And
for someone trying to quit, temptation
is probably stronger when sitting
through a 90-minute movie where the
characters spend the film smoking or
when peers head outside to smoke,
than just stepping into a convenience
store.
The same goes for people who don’t
smoke but might be tempted to do so.
Most likely, a non-smoker isn’t going
to suddenly decide to buy a pack just
because it is visible while shopping.
It’s the vendors who so far bear the
brunt of the costs associated with the
governments’ decisions on the retailing
of cigarettes. And after spending plenty
of money to buy special locking
cabinetry to display cigarettes, now
these empty cabinets are an eyesore in
local variety stores.
We believe continued education on
the health risks associated with smoking
is money better spent. And maybe
it’s time to target manufacturers to
limit some of the more toxic substances
contained in cigarettes, since
about 4,000 ingredients, including rat
poisoning are used in production.
Oshawa residents have the right attitude.
This weekend they will be joining
in a global event to raise awareness
and funds for cancer research through
Relay for Life, a walk-a-thon that benefits
the Canadian Cancer Society.
And it’s these types of community
initiatives that send the strongest message
to smokers – the ones that come
from their friends, family and neighbours.
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