Experts already know that women who start smoking increase their risk of a heart attack by more than men who take up the habit, although it is not clear why.

BBC: Smoking 'poses bigger risk to women'

But anti-tobacco advocates suspect that it is really aimed at getting youngsters to take up the smoking habit.

ECONOMIST: Big Tobacco cut down to size, yet again | The

In particular, many take exception to the brokers' habit of charging customers a commission while simultaneously pocketing sweeteners from insurers.

ECONOMIST: Insurance broking

As Americans kick the smoking habit, investors in these securities may take the hit as dwindling cigarette sales cause payments to fall off a cliff.

FORBES: Bondholders Likely to Suffer From States' Tobacco-Funding Addiction

The report recommends that movie ratings take into account smoking scenes and suggests that strong advertisements about the dangers of the habit precede such films.

BBC: Tobacco use in movies 'falling'

However, it is still a personal work habit or learned behavior that the employee has to take to heart.

FORBES: Reevaluating Performance Management

Without question, unreliable professionals will certainly struggle when trying to get ahead in the workplace, so take action today to overcoming this career-limiting habit.

FORBES: How to Be a More Reliable Professional

The mobile form factor drives a habit-inducing simplicity that will grab and take hold of more and more consumer spending.

FORBES: Winners and Losers In The Last-Second Economy

Many of life's pleasures, unfortunately, are both unhealthy and habit-forming, but people do have a choice about whether to take them up in the first place.

ECONOMIST: Blowing smoke