30 - Wednesday, February 10, 198% ~ North Shore News HIGH PRICE FOR HABIT moking hazards high for women A SUDDEN surge in the number of women smokers at the end of the Second World War has made smoking an equal opportunity health issuc. And 1986 Health and Welfare statistics indicate that on the whole, both males and females are smoking less. However, research shows that in the past decade, the prevalence of smoking has not decreased as quickly for blue collar females as compared to men. These findings concern health professionals since women who are heavy smokers, particularly young women, pay a high price for their habit. In addition to double the risk of lung cancer and heart discase, women smokers are susceptible to a “million and one more ills’’ than their non-smoking counterparts. Consider the facts: * three times as much emphysema and chronic bronchitis ® 75 per cent more chronic sinusitis © 50 per cent more peptic ulcers ¢ more difficulties conceiving ® early menopause ® higher incidence of osteoporosis © considerable risk of strokes when combined with the birth control pill e double the risk of heart disease with as few as three to five ciga- rettes per day. But smoking is not just a danger to women themselves — it can pose many risks to their children — including the unborn child. “Women smokers are more like- ly to miscarry, and babies born to women who smoke suffer more complications in the early weeks following birth,’’ said Dr. Andrew Pipe, chairman of Physicians for A Smoke-Free Canada, a group of practising physicians dedicated to encouraging Canadians to adopt a smoke-free lifestyle. ‘*As they grow older, children of smokers have a much higher rate of colds and other upper respirato- ry infections,’’ he said. ~ Given all these reported health risks, why do women, particularly young women; insist on playing with a smoking gun? In her recent book, Beating the Ladykillers, Bobbie Jacobson sug- gests that women are more likely to smoke ,as a means of coping with stress, frustration and anger, while men prefer to smoke under more pleasureable or. relaxed cir- cumstances. : She contends that “syomen have a bigger emotional investment in smoking than men.” "" According ‘to Jacobson, the “superwoman syndrome,”* -or. the stress of managing both career and - family responsibilities, is. exacer- bating women’s smoking patterns. For younger women, the stress of determining their role in a chang- ing society is all’ the incentive they may need to smoke. Added to this stress is the feeling of many women that smoking keeps them thin and glamorous and that weight gain is inevitable if they quit. . But in fact, : studies -have in- dicated that ‘among people who ‘give up smoking, one-third actual- ly-lose weight because: they feel . better and exercise ‘more. - To help women build confidence’ in their ability to. quit, Jacobson believes that they should receive support throughout the quitting process. Pipe’s recommendation for any woman considering quitting is to — consult her family physician. ‘‘The doctor and patient. can. work together as a quitting team to overcome nicotine addiction,”’ he said, — . Jacobson recommends an all- female’ ‘self-help group to give women the support needed to stick with their decision to quit and help them confront the special issues that keep them smoking. She refers to Canadian’ research that shows increased success rates among fe- male quitters who are able to share their experiences and concerns with other women. Pipe suggests the family ‘“quit- ting team"? as an added bit of sup- port that will keep women smoke- free. “Obtaining the cooperation and assistance of her children, her husband or even her parents rein- forces a woman's commitment to quit,’ he said. “IF quitting The cost of claims is up. As with all other insurance, Autoplan is a pool of funds which pays claims: The money in that pool has to be sufficient to cover the money paid out. You may never have made a claim. But you might need to in the future. And the costs involved in claims have all gone up. Accident-free drivers still pay less. Under the Claim-Rated Scale, claim-free motorists eam discounts up to 40%. Motorists who make an ‘at fault’ claim are penalized and they will pay 80% or more. So even when everyone's premium goes up to pay for higher claims costs, the claim-free driver gets a break. Drivers with claims do pay more. In 1988, the increase in premiums is an average 22%. But those with claims pay a lot more. For example: - One claim: © Two claims: pay 83% more pay 144% more Three claims: pay 225% more breathes casier."' STOP BEDWETTING Victorian Enuretic Services A SAFE & NATURAL Method without the use of Drugs or a Shock treatment. All Services Strictly Confidential. The effect of BEDWETTING could be devastating on the most important growth and development years of your loved one's life. Please don't gamble on your child’s future. For a NO obligation consultation and evaluation with our trained staff contact: Victorian Enuretic Services, 11468 S. Bonson, Pitt Meadows, B. C. V3Y 1Z3 or PH. 465-8822 For Free Information: NAME ADDRESS PHONE. CAGE rience helping thousands hildren & Adults becomes a family affair, everyone 13 years background ex of Canadian There's no upper limit to the surcharge. Se coverage is increasingly expensive for drivers who cause accidents, putting the responsibility where it belongs. In addition, people who violate traffic regulations, or have certain convictions under the Criminal Code, pay a Driver Point Premium. The maximum premium for- more than 25 points in the preceding year has been raised to $2,500. Fair’s fair. ‘In 1987, both the number and cost of claims was much higher than anticipated. On the basis of this increas- ing trend, particularly in expensive bodily injury claims, 1988 is predicted to be the costliest year yet for Autoplan. The 22% premium increase relates directly to this antici- pated increase in claims costs. And those having the accidents and making the claims will pay more — much more. ACCIDENTS HURT f ASR ye ERIE SES ok rhe at HOMBRE AES: Baad, Sa: Sans a RIAL LARA eV NRE DBP a