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Every year, globally, 1.8 million people die due to lung cancer. Do you want to know the reason behind this? It’s Tobacco! So, how many more deaths are sufficient to realize that momentary happiness from consuming tobacco and smoking is not worth it?
Day by day, yearly, these products only deteriorate health and become the largest cause of cancer. According to reports, 7 in 10 teens are estimated to be aware of e-cigarettes. With such high demand and consumption of tobacco, people worldwide are adopting steps to prevent, reduce, and abstain from it.
Synopsis
Significance of World NoTobacco Day
Every year, on 31st May, World No Tobacco Day is observed globally. This day marks the occasion to inform and educate people about alarming health signals caused by tobacco consumption. This day was formalized in 1987 by member states of the WHO - World Health Organisation to acknowledge the tobacco epidemic globally as it has become important to make people realize this preventable disease and how they can help protect future generations from falling into this trap.
The theme for 2024 is "Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference". Data from 2022 indicates that globally, about 37 million young people between the ages of 13 and 15 years use some form of tobacco. This campaign aims to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of smoking and the influence of tobacco products on the young.
How Is Tobacco Harmful to Health?
Consuming tobacco adversely affects human health. It is the leading cause of cancer in India, and it is also a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and COPD. Tobacco use can also lead to premature death.
A variety of health problems that are associated with Tobacco use include:
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Cancer of the digestive organs like the pancreas, liver, mouth, oesophagus, and stomach
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Heart diseases – heart attacks, stroke, and heart failure
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Lung diseases – chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
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Other diseases such as Diabetes, Neurovascular complications, and Neurological disorders like stroke, SVID (Small Vessel Ischemic Disease), and vascular dementia.
Consult our pulmonology hospital in Salem if you need treatment for reducing the smoking effects on lungs.
How to Break the Habit of Tobacco Consumption?
Tobacco and smoking are types of habits inducing consumables. You may find it impossible to abstain from consuming them; however, certain substances in them make it difficult for you to forget and not eat.
But, by adopting a few tips, you can take your first step toward the right path and eliminate deadly diseases caused by tobacco and smoking:
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Use nicotine replacement therapy.
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Avoid places or events that trigger the need to smoke.
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Chew sugarless gum or hard candies.
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Talk to your doctor. They can help you develop a plan to quit and can provide support and medication if needed.
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Join a quit-smoking program. There are many programs available, both online and in person.
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Stress is a common trigger for smoking. Find healthy ways to cope with stress - exercise daily, follow relaxation techniques (meditation, yoga), or spend time with friends and family.
Consult a pulmonologist in Salem if you are suffering from the effects of tobacco and need medical intervention.
Spread the Word!
People often ignore the fact that the consumption of tobacco and smoking affects health and life. One can only realize this when health goes out of the picture, and the only solution is counting the last days of life and thinking about what-ifs. The second choice is to quit the day you're reading this, whatever the time, situation, and preference. It can be a difficult, impossible, punishing, or burdensome task. But it will definitely be the only correct path to follow.
Tobacco affects not only consumers' minds and bodies but also the family, country, society, economy, nature, and, in turn, everyone in the chain. Using resources, videos, and tips, even you can switch to a good life, securing the best for future generations.
FAQ's
Yes, tobacco use is harmful to everyone, not just smokers. Unborn babies and people who don't smoke can also be harmed by tobacco use due to second-hand smoke and years of substance abuse. If you smoke cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, or use smokeless tobacco, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health.
Tobacco use (smoking) is a major risk factor for various chronic, life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, lung disease, heart disease, and stroke.
World No Tobacco Day aims to raise awareness about the side effects of consuming tobacco on people and communities.
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