News Article 1


Title: 1 in 2 smokers unaware smoking causes heart diseases


Summary
How many of you smoke or have friends who smoke? It is stated that in a new report that there are significant gaps in public awareness regarding the cardiovascular risks of tobacco use and secondhand smoke. Across a wide range of countries - including India, South Korea and Poland - around half of all smokers and over 70 per cent of all Chinese smokers do not know that smoking causes stroke. Even in countries with well-developed health systems and tobacco control regulation, such as the UK and the US, between a third and a half of smokers do not know that secondhand smoke can damage cardiovascular health. This shows how minimal awareness people have towards smoking.

Why did this article appeal to me?

I was shocked to know that in a country like Singapore which has well-developed health systems and tobacco control regulations, there are still approximately 7 Singaporeans dying prematurely from smoking-related diseases each day and the percentage of adults who are smoking are increasing rapidly.

If I were in charge

I would do the same as the government which is to set up campaigns to increase the awareness of smoking to the smokers. To add on I would also increase the price of cigarettes and tobacco so that smokers would find it too expensive to buy and hence try to quit to save the cost. To end off, I hope you guys will be able to persuade those around you to quit smoking by conveying the information I shared today to them.

By: Koh Yi Xin (11)