Smoking Ban In New York Improves Heart Attack Rates

The American Journal of Public Health recently published a study of heart attack cases in New York State after analyzing 10 years of data — from 1994 to 2004. Researchers found that the number of hospital admissions was around 8% lower (or 3,813 fewer admissions) than expected for 2004, according to the New York Times. 

The article reported that the average cost was $14,772 for a single heart attack hospital admission, which translates into a savings of around $56.3 million.

Researchers also wanted to measure the effects of New York"s Clean Indoor Air Act, which banned smoking in bars, restaurants, and any place workers received tips. They found the smoking ban significantly helped the reduction of heart attack admissions, after taking into consideration all outside factors contributing to a lower hospital admission rate.

By now, we all know how bad smoking is for your health. But here"s another reason to quit: Quitting smoking can also reduce your health insurance rates. Insurance company can charge as much as 3 times more in premiums for smokers. So kick the habit and save on health insurance. Many companies will consider you for non-smoker rates after you"ve gone a full year without tobacco.