PostHeaderIcon Short lifespan of Russians blamed on alcohol and tobacco



If the average age of death is 78 years among American men and about 64 among Filipinos, with Russian men, its below 60 years old. More than half of all Russian deaths at ages 15 to 54 can be attributed to alcohol and/or to cigarette smoking.

“A study published in the British medical journal, The Lancet, finds alcohol and tobacco consumption account for Russia's higher death rate compared to western Europe.”----VOA (08/24/09, Ardayeva, A)

United Nations disclosed that the Russian population is shrinking by half a percent per year due early deaths. The demographic crisis which alarms authorities makes deaths more common than births. Though the government launched an advertising campaign to discourage smoking and drinking, cigarette is peddled cheaply at 30 cents per pack and beer at less than a 1 dollar per bottle. It is said the average Russian adult drinks 50 bottles of vodka per year. (Photo Credit: fiona@flickr) =0=

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