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Call to target smokers in deprived areas



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CAMPAIGNERS are calling on the Scottish Government to do more to help cut the number of smokers in deprived areas.
Almost half of residents in some of Edinburgh's most deprived areas are addicted to cigarettes, compared to fewer than one in ten elsewhere in the city.

Sheila Duffy, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) Scotland, said: "Smoking is a major cause and symptom of health inequalities.

"Affluent areas in Scotland can see smoking rates of less than 20 per cent, but in deprived areas rates can be more than double that and deaths due to smoking are correspondingly higher.

"That is why NHS smoking cessation services must remain a public health priority."

Public Health minister Shona Robison MSP said: "We believe helping people stop smoking and discouraging young people from starting has the greatest potential for improving health."





The full article contains 148 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 06 May 2008 10:27 AM
  • Source: Edinburgh Evening News
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

Alternative (High Octane) Fuel Head,

Edinburgh 06/05/2008 12:22:31
Leave them alone. Stop wasting money.

I find the tone of the headline highly offensive. People who choose to smoke are not "things" to be "targetted". They are mearly exercising their right to smoke.

There is far to much interference being allowed by those band of nazi scum, ASH. If people want to smoke, it is their own personal choice and they should be left alone to choose for themselves.

To be honest, I'd far rather smoke than stuff myself full of expensive chemicals, stick plasters all over myself or endure the sickeningly pink and fluffy ordeal of a "self help group". If I want to stop smoking, I'll do so. I do not want to stop smoking, therefore I will not do so and I commend everyone else to do the same.
2

me150,

06/05/2008 17:28:44
What can they do?

Take the same stance as they do with alcoholics??...give them extra benefits.

More money, more drink and smokes.

3

me150,

06/05/2008 17:30:25
Leave the smokers to kill themselves, they deserve no better.

Oh, and by the way, offer them no medical assistance for smoking related illnesses.
4

Alternative (High Octane) Fuel Head,

Edinburgh 06/05/2008 22:29:42
#3:

You are a bigot of the highest order. My comments at #1 clearly apply to you as well as to ASH.
5

Belinda-2,

07/05/2008 14:38:24
Smoking related conditions (stroke, heart disease, lung cancer) acccount for over half annual mortality. In other words they don't kill only smokers, so why should smokers forfeit treatment?

Ms Duffy acknowledges that smoking is a symptom of deprivation, not only a cause. That is perceptive, but she fails to take into a account that it is also a positive pleasure to many people; and that if she wants to make a positive impact on smoking levels she would be better occupying her time in attacking poverty rather than smoking.
6

David from New Mills,

U.K. 10/05/2008 12:45:01
#1, Petrol Man.
"If people want to smoke, it is their own personal choice and they should be left alone to choose for themselves." I tend to agree, and have no problem with smokers puffing themselves to an early grave.
However, they shouldn't feel too rattled if they're offered the lifeline of an escape from their self inflicted misery. They don't have to accept it - the choice is entirely theirs.

 

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