The Great Smoke Out

President Obama signed into legislation today a bill allowing the FDA new power to regulate the tobacco industry. The new bill will allow the FDA to control the manufacturing, marketing and sale of tobacco. GREAT NEWS! I am not a smoker and I can probably count on one hand how many of my friends/family smoke, but this is truly great news for all of us. Having the ability to regulate the way tobacco is marketed will benefit all of us.

Lets look at the big picture. Tobacco kills! There is no doubt about that. Over the past few decades there have been many massive law suits against tobacco firms. Along with the steady increase of lung cancer (mainly amongst males - see chart below). With an increase in tobacco related medical issues it affects all of us. The financial results are tremendous. Not only does it increase out insurance premiums, but insurance companies all over are to pay tobacco related illnesses.

Australia already has a very informative marketing scheme. It is required to have the health risks on ALL cigarette cartons. (See below). In the end I think this is a great bill and I am looking forward to the positive effects