World No Tobacco Day: A Call to Action

World No Tobacco Day 2023

Every year on May 31, the World Health Organization (WHO) observes World No Tobacco Day. This day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco use and to encourage people to quit smoking.

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the world. It kills more than 7 million people each year, including more than 890,000 people who die from secondhand smoke. Tobacco use can cause a variety of health problems, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Smoking is also a major risk factor for premature death. The average smoker dies 10 years earlier than a nonsmoker.

There are many reasons to quit smoking. Quitting can improve your health, your appearance, and your sense of well-being. It can also save you money.

If you are ready to quit smoking, there are many resources available to help you. Your doctor can provide you with information and support. There are also many quit-smoking programs available, both online and in person.

Quitting smoking is not easy, but it is worth it. If you are a smoker, I encourage you to make a plan to quit on World No Tobacco Day. Your health and your life depend on it.

Tobacco use is a major public health problem in India

Tobacco use is a major public health problem in India. It is the leading cause of preventable death in the country, accounting for nearly 1.35 million deaths each year. Tobacco use can cause a variety of health problems, including:

• Cancer: Tobacco use is the leading cause of lung cancer, but it can also cause cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidney, bladder, cervix, and other parts of the body.
• Heart disease: Tobacco use can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.
• Stroke: Tobacco use can increase the risk of stroke, a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted.
• Lung disease: Smoking tobacco can cause lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other lung diseases. COPD is a serious condition that can make it difficult to breathe.
• Pregnancy complications: Smoking tobacco during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, and low birth weight.
• Other health problems: Tobacco use can also increase the risk of other health problems, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Secondhand smoke

Secondhand smoke is a major public health problem. It is estimated that secondhand smoke causes more than 0.9 million deaths each year in India. The best way to protect yourself from secondhand smoke is to avoid being around smokers. If you cannot avoid being around smokers, you can try to minimize your exposure by:

• Asking smokers not to smoke around you.
• Sitting downwind of smokers.
• Opening windows and doors to ventilate the area.
• Wearing a mask or scarf to filter the air.

If you are a smoker, the best thing you can do for your health and the health of those around you is to quit smoking. There are many resources available to help you quit, including your doctor, smoking cessation programs, and online resources.

Here are some tips for quitting smoking:

• Set a quit date.
• Tell your friends and family that you are quitting.
• Get rid of all tobacco products in your home.
• Find a quit-smoking program that works for you.
• Be patient and don't give up.

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. On World No Tobacco Day, make a commitment to quit smoking and live a healthier life.

Here are some resources to help you quit smoking:

The National Cancer Institute's SmokefreeTXT program: Text "QUIT" to 47848

The American Lung Association's Freedom from Smoking program: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669)

The Smokefree.gov website: https://smokefree.gov/

National Tobacco Quit Line Services (NTQLS) - 1800 112 356 (TOLL-FREE)