Use of 'disregarding' at the beginning of a sentence

[Offroad]

Dear teachers,

Am I right with the following interpretation?

If the number of smokers and drinkers are not equal and never will be unless youngsters start drinking and smoking at the same time, there is no point in duplicating these numbers/rates.

Interpretation:

1. Disregarding other diseases, the number of sick people who do heavy drinking and smoking can be predicted if the behaviour of youngsters is known.
   
2. The number of smokers and drinkers are not equal and only will be if youngsters start drinking and smoking simultaneously.

Very much appreciated.

Offroad

 

[SoothingDave]

1. Who said anything about diseases or sick people?
2. Yes, but the point of the original sentence is that this will never be true.

 

[Offroad]

1. Who said anything about diseases or sick people?
You're right. I forgot to mention that the rates describe the amount of sick people.
2. Yes, but the point of the original sentence is that this will never be true.
Unless they do drinking and smoking simultaneously.

Apart from my misinterpretation, do the sentences read well?

Thanks

Offroad

 

[emsr2d2]

I​ would not use "people who do heavy smoking and drinking". I would say "People who drink and smoke heavily" or "Heavy drinkers and smokers".