World No Tobacco Day

The World Health Organization (WHO) initiated "world no tobacco day" to underscore the harmful effects of tobacco. World no tobacco day was first marked on May 31, 1987, after passing the resolution in the committee to stop the tobacco epidemic and prevent deaths due to high tobacco consumption. This special day is honored every 31st of May to primarily educate individuals about the many risks associated with tobacco consumption and its harmful effects on society.

Theme And Objective 

The theme of world no tobacco day 2023 is "We need food, not tobacco." Global campaign aims to raise awareness among tobacco farmers about alternative crop production and marketing opportunities. It promotes sustainable and nutritious crop cultivation while exposing the tobacco industry's interference in transitioning from tobacco farming. The campaign's overarching objective is to contribute to addressing the global food crisis. On world no tobacco day 2023, read this article to gain insights regarding the process of tobacco production and its destructive effects on humankind and some tips to quit tobacco. 
 

Consequences Of Tobacco 
 

According to a WHO report, tobacco consumption causes 8 million deaths every year across the globe. Consuming Tobacco in any form can cause harmful effects on your body, reduce your lifespan, and the quality of life declines as it is the major risk factor for several diseases. Tobacco can have adverse effects on every organ in the body.

Health Risks: Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable diseases and premature death. It is associated with various health problems, including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, stroke, respiratory infections, and various types of cancers (such as mouth, throat, bladder, and pancreas).
 

Addiction: Tobacco contains nicotine, a highly addictive substance. Regular tobacco use can lead to nicotine dependence, making it challenging for individuals to quit or reduce their tobacco consumption.
 

Respiratory Issues: Smoking damages the respiratory system, leading to shortness of breath, persistent coughing, wheezing, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

Cardiovascular Problems: Tobacco use significantly increases the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke. Smoking damages blood vessels increases blood pressure, reduces oxygen levels in the blood, and promotes the formation of blood clots.
 

Harm to Others: Secondhand smoke, which is the smoke exhaled by the smoker or emitted from the burning end of a cigarette, poses health risks to those exposed. Secondhand smoke has been linked to respiratory problems, heart disease, and lung cancer in nonsmokers, particularly children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
 

Harm to the Unborn: Pregnant women who smoke or, when exposed to secondhand smoke, have a higher risk of complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, miscarriage, stillbirth, and developmental issues in their babies.
 

Financial Burden: Tobacco use is expensive where smokers results in spending a significant amount of money on cigarettes or other tobacco products, which can strain their finances over time.

Social and Environmental Impact: Smoking is increasingly restricted in public places due to its harmful effects on public health. The smell and smoke from tobacco can be unpleasant and irritating to others, leading to social isolation and limitations on where individuals can smoke.

Tips To Quit Tobacco:

"One small step to quit tobacco, one giant leap towards a healthier you."

• Attend tobacco cessation counseling.

• Consider using nicotine replacement products such as patches, gum, lozenges, or inhalers to help manage cravings.

• Join a quit-smoking support group.

• Be physically active.

• De-stress yourself by indulging in relaxation activities such as yoga, body spa, or meditation.

• Make strong affirmations to quit tobacco products and think of their benefits.
   

Facts About Tobacco
 

• Over 80% of people in the UK don't smoke

• Smoking gives bad breath.

• Up to half of tobacco users risk dying from its harmful effects.

• In 2020, there were 1.30 billion tobacco users worldwide, which is expected to decrease to 1.27 billion by 2025.

• Tobacco kills more than eight million humans each year.
   

Stop Tobacco To Live Longer 

Put down the coffin nails; Give up the cancer sticks.
 

Knowing that tobacco is such an unpleasant substance to human and environmental health, let's spread the word of "End Tobacco" in our communities to protect ourselves and our planet. Therefore, on world no tobacco day 2023, people who are addicted to tobacco smoking must pledge themselves to get off Tobacco and develop some concern toward their families. Moreover, it is the responsibility of non-smokers to take a step forward and educate smokers about the harm they are doing to themselves and the environment.