Dr Arvind Kohli
31st May has been designated by World Health Organization as World No Tobacco Day. The theme of this day is “Protecting youth from industry manipulation and preventing them from tobacco and nicotine use”.because it has been observed that for decades, the tobacco industry has deliberately employed strategic, aggressive and well-resourced tactics to attract youth to tobacco and nicotine products.Hence it is very important to highlight this day so as to bringforth myths and expose manipulation tactics employed by the tobacco and related industries, particularly marketing tactics targeted at youth, including through the introduction of new and novel products, flavours and other attractive features;
Tobacco consumption is the single most preventable cause of death globally and is currently responsible for mortality of one in ten adults The global Tobacco epidemic killsnearly six million people each year of which more than 600000 are non smokers dying from passive smoking.
Hazards of Tobacco Smoking it is very important to know the harmful effects of Tobacco and in particular smoking on vital organs and enzyme system of human body Tobacco smoke is incredibly harmful to ones health. There’s no safe way to smoke. Replacing cigarette with a cigar, pipe, or hookah won’t help in avoiding the health risks.There are no safe substances in any tobacco products, from acetone and tar to nicotine and carbon monoxide. The substances which are inhaled don’t just affect lungs. but they have effects on all vital systems of body Smoking can lead to a variety of complications in the body, as well as long-term effects on body systems. the mortality rate for smokers is three times that of people who never smoked.
In fact, although the whole health system is devoted in fighting of nCovid 19 Centre for preventable diseases says that smoking is the most common “preventable cause of death” in India. While the effects of smoking may not be immediate, the complications and damage can last for years. The good news is that quitting smoking can reverse many effects.
Starting with the Respitratory system Smoking has been very much injurious to the respiratory system because it damages the architecture of Lungs and is the principal aetiological factor for causing Lung Cancer
In addition its responsible for causing other morbid conditions like Emphysema Chronic bronchitis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease all of which bring down the quality of Life (QOL) index
Share oPiCardiovascular System Tobacco Smoking is very much detrimental for cardiovascular system. Nicotine causes blood vessels to tighten called Vascoconstriction, which restricts the flow of blood. to the vital organs especially Heart, Brain and Kidneys,
Smoking is also injurious for intima of vessels and can cause serious conditions like Aneurysms and Dissections and Over time, the ongoing narrowing, along with damage to the blood vessels, can cause Peripheral artery disease.
Smoking also raises blood pressure, weakens blood vessel walls, and increases stickyness of blood thereby causing blood clots. Together, this raises the risk of brain stroke.Tobacco smoke also puts an increased risk of worsening heart disease if one already has had heart bypass surgery, a heart attack, or a stent placed in a blood vessel and .can lead to repeat events
Effects of Tobacco/Smoking on other body function
One ingredients in tobacco is a mood-altering drug called nicotine. Nicotine reaches brain in mere seconds and makes one feel more energized for a while. But as that effect wears off, one feel tired and crave more. Nicotine is extremely habit-forming, which is why people find smoking so difficult to quit.
The link between smoking and cancer is very clear. It causes at least 15 different types of cancers .Smoking increases the risk of mouth, throat, larynx, and esophagus cancer. Smokers also have higher rates of pancreatic cancer. Even people who “smoke but don’t inhale” face an increased risk of mouth cancer.
Smoking also has an effect on insulin, making it more likely that one develop insulin resistance. That puts patient at increased risk of type 2 diabetes and its complications, which tend to develop at a faster rate than in people who don’t smoke Further smoking is known to be harmful for reproductive functions also
Electronic Cigarettes and Safety Profile
It is quite obvious that in the past few decades, technology has taken over and now plays a prevalent and growing role within our society. The world of smoking is no exception; the electronic cigarette, also known as e-cigarette, is an electromechanical or electronic device that somewhat looks like a cigarette. When it is inhaled, it produces a “vapour” or “artificial smoke” that resembles the smoke produced by tobacco smoking.
Many teenagers mistakenly believe that smoking e-cigarettes is a harmless, fun and trendy habit. However, repeated contact with nicotine, whatever its shape or form, is what leads to addiction. Smoking e-cigarettes, especially if they contain nicotine, can therefore be a prelude to real addiction. Further It is also important to mention that there is not enough scientific data out there to come to any conclusion whatsoever on the effectiveness and safety of such products, both short- and long-term has not yet been established fully Until the effects of electronic cigarettes are better known, their manufacturing regulated and their use approved, it is best to remain very prudent towards them
Strategies to Shun Smoking
The mentioned detrimental effects of smoking on health of a person should egg all of us particularly guys who are used to Tobacco that time has come to stay away from this habit and for that True motivation should evolve from inside of a person Sudden cessation for this habit may not be that easy because Cutting out nicotine undoubtedly leads to symptoms that can sometimes be very unpleasant, such as insomnia, nervousness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, etc hence various ways have been established like Use of a known, approved smoking-cessation aid (patch, gum, lozenges, inhaler, nicotine vaporizer, oral medication, etc.); and having the support of a health professional to motivate the person for leaving this habit
To complement these basic ingredients, one can add various other methods:like laser, yoga, meditation, neuro-linguistic programming, etc. It’s up to person to seek methods that suit him or her and that can lead to achieve this goal
Say goodbye to Smoking
To avoid taking unnecessary risks with your health, don’t forget that time has arrived for smoking cessation, Even if you are a slave to Tobacco Smoking please understand that it is never too late to quit smoking Make the right choice and choose the path of quitting Smoking
We as a society . need to empower our youth to stand up to Tobacco Smoking by dispelling its myths and lies and motivating them for staying away from this vice that shall go a long way in manicuring social health platforms
(The author is Consultant CTV Surgeon GMC Jammu)
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