Sad Numbers

As of this morning, the death toll from the earthquake and tsunami in Japan stands at just under 6,000 people, and continues to rise; some sources estimate it will reach as many as 100,000 people.   People everywhere have been galvanized to offer help to try to alleviate the misery and suffering. And rightly so – we are all passengers on this planet together, and the borders that divide us are immaterial in the face of such a crisis.

Nevertheless, I offer the following comparisons.

Number of dead in Japan in 7 days:     6,000 people

Number of dead in US due to tobacco-related illness every 7 days:  8,400 people

Estimated number of dead in Japan by the end of the crisis:  100,000 people

Estimated number of dead world-wide this year alone due to tobacco-related illness:

over 5,000,000 people

The suffering in Japan as a result of this calamitous event is great, but it will pass.

The suffering of millions of people and their families due to tobacco-related illness and early death is incalculable, and extends into the foreseeable future.

Tobacco-caused disease is the single-largest preventable cause of death.  It kills more people than alcohol, drugs, AIDS, car accidents, murders, and suicides combined, nearly 1,200 people in the United States every single day! 

Isn’t it time that YOU quit smoking?!?  Get information and help at:

http://www.whyquit.com/

Next week, Wednesday March 23 is “Kick Butts” day, the perfect day to

QUIT SMOKING FOR LIFE!