Tobacco smoke is contaminated with more than 7,000 toxic substances such as tar, arsenic, nicotine and cyanide. Over 60 of these chemicals are carcinogenic ingredients. What is lesser known is that tobacco also contains radioactive materials; polonium-210 and lead-210, which can accumulate in the lungs of the smokers for decades, leading to lung cancer [2]. Tobacco smoke can cause many other types of cancer including cancers of the mouth, larynx (voice box), pharynx (throat), oesophagus (swallowing tube), stomach, pancreas, kidney, bladder, cervix, colon/rectum and myeloid leukaemia [2]. In addition, it increases the risk of premature death, pulmonary and respiratory disorders such as chronic bronchitis, coronary heart disease, and stroke and even carries profound health risks to an unborn child.

Heavy workloads, meeting tight deadlines, care giving, financial worries. Stress has invaded our daily lives in many forms. We can withstand occasional bouts of extreme stress, which can actually be a good thing by motivating us to take meaningful action.

But what happens when we are frequently or continually exposed to such environmental stressors? It takes a toll on our health. Stress plunges the body towards poor health and premature aging.

Scientists warn us that it is important to find ways to manage and reduce chronic stress in our lives or else risk the onset of many age-related diseases such as dementia, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, arthritis, depression and even cancer.