Topic 1: Ban Smoking from Public Spaces

I strongly agree to the motion that smoking SHOULD be banned in public spaces. Public spaces include restaurants, hospitals, shopping malls, and schools.

Based on my observation, smoking is slowly being accepted by the modern generation. This 'bad habit' is no longer viewed as an immoral act or is it taboo to the modern generation. Let alone men who smoke proudly in public, the number of women who smoke shamelessly is also showing a drastic increase.

Like many other people, I can't stand being around someone who smokes constantly. I am not sure if its because of their bad breath, or is it the lack of respect they have towards themselves. Sorry for being frank, but the truth has to be told.

Recently, idebate.org carried out a survey to obtain opinions on the motion. As a result, 50% of the readers 'strongly agree' that smoking should be banned in public spaces. Wherelse, 17% of readers rated 'mildly agree', 'don't know' and 'mildly disagree' respectively. Based on these statistics, we do get a rough idea on people's response to the motion.

Before I proceed, let me ask you a question. Why do people smoke? Despite everything that various organizations has organized, this topic still falls on deaf ears. Despite efforts done by creative and hardworking scientists who invented various pills to combat this problem, the number of smokers don't seem to show a decrease. Why does the air still smell so contaminated? I'll salute those of you who dare to answer my question and provide me with a satisfactory explanation. Till date, my million dollar question is still left unanswered.

I decided to pose this question on 'Yahoo! Answers' and the feedback that I  received did nothing more than amaze me. I was amazed by how fickle-minded are people are becoming(I am not targetting this opinion of mine at anyone specific).

'A' said that smoking is  a form of relaxation after a tiring day at work.
My comment: If anyone has the same mindset as 'A', everyone should be smoking! Feeling tired and worn out is part and parcel of life as an employee. Besides, there are numerous other ways to relax. Try taking a nap, or even indulge yourself in a hobby to take your mind off work.

'B' said that smoking lowers risk of obesity.
My comment: Well, to be honest, this fact is scientifically proven because cigars contain nicotine which also acts as a appetite suppressant besides its addictive property.  Furthermore, smoking makes your food less tasty, causing you to lose your appetite. But for goodness sake, by smoking to prevent obesity, you will die due to countless other illnesses such as lung cancer, emphysema and bronchitis. If you really want to prevent obesity, try changing your lifestyle for a lasting effect!

Let us look beyond you and I. Let's take a look at the effects of smoking on the whole of humanity. Various international organizations want smoking to be banned in public spaces because exposing non-smokers to smoke goes against their rights. A recent research also proved that people who have partners who smoke have 20% to 30% increased risk of suffering from lung cancer. Doesn't that send chills down your spine? your partner  might be silently killing you!

Furthermore, World Health Organization(WHO) also confirmed that non-smokers are also exposed to the same amount of carcinogens as smokers. Now you tell me, how can we allow someone who does not smoke to suffer the same consequences as a smoker? What if the person involved is a child? Aren't we indirectly ruining his/her future? This goes against a humans right to live.

I strongly support the motion because it will encourage more people to stop smoking to abide the law. This in total will significantly reduce health care costs incurred by the government in providing health care services for government servants.

With less money spent on civilian's health, the money paid by tax-payers can be used to develop the nation. Better education facilities can be built, to produce the younger generation of better quality.  This is crucial in efforts to improve the economic downfall suffered by many countries worldwide.

Rather than trying to stop everyone from smoking, we should try to inspire those around us first. Sooner or later, this circle of awareness will spread and present a better future for all of us.

Highly Debated Topics..

Hello there, and I am back to voice out my opinions on certain issues that are currently making headlines and is causing a stir in international debates.

Well, there is no reason for anyone to completely agree with me, but everything I write here is my personal opinion.

I initially wanted this blog to be all about leading a healthy lifestyle and making changes to your outlook on life(trust me, weight loss really changes the person you are), but then I noticed that there are many issues that really need to be discussed.

Therefore, I announce that besides writing on topics to lose weight and lead a healthy lifestyle, I will also be writing on highly debated issues I find online.

Having a keen interest on health issues, I would also like to hear from all of you. So, please let me know if you have contradictory opinions on certain issues. You comments are priceless to me.

I really don't know how often will I be posting topics and my responses, but I'll try to post entries as often as possible.

Have a great day and hope to hear from ya'll real soon.

XOXO, Gayathri Priya

Gulp.. The First Step!

Let's face it. No matter what size you are, you would want to shed a few pounds.

Well, I am here to help those of you who might have trouble starting off.

My first step to losing weight was cutting down my portions.

But, I still ate everything that I loved.

After a few weeks, my friends pointed out that I looked slightly thinner. That was like a booster to me.

Therefore, I suggest that you cut down your portions first. This won't force you to restrict yourself from the food you loved. Furthermore, you wouldn't want to binge eat afterwards.

I guarentee you that you will start seeing the results in a few weeks.

Choosing the Healthier Lifestyle.

Firstly, I'd like to congratulate you for visiting my website. This shows that you want to make a lifestyle change, but might not exactly know how to.

Well, lucky for you, that is my goal. To inspire many more people to lead a healthier lifestyle.

I'm sure you wouldn't want to read a blog without knowing a little about the author.

Well, I am Gayathri Priya, a Malaysian teenager(as of now) who has just finished her schooling and want to make the best of all the free time at hand. I'll tell you a little about my future plans. I want to attend medical school and pursue a career as a doctor and hopefully make changes to peoples lives.

I have always wanted to become a doctor and nothing else has ever crossed my mind.

Well, enough about me.  The reason I made this blog to help you start making small changes in you life that will make you look better, younger and more energetic.

I know it sounds a little chiche, but you'll be amazed with the changes.

How can you be so sure? You may ask. Well, I have first hand experience on losing weight. I have lost 20 kilos, which is equivalent to 44 pounds in the last 2 years.

That might not be such a great achievement as compared to other people who drastically shed their weight, but I am happy with it.

I took me a long time to start making a move. And thankfully, I have become a more cheerful and enthusiastic young individual.

I have spent many hours online, doing research to answer my questions on losing weight and leading a healthier lifestyle, besides talking to people who have undergone the transformation  themself to gain more input. Therefore, I'd like to share my experience with you.

It is not going to be an east ride ahead. But, with determination and support, you'll succeed and lead a better life.

If you would like to get in touch with me, you can e-mail me at gayathri_lavigne@yahoo.com.
And I will try my level best to help you out.

Let's live a longer, happier and more contented life!