Anti-Tobacco Day, also known as World No Tobacco Day, is observed as a global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and to advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.
The objective of Anti-Tobacco Day is to educate the public about the health risks associated with tobacco use, including smoking and smokeless tobacco products. The purpose of this article is to highlight the importance of quitting tobacco and encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to take action against tobacco use.
In 1988, Resolution was passed in World Health Assembly, calling for the celebration of World No Tobacco Day, every year on 31st May.
This day reminds us the devastating impact of tobacco on individuals, families, and communities. It aims to encourage smokers to quit and to prevent young people from starting the habit.
By raising awareness and promoting tobacco control measures, Anti-Tobacco Day plays a vital role in reducing the burden of tobacco-related diseases and promoting a healthier society.
We can contribute to the cause by pledging to quit tobacco on this day as well as supporting tobacco control policies and spreading awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco among our friends, family and communities.
The WHO emphasizes the vulnerability of children to tobacco industry marketing. Exposure to tobacco use at home or in communities increases the likelihood of children becoming smokers themselves.
World No Tobacco Day 2024 calls for robust policies to shield children from these influences, preventing addiction, protecting their health, and building a healthier future for all.
According to WHO, smoking negatively affects nearly every bodily system such as :
- Cardiovascular System:Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and narrowed blood vessels.
- Digestive System: Higher risk of stomach and pancreatic cancers, ulcers, and acid reflux.
- Skin Health: Accelerated aging, wrinkles, dryness, sagging skin, and increased skin cancer risk.
- Reproductive System:Reduced fertility, erectile dysfunction, complications in pregnancy.
- Oral Health: Oral cancer, gum disease, tooth loss, bad breath, and stained teeth.
- Vision:Increased risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, potentially leading to blindness.
- Immune System:Weakened immune system, making it harder to fight infections and delaying healing.
- Mental Health:Higher risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders, along with cognitive decline and memory loss.
By learning about the risks and supporting strong policies to protect children and decrease tobacco use, we can strive for a healthier future for everyone.
Since last 5-6 years E-cigarettes has become the most common way of consuming tobacco. Parents should be aware about this rising problem among youth of today. E-cigarettes are known by many different names. They are sometimes called e-cigs, e-hookahs, mods, pods, vapes, vape pens, tank systems, and electronic nicotine delivery systems or referred to by brand name, including Juul or Puff Bar. The E Cigarettes not only affecting the health of the youth who consume it but also the emissions also affect the other persons who come in contact with these persons. So all should be very much aware about it.
Disclaimer: The purpose of this article to make community aware about the harmful effect of tobacco products on our health.