World Tobacco Day: The Fight Against Smoking Starts with You

• Written by Ritika Malik

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

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World Tobacco Day is a remembrance of a breath we can finally take,

We must look beyond the smoke and see the difference we can make.

It’s more than a date; it’s a cry, a plea,

To step out of the gloom and let our lungs be free. 

The deadly nature of tobacco consumption can’t be emphasised enough. According to the World Health Organisation, close to 8 million people die every year owing to excessive tobacco consumption. 

Keeping in mind the massive loss that tobacco causes to humankind, World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on May 31. On this day, campaigns are raised to spread awareness about tobacco consumption and cancer and to empower people to say no to tobacco.

On this anti-tobacco day, let’s take a look at how harmful tobacco can be, the theme of World Tobacco Day for 2024, the detrimental effects of tobacco, etc.

World No Tobacco Day Theme 2025

The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2025 is: "Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products."

The World Health Organisation (WHO), leading this campaign, strives to shed light on the shady tactics employed by tobacco and nicotine enterprises to make their dangerous products more alluring, mainly to young individuals. These strategies contain attractive flavours, elegant designs, and spellbinding marketing, all created to disguise the bitterness of tobacco and nicotine, increasing their pull on younger people.

This year's campaign aims to raise awareness about these scheming methods and support stronger approaches to safeguard public health, notably among youth.

The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, a treaty signed by around 180 countries, has significantly reduced tobacco use worldwide. It incorporates tobacco promotion bans, increased tobacco taxes, and public smoking limitations, all of which help reduce tobacco consumption.

The Catastrophic Effect of Tobacco Consumption on Health

Tobacco is an invisible threat, contributing to several severe diseases. Its impact goes beyond lung cancer. Tobacco use intensifies the beginning of several life-threatening conditions, impacting not only smokers but also those who are prone to passive smoking. Here are the ill effects of tobacco consumption on health:

Cancer and Respiratory Diseases: Smoking is the leading cause of several cancers, such as lung cancer, mouth cancer, and throat cancer. It causes various chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema.

Cardiovascular Diseases: Smoking impairs the heart and blood vessels, causing an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular illnesses.

Grown Health Expenses: Smoking-related diseases burden healthcare systems worldwide. Nations invest billions of dollars every year in the treatment of illnesses that occur due to tobacco use. The actual cost of smoking is far greater than just the price of a cigarette.

Benefits of Quitting Smoking: A Life-Saving Choice

The health benefits of quitting smoking are profound. Within moments of quitting, your body begins to recover from the devastating effects of tobacco, and over time, your health improves significantly.

Immediate Benefits: Your heart rate and blood pressure begin to drop. The carbon monoxide level in the blood becomes normal after 12 hours, and the instant benefits are just the starters.

Long-Term Health Improvements: Your risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half after one year, and in five years, your stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker. The risk of lung cancer reduces by 50% after ten years.

Better Life Quality: Quitting smoking not only adds years to your life but also enhances your overall quality of life. People who quit smoking can experience improved lung function, better circulation, healthier skin, and a lower risk of premature death, and these are just a few of the rewards of quitting.

Did you know? Quitting smoking makes you eligible to opt for health insurance plans without undergoing lengthy procedures! 

Anti-Tobacco Day: A Global Effort to Decrease Tobacco Use

Anti-Tobacco Day serves as an international stimulus to decrease smoking rates. These actions span educational programs, stronger policies, and increased availability of support systems for people who want to quit. Here is a global effort:

Educational Campaigns: Governments and organisations globally undertake educational drives to emphasise the risks of smoking and boost cessation aids. These campaigns are essential for reaching younger generations, usually targeted by tobacco corporations.

Public Policies: Anti-tobacco legislation, such as smoking bans in public places, graphic warning labels on cigarette packs, and increased taxes on tobacco products, helps decrease smoking rates.

Support Networks for Smokers: Programs that provide counselling, support groups, and nicotine alternative therapies have been thriving in assisting smokers in quitting. The plan is to make quitting easier and more convenient for everyone, specifically for those struggling with addiction.

How Can You Contribute to a Tobacco-free World?

We all have a significant role in the fight against tobacco, and we must pledge this together on World No Tobacco Day and every day. Here's how you can contribute:

• Quit Smoking: If you smoke, today is a great day to begin your journey to quitting. Employ accessible resources such as apps and support groups. Understand that quitting is a process, and the rewards are enormous.
• Anti-Tobacco Policies: Support a ruling that strives to lower tobacco use. Push for smoking bans, higher tobacco taxes, and advertising regulations.
• Raise Awareness: You can raise awareness by sharing the message of World No Tobacco Day with your friends and family. The more people know about the hazards of smoking, the more likely they are to avoid or discontinue this poor habit.
• Support Smokers in Quitting: If you or your loved ones are trying to quit, show motivation and help them access the help they need to win. The journey to becoming smoke-free can be challenging, but with the proper support, it's entirely achievable.

Significance of a Cancer-specific Health Cover for Smokers

Tobacco consumption is one of the prime reasons for fatal cancer cases. Both active and passive consumption of tobacco can lead to critical illnesses such as cancer! 

While medical treatments for cancer and various critical illnesses have seen advancements in India, the costs for the same are witnessing inflation at an all-time high! 

Thus, if you or someone close to you has a history of smoking or any other form of tobacco consumption, having a cancer mediclaim by your side can play a vital role in tackling the burden of increasing medical expenses during emergencies.

Given these facts, we recommend you cover your finances from any unforeseen medical crises under cancer mediclaim or critical illness insurance that covers cancer. Also, consider opting for Cancer insurance from a reliable insurer such as Care Health Insurance to ensure you do not face hassles while filing claims.

A Tobacco-Free Future is Within Reach

World No Tobacco Day is a potent reminder of the urgent need to manage tobacco consumption on an international scale. With the conjoined measures of the World Health Organisation (WHO), governments, organisations, and individuals can decrease tobacco use and its dangerous effects. We can create a tobacco-free world by quitting smoking, backing anti-tobacco initiatives, and promoting healthier alternatives together.

So, let's take action today for a healthier tomorrow because every tobacco-free step brings us nearer to a more promising, smoke-free future.

>>Read: Cancer Prevention: Reduce Chance of Cancer with Healthy Lifestyle

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