There can be no dispute smoking is bad for you.
The dreaded weed is associated with a huge number of diseases, including heart disease and cancer, and smokers are under ever-increasing pressure to quit.
Workplaces and bars are now smokefree and even some outdoor areas have smoking bans. Locally, a recent example is
Baypark Stadium.
The good news is there are programmes and medication to help smokers quit. Most smokers find it hard to stop.
But there is some worrying news. A report in yesterday's Bay of Plenty Times that Champix quit-smoking tablets have been linked to a 72 per cent increased risk of heart attacks and related conditions is of huge concern.
Health Canada says there might be a "slightly increased risk of heart-related side-effects" in Champix patients with cardiovascular disease.
Experts at Otago University say they have reports of changed heart rhythms and sudden death in users of Champix.
The New Zealand Heart Foundation says the news is concerning and the situation needs to be closely monitored.
Like with many health-related issues, there are some experts who see things differently. One doctor in the US believes the absolute risk is in fact low.
But alarm bells have to be ringing over Champix.
Anything that helps people quit is good but there is no point having a drug help people give up smoking only for it to be a danger in its own right.
It is important health officials act swiftly and make a decision over Champix.
Is it safe to be on the market or not?
Until more is known, people on Champix will have to seek their own advice and make the best decision they can.
Synthetic menaceRevelations today that a growing number of small, home-based manufacturers are importing chemicals from China to make synthetic cannabis are yet another cause of concern over these products.
The ingredients are legally imported into the country and then dissolved and sprayed on plant materials to make products similar to Kronic.
Two types have been found to be contaminated with an anti-convulsion drug. Sounds healthy.
This issue continues to grow this week. As we have stated previously, we are waiting on Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne to pave the way for these products to be banned.
