Tobacco industry is a known threat to the sustainable development of countries by compromising citizens' health and overall economic well-being. According to WHO, the tobacco epidemic is the biggest public health threat. It is responsible for approximately 8 million deaths worldwide every year through direct or indirect tobacco smoke exposure.
Tobacco - a life threatening habit
Tobacco consumers are vulnerable to multiple diseases such as heart diseases, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and they face several risks leading to tuberculosis, eye diseases, immune system disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis. The fatal habit of tobacco may damage nearly every organ in the human body in the longer run.
Commit to quit
World No Tobacco Day focuses on highlighting and creating awareness regarding the devastating effects of tobacco use on overall human health. WHO is the key driving force behind the initiative and actively engages in awareness programmes directed towards the detrimental outcomes of the use of tobacco. For a decade, Pakistan has taken the initiative to discourage tobacco consumption. These efforts have been recognised by WHO and has awarded Pakistan for its effective Anti-Tobacco Campaign. The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2021 is “Commit to Quit”, which encourages tobacco cessation via policies, improves access to cessation services, supporting individuals who want to quit and unveiling the tactics used by the tobacco industry.
Risk factors associated with tobacco
Nicotine present in tobacco is highly addictive and it may become difficult for people to quit. The health risk factors associated with consumption of tobacco may lead to chronic lung and heart diseases. The tar present in smoking tobacco thickens the blood thus resulting in high blood pressure, cholesterol, stroke and heart diseases. The risk related with chewing tobacco includes mouth, cheek and jaw cancer which may result in removing the organ or bone. It is urged to the families help and support their loved ones in quitting tobacco. Good support system can help people quit and live a healthy life.
Save your loved ones
It is imperative we highlight these risks to protect our future generations from tobacco-related diseases. In view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, RMI experts encourage tobacco users to quit tobacco as it exacerbates the symptoms of COVID-19. If you or your loved ones have been consuming tobacco-based products for a while, we recommend visiting our RMI experts for a comprehensive oral and lung examination.
