The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act now awaits President Obama’s signature. Agencies and organizations who have for years fought against the tobacco industry are rejoicing at the outcome of new legislation (H.R. 1256) that will put the Food and Drug Administration in charge of regulating cigarettes and other tobacco products.
One of the major motivating forces behind the legislation is to reduce the huge human and financial burden caused by tobacco. It is estimated that every American pays over $600 per year to cover the health care price tag for tobacco-related illnesses–even if they do not smoke themselves–more than $100 billion per year.
Positive Tip: The single most important thing you can do for your health, if you are a smoker, is quit now! Most insurance programs, hospitals, and many churches offer stop smoking programs.