Shunning the smokes & drink

Hawke's Bay Today News Editor James Ford. PHOTO / File

We all have our vices that we're not particularly proud of.

It may be the occasional tipple, a crafty cigarette, or even an over indulgence of chocolate and lollies to give us that required pick-me-up after a long, testing week at work.

It's human nature, that little something that makes us feel warm and relaxed.

Most of these activities are okay, provided they are accompanied by that key word – moderation.

But change seems to be afoot.
Youth smoking rates have dropped by a third in the last year, Ministry of Health figures revealed.

The statistics showed the number of 15 to 17-year-olds smoking fell from 12,000 last year to 8000 - meaning 3.9 per cent of those in the age group are smokers.
A decade ago 35,000 people aged 15 to 17 smoked.

Youngsters aren't just staying away from the durries and it's not only in New Zealand, either.

UK Government figures collected last year showed that 27 per cent of young adults did not drink alcohol at all, an eight per cent jump in a decade.

Facts and figures are one thing, but I noticed the trend myself while attending my sister's wedding in September.

As I merrily strolled through the masses with a beer and my equally festive brother in tow, I noticed a less animated table further away from the bar.

My three youngest cousins aged 19 to 22 were sat with soft drinks.
As I approached a little worse for wear I must admit a felt slightly foolish.

I posed the question of why they weren't joining the rest of us in hammering the free bar.
"I don't really see the point," was the reply.

It stumped me, but it can't be a bad thing.