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New age of sale law could see 820,000 fewer cigarettes smoked per day in Scotland
Up to 820,000 fewer cigarettes could be smoked each day in Scotland by 2040 if new laws are passed to increase the age of sale of tobacco, research indicates.
The analysis by Cancer Research UK has been published to show the potential impact of the proposed new legislation on reducing smoking rates.
The new Tobacco and Vapes Bill seeks to make it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born after January 1, 2009. This would mean that children turning 15 this year will never legally be able to be sold cigarettes.
Analysis from the charity estimates tobacco kills one person every 40 minutes.
Cancer Research UK is urging politicians in Scotland to support the Bill and vote for its implementation as soon as possible.
Dr Ian Walker, executive director of policy at Cancer Research UK, said: “This legislation is life-saving in that it will help protect future generations in Scotland from the significant harm caused by tobacco.
“By voting in favour of the age of sale legislation, MSPs will be bringing us one step closer towards the first ever smoke-free generation.
“Smoking is the leading preventable cause of cancer in Scotland and its impact devastates families. Now is the time for MSPs to take action to end cancers caused by smoking.
“Most people who smoke start when they are young, so increasing the age people can legally be sold tobacco products could help people from ever taking up a deadly addiction in the first place.”
The new Cancer Research UK analysis shows that under the UK Government’s best-case modelling of the impact of the age of sale legislation, 820,000 fewer cigarettes per day would be smoked in Scotland by 2040.
Currently more than 683,000 people smoke in Scotland, an estimated 15% of Scotland’s population.
Evidence shows that smoking rates go down with government action, with smoke-filled pubs and workplaces, tobacco advertising and branded packs now consigned to the past.
The charity says Age of Sale legislation is a “vital next step on the journey to a smoke-free Scotland” and would create a “positive legacy” for its young people.
Source: STV News, 21 May 2024
See also: Cancer Research UK - Decline in cigarettes smoked per day is stalling
Sarah E Jackson, Harry Tattan-Birch, Vera Buss, Lion Shahab, Jamie Brown, Trends in Daily Cigarette Consumption Among Smokers: A Population Study in England, 2008–2023, Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 2024
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Double risk of early heart disease death in resort
People in Blackpool are more than twice as likely to die from heart disease before the age of 75 than those in the wealthiest parts of England, according to new data from a charity.
Figures from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) show the Lancashire seaside resort had a death rate of 133 per 100,000 of population, compared with 50 per 100,000 in the least deprived areas – the biggest gap in the country.
The charity said its study showed premature death rates from heart disease reached the highest level in a decade in 2022.
It said more research was needed to understand the reasons, but there was an established link between heart health and wealth - with people living in the poorest areas facing poverty, pollution, fewer healthy affordable food choices, as well as poorer working and living conditions.
Tackling the many causes of health inequalities is crucial, the BHF said.
These include key drivers of poor health, such as obesity, diets high in fat, too much sugar and salt, smoking, alcohol consumption, high blood pressure and diabetes.
Chief executive Dr Charmaine Griffiths said: "We’re in the grip of a historic heart crisis.
“It is shameful in this day and age that someone can be at much greater risk of dying young from cardiovascular disease just because of where they live and how much money they have.
“More people will lose loved ones to heart disease through no fault of their own."
The BHF said an interim report published by the Department of Health & Social Care last summer "made clear the scale and urgency" of the rising tide of cardiovascular disease in the UK.
"But as the data now shows, there has been limited progress made to tackle this major cause of ill health," it added.
Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, associate medical director at the BHF, said:
“The gap in heart health between rich and poor is now widening at an alarming rate, and it’s happening at a time when the NHS is already struggling.
"Urgent intervention is long overdue to prevent heart disease happening in the first place and to make heart care better, faster and fairer for everyone.”
Source: BBC News, 21 May 2024
See also: British Heart Foundation - Growing gap in early heart disease death rates between poorest and richest in England
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Students turn to art to warn children about vaping danger
Students have been using their artistic talents to warn others about the dangers of vaping.
Thirty-eight students from Hereford College of Arts produced a piece of art through painting, drawing and graphic design.
Two designs were chosen to represent their concerns about the long term effects of vaping on children's health.
Carole Gandy, Herefordshire Council's Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, thanked the students and said it was inspiring they used their talents to deter young people from vaping as the number of young people taking up vaping was increasing.
Matt Pearce, Herefordshire's Director of Public Health, said: "Whilst vaping has an important role as an alternative for smoking amongst adults, we are all concerned about the number children and young people using and accessing vape products.
"This is a fantastic project and it's great to see young people raising awareness of the risks of vaping to their peers."
Source: BBC News, 20 May 2024
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Council signs tobacco control declaration in commitment to a smoke-free island
A declaration to move towards creating a smokefree society has been signed by the Isle of Wight Council.
In signing the Local Government Declaration on Tobacco Control, the Council showed its commitment to protecting residents from the harm caused by smoking.
Smoking remains the single leading cause of preventable ill-health and early death on the Isle of Wight. Up to 2 in 3 smokers will die as a result of smoking.
The Declaration was signed by both the Council Leader Councillor Phil Jordan and Chief Executive Wendy Perera, as well as Councillor Debbie Andre, cabinet member for adult social care and public health, and Simon Bryant, director of public health.
Simon Bryant said “Signing the Declaration will strengthen the council’s leadership role while working with local partners. Together we can achieve a smokefree 2030 and culture-change where smoking becomes history.
“This Declaration is a clear signal that we will continue to prioritise smoking as a major public health issue. However, making smoking history can only be achieved by working in partnership with organisations and communities across the Island.
“Although, the numbers of people smoking on the Island are in decline, there are still 11,000 smokers living here. There is more work to be done, especially for groups in highest need.”
Councillor Andre added “Signing the Local Government Declaration on Tobacco Control is a huge step.
“The council is showing commitment to reducing smoking in our communities, alongside delivering the national target of being Smokefree by 2030.
“For Islanders wanting to quit smoking, there is a wide range of support available. Getting expert support from your local stop smoking service means you’re three times as likely to quit for good.”
Source: Island Echo, 20 May 2024
See also: Isle of Wight Council - Signing of Stop Smoking Declaration
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