Many things contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome: 1  Heredity is the most important factor-carpal tunnels are smaller in some people, and this trait can run in families. 2  Hand use over time can play a role. 3  Hormonal changes related to pregnancy can play a role.
Smoking costs the average smoker at least $1.1 million over a lifetime, according to a WalletHub state-by-state analysis of the financial cost of the habit. Alaska had the highest total cost per smoker at a little more than $2 million, followed by Connecticut at almost $2 million and New York at $1.9 million.
The new study was conducted from 1995 to 1999. The average cost of a pack of 20 cigarettes was $2.92 in 1999, the study said, but it gave no indication of how much of that amount went for taxes. The agency said it analyzed expenses, both personal and for the health care industry, and used national medical surveys to calculate the costs to the nation.