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which it commenced. Facts concerning substantial increases in
"smoking assisted" diseases such as bronchogenic carcinoma,
chronic bronchitis, emphysema, peptic ulcer, circulatory diseases
and coronary thrombosis have failed to make any impression on
the confirmed smoker, who, in continuing to fill the air at home,
in the office, workshop, train, bus or plane with obnoxious fumes
and ash, neglects the most elementary rules of hygiene and makes
exertions for a cleaner atmosphere under the Clean Air Acts, a
sham.
Although some smokers suffer much more than others, nobody
escapes "scot" free from its harmful effects. Smoking affects the
cleansing action of the cilia in the lung's linings and infection is
invited to take up residence in the resultant thickening phlegm.
The onset of bronchitis and emphysema is preceded by the slight
"smoker's cough", in the first instance during the winter months
and later extending to the whole year. Subsequently, coughing
becomes more frequent, more prolonged and more violent and
the elimination of purulent phlegm, which produces retching and
vomiting, becomes a permanent morning ritual. Disability supervenes and even the action of standing and walking a few yards
becomes agony. Eventually, sleep becomes elusive, health rapidly
declines until the body becomes virtually immobile and death,
mercifully, intervenes.
But, then, smoking is so enjoyable! ! !
As a health problem, the situation is deadly serious and health
educators must not vacillate in condemning smoking by word and
especially by example. Suggestions that "safer" cigarettes are to
be tolerated smacks of ambivalence and should be opposed.
Reducing the sugar content of cigarettes is of limited value as it
does not eliminate carcinogenic tars or other toxic substances
and switching smokers of cigarettes to the less harmful forms of
tobacco consumption, viz. pipes and cigars, is fraught with danger
for the addict persists in inhaling a smoke which is higher in tar
and nicotine concentrations. We know the facts and if our efforts
to reform existing smoking practices are unproductive, our best
chance to influence the young is by blocking every opportunity
for smoking by banning the habit in all public places. We owe
this much to posterity.
Rheumatic Diseases
Rheumatism in its broadest sense is one of the oldest diseases
known to affect mankind. It attacks people of all ages and is
responsible for more prolonged absences from work or school
than any other disease. Resultant heart damage or joint defor-