smoking

Rates of diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disorders, certain cancers and other non-communicable diseases are increasing globally, and a growing body of evidence links lifestyle behaviors, such as physical inactivity, poor nutrition and smoking, to the increase.

The call often comes in like this one: “My client does something called vaping.  It’s not like smoking cigarettes—it’s much less toxic.   He doesn’t do it that often.  He can get a non-tobacco policy, right?”  So, what is vaping?   How toxic is it if at all?  And can you get a non-tobacco policy?

Smoking cessation has been a large contributor to improving mortality over the past few decades and tobacco use, amongst adults and teens, is at an all-time low. However, the trend of vaping and e-cigarettes has exploded. What are the implications for insurers?

Despite its dwindling popularity in many countries, smoking remains the leading preventable cause of illness and premature death in the world.

Fewer Americans are getting cancer, and more of those who do are surviving the disease, according to a new study.

This popular post from 2012 has been updated with recent research.

Many people incorrectly believe smoking this way is less harmful than using cigarettes, especially with non-tobacco products for use in hookah pipes often marketed as a “healthier” alternative to flavoured tobaccos. But this method of smoking itself poses significant health risk.

http://www.genre.com/knowledge/blog/why-hookah-pipes-arent-a-healthier-w...

E-cigarettes, the tobacco-free devices that deliver nicotine in an aerosol vapor, appeal almost exclusively to current and recent smokers. Fewer than 1% of people who have never smoked use e-cigarettes.

http://www.genre.com/knowledge/publications/rm16-1-en.html

Sentry Life Insurance Company and the National Association of Insurance Marketers (NAIM) announced today a joint marketing agreement to offer Commit to Quit, a new term life insurance product designed specifically for cigarette smokers who want to live smoke-free.

http://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/2015/08/05/new-life-insurance-produ...

Marijuana users, who can now buy weed without fear of arrest in some U.S. states, can also get life insurance without facing a smoker penalty -- if they shop carefully.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-06-30/weed-users-avoid-smoke...