A healthier New 2009 or stressed one?
According to recent investigations, the financial crisis turn out to be more than a financial problem, it’s also a strong psychological stress for the whole USA nation. American Legacy Foundation found that 77 % of current smokers report increased stress levels over the national economy and this situation follow to a more frequent lightening up and increase the number of cigarettes smoked. People don’t wish or attempt to quit and continue to smoke or switch to a cheaper brand instead of to kick the smoking habit.
Coaches of Washington Tobacco Quit Lines confirmed callers often report they smoke because they are felling stressed but the state is always ready to help and to supply free of charge nicotine patches or gum. "We know the tough economy is hitting people hard," said Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. "It’s another good reason for those who smoke to try quitting. It will improve their health and they’ll save money at the same time. Our quit line is free, and callers receive at least a two-week supply of nicotine patches or gum at no charge."
American Legacy reported stress has affected people with middle income, or household of less than $35,000 a year. They said 38% of this category is stressed smokers. Mindi Plank, a quit coach at the Washington State Tobacco Quit Line, has a more optimistic point of view on crisis and think crisis can be a good incentive to quit coz so smokers will economize around $2000 per year.
The adult smoking rate has dropped from 22.4 percent in 1999 to a low of 16.5 percent in 2007. If crisis continues to hit the economy with the same destructive power in 2009, smokers who intend to quit needs 24\7 support to quit and active assistance to pass out stress.
