SHOULD THE UK GOVERNMENT BE ENCOURAGING VAPING OVER SMOKING?
You may have read about or heard in the news this week that the British government plans to offer free vaping kits in their new ‘swap to stop’ scheme. Their plan is aimed to encourage adult smokers to switch from smoking to vaping and also crack down on vaping among young people. It is thought that around one million smokers across England will be offered free vaping starter kits, which the government is hoping will encourage them to quit smoking. This equates to one in five smokers in England being offered a free vape kit which is aimed at making England smoke-free by 2030. It is thought that smokers who can successfully switch to vaping using the scheme will later be offered advice on giving up e-cigarettes with the intention of becoming totally nicotine-free. It is widely recognised that health problems caused by smoking cost the NHS billions of pounds each year , however the long-term health effects of vaping aren’t yet truly known.
One has to wonder about the long-term risks associated with vaping though. Vaping is considered by many health professionals to be as bad as smoking as it also exposes the lungs to harmful chemicals and toxins. Vaping devices and E-cigarettes both contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance, known to cause numerous health problems including heart disease, lung damage and cancer. Furthermore, the liquid used in e-cigarettes and vaping devices often contains other harmful substances such as heavy metals, formaldehyde and flavouring chemicals, which can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. Although vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, there is increasing evidence that it can be just as harmful, particularly in the long term. Worryingly, one of the primary concerns around vaping is that as yet the industry is wholly unregulated.
There are many convincing reasons to give up vaping and smoking. Primarily, both smoking and vaping are highly addictive and known to cause health problems. Quitting smoking and vaping significantly reduces the risk of developing these health issues. Additionally, quitting can also improve one’s overall health and quality of life. The benefits include an increase in energy levels, improved respiratory function and a decreased risk of premature ageing. You should also consider the financial benefits of giving up smoking and vaping as the cost of cigarettes and vaping devices and supplies can add up quickly. Think about the positive benefits of you giving up smoking or vaping for the people around you, as secondhand smoke and vapour are also known to be harmful to others.
Surely it is healthier and safer for you to actually stop smoking and vaping altogether? Here at OLIP Therapy, we have enabled hundreds of our clients to become ex-smokers through the use of our widely acclaimed, award-winning, quit-smoking hypnotherapy programme. Let us help you to live the healthier life you deserve. Contact us today to find out how we can help you to become an ex-smoker.
