By Faisal Ilyas
Co-Author: Joseph Real
East End residents have indicated that smoking cigarettes is the greatest health concern for themselves, their family, and others in the East End.
Although, the health risks of smoking are widely known, the hidden costs of smoking as a habit is often overlooked.
Let’s assume a Virginian who smokes a pack a day and works at minimum wage ($7.25) takes four 15 minute smoke breaks during their 8 hour shift. At the end of the month, the cost of smoking on the job is $145. After just one year, the opportunity cost of $1710 is lost every year simply from absence from work. When you add the cost of cigarettes, the cost is significantly greater. In Virginia the average pack of cigarettes costs is $5.25. The cost of a pack a day over the span of a year is $1916.25. Add that to the opportunity cost of absence from work and the habit on the surface costs $3626.25!! Thus number doesn’t take into account calling in sick because of health issues related to smoking. Assuming an 8-hour shift at minimum wage, one sick day can cost you $58.
According to WalletHub, Americans pay $326 billion dollars for the health care costs and premature death from smoking and second hand smoke1.
The Affordable Care Act allows health insurers premium charges by 25-75%. A smoker’s life insurance can also increases between 150-500% and can increase even more as you age.
The expense of cigarette smoking doesn’t end there. Often smokers will make a trip to the store for cigarettes and walk out with additional complimentary items which were not initially planned to be purchased. The associated cost of traveling, productivity lost, healthcare expenses, and laundry and other safeguards to mask the habit can cost up to $15,000 annually2. If a Virginian is working at minimum wage and netting about $12,000 annually, then the cost of smoking cigarettes has already accumulated debt for the smoker before the first year the habit has been formed.
According to the American Cancer Society, the estimated real cost of a pack of cigarettes is $35 and can be higher depending on various life circumstances and the state in which you reside.
Below is a valuable resource for smoking addiction for Virginians.
http://www.quitnow.net/virginia
The Virginia tobacco quitline is a FREE service that helps Virginians quit smoking and using tobacco.
When Can I call?
Virginians can call toll free 24/7
1-800-QUIT NOW or 1-800-784-8669
Who can call?
All Virginians aged 13 and older who want to quit using tobacco.
Specialized services provided for:
- Pregnant and perinatal smokers
- English and Spanish speaking Virginians
- Deaf and Heard-of-Hearing Community at TTY line 1-877-777-6534
What will You Receive?
- Free expert counseling from a trained Quit Coach
- Free personalized quit plan
- Free Self-Help Materials
References
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