This morning, we took off for Komati to pick up a few items we needed at Spar Market and quickly stopped at the pharmacy. When we returned, I got to work to finish this post and upload it as soon as possible.
Today, I need to work on our big upcoming Amazon order, rounding out supplies we’ll need over the next year until we return to the US again in May 2026 for grandson Miles’s graduation. Then, granddaughter Madighan won’t graduate until 2028, after which all four grandchildren will have graduated from high school. From there, we’ll be looking at college graduations for four of the six grandchildren.
God willing, we’ll still be able to travel in the future. We’re doing everything possible to stay healthy and continue our exciting world travel plans. One life-changing, health-altering move Tom has made in the past year has been to quit smoking.
With his confirmed diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis after being exposed to asbestos and multiple other chemicals, after 42½ years of working on the railroad. This past September, while we were staying in Cleveland for my medical appointments, eight months ago, he quit smoking, cold turkey.
He’s quit many times in the past, but failed repeatedly. However, the seriousness of his lung condition finally convinced him he needed to stop once and for all. The frequent coughing also reminded him of how important it was for him to quit.
We were most worried about how he’d do in South Africa, especially when we spend every Friday and Saturday evening at Jabula, where smoking is allowed at the bar, where we sit to socialize and eat dinner.
South Africans frequently smoke. Here are some stats on smoking tobacco in South Africa and other countries:
As of 2021, approximately 23.9% of South African adults aged 15 and older reported smoking cigarettes, translating to about 10.4 million individuals. This figure places South Africa among the higher-prevalence countries globally. Tobacco Control Data
Global Comparison
According to the OECD, in 2015, South Africa had a daily smoking prevalence of 19.0% among individuals aged 15 and older, ranking it fourth among the countries surveyed. This rate is notably higher than in many high-income countries. For instance: NationMasterPMC
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United States: 10.7% (2019)
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Canada: 11.6% (2019)
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United Kingdom: 15.3% (2019)
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Australia: 12.4% (2016), NationMaster
Conversely, some countries exhibit higher smoking rates: NationMaster
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Turkey: 25.9% (2019)
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Estonia: 20.0% (2019)
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Italy: 19.3% (2019) NationMaster
These comparisons underscore the significant variation in smoking prevalence across different nations.
Gender and Age Disparities in South Africa
In South Africa, smoking prevalence is markedly higher among men (39.1%) compared to women (9.7%) as of 2021. Tobacco use is also more prevalent among middle-aged adults (25–64 years), likely due to higher disposable incomes within this demographic. Tobacco Control Data+1Tobacco Control Data+1Tobacco Control Data
Regional Context
Within the WHO African Region, South Africa ranks first in terms of the number of tobacco users, with an estimated 8.6 million individuals using tobacco products in 2022. This positions South Africa as a significant outlier in a region where many countries have lower smoking rates.Global Action to End Smoking.
No words can describe how pleased I am that he’s finally quit. He had to make this decision on his own, and there was nothing I could have said or done to convince him sooner.
No doubt, he still struggles several times each day. I support him when he freely expresses the ongoing challenge. I didn’t write about it for fear he’d fail again. However, now, he is comfortable with me writing about it today. As hard as it’s been, he feels confident he’s on the other side and can continue in his abstinence.
I am so proud of him and feel grateful to no longer be exposed to secondhand smoke daily. Here in South Africa, it’s difficult to avoid secondhand smoke entirely. Still, at Jabula, it’s minimal, with perhaps only one person smoking at a time in the open-air bar and restaurant.
We haven’t become outspoken naysayers about others smoking. It’s each person’s personal choice, and we have no interest in criticizing others for their choices.
Tonight, we’re off to Giraffe for dinner and Quiz Night. It’s a 1960s dress-up night, but with only one suitcase each, we don’t have anything to wear for the occasion. Thus, we won’t be dressing up. Instead, we’ll focus on the lively conversation in our group and socializing with the others.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, May 13, 2015:
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| A small lagoon between Anini Beach and Ke’e Beach, in Kauai. For more photos, please click here. |
Hi Jess,
Big congratulations to Tom in his quest to give up smoking.
My mum did the same after smoking for 62 years ! We nagged her constantly before but it had to be her decision ultimately.
She had 15 years of smoke free life in the end. Every day was a bonus.
Much love to you both
Kim xx
Kim, how brave of your mom to quit after 62 years. Happy to know you had a chance to spend some smoke free life with her. Tom says thank you for the encouragement!
Much love,
Jess & Tom
Good for you Tom! When Lane quit smoking he had a pencil that he used whenever he had the urge. He used it like a cigarette. Good luck!
Peggy, Tom says thank you. Loved the pencil idea. It’s the hand to mouth habit thats hard to break as well. Hope you both are doing great.
Much love,
Jess & Tom