Smoking Often Means Higher Life, Health Insurance Costs

02/10/2010

People have long known that smoking can result in higher life and health insurance costs, while also contributing to the number of home insurance claims as a result of accidental fires. And when it comes to one's overall health, lung cancer isn't the only thing that people can spare themselves from by quitting.

Medical professionals have long warned that smoking can result in higher levels of heart disease, high blood pressure and oral cancer, among other cancers. However, some people may be less aware of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a dangerous condition that is often linked to long-term smoking habits.

According to the World Health Organization, about 210 million people worldwide suffer from COPD, and in 2005, 5 percent of all deaths globally were due to the conditions - amounting to about 3 million people.

The WHO also notes that tobacco smoke is the leading cause of COPD - although indoor air pollution is another factor - especially in the developing world.

Given the dangers of smoking, from medical conditions to higher insurance costs, now is as good a time as any to consider quitting and to check into any available products that may help accomplish this, such as nicotine gum.

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