“Take my Breath Away”?

Written by Dominique Houle on 01/06/12

Photo by Nicobobinus on Flickr

Not quite the appealing recipe for a nice cup of soup right? That’s because this is actually a list of substances used in tobacco products like cigarettes. As if those ingredients weren’t enough to make me think twice about smoking, I also came across an interesting (yet disturbing) phrase as I was reading about World No-Tobacco Day (May 31st):

“Tobacco products are the only legally available products that can kill up to one half of their regular users” (World Health Organization).

Quotes like these get you thinking don’t they? The first thing that came to my mind after reading it was; “Houston, we have a problem!” Today, we’re more aware about how bad smoking is for our health. For instance, “smoking has been banned from most offices for some time, and the bans have now extended to bars, restaurants and other public places”, (CBC News). Not to mention the numerous anti-smoking signs, posters, and commercials. But have you noticed how the more we talk about tobacco products being harmful to our health, the more people who smoke are also being portrayed negatively?

While it is a choice to smoke or not, often there’s a line drawn between the people who smoke and those who don’t. As if on one side there are the “responsible non-smokers” and on the other, there are “disrespectful smokers”. Although it is important to recognize that the effects of tobacco are problematic, it is also important to keep in mind that stigma (ex. judging someone who smokes) also is a problem. In other words, as much as smokes are bad, that shouldn’t make the persons who are lighting them up automatically “bad” as well.

Always remember – respect goes both ways. Respecting someone’s right to a healthy smoke-free environment is just as important as respecting someone’s life choices.

Links

Best Health: Debate: Should Canada follow New Zealand’s example and become smoke-free?
DEAL.org: Counterfeit What?
DEAL.org: Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire
DEAL.org: Shout It From The Rooftops: “R-E-S-P-E-C-T”!
DEAL.org: Under A Microscope
World Health Organization: World No Tobacco Day 2012

One Reader Comment:

1. 

   Dominique HouleJune 21st

   Salutations chers lecteurs et lectrices,
   Alors que j’étais en train de chercher pour de l’info sur la Fête du Nunavut, qui se célébrera en juillet, j’ai trouvé un article sur la nouvelle campagne anti-tabac du Nunavut appelée : Le tabac n’a pas sa place ici! Va lire sur la manière dont les Nunavois(es) participent à la Journée mondiale sans tabac http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/story/2012/05/31/north-nunavut-quit-smoking.html (en anglais seulement)

   Greetings Readers,
   So I was looking for some info on Nunavut Day, coming up in July, and I came across this great news article about Nunavut’s new anti-smoking campaign : Tobacco has no place here! Check out how Nunavummiuts participate in World No-Tabacco Day!! http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/story/2012/05/31/north-nunavut-quit-smoking.html