Ditch the roll-ups

Smokers of roll-up cigarettes in Bedfordshire could be kidding themselves that it is less  deadly than conventional cigarettes – that’s the message from Public Health England as they urge people to quit for good.

The warning that roll-ups are just as harmful comes as new figures show 30% of smokers smoke roll-ups as part of their overall tobacco consumption.  Hand-rolling has doubled since 2009, with many smokers switching from smoking cigarette sticks.  Half of smokers who only smoke roll-ups, wrongly believe they are less harmful than manufactured cigarettes. In fact, hand-rolled cigarettes are at least as hazardous as any other type of cigarette.

A powerful new campaign was recently launched to highlight how smoking damages the body and causes a slow and steady decline, similar to rotting. While many smokers know that smoking causes cancer and harms the lungs and heart, a new report highlights how it also damages:

Bones and muscles – causing progressive harm to the musculoskeletal system and negative impact on bone mineral density.

Brain – current smokers are 53% more likely to develop mental impairment than non-smokers, and 59% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

Teeth – smoking increases the likelihood of tooth loss and decay.

Eyes – smoking damages sight by increasing the risk of an eye condition called ‘age-related macular degeneration’ (AMD) – that affects a part of the retina, by 78% – 358%. It also increases the risk of age-related cataracts.

For more information give us a call on 0800 013 0553 and press 1 for Central Bedfordshire or 2 for Bedford Borough.