No matter how much smokers wish to deny or ignore it medical evidence shows that smoking and critical illness are inextricably linked. We are reminded of this with many worldwide initiatives that try to reduce the number of smokers, particularly amongst the young. One of the most significant of these is World No Smoking Day, which takes place this year on May 31st. 

A platform for protesting youth

It is a noble initiative which, as the World Health Organisation puts it, ‘’will give a platform to young people across the world, who are calling for the tobacco industry to stop targeting them with products that are harmful to their health. Young people globally are calling on governments to adopt policies that shield them from the manipulative practices of tobacco and related industries, including the relentless marketing of their dangerous products through social media and streaming platforms.’’

It is comforting to know that our youth are aware of the enormous dangers of smoking tobacco in particular (although vaping is not much better and we will look at that in a future article) and want to make others aware of this. 

The stats don’t lie

So, smokers everywhere of all ages if you don’t believe how damaging smoking can be you can’t ignore the tried and tested medical research that shows it to be one of the primary causes of…  

• Lung Cancer – and over 10 other types of Cancer, Including Colon, Cervix, Liver, Stomach and Pancreatic Cancer

• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Heart disease
• Stoke
• Asthma 
• Ectopic pregnancy, which is when a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus – and premature, underweight babies
• Diabetes
• Blindness, Cataracts and Age-Related Macular Degeneration

So, it’s obvious that continuing to smoke is pretty much taking your life into your own hands and why many insurers and medical aids heavily penalise those who do.

Protecting your wealth and your family

Whether you are a smoker or not, unfortunately, you can fall victim to critical illness (smoking just makes it more likely) and it usually happens unexpectedly too, so it is important to ensure that your wealth profile has certain covers in place to protect the wealth you have accumulated so far and your family. 

Critical illness cover gives you a vital lumpsum payout in the event of this happening to you to cover what will no doubt be several significant costs that your medical aid and gap cover will not cover, plus some income during your period of being out of the loop.

Income protection covers you for any income lost even if your period of illness is extensive. This is essential to ensure that your misfortune does not badly erode your finances, and finally Life cover (Something that we should all have as a matter of course) will cover your family in the event of the worst-case scenario and they are left to fend for themselves.

Hereford Group is here for you 

Hereford Group sees every individual and business as being unique, all with their own challenges, circumstances, strengths and weaknesses, but all with great potential that, if correctly guided, can lead to financial success and continuous growth.

Speak to one of our highly trained and experienced Financial Advisors today about your wealth aspirations and let’s get you on the path to the retirement you always envisaged and the protection of your wealth and family.