[News] Do you smoke?

[BensGrandad]

Until 1995 I drank a bottle of brandy a day and smoked 8 -10 Bolivar No 1 cigars ( the ones that contrary to popular belief Churchill smoked and also Jimmy Saville )The consultant at Royal Surrey told me I should pack up or dont book a holiday for 1996 as I would lose the deposit. I stopped both there and then with no greater incentive.

 

[dangull]

It seems bizarre now when you watch an old movie or a film set in the 1930's almost everyone seems to be smoking.

I would say all the tax that smokers spend more than makes up for the NHS treatment to smoking related illnesses.

 

[BensGrandad]

Thanks to giving up and radio therapy etc 22 years on I am to all intents and purpose recovered from mouth ahd lymph cancer.

 

[Arthritic Toe]

It's a bloody selfish gamble.

Not only is it utterly anti social, it is also a choice. My partner is a nurse and the stories she tells me about the time and effort she has to put into looking after smokers really irritates me.

The NHS is suffering from bed shortages, staff shortages and money shortages. How would you like to be refused a bed because it was occupied by a smoker who either refused or wasn't capable of giving up? And yes - that happens.

To wheel out the old "I've smoked for 60 years and am fine" is a dangerous and pathetic argument.

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Those smokers have paid for their beds. They have contributed far more in taxes to the NHS than non-smokers. Far more than the costs of looking after them.

 

[hitony]

you can look it up on the treasury website, but this site gives a good summary, covering revenue and the costs to NHS in one place.

Thank you, interesting reading.

 

[hitony]

Those smokers have paid for their beds. They have contributed far more in taxes to the NHS than non-smokers. Far more than the costs of looking after them.

Please explain, as I really can't see where your reply is coming from, thanks in advance

 

[Raleigh Chopper]

As you probably know by now, I smoke.
But in reply to many posts.
Smoking may kill me which brings sorrow to family and loved ones,but you can die of many causes.
But it does not stop me from carrying out all the other stuff I have to do and I do not smoke in the house or car.
Drugs, thieving, nightmare to live with, violence, possible prison, possible divorce,hospital, probably die (hard stuff)
Alcohol, violence, nightmare to live with, possible prison, possible divorce, unable to play with kids,hospital, possible death.
Gambling, probably massive debt, risking your families home, depression, divorce, spending more time in bookies/casino than at home with wife and kids.
All a choice as so many have said, ok I may stink a bit, and my wife and child hates it, but I am not divorced (yet) never been in prison, not put the house at risk, not nicked off my family, not been violent, not been in prison, not been in hospital and attacked nurses due to smoking.

 

[ewe2]

We all have a drug of choice ,or addiction....

 

[Psychobilly freakout]

I started smoking at 17 and graduated to 20 a day and if I spent all day on the booze at the weekends I could go through 60 a day, you obviously don't smoke all 60 as I would offer them round or someone would bum a few.

I stopped smoking 8 years ago and we went to New Zealand and Australia about 6 months later and the wife got lucky and we came home with unknown at the time a little package. I still believe to this day it was due to stopping smoking the difference in breathing etc, etc was unbelievable.

Having said that if I go to a gig or out and Mrs Freakout is no where to be seen I have the odd cigar, but oddly hate the smell of cigs now.

 

[D Block blue]

Gave up 3 and half years ago cold turkey, don't miss it, in fact can't stand being near anyone who is smoking or is talking to me just after they have put one out. Downside was the weight gain after, so after a year of giving up and being the heaviest ever in my life, cut out all the crap food, lost 4 stone started running to sustain weight loss done 2 half and one full marathons. Never felt so healthy.

 

[Don Quixote]

I don't smoke, but I don't think it is vile or disgusting like many seem to here. What's the problem with someone smoking if they want to? Obviously they know the effects and they still do it. Let them do what they want to do.


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[BensGrandad]

I don't smoke, but I don't think it is vile or disgusting like many seem to here. What's the problem with someone smoking if they want to? Obviously they know the effects and they still do it. Let them do what they want to do.


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My wife has chest problems due to being a passive smoker working in pubs and the smoking atmosphere for 40 years. so it harmful to innocent people. Having said that she believes that people should be allowed to smoke if they wish.

 

[Arthritic Toe]

Please explain, as I really can't see where your reply is coming from, thanks in advance

I'm not advocating smoking here, just pointing out that the cost argument against smokers doesn't stack up. Direct tax revenue generated from cigarettes is approx £12 billion per year. This figure doesn't even include the further revenue paid by the tabacco companies through income tax of their employees etc. The cost to the NHS of looking after smokers is approx £6 billion per year.

So the poster who was getting shirty about smokers taking up NHS beds, should perhaps re-target their anger to the non-smokers who selfishly take up beds, whilst having contributed far less to the national purse.