WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY(WNTD): THINGS YOU DON’T KNOW.

Yet we meet again, talking about our favourite, Richest and Deadliest business in the world. On this World No Tobacco Day, we make you realise things about Tobacco smoking.

WNTD Theme 2023;

“Grow food, Not Tobacco”

124 countries grow tobacco. India is the second largest consumer and producer of it. In fact, India has cheapest tobacco products available which makes them affordable. The Government should be making policies that help banning it’s products and just taxation and scary ads in theatres don’t make a big difference.

Tobacco Epidemic;

I mean seriously, it is the deadliest. It is one of the major causes of death and disease in India and accounts for nearly 1.35 million deaths every year.Nearly 267 million adults (15 years and above) in India (29% of all adults) are users of tobacco, according to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey India, 2016-17.Tobacco use is one of the biggest public health threats. It leads not only to loss of lives but also has heavy social and economic costs.

Tobacco Consequences;

Health related-

In Children -–

• sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS*);
• acute respiratory illnesses;
• asthma;
• middle ear disease;
• chronic respiratory symptoms.

*SIDS is the sudden, unexplained, unexpected death of an infant in the first year of life.

In Adults −

• coronary heart disease;
• peripheral vascular disease;
• nasal irritation;
• lung cancer;
• reproductive effects in women- low birth weight, miscarriage and pregnancy complications
• Breast Cancer
• COPD: emphysema: chronic bronchitis: Covid-19
• heart disease;
• stroke;
• diabetes;
• cataracts and macular degeneration;
• infertility-impotence.

and the list never ends…

Economical-

It is estimated that 5-15% of smoker’s income is spent on tobacco, which could be an enormous economic burden on them and their family.The total economic costs attributed to tobacco use from all diseases in India in the year 2017-18 for persons aged 35 years and above amounted to INR 1.77 lakh crore. That’s a whopping, 3% (approx) of India’s GDP.

Social-

Smoking affects social interaction and relationships negatively. There is a stigma attached to smoking. As a smoker, personal relationships may be affected because many don’t consider being in a relationship with a smoker. As a smoker, their children are more likely to smoke and to be heavier smokers at young ages.

Second Hand Smoker’s (SHS)

These people are ones paying debt with interest without actually taking loans. People standing beside inhale the tobacco by-products in the air from smokers. There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS);

Health problems in SHS are coronary heart disease; stroke; lung cancer; and increases risk by 20%-30%. That’s just 10% less riskier than actual smokers. Even brief exposure to SHS can damage the lining of blood vessels and cause blood platelets to become stickier. These changes can cause an increased risk of heart attack.

SHS inhales many of the same cancer-causing substances and poisons from the smoke.

So, SHS stay away from smoking and smoker’s. Avoid going to smoking places.

True Story’ about Tobacco

Doctors diagnosed a patient with TAO of the left great toe and advised him to quit smoking or face amputation. He secretly continued to smoke until doctors amputated his great toe. He didn’t understand the severity of smoking, then continued. A day came when his left limb had to be amputated. Then he realised the mistake. That’s how deadly smoking is!!!

You can read many more true stories of Ex-smokers.

TOBACCO ADDICTION;

Nicotine is the main chemical causing addiction It creates pleasant feelings in the body and mind. When you smoke, your brain releases neurotransmitters such as dopamine, the feel-good chemical. This creates a brief feeling of contentment and pleasure. That makes us, use it frequently leading to physical and psychological dependence.

DEADDICT: Quick Tips by WHO

Delay

Delay as long as you can before giving in to your urge.

Deep breathing

Take 10 deep breaths to relax yourself from within until the urge passes.

Drink water

Drinking water is a healthy alternative to sticking a cigarette in your mouth.

Do something else to distract yourself

Take a shower, read, go for a walk, listen to music!

Nicotine replacement therapy– skin patch, gums, spray.

Awareness if not enough,Action is the next step.

Signing off

Being Medico

References

https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/secondhand-smoke/health.html

https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-no-tobacco-day/2023

https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-no-tobacco-day/2021/quitting-toolkit