Smokers who quit for a week could save a day of their life, experts saySmokers have been urged to kick the habit in the new year after new analysis shows how much of their lives are lost by each cigarette smoked. Men lose 17 minutes of life with every cigarette they smoke while a woman’s life is cut short by 22 minutes with each cigarette, experts have estimated. This is more than previous estimates, which suggest that each cigarette shortens a smoker’s life by 11 minutes. The new estimates, which suggest that each cigarette leads to 20 minutes loss of live on average across both genders, are based on more up-to-date figures from long-term studies tracking the health of the population. Researchers from University College London said that the harm caused by smoking is “cumulative” and the sooner a person stops smoking, and the more cigarettes they avoid smoking, the longer they live. The new analysis, commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care, suggests that if a 10-cigarettes-a-day smoker quits on January 1, then by January 8 they could “prevent loss of a full day of life”. By February 20, their lives could be extended by a whole week. And if their quitting is successful until August 5, they will likely live for a whole month longer than if they had continued to smoke. The authors added: “Studies suggest that smokers typically lose about the same number of healthy years as they do total years of life. Make 2025 the year you quit smoking for good. There’s lots of free support available to help you. Find out more 🔽 https://t.co/J0ehnoRM1D pic.twitter.com/LQpUp6HJBm — WHH 🏥 (@WHHNHS) December 27, 2024 “Thus smoking primarily eats into the relatively healthy middle years rather than shortening the period at the end of life, which is often marked by chronic illness or disability. “So a 60-year-old smoker will typically have the health profile of a 70-year-old non-smoker.” The analysis, to be published in the Journal of Addiction, concludes: “We estimate that on average, smokers in Britain who do not quit lose approximately 20 minutes of life expectancy for each cigarette they smoke. “This is time that would likely be spent in relatively good health. “Stopping smoking at every age is beneficial but the sooner smokers get off this escalator of death the longer and healthier they can expect their lives to be.” Dr Sarah Jackson, principal research fellow from the UCL Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group, said: “It is vital that people understand just how harmful smoking is and how much quitting can improve their health and life expectancy. “The evidence suggests people lose, on average, around 20 minutes of life for each cigarette they smoke. “The sooner a person stops smoking, the longer they live. “Quitting at any age substantially improves health and the benefits start almost immediately. “It’s never too late to make a positive change for your health and there are a range of effective products and treatments that can help smokers quit for good.” There are so many reasons to quit smoking this New Year – for your health, for more money, and for your family. Make a fresh quit for 2025 – find tips and support at https://t.co/GyLk65o8kS or https://t.co/iW6WLxTL00 pic.twitter.com/KxPZ5N378y — North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust (@NTeesHpoolNHSFT) December 27, 2024 Health officials have said that smokers can find advice, support and resources with the NHS Quit Smoking app, as well as the online Personal Quit Plan. Public health minister Andrew Gwynne said: “Smoking is an expensive and deadly habit and these findings reveal the shocking reality of this addiction, highlighting how important it is to quit. “The new year offers a perfect chance for smokers to make a new resolution and take that step.” Commenting on the paper, Professor Sanjay Agrawal, special adviser on tobacco at the Royal College of Physicians, said: “Every cigarette smoked costs precious minutes of life, and the cumulative impact is devastating, not only for individuals but also for our healthcare system and economy. “This research is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address cigarette smoking as the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the UK.”
Nordson's EVP Jennifer McDonough sells $68k in stock
A €5 BILLION ‘black hole’ has been uncovered in Fine Gael’s spending plan in the party’s manifesto. The figure is contained in the section of the manifesto which looks at how much Fine Gael would spend over the next five years. It shows that the party has not allocated enough money to cover its new spending commitments as well as what is estimated to be needed to maintain the existing level of services. The discovery is an uncomfortable one for the government party, which puts responsible management of the public finances at the centre of its pitch to voters. The ‘black hole’ came to light after Trinity economics professor Dr Barra Roantree wrote a piece for his Substack on Thursday evening about the three main parties’ . This piece was subsequently published on on Friday morning. Fine Gael contacted Dr Roantree after the piece was published to clarify some of the information in it – inadvertently revealing in the clarification the existence of the ‘black hole’. Roantree had contacted Fine Gael before the initial piece was finished but the party had not responded. The ‘black hole’ is in the party’s plan for current – or day-to-day – voted expenditure between now and 2030. This is a huge figure which is made up of central government department spending and is approved by a vote of the Dáil each year. Roantree notes that this figure is not a comprehensive one for government spending – it doesn’t include most social welfare expenditure, for example – but it is the best figure available. “It is the only aggregate measure of spending each of the three largest parties have provided information on,” he said. Fine Gael says current voted spending will increase by €26.4 billion under a FG government. However this leaves a gap of €5.5 billion when the party’s new spending commitments (€9.3 billion) are added to what the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) says is needed to maintain the existing level of services (€22.6 billion), giving a total of €31.9 billion – significantly more than the €26.4 billion FG has suggested. “Fine Gael have instead referenced a figure of €15.5 billion for the cost of maintaining the existing level of services alongside €1.7 billion in an unspecified contingency,” Roantree said. “This simply isn’t credible. We have an independent Fiscal Advisory Council who have clearly and transparently calculated the cost of maintaining the existing level of services. Instead Fine Gael choose to use a figure based on their own – unpublished – workings that is more than €5 billion per year lower.” Fine Gael had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication. The research also found significant – albeit smaller – gaps in Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin’s spending plans. Roantree notes that both parties have pencilled in €20 billion per year by 2030 for maintaining existing services, which is significantly less – €2.5 billion per year – than what the IFAC has said will be needed. “This raises serious questions for the three major parties about the credibility of their spending plans as we enter into very uncharted waters,” Roantree said, suggesting that party manifestos need to be objectively costed and tested.The tech giant Nvidia has been at the forefront of the AI revolution throughout 2023, with its stock skyrocketing in value following its incredible technological advances and partnerships. The company reached a monumental status earlier in the year, even surpassing Apple at one point, though it had to retreat to second place later. Nvidia’s recent earnings report reflected its significant strides, with revenue surging by 94% to $35.1 billion and profits hitting new highs. Despite this success, Nvidia shares experienced a surprising dip after reaching a peak of $152.89 in late November. The stock has declined 15% as of mid-December, puzzling investors amid a generally rising market. The underlying cause of this pullback isn’t entirely clear, as there hasn’t been any singular event to trigger such a decline. There are, however, various contributing factors, including China’s probe into Nvidia’s 2019 acquisition of networking product company Mellanox, a move seen as anti-competitive by some. Moreover, there is increasing concern over growing competition in AI, as other companies reveal their gains in the sector. Broadcom’s recent strong AI growth forecasts highlight this trend, suggesting the AI pie is being split more widely. Despite these headwinds, Nvidia’s future prospects remain promising, bolstered by robust demand for its products, particularly the new Blackwell platform. The company anticipates continued revenue growth in the forthcoming quarters, positioning itself as a leader in innovative AI solutions. Investors are considering whether Nvidia’s current dip offers a strategic buying opportunity, given its sustained growth and competitive edge amidst a shifting tech landscape. Why Nvidia’s Stock Dip Could Be a Strategic Buying Opportunity In 2023, Nvidia has solidified its position as a leader in the AI industry, with impressive growth and innovation, although its recent stock performance has puzzled investors. Despite reaching peak heights earlier in the year, Nvidia experienced a surprising 15% decline in stock value by mid-December. Understanding this fluctuation requires a closer look at several new aspects that have emerged in the tech landscape. Trends in AI Competition Nvidia’s dominance in AI is being challenged as more companies push forward with innovative solutions. A notable player, Broadcom, has forecasted significant growth in AI, signaling that market competition is intensifying. As more corporations engage in AI development, the distribution of market share — or the “AI pie” — becomes more complex. This competition could pressure Nvidia to continue innovating and expanding its offerings to maintain its edge. The Mellanox Acquisition Concerns One factor contributing to Nvidia’s current stock volatility is the scrutiny surrounding its 2019 acquisition of Mellanox, a company specializing in networking products. China’s investigation into this acquisition raises concerns about potential anti-competitive behaviors, which may impact investor confidence. Maintaining transparency and compliance with international trade regulations will be crucial for Nvidia to navigate this situation successfully. Key Product Developments: The Blackwell Platform Nvidia’s future growth is significantly linked to its groundbreaking Blackwell platform, which is poised to meet the increasing demand for sophisticated AI solutions. This platform symbolizes Nvidia’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of technological advancements, promising new features that could redefine AI processing capabilities. Analyzing the Stock Dip The recent dip in Nvidia’s stock has left investors wondering if it’s an opportune moment to invest. Analysts highlight that despite temporary setbacks, Nvidia’s long-term trajectory remains optimistic. This decline may represent a strategic buying opportunity for investors who believe in the company’s sustained innovation and market leadership. Predictions and Future Prospects Nvidia’s outlook suggests continued revenue growth, driven by the expanding AI sector and the consistent demand for its cutting-edge products. The company’s adaptability in a competitive market will be crucial for maintaining its leadership position. Investors are advised to watch Nvidia’s moves in handling competition and regulatory challenges. In summary, while Nvidia faces momentary challenges in the stock market and competition, it remains a formidable force in the AI domain. The current dip might be seen as a temporary setback or a strategic entry point for new investors, who could benefit from Nvidia’s ongoing innovation and market dominance. For more information and updates, visit the official Nvidia website at Nvidia .Church of Scientology Food Drive Makes Thanksgiving Special for 300 Local FamiliesCorporate regulator suing Rex, directors over breaches