Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Stop Smoking
Well,in my opinion,I feel that this proposal is a sensible one.Though people may disagree on the idea of not allowing those born on 2000 and onwards to smoke due to idea of freedom,they should also think about the consequences smoking leads to.Smoking causes cancer and I just do not understand why people think that banning smoking deprives people from liberty.It is clearly evident from the photographs of people with infected lungs,throat and heart.Why is it that people cannot see that such things are implemented for the sake of the people?Is it not good that the ban of smoking on children born on 2000 and on onwards can help the leaders of tomorrow leada trouble-free life?This is also indirectly helping parents,as they do not have to spend time keeping an eye on their kids afraid if they may take up bad habits like smoking.Well,i am also not saying that you should completely wipe out smoking at the same time.Definitely,each individual deserves to live his life the way he prefers.But why do people smoke?The reason is because to ease the stress that they are going through but i feel that there are many other ways to forget your stress.Maybe,you can try enrolling yourself in activities like yoga,cycling and maybe even listening to your favourite songs.Smoking is not the only alternative to all these.I know taking up activities in our extremely busy lifestyle may be quite difficult.However,if you treat every challenge,as your stepping stone,I am sure you can reach the peak of the mountain and you would not even bother to smoke.Moreover,the amount you spend to smoke may help you to purchase other useful things.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Dealing with Teenage Smoking
Ban smoking for those born in or after the year 2000.
This first-of-its-kind proposal was made earlier this month by Associate Professor Koong Heng Nung, head of the National Cancer Centre Singapore's surgical oncology department at the SingHealth Duke-NUS Scientific Congress 2010.
Since The Straits Times reported the proposal last week, some have written to the ST Forum to applaud the move.
Mr Branden Seow wrote: "Given the harmful effects of tobacco smoking, coupled with the fact that it is difficult for smokers to kick the habit, it makes sense to target the ban on those born from the year 2000 onwards."
Critics, however, have cited the infringement of human rights and freedom of choice that the proposed ban might impose.
One netizen, who identified himself as Mr Maverick, wrote: "I believe the liberty of choice. Just like you are free to decide whether to continue to pollute the environment by opting to have your own car."
In an interview with The New Paper, Prof Koong said that such a ban would allow society to be more proactive in stepping forward to help protect the young.
"Everyday I come across people who are dying of cancer, some as young as 40 years old, all because they started smoking at a young age," said Prof Koong.
He asked, "Can we still talk about a loss of freedom when people are dying everyday?"
Prof Koong said that the issue at hand is not to stop existing smokers from smoking, but rather, to prevent future generations from being addicted.
Three youth counsellors The New Paper spoke to said young smokers start experimental puffing from as young as 11. By 13, many get addicted.
According to Dr Carol Balhetchet, director of Youth Services at the Singapore Children's Society, about 6 out of 10 smokers the centre comes across are below 18.
"Stress is the most common reason cited by for picking up the habit," said Dr Balhetchet.
Ten years ago, the prevalent age at which youths would pick up smoking was between 15 and 16.
Ms Sheena Jebal, CEO and founder of NuLife Care & Counselling Services, said youths may try to get cigarettes by illegal means if the proposal comes into effect.
She said: "This might create the impression that the forbidden fruit is juicier..."
Write a 200-word reflection on your views about this proposal. How effective would it be to deal with teenage smoking? You can also suggest alternative methods that the government can take to tackle this issue, if you disagree with this proposal.
This first-of-its-kind proposal was made earlier this month by Associate Professor Koong Heng Nung, head of the National Cancer Centre Singapore's surgical oncology department at the SingHealth Duke-NUS Scientific Congress 2010.
Since The Straits Times reported the proposal last week, some have written to the ST Forum to applaud the move.
Mr Branden Seow wrote: "Given the harmful effects of tobacco smoking, coupled with the fact that it is difficult for smokers to kick the habit, it makes sense to target the ban on those born from the year 2000 onwards."
Critics, however, have cited the infringement of human rights and freedom of choice that the proposed ban might impose.
One netizen, who identified himself as Mr Maverick, wrote: "I believe the liberty of choice. Just like you are free to decide whether to continue to pollute the environment by opting to have your own car."
In an interview with The New Paper, Prof Koong said that such a ban would allow society to be more proactive in stepping forward to help protect the young.
"Everyday I come across people who are dying of cancer, some as young as 40 years old, all because they started smoking at a young age," said Prof Koong.
He asked, "Can we still talk about a loss of freedom when people are dying everyday?"
Prof Koong said that the issue at hand is not to stop existing smokers from smoking, but rather, to prevent future generations from being addicted.
Three youth counsellors The New Paper spoke to said young smokers start experimental puffing from as young as 11. By 13, many get addicted.
According to Dr Carol Balhetchet, director of Youth Services at the Singapore Children's Society, about 6 out of 10 smokers the centre comes across are below 18.
"Stress is the most common reason cited by for picking up the habit," said Dr Balhetchet.
Ten years ago, the prevalent age at which youths would pick up smoking was between 15 and 16.
Ms Sheena Jebal, CEO and founder of NuLife Care & Counselling Services, said youths may try to get cigarettes by illegal means if the proposal comes into effect.
She said: "This might create the impression that the forbidden fruit is juicier..."
Write a 200-word reflection on your views about this proposal. How effective would it be to deal with teenage smoking? You can also suggest alternative methods that the government can take to tackle this issue, if you disagree with this proposal.
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