World No Tobacco Day 2018: What is it all About?

World-No-Tobacco-Day

Every year, 31st May is marked as World No Tobacco Day by World Health Organisation (WHO) to spread awareness about the health issues associated with the use of tobacco. This year’s theme is: “Tobacco and heart disease” which would focus on communicating the connection between tobacco and heart and also suggest actions that can be taken to prevent any threat posed to heart health.

Tobacco poses a big risk for heart health in the form of coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. Despite all the harmful effects, many still remain unaware as to how serious it can be for one’s heart. As per WHO, cardiovascular diseases kill more people than any other health hazard. Around 17% of heart diseases are borne by tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure.

Every year, more than 70 Lakh people die from the tobacco epidemic out of which 9 Lakhs are non-smokers who die from breathing second-hand smoke. Besides, nearly 80% of 100 Crore smokers in the world live in low and middle-income countries which bear the maximum burden of tobacco-related diseases.

In order to curb the usage of tobacco, WHO has urged all countries to raise the tax on tobacco products so that lesser people can afford them, which in turn, would reduce the consumption. The organization has also asked for a comprehensive ban on its advertising, sponsorship, and promotion while monitoring its use and prevention policies.

Other than people who smoke, those who inhale the smoke breathed out by a smoker also become a victim of the health hazard. This is known as passive smoking that causes a lot of health problems like lung cancer, asthma, sore throat, eye irritation, coughing, wheezing, and hoarseness. Even children of smoking mothers are prone to the harmful effects of tobacco.

The most effective way to prevent it is to straight away ask people around you not to smoke. Furthermore, the laws must be stricter and smokers should be prohibited to smoke in public spaces. World No Tobacco Day is an occasion that provides a platform for several initiatives in the best interest of the public health by making people aware of the far-reaching, serious health issues posed by the use of tobacco.

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