Smoking could make you impotent, then kill you.

Multiple studies have shown that nicotine, the addictive drug found in cigarettes, is directly linked to erectile dysfunction.  See this link for a good article on the issue.  It is also well documented that smoking and other tobacco products can kill you or accelerate disease in just about every system and organ of the human body.

May 31 is declared as World No Tobacco Day with the theme "The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control".  The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, is a treaty created through the World Health Organization in 2005. It has 170-member nations who helps each other in preparing a solution to tobacco control.  Here are some key facts on the effects of tobacco use on health:

• Tobacco kills up to half of its users. 
• The tobacco epidemic kills nearly six million people per year. 
• Without urgent action, the death toll could rise to more than eight million by 2030.
•  More than 80 per cent of the world's one billion smokers live in low- and middle-income countries such as Guyana. 
• Total consumption of tobacco products is increasing globally, though it is decreasing in some high-income and upper middle-income countries

In Guyana all health facilities are smoke free zones while 70 corporate entities have also pledged to observe the no smoking policy.

The Ministry of Education has also declared all schools as ‘smoke free zones’. A campaign was launched in September 2007 which ensures Guyanese students, teachers as well as parents are aware of the dangers of smoking. 

Tobacco is the second leading cause of death globally, resulting in nearly five million deaths a year. (GINA)