This year smoking was a hot topic!
Smoking addiction was in the spotlight following the Health Minister's decision to amend South Africa's laws around tobacco and nicotine use – whether in the form of cigarettes, cigars, "rollies" or newer electronic devices.
The proposed laws also crack down on things that makes tobacco use enticing, such as advertising and fancy branding. These will either be banned altogether, or replaced by graphic, harrowing imagery, showing the effects smoking can have on your body.
Off-putting are the ever-increasing price of these items, the fact that restaurants may no longer have a smoking section, and that it's just becoming harder and harder to smoke because "designated areas" are becoming harder to find.
Many of you are considering giving smoking the boot in the new year, and to help you on your way, we've put together 10 of our top stories to help make the journey a little easier:
1. SEE: How many people smoke around the world?
The statistics might surprise you...
2. This is why your vanilla or cinnamon flavoured e-cigarette is toxic
Those enticing smells wafting from your e-cigarette may pose health risks.
3. Could one cigarette a day kill you?
A minimal amount of smoking can cause damage – even if you're not a regular smoker. Here's why.
4. Would you quit smoking for money?
Smokers who are offered cash incentives are far more likely to give up cigarettes than those who are simply offered tips on how to quit, a study found.
5. How to create your own quit-smoking plan
Change the habits that foster your tobacco use and it will be easier to quit smoking for good.
6. Secondhand smoke bad for pets as well
Dogs and cats not only breathe in tobacco smoke, but can also ingest harmful substances by licking their owner's hair, skin and clothes, an expert warns.
7. Teen vapers are more likely to become frequent smokers
A survey of Los Angeles students found that teens who vape frequently are more than twice as likely to start smoking on a weekly basis.
8. Here's how vaping can cause cancer
In studies, lab mice exposed to e-cigarette smoke had more DNA damage in the heart, lungs and bladder, compared with control mice.
9. Quitting smoking? Even a little exercise can help you stay slim
Best results in limiting weight gain after quitting smoking were found in women who engaged in 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity per week.
10. 10 smoking myths people still believe
Are you justifying your smoking addiction with any of the following claims? We separate fact from fallacy.