World No Tobacco Day is observed annually on May 31 to raise awareness about the health risks associated with the use of tobacco. The day also promotes appropriate policies to discourage tobacco usage and quit smoking.
World No Tobacco Day emphasises the importance of quitting tobacco, which then improves overall health and reduces the risk of serious health problems. The day also serves as a crucial reminder of the need to end tobacco for a healthier, smoke-free future.
According to the
World Health Organisation (WHO), over eight million people are killed every year due to tobacco use. The day was established in 1987 by the WHO.
Risks of tobacco Tobacco consumption is a major cause of a range of health issues. These conditions are not only dangerous but can be fatal.
Here are some of the harmful effects of tobacco:.
Cancer: Smoking causes many types of cancer, including lung, mouth, throat, liver, stomach, and ovarian cancer.
Lung disease: It causes lung disease by damaging the airways and the small air sacs (alveoli) present in the lungs. It causes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Pregnancy complications and reduced fertility: Smoking during pregnancy has a bad impact on the baby’s health. It can lead to early birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. In men, it affects sperm count and reduces fertility in both men and women.
Cardiovascular Disease: The use of tobacco will increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It also damages blood vessels and can make them thicken and grow narrower.
Weakened Immune System: Smoking weakens the immune system and makes the body more vulnerable to infections.
Diabetes: Tobacco also causes type 2 diabetes among smokers. The risk of developing diabetes is 30–40% higher for active smokers than nonsmokers.
Premature Ageing: Smoking can cause premature ageing, wrinkles, and skin damage.
Dental Problems: Tobacco use can also affect the health of teeth and gums and lead to tooth loss and oral cancer.
Ways to quit smoking The most important action people can take is to quit smoking to improve their health. Quitting tobacco is challenging but can be achieved with the right methods and support. As per the WHO, only 23 countries provide comprehensive cessation services with full or partial cost coverage to assist tobacco users in quitting. Health professionals recommend several methods for quitting, such as nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) like patches, gums, and lozenges.
People can also opt for medications like bupropion SR and varenicline that help reduce cravings. There are seven safe and effective medicines approved by the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help you quit. One can also start a counselling session with a health care professional to quit smoking.
