A leading health care service provider with a tradition of caring and innovation nurture Wockhardt Hospitals Nagpur is creating awareness among people about the serious consequences of Tobacco consumption. Wockhardt Hospitals Dr. Swarup Verma as a health professional is giving important information about consequences of Tobacco consumption .World No Tobacco Day, observed on May 31st each year, serves as an effective nudge to the detrimental effects of tobacco use and the urgent need to fight this global health issue .World Health Organization (WHO), aims to raise awareness about the harmful consequences of tobacco consumption and advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco use worldwide. Dr. Swarup Verma said ,“ As a public health professional, I strongly believe in the significance of this day and the crucial role it plays in promoting a tobacco-free future.”This year’s theme is ” We need food No tobacco “.
He also added,Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths worldwide. It not only harms individuals who smoke or use tobacco products but also affects non-smokers through passive smoke exposure which is worrisome.
According to the WHO, tobacco kills more than 8 million people annually, with over 7 million of these deaths being attributed to direct tobacco use and around 1.2 million resulting from exposure to secondhand smoke.
Health Consequences:
Tobacco use is linked to devastating health conditions, including cancer, Heart attacks, Stroke,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory infections. It diminishes the overall quality of life for both smokers and non-smokers. Furthermore, smoking during pregnancy has severe implications for the health of both the mother and the unborn child, increasing the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and other complications.
Targeting Youth:
Dr Swarup Verma showed concern about rising tobacco unepidemic in young people. The tobacco industry consistently targets youth through aggressive marketing strategies. Even on local levels youth have attraction for hookah parlors which is more dangerous form of tobacco.
This deliberate manipulation undermines public health efforts to prevent tobacco initiation and fosters addiction among vulnerable populations.
World No Tobacco Day serves as an opportunity to empower young people with knowledge about the dangers of tobacco and to advocate for measures that protect them from the influence of tobacco companies.
Effective Interventions:
Dr Swarup Verma pointed the observance of World No Tobacco Day which encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize tobacco control and implement evidence-based interventions. These interventions include comprehensive tobacco control policies, such as raising tobacco taxes, implementing smoke-free laws, banning tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, and offering effective cessation support to those who wish to quit. Educational campaigns, both at the national and community level, play a crucial role in informing the public about the dangers of tobacco and empowering individuals to make informed choices about their health.
WHO targets a 30% reduction in tobacco use by 2025. Governments, healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, and individuals must unite to advocate for stricter tobacco control policies, support smoking cessation programs, and promote healthy alternatives to tobacco use.
Conclusion:
World No Tobacco Day is a reminder of the immense health risks associated with tobacco use and the urgent need for global action to combat this epidemic. By raising awareness, supporting evidence-based interventions, and fostering a collective commitment to a tobacco-free future, we can save millions of lives and create healthier communities worldwide. Let us seize this opportunity to stand against tobacco and work towards a healthier, smoke-free world
