WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY: WHAT TOBACOO DOES TO YOUR BODY?

Introduction

World No Tobacco Day is internationally observed on May 31st each year to bring attention to the global tobacco epidemic and advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide and is responsible for over 7 million deaths. Tobacco use is a major risk factor for many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes.

Despite the well-known health risks associated with tobacco use, over 1 billion people still smoke worldwide. In fact, tobacco use is on the rise in many countries due to the industry's aggressive marketing of tobacco products.

People who have used tobacco products for the longest time are at the highest risk of developing health problems. This is why it is important to quit smoking before it's too late. Many resources are available to help people quit smoking, and World No Tobacco Day is a great time to start your quitting journey.

On World No Tobacco Day, WHO calls on countries to put tobacco control at the top of their agendas and raise taxes on tobacco products to reduce consumption. WHO also urges people to quit tobacco use and create smoke-free environments to protect non-smokers from exposure to second-hand smoke.

How does tobacco affect Your Body in the Long run?

Many harmful chemicals are found in tobacco smoke, including nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar. These chemicals enter the bloodstream and are distributed throughout the body. In long-term smokers, these harmful chemicals can damage the body in many ways, including:

• Cardiovascular disease: Nicotine raises blood pressure and heart rate, while carbon monoxide decreases the amount of oxygen that the blood can carry. This increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.    
• Cancer: Tobacco use is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Long-term exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of developing many types of cancer, including lung, throat, stomach, and bladder cancer.
• Chronic respiratory disease: Tobacco smoke irritates and damages the airways, leading to chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These conditions make breathing difficult and can be very debilitating.
• Diabetes: Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.
• Reproductive health: Smoking during pregnancy can cause many health problems for both the mother and child, including low birth weight, premature birth, and stillbirth. Smoking is also a major risk factor for infertility in men and women.

What products can you use to help you quit smoking?

While quitting tobacco use can be difficult, it is the best thing you can do for your health. Many resources are available to help you quit, including nicotine replacement therapy, counseling, and support groups. Quitting tobacco use is one of the most important things you can do for your health, so make a plan to quit today!

If you are ready to quit, there are many anti-nicotine products available to help you, including:

• Nicotine Gums and Lozenges
• Nicotine Patches
• Nicotine Inhalers
• Nicotine Nasal Sprays
• Bupropion
• Varenicline
• Bounce Nicotine Lozenges

What can you do to reduce your risk of tobacco-related health problems?

There are many things you can do to reduce your risk of tobacco-related health problems, including:

• Quitting tobacco use
• Avoiding second-hand smoke
• Creating smoke-free environments
• Supporting tobacco control policies

These are just a few things you can do to reduce your risk of tobacco-related health problems. For more information, please visit the World No Tobacco Day website.

How can we help loved ones struggling with addiction to tobacco products?

Quitting tobacco use is difficult, and many people need help to quit successfully. If you have a loved one who is struggling with addiction to tobacco products, below are the things you can do to help.

Be supportive:

Offer encouragement and moral support to your loved ones as they go through the quitting process.

Listen:

Be a good listener and let your loved ones vent about the difficulties they are facing.

Provide information:

Share articles, websites, or other resources that may be helpful to your loved one.

Be patient:

Recognize that quitting is a difficult process and that there may be setbacks along the way.

How can we quit smoking, and where can we find support?

There are many ways to quit smoking or using tobacco products, and plenty of support is available. Some people can quit independently, while others need medication, counseling, or support groups. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to quitting, so find the best method for you.

If you are struggling with addiction to tobacco products, help is available. You can find resources and support from the following organizations in India:

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
• The National Tobacco Control Programme
• The Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine
• The Cancer Society of India
• The Indian Red Cross Society

These are just a few organizations that can provide you with information and support as you quit tobacco use.

Benefits of Quitting Tobacco and Smoking

There are many benefits to quitting smoking or using tobacco products, including:

1. Improved lung function

When you quit smoking, your lung function improves within a few days. The effect is most dramatic in the first year after quitting, but your lungs will continue to heal and repair themselves over time.

2. Better cardiovascular health

Quitting smoking decreases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. The risk of these problems begins to decrease within a few months of quitting and continues to decline over time.

3. Reduced cancer risk

Cancer risk begins to decrease within a few years of quitting smoking. Quitting at any age can significantly reduce your cancer risk, but the sooner you quit, the greater the benefit.

4. Improved fertility

Smoking can damage the reproductive system in both men and women, making it more difficult to conceive. The damage begins to reverse when you quit smoking and your fertility improves.

5. Saved money:

Tobacco products are expensive, and the money you save by not buying them can add up quickly.

Conclusion

Quitting smoking or using tobacco products can improve your health in many ways. It is also beneficial for your wallet and the environment. So on this World No Tobacco Day, commit to quitting and join the millions of people who have already made this life-changing decision. Wellness Forever supports you in your journey to quit smoking.