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The Star
3 days ago
- General
- The Star
This deadly and addictive habit is hard to quit
Quitting smoking isn't easy. Some try and repeatedly fail, while others enjoy it too much to want to kick the habit. Most keep smoking because they get addicted to nicotine, one of the chemicals in cigarettes and other tobacco products. According to a study published May 28 (2025) in The Lancet Public Health journal, Asean nations are seeing double-digit increases in some of the leading causes of death and disability, and that includes smoking. Researchers at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation in the United States and the National University of Singapore's (NUS) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine analysed the data from 1990 to 2021 by age, sex and location across the 10 Asean countries. Among their findings: The number of smokers has increased in every Asean country by 63% to 137 million regionally, which is 12% of the total number of global smokers. Smoking prevalence has declined in the region, but remains high at 48% among males aged 15 and older. An estimated one in five male children aged 10 to 14 are currently smoking in Malaysia. In 2021, more than half a million people in the region died from smoking-related diseases – an increase of 231,000 deaths from 1990, with men dying at a rate 10 times higher than women. The region's highest number of smoking-related deaths was from ischaemic heart disease, stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The reality is that the majority of smokers do indeed want to quit, but despite all the resources out there, are not sure how. Scan for help As one of the partners of the Health Ministry's JomQuit programme, the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) receives between 300 and 500 applicants weekly – a huge number. To register, all a smoker needs to do is scan a QR code from the JomQuit posters put up in public places. 'We started our programme in December last year [2024] to offer six sessions of online consultations for those who want to quit. 'When they register, our doctors give them a call, find out more about their occupation, lifestyle, budget, etc, and provide behavioural counselling. 'Many participants do not pick up our calls although they have applied, which is a problem,' says NCSM's medical officer and health promotion lead Dr G. Leevyadhashiny. The point of the call is to get individuals to understand why they need to quit smoking. For the younger ones, most started because of peer pressure. Dr Leevyadhashiny says: 'For the long-term smokers, it's habitual and they're so used to having a cigarette in hand that it is difficult to quit. 'We counsel them on how to overcome this, and surprisingly, many do not know about nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or that they can walk into any government clinic and sign up for the free quit-smoking programme.' She adds: 'If in a day, I call 10 people, eight would've tried to quit before by going cold turkey, not through NRT. 'Cold turkey is difficult because it takes time for the body to acclimatise removing nicotine from the system. 'Plus, one can be easily influenced again by peer pressure. 'Many also think NRT is lifelong and this is not necessarily true.' ALSO READ: Helping smokers wean off that nicotine addiction when they decide to quit NCSM hasn't run the programme long enough to gather conclusive statistics, but Dr Leevyadhashiny reckons the quit rate is about 40%. 'So far, I haven't been able to get further than the second consultation, but at least, there is greater awareness on the programme and it gives smokers an opportunity to clear whatever doubts they have,' she says. The quitting prognosis for younger smokers is better as they haven't indulged in the activity for too long, but of course, the best thing is not to start smoking at all. Tried and tried again Looking at the glowing Naveen Ahmad, 58, you'd never guess she was once a chain smoker – for 27 years! After 27 years of smoking and many failed quit attempts, Naveen listened to her inner voice and finally managed to kick the habit in 2018. — NAVEEN AHMAD Although the Penangite's father was a smoker, Naveen was not influenced by him. In fact, as a curious teenager, she once snuck a quick puff on a leftover cigarette when he asked her to empty the ashtray, and she hated the taste. She couldn't understand how her dad and his friends could inhale that awful smell. All that changed when she moved to Kuala Lumpur in her early 20s. It was the era of discos and parties, when it was considered cool to light up a cigarette. 'Smoking was widely accepted and you could do it anywhere back then. 'I remember I was with a friend and she offered me a stick to share, saying it wouldn't do any harm. 'One shared stick a night became one whole stick, two sticks, and many outings later, I was buying my own cigarettes. 'My colleagues were also smoking and we looked forward to taking breaks at the staircase,' recalls the then sales manager. Since many of her clients also smoked, it proved to be an apt icebreaker. She shares: 'I got to know clients better over cigarettes; we bonded and became buddies overnight. And I'd win the pitch!' Naveen was smoking half a pack daily, but if she partied, which was quite frequent, it became one pack. This went on for a few years until she and a colleague decided to challenge each other to quit. 'We quit cold turkey, changed our lifestyle, lessened our partying and started going to the gym. 'For two years, I felt good, but she started cheating while I was 'clean'. "That's when I counselled her and told her it was okay. 'She asked me to share a stick with her, and initially, I said no, but after much coaxing, I took the stick. 'I felt guilty, but didn't really care as I was fit, young and thought I was invincible,' she shares. Her colleagues began to gather every Friday night at a chosen nightspot and these two women looked forward to it as they could smoke. She says: 'I never stopped until I got pregnant. 'That's when I started to hate the smell of cigarettes and would be nauseated if anyone smoked. 'After my daughter was born, we were at a gathering and one 'devil' asked how come I hadn't started smoking again after confinement. "'Come on, join me la' ... and that was how I restarted again in 2004.' Pretty soon, Naveen was smoking up to two packs a day. She confesses: 'I smoked when I was excited, stressed and when I needed to think. I found great joy in it so I indulged. 'When I returned home, I'd still work, and to generate new ideas, I'd light up a cigarette on the balcony, not inside the house. 'My ex-husband was also a smoker, but he had quit by then and urged me to do the same. 'He'd share his NRT gum, but it tasted horrible and though I tried to quit many times over the decade, all my attempts failed. 'I told myself I'd quit when I felt ready and there was no need to stress over it.' A parched throat, bad cough, breathlessness and fatigue were part of her daily life, but she ignored these symptoms. In 2018, when she was 51, Naveen decided to take a career break and looked hard in the mirror. She didn't like the reflection. 'Eeuw, I spoke to the mirror – your skin is dark, your lips are like dried prunes, you look haggard and aged. 'I was also transitioning through menopause and a voice told me I had to quit no matter what. "But I was afraid of gaining weight. 'On Dec 30, 2018, I smoked my last pack of cigarettes, then lit up and smoked all the unfinished sticks in my ashtray till they became ash – my one final joy. 'I decided to go cold turkey because I was confident I didn't need professional help,' she says. The withdrawal symptoms were severe for a month – insomnia, anxiety, irritability, etc – but she never turned back. She gained 2kg, but Naveen attributes this to menopause. Temptations dangled, but she stood firm against them. Today, the product head of an information technology company is constantly being complimented for her glowing skin and youthful appearance. Now, when she is trying to come up with earth-shattering ideas, she no longer needs a cigarette. 'Artificial intelligence does it for me!' Naveen says, laughing. An alluring addiction On the other hand, Owen S (not his real name) has been smoking for almost 50 years and refuses to call it quits despite being fully aware of the dangers. The Health Ministry's latest poster encourages smokers to seek help by scanning the QR code to register themselves for online counselling. — Health Ministry His initiation into smoking began out of curiosity, camaraderie and a dash of rebellion at the age of 13, when his family was living in small-town Kulai, Johor. 'That first brush with tobacco, however, didn't take. 'My older brother caught me and promptly reported it to our mother, who responded swiftly and sternly, and it was enough to keep me away from cigarettes until I was about 17,' recalls the retired academician in his 60s. Although Owen's father, a former policeman, gave up smoking in his 40s to discourage his kids from following suit, all five of his sons picked up the habit. 'My four children harass me to quit. "They try to reason with love and science, and they are not wrong – every statistic is stacked against me and every cigarette is a gamble,' he says. Like many smokers who prefer to turn a blind eye to the disease statistics, he justifies his continued habit by noting no one in his smoking circle has died of respiratory ailments or lung cancer. His further reasoning is: 'You've got to understand the smoking styles out there. 'Some will smoke until the very end of the stick, but I throw it away after I'm two-thirds in. 'Other smokers will inhale as if it's their last breath, but I don't inhale as deeply so the smoke is mostly in my mouth, although it does get into my throat and lungs sometimes. 'And I'm always drinking water or a non-alcoholic beverage while I'm smoking so I don't have a smoker's cough.' It's important to note, however, that his smoking style does not in any way decrease his risk of the multiple diseases associated with smoking, including various cancers, respiratory diseases, heart disease and dental problems, among others. Owen, who now lives in Penang, spends roughly RM50 a day to feed his habit as he prefers one of the more established brands. ALSO READ: Reason to quit smoking: It's getting too pricey '[The rituals of smoking have] punctuated the best and worst days of my life, and in some strange way, smoking has been my constant companion,' he says, highlighting how insidiously smoking can intertwin itself into a person's life. 'Yes, it's a form of addiction and smoking is a choice I've made and I'm not ready to give it up. 'However, I do advise younger people not to pick up the habit,' he says. Those seeking assistance to quit smoking or vaping can refer to the official JomQuit portal or WhatsApp 010-3505199.
CNBC
3 days ago
- Business
- CNBC
Trump job cuts hobble NOAA team that reopens ports after hurricanes, sources say
A Florida-based federal emergency response team that reopens U.S. ports after storms and accidents is unstaffed this hurricane season largely due to widespread federal workforce reductions driven by the Trump administration, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The closure of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's Navigation Response Team in Fernandina, Florida – one of the network's six national locations - could mean slower response times and longer port closures if hurricanes slam into the U.S. Southeast this summer, the sources said. The teams are charged with deploying survey vessels to ports to locate underwater hazards that must be cleared to reopen shipping, and have been crucial in the aftermath of major storms like those that struck the Gulf Coast in recent years, as well as disasters like the 2024 collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. "I know that the Florida navigation response team is completely out of commission for this hurricane season, in large part due to staffing cuts," said former NOAA Administrator Richard Spinrad, who has been in contact with the agency. Retired rear admiral Tim Gaulladet, who served as deputy NOAA administrator during the first Trump presidency, also said he is aware that the Florida location is no longer staffed, and that other offices have less capacity. NOAA did not respond to a specific question about the status of the Florida NRT and reduced NRT staffing but said the agency would be prepared this hurricane season. "In the event that ports are impacted by a hurricane or maritime disaster, NOAA will mobilize one or more Navigation Response Teams to be on scene after receiving an official request from the U.S. Coast Guard or Army Corps of Engineers," NOAA spokesperson Jasmine Blackwell NRT locations include Connecticut, Maryland, Mississippi, Washington state, and Galveston, Texas - a major U.S. oil-industry port. The NRT's home website was changed in March to remove both the Florida and Galveston, Texas locations, according to archived images of the site. NOAA did not respond to queries about the status of other locations and employees. The American Pilots Association did not directly comment on the cuts but said they will ensure that their members, consisting of harbor pilots who guide commercial ships in and out of U.S. ports, will continue to carry out this function and that its members who are ship captains and harbor pilots have the resources they need to protect maritime commerce. NOAA's National Weather Service in May forecast an above-average June 1-Nov. 30 hurricane season with six to 10 hurricanes. Its director, Ken Graham, said at the time he did not expect job cuts at NOAA to affect hurricane response. But sources said staff cuts which have amounted to around 1,000 people or 10% of its workforce so far have stretched the agency thin. Around 600 of the cuts are within NOAA's National Weather Service, said Tom Fahy, legislative director for the National Weather Service Employees Organization. He said the cuts mean the loss for the first time of around-the-clock staffing at several U.S. weather offices, and staffing shortages of 40% in some key places like Miami-Dade and Key West in Florida. At least six NWS offices have also stopped the routine twice-a-day weather balloon launches that collect data for weather models, he said. "The employees' resilience has been stretched to the breaking point," he said. While NOAA attempts to reshuffle staff to keep services going, a period of overlapping weather events – like tornadoes, wildfires and hurricanes all at once - could push the already stretched staff to its limits and make things impossible, said Spinrad. "This is like playing Whac-a-Mole with forecasters," he said. "We're going to be hard pressed to provide the standard of service that the public is used to."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Trump job cuts hobble NOAA team that reopens ports after hurricanes, sources say
By Valerie Volcovici WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A Florida-based federal emergency response team that reopens U.S. ports after storms and accidents is unstaffed this hurricane season largely due to widespread federal workforce reductions driven by the Trump administration, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The closure of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's Navigation Response Team in Fernandina, Florida – one of the network's six national locations - could mean slower response times and longer port closures if hurricanes slam into the U.S. Southeast this summer, the sources said. The teams are charged with deploying survey vessels to ports to locate underwater hazards that must be cleared to reopen shipping, and have been crucial in the aftermath of major storms like those that struck the Gulf Coast in recent years, as well as disasters like the 2024 collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. "I know that the Florida navigation response team is completely out of commission for this hurricane season, in large part due to staffing cuts," said former NOAA Administrator Richard Spinrad, who has been in contact with the agency. Retired rear admiral Tim Gaulladet, who served as deputy NOAA administrator during the first Trump presidency, also said he is aware that the Florida location is no longer staffed, and that other offices have less capacity. NOAA did not respond to a specific question about the status of the Florida NRT and reduced NRT staffing but said the agency would be prepared this hurricane season. "In the event that ports are impacted by a hurricane or maritime disaster, NOAA will mobilize one or more Navigation Response Teams to be on scene after receiving an official request from the U.S. Coast Guard or Army Corps of Engineers," NOAA spokesperson Jasmine Blackwell NRT locations include Connecticut, Maryland, Mississippi, Washington state, and Galveston, Texas - a major U.S. oil-industry port. The NRT's home website was changed in March to remove both the Florida and Galveston, Texas locations, according to archived images of the site. NOAA did not respond to queries about the status of other locations and employees. The American Pilots Association did not directly comment on the cuts but said they will ensure that their members, consisting of harbor pilots who guide commercial ships in and out of U.S. ports, will continue to carry out this function and that its members who are ship captains and harbor pilots have the resources they need to protect maritime commerce. ABOVE-AVERAGE SEASON NOAA's National Weather Service in May forecast an above-average June 1-Nov. 30 hurricane season with six to 10 hurricanes. Its director, Ken Graham, said at the time he did not expect job cuts at NOAA to affect hurricane response. But sources said staff cuts which have amounted to around 1,000 people or 10% of its workforce so far have stretched the agency thin. Around 600 of the cuts are within NOAA's National Weather Service, said Tom Fahy, legislative director for the National Weather Service Employees Organization. He said the cuts mean the loss for the first time of around-the-clock staffing at several U.S. weather offices, and staffing shortages of 40% in some key places like Miami-Dade and Key West in Florida. At least six NWS offices have also stopped the routine twice-a-day weather balloon launches that collect data for weather models, he said. "The employees' resilience has been stretched to the breaking point," he said. While NOAA attempts to reshuffle staff to keep services going, a period of overlapping weather events – like tornadoes, wildfires and hurricanes all at once - could push the already stretched staff to its limits and make things impossible, said Spinrad. "This is like playing Whac-a-Mole with forecasters," he said. "We're going to be hard pressed to provide the standard of service that the public is used to."
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First Post
7 days ago
- Health
- First Post
Doctor explains: Smoking doesn't relieve stress — here's what really happens
Tobacco use may provide temporary stress relief by triggering dopamine release in the brain, but over time it leads to dependence, ultimately worsening anxiety and stress. Effective quitting methods include nicotine replacement therapies, medications, and behavioral support. Firstpost brings out expert insights on understanding and overcoming tobacco addiction. read more Tobacco use continues to be a leading cause of preventable diseases and death in India, with rising concerns over its impact on both physical and mental health. Beyond its well-known link to cancer and heart disease, tobacco use is deeply tied to issues like stress, infertility, skin damage and even silent heart conditions. To raise awareness and dispel common myths, Dr. Vikas Mittal, Director - Pulmonologist, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi talked to Firstpost to shed light on the often-overlooked dangers of tobacco and how individuals can effectively quit the habit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How does tobacco use affect the brain, especially to stress and anxiety? Tobacco contains nicotine, which, upon reaching the brain, triggers the release of dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure and stress relief. This creates a temporary sense of relaxation. However, over time, the brain becomes dependent on nicotine to maintain this effect. When nicotine levels drop, withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and stress emerge. This leads to a vicious cycle where smoking appears to relieve stress, but actually contributes to and intensifies it over time. What are some scientifically proven ways to manage tobacco cravings effectively? There are effective medical treatments for managing tobacco addiction. Pharmacological therapies like Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)—including nicotine gums, patches, and lozenges—are widely used. Medications such as bupropion and varenicline can also reduce cravings and ease withdrawal. Behavioral interventions, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in increasing the chances of quitting successfully. Why is early exposure to tobacco particularly dangerous for adolescents, and how quickly can dependence develop in youth? The adolescent brain is still developing, making it highly vulnerable to nicotine. Exposure during teenage years can lead to addiction quickly—sometimes within weeks. Early use not only increases the risk of lifelong dependence but also makes the brain more susceptible to other addictions, including illicit substances. What are some of the underestimated short-term health improvements people often experience within weeks of quitting tobacco? Health improvements begin almost immediately after quitting. Within 20 minutes, heart rate and blood pressure drop. In 48 to 72 hours, taste and smell begin to improve, and carbon monoxide levels normalise. Lung function can improve within two to three weeks, reducing coughing and breathlessness. These early benefits are encouraging and crucial in motivating continued cessation. What impact does smoking have on skin health and sexual well-being? Smoking causes premature aging and wrinkles due to reduced blood flow. It impairs wound healing, especially post-surgery. In men, smoking can lead to impotence and erectile dysfunction. In women, it reduces fertility, affects egg quality, and can cause early menopause. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and complications for both mother and baby. Can diet play a role in helping someone quit tobacco? If so, which foods are most beneficial? Yes, a healthy diet supports quitting efforts. Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals—like fruits and vegetables—can curb cravings. Dairy products may make cigarettes taste unpleasant. Fruits high in vitamin C, such as oranges and guavas, help reduce oxidative damage. Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided as they can intensify nicotine cravings. What are the most common triggers for relapse, and how can they be avoided? Common relapse triggers include peer pressure, stress, emotional instability, and alcohol. Avoiding smoking environments and individuals who encourage the habit is crucial. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle—adequate sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet—can improve emotional resilience. Identifying personal triggers and replacing them with alternatives like chewing gum, walking, or hobbies is key. Support from family, peers, or cessation groups also greatly helps. How dangerous are silent symptoms of tobacco-induced heart conditions, and what should people watch for? Silent symptoms like shortness of breath, chest tightness, fatigue, and persistent coughing are often ignored. These signs may indicate serious damage to the heart and lungs. Smokers should be alert to these symptoms and undergo regular heart and lung screenings to detect conditions early and manage them effectively. How do nicotine replacement therapies compare to natural cessation strategies like lifestyle changes and dietary support? Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is proven to reduce withdrawal symptoms and increase cessation success rates. While lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments can support quitting, they usually lack the effectiveness of medical therapies. For best results, a combination of both approaches is recommended under medical supervision. Are e-cigarettes a safer alternative to regular cigarettes, or do they pose their health risks? E-cigarettes eliminate many harmful toxins found in traditional cigarettes, making them relatively less harmful. However, they still contain nicotine and harmful vapors that can cause acute lung injury. Severe cases have involved mechanical ventilation and life-threatening complications. The long-term health effects remain uncertain, and early evidence raises serious concerns.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
North European Oil Royalty: Fiscal Q2 Earnings Snapshot
KEENE, N.H. (AP) — KEENE, N.H. (AP) — North European Oil Royalty Trust (NRT) on Friday reported net income of $2.3 million in its fiscal second quarter. On a per-share basis, the Keene, New Hampshire-based company said it had profit of 20 cents. The oil and gas royalty company posted revenue of $2.5 million in the period. _____ This story was generated by Automated Insights ( using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on NRT at Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
