This assignment will begin by providing a brief definition of health while presenting a discussion of an individual's exploration of healthy choices. The purpose of this assignment is to examine the effects of healthy choices and the implications that may arise from them. In addition, current social policies related to health and society, as well as the effects of smoking during pregnancy will also be discussed. “Health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being and not simply the absence of disease or infirmity” (World Health Organization, 2011) This definition was first cited in the International Health Conference in July 1946, and it has remained the same. Health is a way of life that reflects on each individual. Factors such as the condition of your body impact your overall health. Additionally, if an individual is fit and in good shape, they are more likely to make healthy choices. Currently, around 10 million adults smoke in Britain (BBC News 2007). Take the example of cigarettes. Most of the known effects of smoking include heart disease, lung cancer, heart attacks and many more. However, adults around the world constantly adopt this habit which ultimately deteriorates one's health. The number of women who started smoking during pregnancy has increased significantly and continues to rise, despite government targets to reduce it (BBC Health). Statistics reveal that one in three pregnant women continue to smoke, despite current social policies and campaigns to help them quit. Campaigns including smoke free NHS, NHS stop smoking services and local stop smoking clinics are available where women can...... middle of document ...... health advice 26: Stop smoking during pregnancy and after childbirth: publication date June 2010 http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/live/13023/49345/49345.pdf page 6Nice: The guidelines aim to protect thousands of unborn babies and young children against the harms of tobacco: updated June 23, 2010 http://www.nice.org.uk/newsroom/pressreleases/UnbornBabiesSmallChildrenTobaccoHarm.jsp [Date of consultation 01/12 /2011]http://www.who.int/suggestions/faq/en/index.html [Accessed 08/12/2011]http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-14104526 [Accessed 8/12/2011] Scolders, caregivers or friends: the contrasting communication styles of South African midwives when discussing smoking cessation with pregnant women - Midwives, volume 27, number 4 , August 2011, pages 519-520 Katherine Everett-Murphy, Jeske Paijmans, Krisela Steyn, Catherine Matthews, Maria Emmelin, Zaino Peterson