Editorial: Do yourself a favour, bin the smokes

Ten years ago, someone walking down with a cigarette in hand wouldn't have drawn a second glance from passersby. These days it is a different story. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Ten years ago, someone walking down the main street of any city or town with a cigarette in hand wouldn't have drawn a second glance from passersby.

These days it is a different story. I see people frowning as they pass smokers on our streets and I once witnessed a woman hold her nose as she scuttled past a couple huddled together, smoke streaming out of their mouths.

Ten years ago, I may well have been one of those people being frowned at. Thank goodness I managed to finally, once and for all, kick the habit six years ago. It wasn't easy.

With the new laws banning people from lighting up in public places in Napier (with Hasting hopefully soon to follow suit) the sight and smell of cigarettes will eventually be a thing of the past on our streets.

I do feel for people addicted to smoking though.

It's hard to give up something associated with socialising and "time out".

A habit that goes with a cup of tea or coffee and supposedly relaxes you (that's not true as former smokers have found out). But there are loads of agencies and people willing to help.

So if you are a smoker rather than think of this move as another way to curb your rights, think of it as another incentive to give up.

Believe me you will feel so good when you have done it and be so much richer for it. Not just in monetary terms either. The health benefits for you and your family far outweigh the money you save.

Think about how proud your family and friends will be off you. Imagine yourself walking down the street, going to the park and not caring that it's a smokefree environment because you are not a smoker.

It feels great. Give it a go.