Adults are our children

Adults are our children's greatest enemy - Pastor
published: Friday | June 6, 2008

Adults, as well as the nation's policymakers, have been called on to be more responsible and to be better role models in the fight against the use of tobacco, as the nation's health service grapples with the cost of keeping its people healthy.

The call came from Pastor Milton Gregory, health ministries director of the West Indies Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, while speaking at the Mount Salem Adventist Church in Montego Bay, St James recently. The service, organised by the Health Ministries Department of the West Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, was in recognition of World No Tobacco Day under the theme "Tobacco-Free Youth".

On cigarette manufacturing

"We need to help create a smoke-free environment to protect our children," said Gregory. "Children don't manufacture cigarettes, but they are victims of the actions of adults who act as role models, create attractive advertisements, movies and other devices that encourage children to light up. Adults in many respects are our children's worse enemy."

Illnesses

He added: "Based on research, it is estimated that 10 out of 10 long -term smokers develop emphysema. One out of 10 smokers will be disabled. Family illness means someone can't work, no income, saving is depleted, school fees can't be paid, and the children are sent out to work. With no education, the family cannot make its way in the world and sinks deeper into poverty."

Gregory said he was therefore calling for policymakers to take five courses of action., including the banning of advertising or promotion of tobacco products.

"Studies have shown that the burden of tobacco falls most heavily on the poor," he said. He further argued the poor were more likely to smoke than better-off people and that they spend a greater proportion of family income on the habit.

- Contributed by Nigel Coke

Five recommendations for combating the use of tobacco

1. Ban advertising or promotion of tobacco products, and the sponsorship by the tobacco industry of any events or activities.

2. To enforce the law in regards to selling tobacco to minors.

3. Enact laws to ban smoking in public places

4. Keep increasing tobacco taxes. This is being done. Studies show that when the price of tobacco is high, people smoke less and some quit.

5. Create employment for the people.