Ever since the first 1964 US Surgeon-General’s report showed clear connection between cigarette smoking and cancer there has been an elaborate smokescreen campaign of denial, spurious research and sophisticated ploys by tobacco companies internationally to keep sales healthy. Despite long-time advertising bans in New Zealand, smoking-related cancer deaths remain major health problem and the early addiction of teens and pre-teens particular concern. ‘Product placements’ in movies and TV series, with more and more stars and role models ‘lighting up’, has helped tobacco companies circumvent bans to reach the young and impressionable. Landmark court cases have awarded massive damages to victims of smoking-related diseases, but with lengthy appeal processes payments might never be made. In the meantime, tobacco companies are busily diversifying and swamping third world countries with more lethal cigarettes.
Why leaders need empathy during difficult times
Guest Contributor
October 2, 2024
In the current economic climate many employees are worried about their income and job security which can fuel workplace anxiety that leads to wellbeing and productivity issues. Sarah Bills writes that
