turkey.

But which of these methods is the best when it comes to trying to quit smoking and giving up the habit for life?

Is cigarette branding set to disappear?

Government has called for cigarette packs to be stripped of all branding and instead only show warning symbols and plain packaging.

This new move is another attempt to try and help reduce the number of smokers in England.

Is smokeless tobacco a cause for concern?

Smokers and non-smokers alike may believe that “smokeless tobacco” such as chewing tobacco or dipping tobacco are healthier options than cigarettes, but the reality is that they also contribute to the development of cancers.

New results presented in the United States also for the first time confirms the exact carcinogens involved in causing them.