World No Tobacco Day: Let's Say "No" To Tobacco

World No Tobacco Day is observed on 31st May, every year. The day is commemorated to assist smokers who want to quit and to raise awareness about the harmful consequences of smoking on one's health.

Let's take a look at the history and significance of No Smoking Day.

Tobacco, How Risky Is It For You?

Cancer, Chronic Lung Disease, stroke, Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD), Diabetes, infertility, blindness, Tuberculosis (TB), Oral Cavity, and other diseases are all linked to smoking. Males are diagnosed with 50% of malignancies, whereas females are diagnosed with 20% of cancers. TB and other associated disorders account for 40% of all cases.

What Happens If You Stop Smoking?

At first, oxygen levels return to normal within 8 hours. Within 24 - 72 hours of quitting, your chances of having a heart attack start to drop and lung function improves. Coughing and shortness of breath go away after 1-9 months.

After a year, the risk of heart disease and stroke is half that of cigarette smokers. Lung cancer risk is less than half that of cigarette smokers after ten years. Finally, you'll have the same risk of heart disease as someone who hasn't smoked in 15 years. Ailments caused by smoking are less likely to develop.

How Can A Medical Professional Assist You?

A healthcare professional plays an important part in the life of a smoker since it is the healthcare professional who can help the smoker stop by providing counseling, medicine, and support.

What Is It That Smokers Want Assistance With?

The withdrawal symptoms are the first and most difficult obstacle to overcome. People who use a lot of nicotine before quitting have a strong desire to smoke, as well as despair on the verge of relapsing. This is one of the biggest hurdles while quitting. This can be resolved with the help of meditations and other forms of treatment, some of which are - 

• Behavioral therapy 

• Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

• Medications 

• Counseling 

• Social support 

• Positive reinforcement