37% of men admit to smoking a cigarette on a daily basis. For women the proportion is 10%. (AMPS2009A)
This week’s theme: Health in South Africa
Related facts:
- Camel men 31% of South African men and 9% of women admit to...
- All the kings' men 36% of men smoke at least one cigarette per day. 10%...
- ChEATers 2.4 million South African adults claim to be on diet on...
So why do so many people smoke when they know it’s bad for them? It’s the same reason people don’t use condoms – the bad effects are way in the future. People live for today. Compare these examples with motor-cyclists. When last did you see a motor-cyclist riding without a helmet? They know their next ride might be their last, and take precautions.
The comparisons you make are misleading.
A regulation in the National Road Traffic Act of South Africa makes it illegal to ride without a protective helmet. A recent study done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the U.S. found that use of helmets rose from around 50% to nearly 100% when a helmet law was enforced.
Enforce stricter smoking laws in this country and let’s see what the consequences are then.