New Zealand's planned Ban on tobacco , makes me smile, for two reasons. The first one - I like the idea and approve of it; the second one, it reminds me of my beloved father (rip).
According to the Media, New Zealand will ban the sale of cigarettes to anyone born after 2008, under a law expected to be enacted next year, to make sure young people never start smoking.
On the day he was told by the doctor he had to quit smoking, my father just "walked away" from cigarettes without ranting. He was a quiet, timid person, but had willpower and self-control.
My father David
Most people have strong opinions on everything, but ..weak character. Thus, many of them easily fall into addictions: tobacco, alcohol, drugs, gambling - to name but a few (the really bad ones), and can hardly, if at all, get out of it. These addictions could ultimately destroy the addicted and his/her family. They also heavily affect the State's social and health budgets.
In my father's days, there were no support groups, online forums, medications, rehabilitation centers. One had to be highly motivated and stop on his own, take matters in his own hands, as they say. It was challenging but possible.
In general, addictions are seen as "a life long enemy, and recovery as a daily battle". I believe that's true; therefore a lot of thought should be given to prevention. New Zealand's act is a small but positive step in this direction.
I think it's an excellent idea. I smoked from age of 13 to 30 escalating to a 40 cigarette a day chain smoking habit - I didn't like being addicted, joined a gym and never looked back, have not smoked now for 32 years! Health services are definitely burdened by those with smoking related illnesses. When I think of the money cigarettes cost it makes me angry too.
ReplyDeleteKudos to you! That's quite an achievement! (They say the younger the start age - in your case 13 - the more difficult it is to get rid of the addiction).
DeleteVery good news!
ReplyDeleteI think so, too. It's a small, yet big step.
DeleteIt will be interesting to see how it is enforced and what impact black market cigarettes play. I suppose it will be easier to control since New Zealand is an island. Definitely better to never even start smoking, I just hope this doesn't increase the allure.
ReplyDeleteRight, Wilma. It'll be interesting to see how the enforcement of the law goes. Indeed, things(inclusive Covid) are easier to control on an island.
DeleteForgot to mention that is a lovely photo of your father.
DeleteMy heartfelt thanks to you, Wilma. I appreciate your kind words.
DeleteWhen I was a kid it seemed every adult smoked. My grandma used an oxygen tank in her later years. She said she wished she had never started smoking.
ReplyDeleteThings have greatly improved nowadays, especially in public places.
DeleteYour grandma (rip) probably had COPD (a chronic lung disease),if she needed oxygen.
Yes. Her health issue was caused by lifelong smoking. I don't remember what it was called.
DeleteSadly, smoking reduces life quality and expectancy, especially in heavy smokers.
DeleteI didn't know that NZ is about to ban tobacco but I certainly think it's a good idea. More than 35 years ago I was addicted to cigarettes and am now paying the price suffering from COPD. Also, I was once married to a gambling addict and my, what a dreadful time that was.
ReplyDeleteNowadays I am addicted to a comfortable existence and nothing else. Bliss!
N.Z. plans to eventually ban all cigarette sales but intends to start next year with those under 14 of age. Good move!
DeleteI love your last sentence :"Nowadays,I am addicted to a comfortable existence and nothing else." That's the way to go.
Like you late father, mine was also a smoker and he also quite without any support. Unfortunately, by that time, the damage to his lungs had been done and he died at age 68.
ReplyDeleteIn those days, awareness to the risk posed by smoking was low, unless the doctor made it clear to the patient. My Dad had HBpressure which developed later into a heart disorder. He didn't have lung disorders, though, as he managed to quit smoking immediately after doctor's advice.
DeleteI think it is a great idea. I can't fanthom that happening in the States. In Canada? Maybe. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure it'll be without trouble to implement the Ban in N.Z. i wish N.Z. good luck with it. It'll serve as a good model to the entire world.
DeleteI hadn't heard about New Zealand doing this, but I think it is a wonderful thing for them to do and I hope it works, i.e. no black market or illegal obtaining of cigarettes, etc. I never smoked but knew a few that did and they all said when they quit it was the best thing they ever did as far as feeling better with their health, etc. Quitting "cold turkey" is hard so kudos to your dad for being able to do so, especially in the era of no support, nicotine replacement gum, etc.
ReplyDeletebetty
Wonderful plan indeed! It was announced last week.
DeleteSince 2011, the price of cigarettes in N.Z.is among the highest in the world. But it's not enough to make people stop smoking. It's a nasty addiction.
Black market is, indeed, a great worry!
Thank you for your kind words about my dad.
I believe it's a good thing that NZ have done that. Makes me wonder what the NZ people think of it especially those that now smoke.
ReplyDeleteLovely photo of your Father looking unaware his photo was being taken.
It might not be easy to implement the plan, but I believe it will work after all. People there know what's good for them.
DeleteYou've guessed right. My father was unaware of me taking his photo. I was playing with the simple, non-digital camera. Even if it's not a good one, it's dear to me.
This is good. Hope the law will be successfully implemented to save the younger generation. Your father is a strong man.
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed by N.Z. care for the future generation! Their proposal is one that should inspire other countries as well.
ReplyDeleteMy father sure exhibited strength of character and self-discipline in the smoking issue. Thanks, Nancy.
I have never tried smoking. It just no apeal to me like sth good
ReplyDeleteYou've done the right thing, Kathy.
DeleteSmoking causes health problems. Besides, the sight of a person smoking a cigarette is not an aesthetic one.
This law made me really laugh ! As if a youngster would stop buying cigarettes or tobacco because he is too young. They all have a older friend or a brother who will buy this instead. I have seen in the States homeless who bought alcohol for teenagers ! They gave him a bit of money and off he went to buy the bottles ! It's so exciting when you are that age to cheat on the law ! Only older when they decide by themselves they will stop. Of course it's bad for the health and I have smoked a bit in my youth to feel like an adult, but that's long time ago and I don't smoke anymore !
ReplyDeleteThere's truth in your comment, Gattina, and yet we have to try to change things, little by little, year after year. It's not easy, but possible. I suppose, now all eyes will be on N.Z.
DeleteI remember years ago when smoking ads on TV were going to be banned. Those ads had been sexy and manly, and very seductive.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember having seen such ads, but I'm sure glad that nowadays, there's no publicity in favor of smoking.
DeleteIt will be interesting to see how this unfolds in New Zealand. Your dad had a resolve that is admirable...not an easy thing to just stop. I've never even had a cigarette, but I know how people struggle with this addiction, and all addictions for that matter. Interesting post, DUTA. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt sure will.Addiction to nicotine is very hard to get rid of, but it's possible, with the right attitude of both the individual and the State.
DeleteThanks Bica for your kind words about the post and my dad.
I used to be a smoker...and I enjoyed smoking. However, I gave it a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteI gave up "cold turkey", as the saying goes...I just stopped buying them.
Cigarettes are far too expensive for me these days. anyway.
Kudos to you, Lee, for giving up "the old turkey"!
DeleteMoney always plays a role in addictions.
Making them expensive, might help people stay away from them.
Hope the young generations will put limits themselves to addictions
ReplyDeleteHopefully,the youngsters will keep away from any addiction.
DeleteLaws are good and helpful, but ultimately, it all depends on the individual.
My whole family smoked and several of them got lung cancer so I would be fine with cigarettes being a thing of the past. But I know it'll never happen here because the tobacco corporations are too big and have too much pull.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the smokers in your family, Mary! Unfortunately, the tobacco corporations are indeed too powerful, and won't easily let go of their profit from cigarette sales.
DeleteGood! The parents of my hubby both have COPD. It is hard.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that, Aritha. I can imagine it's hard for both the In-laws and the family. Wishing them lasting relief and a long remission of the disease!
DeleteSo interesting to hear. I hope it works out for New Zealand. Yes, back in the day cigarettes were cheap. Now they cost a fortune. Of course, I think our state relies so much on the tax it would never happen here. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. We have had crazy weather here in the middle of the states, but nothing as horrific as Kentucky. Just a few power outages and shingles missing along with a branch or two in the road.
ReplyDeleteOne never knows. Both cost and health might defeat the tobacco corporations and the Tax authorities.
DeleteWe've got a rainy weekend, but, so far no power outages or damage.
Hope your December is going well, and you are far from the maddening crowd. Stay safe. I know you will.
DeleteYour comment reminds me of the name of the famous novel "Far from the maddening crowd". I've never loved the crowds, even when they were not dangerous as now during the pandemic.
DeleteMy mother did the same thing DUTA!!! She had smoked since age of 14 and when my dad passed away she just stopped one day and never picked up a cigarette again! My mom is also very strong willed and disciplined so I can see what that would be a great trait for those that want to quit addictions. I'm glad your dad stopped as well.
ReplyDeleteIt's very much a matter of self-discipline. (Your MOm, may she have long years, and my Dad, rip, belong to the same generation, more or less, with my dad older with a decade, methink).
DeleteBoa tarde apoio totalmente essa lei. Obrigado pela visita e carinho. Parabéns pelo seu trabalho maravilhoso. Desde já desejo um feliz natal com muita paz e saúde.
ReplyDeleteThank you for our kind words.
DeleteI tend to agree with you - education is the basis. So far, however,it hasn't reached the goal of making people keep away from smoking and other bad habits. So,other ways(laws) should be tried as well.
ReplyDeleteThis was a very good post and I can only hope other nations pick up this ban and also other bans. But then the evil of contraband with rear its ugly head . Peace
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteYou're right about both sides of the equation: hopefully, other nations pick up the ban; contraband might raise its ugly head.
It's a great iea to ban tobacco, that's an excellent step New Zealand is taking. Here in California not that many people smoke and there are a lot of no smoking zones and locations. We like it and every time we return to Germany it's a shock to see how many people are smoking there. That is a very sweet picture of your dad. It does take a lot of willpower and strength to stop smoking from one day to the next like your dad did.
ReplyDelete"from one day to the next.." - that's exactly what my father did - and that's willpower.
DeleteWell, Germany should definitely do something drastic about its smoking status.
Great blog
ReplyDeleteAdmiro y valoro mucho, la fuerza de voluntad de tu padre -que en paz descanse-, cosa, que yo nunca he conseguido, porque como máximo jamás ha sido más de una semana, y después vuelta a empezar.
ReplyDeleteLa Ley anti-tabaco de Nueva Zelanda me parece muy innovadora, aunque difícil de llevar a cabo: porque proliferará el contrabando o venta ilegal; porque es innato en el ser humano, de que si te prohíben algo, más interés pongas en conseguirlo; ¿quien controla a esos jóvenes si los ven fumando? ¿y como? porque se pueden violar los Derechos de las personas; y por último, que es por donde creo que se puede romper esa Ley, como va a recuperar el Estado de Nueva Zelanda, los abusivos impuestos que pierde por la venta del tabaco...
Al menos es lo que yo pienso, que no tengo perdón de Dios, ya que mi padre, y mi abuelo paterno, murieron ambos por causas del tabaco.
Un tema muy interesante, como es normal en tus publicaciones.
Gracias, Duta, y que disfrutes en unión de tus seres queridos de una feliz Navidad.
Indeed, it'll be difficult to carry out the ban on tobacco. Many obstacles are on the way: tobacco corporations, smuggling and illegal sales, tax Authority,and more.
DeleteSorry for the loss of your father and grandfather to the ravages of nicotine.