No Smoking Day 2024: Know long term-effects of smoking on health
Smoking has become an epidemic and a great health threat in the world currently. Every year, it kills over eight million people.
As per reports, over seven million people die due to direct use of tobacco and 1.2 million people who are second hand smokers or non- smokers die due to passive smoking. Tobacco use is the fourth highest risk factor in India causing the most deaths and disabilities combined.
According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, traditional smokers are 30 per cent to 40 per cent who are more likely than the others to develop Type 2 diabetes. Well, quitting smoking may sound a difficult decision to make for smokers but why it is needed should be the major concern that smokers must consider. On No Smoking Day, observed on March 13, let’s understand the long-term effect of smoking on human health.
Dr Padma Sundaram, Consultant Pulmonology & Interventional Pulmonology, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road told News9, “Quitting smoking is a critical decision for a healthier life. Within weeks, you’ll experience improved breathing, taste, and energy. Long-term, the rewards are even greater: a significantly reduced risk of lung, mouth, and various other cancers, along with a lower chance of heart disease, stroke, and COPD”
“Smoking’s detrimental effects accumulate over time, leading to severe lung damage, weakened immunity, and increased susceptibility to infections. Quitting smoking offers a path towards a longer, healthier life, free from the burden of smoking-related illnesses, added Dr Sundaram.
How to Quit smoking?
According to Mayo Clinic, for people who smoke or use tobacco, the cravings for smoking can be strong but it doesn’t mean you can stop it.
The report noted, when you feel an urge to smoke or use to tobacco, you must keep in mind that even though the urge may be strong, it will like to pass within 5 to 10 minutes whether or not you smoke a cigarette. Therefore every time you resist the craving, you may achieve one step to stop using tobacco.
Some ways to quit are:
Try nicotine replacement therapy
Try meditation or relaxation methods
Avoid triggers
Chew something instead
Remember the benefits of not smoking
Engage into physical activities
