World No Tobacco Day 2024: How to Fight Tobacco Addiction

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The World Health Organization (WHO) established World No Tobacco Day, an annual observance on May 31st, in 1987. The purpose of the day is to draw attention to the dangers smoking poses to one’s health and to promote sensible laws that will lower tobacco use worldwide.

This year’s theme for World No Tobacco Day is “protecting children from tobacco industry interference.” Each year, the event centers around a different theme that addresses different facets of tobacco control and the harmful effects of smoke on society, the environment, and health. The goal is to persuade governments everywhere to enact laws shielding children from deceptive behavior. 

It can be dangerous for people who smoke. On World No Tobacco Day each year, the World Health Organization raises public awareness of the dangers of tobacco usage and its derivatives. The majority of tobacco and cigarette users are aware of the risks. Even so, individuals find it impossible to kick their smoking addiction.

The main causes of this are TB, cancer, and numerous other fatal illnesses. The risk of lung, colorectal, breast, throat, cervical, bladder, oral, and esophageal cancers is increased by tobacco use and cigarettes. If you wish to stop smoking, adjust your lifestyle and enjoy these foods whenever you feel like it. Addiction to cigarettes and tobacco products can be overcome with ease.

Effects of Tobacco on Health

Respiratory Infections

Smoking affects the airways and weakens the immune system, which makes it easier for diseases to spread. increases the risk of contracting bronchitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections, which can exacerbate existing illnesses and damage general health.

Heart Disease

Tobacco smoke contains chemicals that harm blood vessels and cause atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which lowers the heart’s oxygen and blood flow. raises the risk of heart failure, angina (chest discomfort), and heart attacks, which raises the death and morbidity rates.

Lung Cancer

Tobacco smoke contains carcinogenic chemicals that harm lung cells’ DNA. Uncontrolled cell growth and mutations result from repeated exposure. Coughing, chest pain, and weight loss are some of the signs of lung cancer, which is frequently fatal and drastically lowers survival and quality of life rates.

Weakened Immune System

Tobacco smoke contains chemicals that weaken the immune system, making the body less capable of fending off illnesses and infections. results in a higher risk of infections and diseases, a slower rate of healing, and an increased sensitivity to illnesses. 

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD)

Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are caused by smoke’s destruction of lung tissue and irritation of the airways. causes recurrent respiratory infections, breathing difficulties, and a chronic cough, which drastically reduces one’s ability to exercise and their quality of life.

Stroke

Smoking can obstruct blood flow to the brain by raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of blood clots. causes brain damage that can lead to paralysis, trouble speaking, cognitive decline, and in extreme situations, death.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Reduced blood flow results from the arteries delivering blood to the limbs being damaged by nicotine and other substances. causes limb discomfort, numbness, and a greater risk of infection; in extreme situations, amputation may be necessary.

Gum Disease and Tooth Loss

Smoking alters the attachment of soft tissue and bone to the teeth, reducing blood flow to the gums and encouraging the growth of bacteria. This results in periodontitis, which impairs nutrition and general oral health by producing bleeding, swelling, and foul-smelling gums as well as tooth loss.

How to Fight Tobacco Addiction

Encourage yourself

Build your strength before attempting to give up any addictive habits, such as smoking, drinking, or using tobacco. This is easily accomplished if you so choose. You can speak with a physician. Speak to a supportive family member or friend. Remain persistent and try again without giving up.

Take Coffee

Smoking is compulsive. You get irritated and feel empty when you don’t understand. Hence, when you experience cravings after quitting smoking, sip coffee. Black coffee contains caffeine, which will give you energy. Refrain from consuming alcohol during this period as it may intensify your desires.

Engage in Exercises

Exercise to maintain your fitness. Your body releases feel-good hormones as a result, which lowers stress levels. Spend an hour each day working out. This will help you move in the direction of health and well-being. Your body will produce more dopamine after a workout, which will assist you in breaking the habit of smoking tobacco products.

Consume These Foods During Cravings

 You should drink one glass of extremely cold water if you are quitting smoking and suddenly experience cravings. Cardamom can be chewed. Tobacco users are permitted to consume mouth fresheners. In addition, peppermint, acacia bark, black pepper, celery, and cloves all suppress cravings.

Mouth fresheners to kick an addiction

 Eat foods high in cloves, fennel, cardamom, licorice, and cinnamon after you stop smoking. You’ll find it simpler to give up tobacco and smoking as a result of this. You can use nicotine replacement patches, lozenges, or gum if you have a strong urge.

Michael Akinbami is a dynamic being with agog interest in Media, Journalism, Public Relations, and Corporate Communication. With knowledge and experience in Media and Public Relations, he has been a relevant tool towards helping individuals, organizations and specific communities gain sustainable image and development via media contents and relational strategies. He has handled media contents and releases for Public Relations Unit, Nigeian Shippers' Council, where he worked as a PR Assistant, Unilorin FM where he served as a radio broadcaster and content writer, as well as for Potters Hub Africa towards youths sensitisation and development. He also conducted personality interview of notable individuals for Achievers Magazine outlet, and worked with the Voice of ASCOM (VOA) Radio team, a campus broadcasting radio, during his undergraduate study. As a dynamic human that he is, Michael is a Leader and Public Speaker who has been instrumental towards helping students and young people widen their horizon and stretch their potentials towards excellence and achievement of their determined goals. Michael Akinbami is a highly motivated, courteous, creative, goal and result-oriented individual who is capable of harnessing personal strengths and organizational goals with total commitment to excellence. By means of knowledge and skills, he is a Journalistic and Content Writer, Public and Media Relations Strategist, On-Air Personality (OAP), and Corporate Strategic Planner.

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