Smokers are becoming an outcast in a modern day society. Education about the truth concerning the negative health benefits as a result of cigarette smoking has turned something that once seemed so glamorous into something that is now considered distasteful and unattractive.
Smokers are now forced to take a back seat and are judged for their actions. Regulations are making it harder for smokers from State-to-State. On July 1, 2011, a resolution to ban smoking on Hennepin County Properties in Minnesota began. Now employees who smoke must find refuge to burn one in peace. This is because smoking is prohibited within 45 feet of the properties within Hennepin County.
The Food and Drug Administration has passed a bill that will go into effect in September 2012. The bill will require cigarette companies to graphically display health warnings on all cigarette packaging and advertisements in the United States. The graphic photos will display pictures of those suffering from the effects of cigarettes.
Most people are familiar with the truth about what cigarette smoking and nicotine can do to their health. There are so many other things that need to be disclosed like the effects of potato chips, caffeine, soda, water, etc.
In anything that is consumed there are risk and cons that should be considered. Potato chips are fattening, can contribute to weight gain, high cholesterol, and promote unhealthy eating habits. Caffeine can cause head-aches, bad breath, stained teeth, heart palpitations, and other health risks.
According to the Minnesota Mayo Clinic the recommended water consumption ranges from 8 to 9 8oz glasses per day, yet water may cause frequent urination, should Aquafina display that fact on their labels? After all according to the New England Journal of medicine, the consumption of too much water can result in “water intoxication” this is because kidneys are unable to flush water out of the body fast enough when an excessive amount of water is consumed, this can have deadly consequences.
For all the disclosures companies can issue about the products they provide to consumers, there isn’t enough labeling in the world to accommodate this obsession. Where should the line be drawn and how many companies will suffer? How much will the government regulate personal rights and decisions of Americans?
Smoking does have a tragic diagnosis for many, yet anyone who is old enough to smoke should be able to read the surgeon general’s warning. By doing so an individual should have the choice to make the best educated decision for his or herself. Isn’t that good enough?