Smoking is a risk factor for just about every chronic or lifestyle disease known to man. People who smoke place a greater burden on our health system. Smoking is linked with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, increases in CVD, diabetes, stroke, and pretty much every type of cancer.

A recent article from channel nine reported on the concept of increasing the premiums (price) of health insurance for smokers. Given that smoking leads to greater use of health services and facilities it does seem logical, but would this be effective in minimising the burden on the health system? Perhaps greater action is needed. Perhaps we should enforce a greater Medicare levy upon those who smoke.

Smoking is still the biggest risk factor for many lifestyle diseases, which are often chronic diseases placing a large burden on our health system. The fight to reduce smoking has been a long and hard battle. Currently we enjoy a country that has smoke free pubs and clubs and where cigarettes are mostly invisible until someone lights one up in a public place. But this has not always been the case.

Many grew up with smoking as part of the normal life. Cigarette adds were on tv, and Shane Warne happily smoked a packet or two waiting for his turn to bat. There were no adds telling how bad smoking is for our body and there were plenty telling us to buy them. Many people went to pubs and clubs where not smoking wasn’t an option due to the room being more smoke than air.

Australia has moved well beyond this and progress is impressive. I know that my 2 year old son will not have the same temptations to snake as others did growing up. In fact it is no longer cool to be a smoker, it is now foolish.

There have been plenty of great campaigns around smoking in Australia. And I for one am thankful for it. Should we now I flick greater payment to further the expenses of smoking? I don’t mind, I don’t smoke and I am happy for anything that might help others to quit smoking, a habit that is ruining their health and costing Australians a fortune.