Software Techies puff away stress

According to city doctors, stress is often used as an excuse by the techies to start smoking. With hefty pay packets drawn by the software professionals, fashion statement is largely associated with smoking habits. Citing Who figures, doctors said smoking binge is increasing in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad.

And it is not only the boys who are choking their lungs, a large number of women IT professionals have also opted for the cancer stick. "I picked the habit from one of my friends. It relieves me from stress. I think it is just like any other stress-buster like coffee and tea," said a woman employee of a leading software company. Despite concerted efforts by the state government to generate awareness about the ill effects of smoking, cigarettes continue to claim hundreds of lives every year in the city.

"Smoking among girls in Hyderabad is on the rise. Though there are no readily available figures on the number of girls who smoke, studies say their number is increasing especially in the metros," Dr Kandi said. The Who report said most of the girls who smoke come from extremely high or equally low economic groups. "The warning on a cigarette pack is often a good deterrent against smoking. But personally for me, it relieves stress," said Mr. K Sugunadhar, a businessman. Doctors warn that smokers lose 15 years of their life compared to non-smokers.