Tobacco is a very harmful substance that is freely available in countries where there is no ban on it. People who consume tobacco not only endanger their own lives but also the lives of their families and contribute to the worsening of society. It is essential to address this issue if we wish to prevent the downfall of our country’s youth. On World No Tobacco Day, Smile India Trust is working towards creating a tobacco-free society where this poison will no longer harm the lives of innocent people.
What is World No Tobacco Day?
World No Tobacco Day is commemorated every year on May 31st to increase public awareness about the detrimental impact of tobacco usage and to encourage people to quit or avoid using tobacco products.
This global health initiative, established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1987, aims to educate individuals about the dangers of tobacco and promote a tobacco-free lifestyle to reduce the burden of tobacco-related illnesses and fatalities worldwide.
What is the message that World No Tobacco Day aims to spread in the community?
World No Tobacco Day aims to spread awareness about the severe health risks associated with tobacco use. The day encourages individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles by either quitting tobacco or refraining from starting its use in the first place. It also highlights the need for stronger policies and measures to regulate and control tobacco production, marketing, and consumption.
Moreover, the day fosters a sense of collective responsibility, urging communities to support one another in overcoming tobacco addiction and promoting a tobacco-free environment for future generations.
Why is it important to prevent the use of tobacco?
- Preventing tobacco use is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, tobacco consumption is responsible for numerous health issues, significantly reducing the overall quality of life for users. Secondly, tobacco use not only affects individuals but also has far-reaching consequences for society.
- It imposes a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems and contributes to environmental pollution through cigarette waste. Moreover, tobacco addiction often leads to social issues such as poverty, unemployment, and family breakdown.
- By preventing tobacco use, we can significantly reduce the occurrence of these health, economic, and social problems, ultimately leading to healthier, more prosperous, and more sustainable communities.
What kinds of diseases may people develop if they consume tobacco?
Tobacco consumption is associated with a wide range of diseases and health complications that can have a significant impact on individual well-being and life expectancy. Some of the most common diseases linked to tobacco use include lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems.
Furthermore, tobacco consumption can lead to oral health issues such as stroke, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. It is crucial to understand and acknowledge these risks to encourage healthier lifestyle choices and promote overall wellness.
Statistics on global tobacco consumption.”
- Around 80% of the world’s 1.3 billion tobacco users reside in low- and middle-income countries. In 2020, 22.3% of the global population used tobacco, with 36.7% of men and 7.8% of women being consumers.
- As of 2021, it is estimated that about 46 million adults in the United States, or 18.7% of the population, currently use tobacco products. These products include cigarettes (11.5%), e-cigarettes (4.5%), cigars (3.5%), smokeless tobacco (2.1%), and pipes (including hookah) (0.9%).
- China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of tobacco. There are over 300 million smokers in China, which accounts for nearly one-third of the global total.
Death rate due to tobacco consumption
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 8 million people die prematurely every year due to tobacco use. This is the most recent estimate available as of November 2023.
Out of these deaths, more than 7 million are directly caused by tobacco use, while about 1.3 million are non-smokers who die as a result of exposure to second-hand smoke.
Smile India Trust’s motives and beliefs regarding the establishment of a tobacco-free society.
At Smile India Trust, we understand the value of life and how important it is to take care of our health. We have witnessed people struggling to live a decent life due to various reasons like poverty, lack of employment, and more.
However, it becomes even more crucial to prioritize our health and well-being. Unfortunately, in India, many people living in slums and rural areas, especially the youth, are high consumers of tobacco, which is a serious concern.
This issue is not only limited to India but worldwide, where many people consume tobacco, putting their health at risk and stealing the only hope their parents have in the form of them. Our organization aims to eliminate tobacco use and motivate people to quit this poison as soon as possible. We run various initiatives to make this happen.
Initiatives that we undertake to create a society free from tobacco.
Our organization provides counseling services to help people, especially the youth, understand the harmful effects of tobacco on our health. We aim to promote a tobacco-free lifestyle so that people can lead a healthy life.
In addition to counseling, we also conduct awareness camps in slums and rural areas to inform people about the ill effects of tobacco on both individuals and society. Our goal is to motivate people who are using tobacco to quit and adopt a healthier way of living.
Conclusion
Tobacco use is not right, and everyone knows that it can threaten their lives. However, despite this knowledge, people still use it. The best we can do is raise awareness about the consequences of tobacco use and motivate those who are addicted to quit. On this World No Tobacco Day, our organization aims to spread the message of an illness-free society by encouraging people not to use tobacco and thus saving lives.
For any kind of guidance or support, you can write us at [email protected]. Visit our website to understand our work in detail. Click on https://smileindiatrust.org/ to learn more about us. Follow us on various social media platforms. We are available on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter