`I'm happy being away from tobacco'<\/p>\n
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about five
\nmillion people worldwide die annually from tobacco-related
\nillnesses. The health risks associated with the habit prompted
\nGovernor Sutiyoso to announce on Monday that a bylaw was being
\nconsidered to prohibit smoking in public places. In light of the
\nhealth hazards, some people are trying hard to kick the habit.
\nThe Jakarta Post talked to several residents who are trying to
\nquit.<\/p>\n
Andre, 32, is a vendor selling soft drinks from his cart in
\nSenayan, Central Jakarta. He lives in Jatimakmur, Pondok Gede:<\/p>\n
I started smoking when I was in junior high school even though
\nI realized at the time that smoking was very dangerous.<\/p>\n
However, about two years ago I was able to drastically cut
\ndown on the amount I smoked. I had first started reducing the
\nnumber of cigarettes I smoke every day.<\/p>\n
My father is suffering from a lung problem because of his
\nsmoking habit. He is really hooked on smoking. He also is a
\nformer tobacco farmer, who was successful and for the sake of his
\nbusiness, he had to smoke a lot to make sure the tobacco was
\nright.<\/p>\n
I worry that I might also develop the same lung problem that
\nhe has if I continue smoking. That's why I rarely smoke now,
\ndespite the fact that most of my friends are addicted to nicotine
\nand other substances.<\/p>\n
My life has been very hard since I decided to move to the
\ncity. I would rather spend my pay on things I need to get by than
\non smoking.<\/p>\n
I've even resorted to joining my friends in a robbery just to
\nsurvive. So why should I spend the little money I have on
\ncigarettes?<\/p>\n
I'm quite happy about being in control of my smoking habit.<\/p>\n
Widodo, 33, is an electrician specializing in wire
\ninstallation. He lives in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta, with his
\nwife and two children:<\/p>\n
I started smoking when I was in junior high school even though
\nI knew how bad smoking is for people. I was also an alcoholic at
\nthe time.<\/p>\n
I smoked about two packs or more a day when I did not have
\nmuch to do. But I didn't smoke nearly as much when I was busy.<\/p>\n
I decided to quit when I coughed up some blood one day. Not
\nonly did that scare me, but I realized I was spending a lot of
\nmoney on cigarettes.<\/p>\n
Nobody told me to stop, not even a doctor. But I did not go
\ncold turkey. It took me a year to be able to quit completely, and
\nthat was 10 years ago.<\/p>\n
I just want to say to all smokers that it is up to them if
\nthey want to quit or not. It took a lot of willpower for me to
\nquit. The least you could do is cut down on the number of
\ncigarettes you smoke each day if you are serious about quitting.<\/p>\n
Bambang, 32, works with a foreign manufacturer in Tangerang.
\nHe lives in Pasar Kemis, Tangerang, with his wife and daughter:<\/p>\n
I am fully aware of the harmful effects of tobacco on our
\nhealth.<\/p>\n
I have smoked since I was in senior high school and I would
\nsmoke more than a pack a day.<\/p>\n
I planned to quit smoking about two years ago. It's been hard,
\nI know, but I feel that I have to.<\/p>\n
I can't go cold turkey, but at least I can cut down on the
\namount I smoke. Now I only smoke one or two cigarettes a day or
\nsometimes not even any.<\/p>\n
Apart from financial concerns, I don't have any real reason to
\nquit, except that I have a strong will that is telling me to do
\nso. Smoking actually takes a real bite out of the family budget,
\nespecially for people who have to watch what they spend, like us.<\/p>\n
I would agree to a bylaw prohibiting smoking in public areas.
\nIt's funny, but now I get annoyed with people smoking in public
\nplaces.<\/p>\n
If I could stay away from other people's smoke, I'm sure it
\nwould help me quit sooner. I think it's time for me to stop.<\/p>\n
--Leo Wahyudi S<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/im-happy-being-away-from-tobacco-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }