FDA to Study Effect of Tobacco Rules on Smokers

[Mandy Miller]

Fox News recently reported on a new study the FDA is conducting to evaluate the effect of new smoking regulation on smokers. The study will evaluate 40,000 smokers aged 12 and older to observe the effects of new tobacco regulations. 

As if the graphic images released by the Department of Health and Human Services in June weren't enough, we're now investing more money into a quite simple message: "Smoking is VERY bad for you."

I understand the psychological evaluation in order to tailor this simple message. I'm more or less baffled at the fact that people still smoke, despite the screaming, obvious health risks. My mother is an RN in a CATH lab and she constantly struggles with this. In so many words, these patients are told, "If you continue smoking, you will be right back on this operating table and/or dead." 

What are you thoughts? Where is the line drawn between continued messaging investment and "I told you so?"

 

[Mandy Miller]

Terrible habit for sure - the disconnect I find is while the population of smokers spans social classes, I see a vast majority in the lower classes (it was a norm in rural Midwest). I know my grandparents barely listen to a doctor's advice, not to mention a public study. Of course there's always the thought of you never listened to your parents yelling at you, but if someone else in a position of authority did, you listened. Maybe it takes the government to say it to drive it home.

[Pamela Charpie]

Although marketing campaigns such as this one have the ability to dramatically increase awareness about the consequences of smoking and therefore decrease the number of people who choose to smoke, I believe there is a point where people will do it no matter what. I think that the majority of people know that it's bad for you... This makes me wonder, how do you change social norms so that people do not want to pick up a cigarette in the first place? Do you think that public studies are a way to achieve this change?

[Nicole Franklin]

You pose some interesting questions - but I think that smoking is such a loaded issue as it was so widely accepted and now viewed with such disdain.  Additionally, the chemicals tobacco companies ues to make the tobacco more addictive than ever makes it so hard to give up.  Its a terrible habit any way you slice.