World No Tobacco Day – A Step Towards A Healthier World
Every year, on May 31st World Health Organisation (WHO) observes World No Tobacco Day to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption. The day aims to highlight health risks associated with tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce its consumption.
Tobacco use is significant public health issue, causing over 8 million deaths every year globally. Apart from this, it is also linked to numerous disease such as lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory infections. Let’s delve deeper into the various aspects of World No Tobacco Day.
The Theme of World No Tobacco Day 2021
The theme for this year’s World No Tobacco Day is “Commit to Quit“. The campaign aims to support over 100 million tobacco users to quit smoking through various initiatives, including digital tools, counselling services, and other resources. The campaign encourages individuals to create a plan and commit to quitting it for good.
Steps to Quit Tobacco
Quitting it can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here are some steps that individuals can take to quit:
- Set a quit date and stick to it.
- Seek support from friends, family, or a healthcare professional.
- Identify triggers that cause the urge to smoke and avoid them as much as possible.
- Use nicotine replacement therapies such as patches, gums, or lozenges.
- Find alternative activities to replace smoking such as exercising, reading, or meditating.
Initiatives Taken to Curb Tobacco Consumption
Many countries worldwide have taken various initiatives to curb tobacco’s consumption. The measures include increasing taxes on these products, restricting its advertising and promotion and implementing smoke-free policies in public places.
Several countries have also adopted pictorial warning labels on these products. These warning labels feature graphic images that illustrate the harmful effects of smoking, which can deter people from taking up smoking.
Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) such as e-cigarettes and vaping devices have also posed a significant public health issue. Some countries have banned use of these devices, while others have implemented regulations to limit their use.
The Role of Individuals in Reducing Tobacco Consumption
Apart from government policies and initiatives, individuals can also play a significant role in reducing its consumption. By educating oneself about the harmful effects of its use and advocating against smoking, individuals can influence others to quit smoking.
It’s essential to encourage children and teenagers to stay away from these products and promote a smoke-free environment. Parents and teachers can play crucial role in educating children about the dangers of smoking and setting a good example by not smoking.
Conclusion
World No Tobacco Day is an annual event that serves as a global call to action to reduce tobacco’s consumption. Quitting it is challenging, but the benefits of a tobacco-free life are immense. Through collective efforts, we can create a society that is free from it and its harmful effects. Let us pledge to commit to quit and take the first step towards a healthier world.
