Smoke and Mirrors

Just a few weeks to go now before the UK-wide exclusion zone is setup. I stopped (after a lifetime) about 18 months ago. Am I better for it? I hope so. Haven't noticed any major benefits as yet (in fact I have been sicker!! (sic) during this period than in any other (but that could be down to my age). I am NOT a crusading ex-smoker. If folk want to smoke then I think that they shouldn't be penalised or restricted from doing so and I don't mind others smoking around me.

And today...... The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) is recommending that smokers be given time off work to get over their adiction. Great. I think they should also make the same concessions to over eaters and excessive drinkers. Perhaps a case could also be made for other 'addictions' (which could have an impact on your health or the health of others around you) such as fishing, sailing, tiddlewinks, and keeping fit?

They (NICE) say there is a spreadsheet on their website which employers can use to 'cost-justify' the time off. Take a look at it. A study in supposition. Assumptions made without any supporting facts. Probably created by some gap-year student. Just shows that you can 'prove' anything with figures if you really want to. They're not all locked up yet.