Nicotine replacement therapy for a healthier nation

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Abstract
News p 1271 The aims of the British government's health policy are to improve the health of the population as a whole and to reduce health inequalities.1 Specific reductions in mortality in four areas (cardiovascular disease, cancer, accidents, and mental health) are set as targets. In the search for specific action to meet these targets helping people to stop smoking would seem to be an obvious candidate. The World Health Organisation has identified smoking as the single most important preventable cause of death in Europe.2 Cigarette smoking is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in two of the government's target areas: cardiovascular disease and cancer.1 Evidence continues to accrue of a contributory role for smoking in a range of other diseases, such as fractures of the hip due to reduced bone mineral density. The adverse health effects of smoking are …