In a previous article, we spoke about the great initiative that takes place on the 31st of May this year known as World No Tobacco Day. It gives our youth the platform to object to the tobacco industry and the harmful effects of smoking on our health, but unfortunately, there seems to be some misconception amongst many of our youth and some adults that vaping is significantly better and quite harmless. The question is, therefore, ‘’ Is vaping really any healthier than smoking?’’

How ‘cool’ is Vaping?

Vaping is, in fact, considered to be quite fashionable and it is an industry growing as rapidly as the tobacco industry did in its heyday. The reality is however that the World Health Organisation view vaping, or e-cigarettes, as potentially very harmful. 

This WHO report says, ‘’There are many different types of e-cigarettes, which are the most common type of electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) and electronic non-nicotine delivery system (ENNDS). These systems heat a liquid to create aerosols that are inhaled by the user. These so-called e-liquids may or may not contain nicotine (but do not contain tobacco). They also typically contain additives, flavours and chemicals that can be harmful to people’s health.

Currently, 88 countries have no minimum age at which e-cigarettes can be bought and 74 countries have no regulations in place for these harmful products. E-cigarettes target children through social media and influencers, with at least 16,000 attractive flavours. Even brief exposure to e-cigarette content on social media is associated with greater intention to use these products, as well as more positive attitudes toward e-cigarettes.’’ 

Lung disease and other illnesses associated with vaping 

According to a John Hopkins Medical report “Emerging data suggests links to chronic lung disease and asthma, as well as associations between dual use of e-cigarettes and smoking with cardiovascular disease. You’re exposing yourself to all kinds of chemicals that we don’t yet understand and that are probably not safe.” One would have to say, therefore, that as a way to quit smoking (providing the intention is carried through), vaping may be acceptable but not if vaping becomes a replacement for the smoking habit. 

Critical illnesses need no encouragement

It is bad enough that many thousands of people in our country alone will be the victims of a critical illness within the next few years without adopting any habits that will increase one’s chances of contracting one. The suffering alone is bad enough, but consider the financial implications of this too. Many of these people will become totally bankrupt (or at least have their finances severely depleted) if such an event occurs and should the illness be fatal many families are also left financially crippled. 

A power-packed financial protection package

It stands to reason then that you should speak to your Financial Advisor about ensuring that in the event of such occurrences, your family and finances will be fully protected and, all being well, once you have recovered you will be right back on track to creating the long term wealth you always aspired to.

Life insurance, the most affordable of all insurances, together with Critical Illness cover and Income protection is a triple-action insurance package that assists you in dealing with every outcome of critical illness. Regardless of how long you may be derailed, you will have a handsome payout to deal with any financial shortfalls for expensive medical treatment, your loss of income fully replaced, and in the worst case scenario your loved ones will be able to continue to live comfortably and have a positive future.

Consult the experts 

Understanding the twists and turns that life can take in all our clients’ lives prepares Hereford Group’s Financial Advisors to be able to advise you on not only how to achieve that glorious retirement you dream about, but to ensure that all along the way on your life’s journey they will have a way better chance of surviving all that it can throw at you.

Talk to us today and find out how our 30 years of resilience and determination to create wealth for every individual and business we serve, can best serve you!