Baccy apart

Presidential veto on legislation to raise the excise tax on tobacco would cost the treasury about 6 billion UAH. year. These funds, the Government planned to extend the development of domestic medicine and an increase in funding the army. Decision guarantor - is not only a huge budget losses, but also fertile soil for the growth of smuggling cigarettes Ukrainian production to the EU. What, in turn, would postpone the entry of Ukraine into a free trade area EU.
"Green light" for smuggling
To begin with, the parliament voted a law would increase the rate of excise duty on cigarettes from 20% to 36% of the maximum retail price. In particular, for 1000 products without the filter, instead of 35 UAH. manufacturers would have to pay 44 grn. and with the filter - 80 UAH. instead of 60.
It should be noted that in the current year was anticipated to be the third increase in the tax burden on manufacturers of tobacco products. Purpose - not only to boost the coffers with additional financial resources, but also to gradually bring rates of excise duty in line with European ones. This is the main condition set before our country for entry into the EU free trade zone. Today, tobacco products in the retail network of European cities ten times higher than in Ukraine. And on Nov. 10 EU Council of Ministers of Economy and Finance decided to raise from January 1, 2011 excise tax is 30%. This price difference has become very profitable for smugglers. According to the State Customs, from January to August 2009 on the border was delayed 35.4 million pieces of cigarettes (1.8 million packages). And the amount of the total turnover of funds from the export of black tobacco estimate the extras in a few billion hryvnia. In 30,7% of the smuggled cigarettes was carried out in Hungary, 27.8% - in Romania and 3,8% - to Russia.
Covered smokescreen
His regular veto the president explained that the increase in excise tax on cigarettes will cause a massive influx of contraband from Russia, Moldova and Belarus, where today the cost of cigarettes is approximately the same. However, concern the head of state did not share the State customs house, according to which, 84% of all contraband tobacco has on the export of Ukrainian dope and only 16% - on imports.
In addition, Yushchenko says that the new fee will lead to a sharp drop in sales in the domestic tobacco market and, consequently, to losses of the companies in the dismissal of their staff. However, according to the head of the parliamentary committee on tax and customs policy, Sergei Terekhin, production in this industry almost completely automated. It involved only 3000 people. Therefore, a significant reduction in staffing will not happen.
Another interesting fact is that the head of state, worrying about the income of tobacco corporations, it is not thinking about the health of the people. According to the Ministry of Health, every day from diseases caused by smoking in Ukraine, 300 people died. The increased excise tax would make cigarettes less affordable, at least for the majority of children who are getting used to let the smoke still in school. "Yushchenko calls himself a fighter for the nation's health, but actually contributed to its extinction from tobacco", - says member of the Budget Committee of Verkhovna Rada Volodymyr Bondarenko.
Parliamentary coalition plans to overcome the prohibition of Viktor Andreyevich. The MPs argue that the additional budget revenues will be used to finance the army, judiciary and health. However, the guarantor may again become the Party of Regions. "Among the regionals is lobbyist for tobacco companies, which can support the decision of the President", - believes Mr. Bondarenko.

Health as a national idea

Doctors and demographers say that Ukraine as a territory will always exist. Another question: what people will live in it, if we, Ukrainians, will continue in the same spirit - as an irresponsible attitude towards their health.
Bermuda Triangle in Ukrainian
If you try to analyze the situation, it turns out that we ourselves are destroying their health. Today, you can blame their own government, the state of medicine, secret enemies that the Ukrainians as a nation is dying, but the fact remains a fact - almost all in this life depends on the person. "When they say: in order to improve the demographic situation in Ukraine, it is necessary to reform health care - that is nonsense - the director of the Institute of Demography and Social Research Institute NASU Ella Libanova. - By definition, the WHO experts, only 20% of the population's health depends on the state of medicine, and 50% - a way of life: food, alcohol, smoking, lack of physical activity.
A huge problem in our country - the lack of the ideal of health as a social prestige. Yet it is well placed accents in a developed society, where good health - an essential attribute of life. We, as in other FSU countries, the prestige is evaluated through the material well-being: a good car, apartment, villa. In achieving these goals man puts all his health, not thinking about that after he built a house, plant trees and grow up son, he has every chance of not seeing their grandchildren.
"Ukraine is in last place in Europe for the duration of life, worse than the situation in Russia - continues Ella Libanova. - I always say that in Ukraine there is a kind of Bermuda Triangle - men aged 40 to 60 practically disappear.
The root of evil in this case it is in human care attitude towards their health and great resourcefulness in the selection of prepositions ( "we" there "will" or "no time") to him not to watch. Most suffer those "heroes", with the dominant "socialist" attitude to their health: to transfer the disease to their feet - this is good, it means that a person sacrifices himself for his team and "common cause". Besides, he always postpones trip to the doctor, and then, perhaps, get to it already on a stretcher. Excuses become irrelevant only when a person hears the verdict of the doctor that would live only a few days or months.
"If we take the statistics, now in our country supersmertnost men - one in four die from lung cancer, one in ten of prostate cancer, one in five of stomach cancer, and the list goes on and on, - commented on the situation, Doctor of Medical Sciences, ex - Health Minister Yuri Spizhenko. - What determines the duration of life? From the three most important components: the environment, the state of medicine in the country and way of life. Yes, it is now impossible to clear all the rivers, recycle all the waste, but lifestyle change because you can. In simple words, the main principle of healthy living: eat less, move more. And this is already a lot of give. It would be a desire. Having bought the car, a man knows that he needs special care - inspection, high oil and gasoline, because the car had been invested large sums of money. Now evaluate yourself. Why are we lazy once in six months to go to the doctor for a visit? ".
Another point - self-medication. The main source of "advice" about what is useful and what is the best treatment, were the media and friends. On the TV show, as office workers maintain good spirits "superpoleznym" soup or instant noodles, children need every morning cereal or chips. A man in a white coat tells about various miracle drugs that can cure you of all diseases. How, after such a flow of "medical information" does not believe that much more familiar with the nutritionist and therapist sitting in the nearest clinic.
Price - health?
But still can not cast the whole burden of responsibility on the citizens. The momentum for the transition to a more civilized way of health care should give the state. According to the Executive Secretary of the Association of Psychiatrists of Ukraine, Director of the Ukrainian-American Bureau of Human Rights Semen Gluzman, Ukrainians are not inferior to their health than, for example, the Dutch. "We just conditions other - we are not accustomed to, when we explain that we, for example, eat. We are not accustomed to sports, just for the reason that we have no money. " Some simply can not afford to visit the section or fitness centers. "Recently I was with a colleague on a business trip in Switzerland. Four-hour trip to a health center with all the procedures cost us as much in a hundred hryvnia, "- says Ella Libanova. Of course, on those prices, ordinary Ukrainians could only dream of.
A great obstacle to a healthy lifestyle and health in general to the most is the level of material well-being. For if a man knows that he was sick, but he had no money for treatment, then until he gets the required amount in the body may already be taking an irreversible when the treatment is simply not help. And that is to speak of a qualitative survey in a private clinic, in which a general survey of the body will cost about two thousand hryvnia. For example, the $ 800 necessary to lay out a survey in a private clinic of one body for cancer, which is one of the leading causes of mortality among the population.
It should be noted that the decision of our citizens that go to the hospital or not affects the recent fashion of physicians to collaborate with some pharmaceutical companies.
"What's the point to go to the doctor if the patient is convinced that he understands the health care system better than him - said Semyon Gluzman. - Or the doctor thinks about how to pull money from the patient to unnecessary medication for you. We - the result of such education. For over eighteen years are not a reform in health care. Therefore, having received a prescription for medication, the patient is now twenty times think twice before they adopt. He has no confidence that the doctor does not cooperate with any company. First, the patient think about whether the doctor prescribed him the drugs, because they help improve their health, or welfare of the doctor.
Thinking about the future
The state of health of the nation need to think right now, worrying about the health of future generations. "I really disliked the fact that the health of our children begin to think and speak only when there are accidents - says Honored Master of Sport Denis Silantyev. - According to statistics, last year at school died four students who have had problems with the cardiovascular system. And the only way out of this situation, officials have seen only in reducing stress. I, as an athlete, I can say that the voyage as nothing else can help fight these diseases. But as the children can engage in this sport, if not in every region there are swimming pools, and if it is, they are just in terrible condition. There is no public health programs. I want to stress this point: in Ukraine beer and cigarettes more affordable than going to the gym. "
He is supported by Olympic champion gymnast Stella Zakharova: "Many politicians say they invest in the health of children, carried out charitable activities. Think what this money is invested - in treatment, but not in fact to prevent the disease.
Demographers say that "alter" the minds of people who are over fifty years, and change their outlook about their health is already useless, so the emphasis placed on the cost of people of younger age groups - up to thirty or younger.
The need for health appears, as a rule, in the case of the loss. As we do not think about our needs in the air and a healthy person does not notice the importance of caring about their health, perceiving it as a given. He believes in the sanctity and does not consider it necessary to take any special action to preserve and promote health, as well and all is well. Time to change the view that your health will think the state or anyone else. That is the question of healthy lifestyle and will focus on the cycle of materials on site "Glavred" in the nationwide program of Media Holding "Glavred Media", "Save the nation's health."

Bottles and cigarettes in mass-media will not be

According to positions of a part of first and second article 22 of the Law of Ukraine “About advertising”, since January, 1st, 2010 comes into force will lock to place advertising of tobacco products, alcoholic drinks and corresponding trade marks in all printing mass media (except specialised editions).
It was declared by the vice-president of the Supreme Rada Nikolay Tomenko.
As the press-service of the vice-speaker informs, he has urged to pay special attention on concept definition “the specialised edition”. As he said, in the law “About advertising” for today there is definition no "the specialised edition” in which alcohol and tobacco advertising is authorised accordingly, there is no such definition and in other laws.
At the same time, he has underlined that this fact at all does not stop Law action, and has called the Ministry of Justice together with the State committee of TV and broadcasting, profile parliamentary Committee and with attraction of experts and experts to make corresponding explanations on this question.
Let's remind, separate norms of the law “About modification of some acts of Ukraine about advertising”, accepted in March, 2008 and attracting toughening of advertising of alcoholic and tobacco products on January, 1st, 2009 have come into force.
This document has been initiated in due time by deputy N.Tomenko. In particular, since January it is forbidden to submit in telecasts any information of advertising character in the form of the announcer's text or a soundtrack about the sponsor-manufacturer of alcoholic drinks, to name his name (name) or to give a sign for the goods and services of the sponsor. Besides, since January, 1st external advertising of tobacco products and alcoholic drinks, advertising of signs for the goods and services, other objects of intellectual property right under which tobacco products or alcoholic drinks are issued is forbidden. Such advertising on transport also is forbidden.
Manufacturers of strong alcohol and tobacco products have declared that to such rigid requirements are ready, however the interdiction of advertising of alcohol will not promote reduction of consumption of alcohol and tobacco, but can strike powerful blow to a financial condition of television channels: for means from advertising of alcohol and tobacco those remove new programs, buy sports translations and serials.

Cigarettes debut in America

Peuple asks: Will the right of Pennsylvania, which came into force on January 1 requiring shops to sell only "fire safe" cigarettes are discount made the difference?
Raeford's mother and brother died in a fire in a house in July Homewood, which investigators blame on errant cigarette. Cora Mae Raeford, 83, was captured by the fire and smoke on the second floor of his house. Kenneth Raeford, 56, whom investigators believe was smoking on the porch, died at West Penn Hospital after suffering burns over most of his body.
"I do not believe that God makes mistakes," Raeford said last week. "But if he was on the spot, who knows if something would have been different.
"I will always miss my mother and brother. Sometimes you have to protect people from themselves, and this makes it possible to do so.
Fireproof cigarettes burn more slowly and self-extinguish if left unattended. Pennsylvania is one of 22 states, in addition to the District of Columbia, that their mandate. Fifteen other states have laws that take effect this year or next, according to the Coalition for fire-safe cigarettes.


The law will save lives, say supporters and fire protection.


Cigarette-related fires are the leading cause of home fire deaths, killing an average of 700 to 900 Americans a year, "said Charles of Lorraine, a spokesman for the National Fire Protection Association." We are very optimistic that these types of cigarettes will make significant improvements. "
Paper in fire-safe cigarettes is thicker in two or three points - rings less porous paper, which create "speed bumps" to prevent the smoldering paper from progressing in the direction of the stock, if a smoker does not accept drag and drop often enough.
Critics say the fire-smoke to try different papers and makes them harder to suck on cigarettes, to keep it burning.
"Mixed reviews", said, RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. Representative David Howard. "It's unique, and obviously has some adjustments. We are talking to customers has been no change in the mixture. ... Yes, we heard some (negative) reaction, while others stated that no changes at all."
RJ Reynolds would sell only fire-safe cigarettes by 2009, even in those states that are not their mandate, "said Howard.
Bill Phelps, spokesman for Altria, parent company of Phillip Morris USA, said that cigarette makers will continue to fire and regular cigarettes. He said Philip Morris would like to see a national standard to put in place, rather than a patchwork of state laws. Past attempts to implement federal legislation failed, causing a change in strategy to make state requirements, said U.S. Fire Administrator Gregory Cade.
Howard and Phelps said, using fire-safe instruments costs more than using standard instruments, but also companies and consumers will not absorb the price increase.
Fireproof cigarettes could save the lives of smokers and nonsmokers, said Deputy Fire Chief Pittsburgh Colleen Walz.
Cigarettes, which fell in wastebaskets or on the furniture can smolder and then ignite a smoker after leaving the area, putting others at risk, "she said.

JTI is women's cigarette market

Last transnational company, which entered into Slim cigarette market, was the JTI.

Recently Slims segment develops earlier than with the eyes. In 2004, the segment of the power in half (from 3.8 billion in 2003 to $ 6.27 billion in 2004). And, according to experts, this market will grow rapidly in 2005 also exceeded the number of cigarettes - 9 billion by the end of the year (or slightly less than 5% of the Russian tobacco market). Currently there are about 40 different brands of cigarettes on the market, among which is dominated by Vogue (BAT) and last year's sensation Esse (Korea Tobacco and Ginseng). This month, promising market niches will be enriched by a new brand in the middle

March JTI Epique company plans to launch the brand at the regional market, in St. Petersburg, then the brand will be launched throughout the Russian Federation. For JTI Epique is the first brand, thin cigarettes that are sold in Russia earlier, appeared thin Salem cigarettes, although Epique became the first thin cigarette brands produced at the St. Petersburg plant with Petro. Now there are two types of lanterns and lights cigarettes menthol. Tara and nicotine content in both varieties 7/0.6 MLG. Obviously, Epique is the first sign, and in the future, Russian smokers will be able to try other Slims cigarettes with JTI, which in comparison with other manufacturers Russian market is very cautious about new brands and launching new brands is taking into account the experience of competitors. Over the past few months, he is the second brand of woman, the production of JTI on Russian market at the end of last year the company began selling cigarettes Lucia (the smell of tobacco free cigarettes), which managed to gain popularity among Russian smokers in such a short period of time.

Alcohol and cigarettes prolong life

Italian survivor Rafael Moni, who is 109 years tells us that moderate use of alcohol helped her to maintain her health and strength throughout her life.

She was born in 1898 on the island of Sicily. Everyday before going to bed, she drinks a glass of vodka. This drink, as the elixir of life and youth for her. She lived for 76 years with her husband, and they lived a happy day together. In 1999, she became a widow, and this year, she lives alone. Although it is not only full, it is the head of 117 descendants. By the way, Rafael Moni is not only the citizens of Sicily, who is of age. Her compatriot, who is considered the oldest man in Italy, died when he was 112.

Ms. Mona is not the only one who drinks alcohol. Thus, the 100-year-old man in China Village Chijan Shutzin thinks that he can not live without cigarettes and alcohol. He started to smoke and drink, when he was young, and does so until that time when dining. His grandson is estimated that over their long lives grandfather drank 15 tons of vodka and smoked more than 1 ton of tobacco. In addition, he eats a lot. His usual meal includes 2 trotters, a dish of fat pork with rice, vegetables and fruits.

Action "Sea Wolves tobacco" in Feodosia

According to information received by the press service of the Coalition "Crimea smoke-free", 27.08.2009, in Feodosia will be action "Sea Wolves tobacco", aimed at combating smoking. Its organizers of the coalition will "Crimea smoke-free" and the Youth Association for unity.
On the day of the rally along the coast will be sent to the yacht under the scarlet sails "marines". Marines landed on the beach and will urge holidaymakers to abandon the habit, as well as distribute information materials and boxes.
The purpose of the event is to attract public attention to the adverse effects of smoking for smokers and those around them. Organizers also plan to demonstrate the need for special places for smoking.
Coalition "Crimea smoke-free" in operation since December last year, struggling with smoking in the Crimea and observing compliance with legislation in this area in the peninsula.