In 2016 it was revealed that Britain is leaving the EU after the controversial referendum. Having been busy revising for my mock examinations, I had not taken much consideration into what effects Brexit could have. Having researched the multitude of consequences it is clear that the NHS is the main issue that leaving the EU will affect. It is apparent that the EU sustains the NHS in various ways. Dr. Mark Porter, BMA chief claims that “Anyone who attacks the contribution to this country of people from around the world, attacks us all. They attack many of us personally, but they attack every one of us because the health service we love would not exist without their contribution.” However, Brexit did predict that migration could have meant a 4.25 million population increase by 2030, which would have hastened demand for services such as A&E by 46%. This supports the argument still that we have a blurred vision of our health prospects.
Certain people believe that Brexit will now make it easier for the UK government to make changes to those employed in the NHS. Nevertheless, having been a member of the EU, Britain had to abide to principles such as the European Working Time Directive which warrants that employees are not overworked. Without rights and rules enforced upon Britain, will workers still be offered fair working hours, rights, maternity, and paternity leave? In addition, Britain now has no influence over the European Medicines Agency, a key organization that regulates the approval of the uses of different drugs.
To conclude, leaving the EU is going to impact our health service significantly. It could potentially bring more money into the NHS but conversely could spell the end of the NHS. The referendum has definitely imposed an unknown future onto the NHS; we can only hope that our future health care is sustainable with a new Brexit government leading.
Whilst many a 21st Century teenager may argue that vaping is good, or at least not as harmful as smoking, it’s now proven that we should definitely not be using it as an alternative to cigarettes. Whether or not you think puffing out a breath full of harmful carcinogens makes you seem like the coolest kid on the block, you can face a life of long-term health problems having only vaped a hand full of times. Nicotine is a large component of most E-liquids and years of study on NRT and Swedish snus users show that nicotine without combustion poses a considerable risk for adverse heart events or stroke. It does increase heart rate and blood pressure temporarily. So, for those with severe cardiovascular disease, nicotine or any substance that might affect even short-term heart function — is probably best avoided.
3 humans, sociably conducting a brain cell homicide, whilst leaning on a building. (Above)
Moreover, recent studies have suggested that vape pens are equally as accessible for young children as alcohol is. Vaping was designed to reduce the number of people who smoke, but could this not just lead to more smokers? Additionally, many use lithium-ion batteries that are prone to exploding. Unsurprisingly, this can cause direct and serious damage to any area it is exposed to, presenting a huge risk. It is because of these reasons that I and many others would urge young people particularly, to stop vaping.
Thanks.