Smoking hazards<\/p>\n
From Media Indonesia<\/p>\n
To overcome the problem of smoking in society is not as easy
\nas imagined. For about 45 years, since it was proved that there
\nwas a close relationship between smoking and various health
\nhazards, there has been no substantial decrease in the number of
\nsmokers, especially in the Third World.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, in developed countries, because of
\npressures from the non-smoking community and the legislative
\nside, the number of smokers has decreased considerably. The
\neconomic capability and the level of education of society in
\nthose countries have made them mature and self-reliant, freeing
\nthem from the influence of cigarette producers who profit from
\nthe people's bad habit of smoking.<\/p>\n
Everyone is aware of the hazards of smoking. In America, David
\nKessler, from the Food and Drug Administration, hinted that
\nsmoking is a pediatric illness and that the administration should
\nprotect children from being addicted to cigarettes.<\/p>\n
The administration further suggested a ban on the sale of
\ncigarettes to youngsters under 18 years old; the use of cigarette
\ndispensing machines; and the sale, or distribution of items such
\nas caps and T-shirts with drawings of cigarettes, or slogans and
\nother symbols related to cigarettes.<\/p>\n
The proposal is aimed at restricting activities sponsored by
\ncigarette producers. Cigarette manufacturers should keep aside a
\nsum of US$150 million annually for educational programs to reduce
\nthe impact of advertisements and promotion of cigarettes, which
\nhave influenced society for years. President Bill Clinton has
\ngiven his full support to this proposal.<\/p>\n
What is happening in our country, Indonesia? The government
\nseems to be unable to do much about it, because of economic
\nconsiderations -- income from cigarette sales, taxes and the
\nproblem of employment.<\/p>\n
It is in this context that the media will have an important
\nrole to play in the effort to reduce the negative impact of
\nsmoking habits, at the cost of losing major sources of
\nadvertisements, of course. Is the media capable of facing such a
\nconsequence?<\/p>\n
DR. RONALD HUTAPEA<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/smoking-hazards-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }