On 31st May 2023, World Health Organization (WHO) and public health champions came together to celebrate ‘World No Tobacco Day.’ The theme for this year was “Grow Food, Not Tobacco.”
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The Origin of ‘World No Tobacco Day’!
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is responsible for creating World No Tobacco Day. In 1987, the WHO designated April 7th as World Health Day. The goal was to increase public awareness of the dangers of smoking cigarettes.
However, recognizing the need for a dedicated day to tackle tobacco-related issues, the WHO established World No Tobacco Day on May 31st, starting in 1988.
The chosen date holds significant symbolism. It coincides with the anniversary of the WHO’s adoption of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2003.
On that note! Don’t compromise your health, and stay in touch with a qualified pulmonologist if you have been smoking or had an unpleasant secondhand smoking experience.
Alarming Facts About Tobacco That Most People Don’t Know!
Before discussing the significance of World No Tobacco Day 2023, let’s read some intriguing and eye-opening facts about tobacco.
Did you know that tobacco use causes about 8 million deaths annually in the world? That’s more than the combined deaths caused by HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria!
Tobacco contains over 4000 chemicals, including nicotine, which is highly addictive. It’s no wonder that quitting smoking can be a challenging journey!
Tobacco use has negative consequences on people who don’t even smoke. Secondhand smoke or passive smoking, can cause serious health issues in nonsmokers.
Impact of Tobacco on Human Health Other Than Lung Problems!
Let’s talk about the effects of cigarettes on human health while we’re at it. Lung diseases and ailments are an understood aspect of smoking tobacco.
But what other harmful effects does tobacco pose for human health? Let’s become more aware of the variety of health problems that smoking causes.
Oral Health
Did you know that using cigarettes might cause significant dental issues?
The harmful chemicals in tobacco can cause tooth discoloration, bad breath, and even tooth loss.
Additionally, smoking depletes your immune system, making it more difficult for your body to fight infections and gum disease. So, if you want to maintain a healthy, bright smile, it’s time to say goodbye to tobacco.
Suggested Read: Effective Remedies to Treat Gum Bleeding Disease!
Cardiovascular Risks
Your heart and blood arteries suffer damage from smoking, which raises your risk of heart disease and stroke. Plaque accumulates in the arteries as a result of the harmful compounds in tobacco smoke harming their lining.
Over time, this buildup narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow to vital organs and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Reproductive Health
Attention! Smokers planning to start a family!
Smoking tobacco can have severe implications for both men and women. In men, smoking can cause erectile dysfunction, reduced sperm quality, and fertility issues. For women, smoking increases the risk of complications during pregnancy, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and even stillbirth.
Quitting smoking improves your health, and promises a healthy future for your children.
Skin Damage
Want to keep your skin radiant and youthful?
Smoking tobacco is not your ally in this pursuit.
Tobacco smoke has damaging chemicals which accelerate aging. It causes early wrinkles, a dull complexion, and drooping skin.
Smoking also decreases blood flow to the skin, which affects its capacity to heal and increases its susceptibility to infections.
Eye Problems
Smoking tobacco also affects your vision and eye health.
Long-term smoking increases the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss.
Smoking is also linked to an increased risk of cataracts, clouding of the eye’s lens.
By quitting smoking, you can safeguard your precious eyesight and maintain clear vision as you age.
2023 Theme – “Grow Food, Not Tobacco!”
It’s high time to raise awareness among people about the harmful effects of tobacco. That’s why the 2023 theme for World No Tobacco Day was “Grow Food, Not Tobacco.”
This year’s theme was chosen with a clear purpose in mind.
Why does this theme hold such significance, and why it resonates with individuals and communities worldwide? Let’s discuss this.
Health and Well-being
The theme “Grow Food, Not Tobacco” emphasizes the critical importance of prioritizing health and well-being.
Tobacco poses severe risks to our health, leading to various diseases.
We can encourage healthier choices and lifestyles if we shift our focus from tobacco cultivation to growing crops for food.
Growing and consuming nutritious food promotes physical well-being, boosts immunity, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
This theme serves as a reminder that we have the power to make choices that positively impact our health.
Environmental Sustainability
Another reason behind choosing this theme is the concern for environmental sustainability.
Tobacco cultivation requires vast amounts of land, water, and resources. If we divert these resources toward food production, it can contribute to sustainable agriculture and conservation efforts.
Growing food nourishes our bodies, promotes biodiversity, protects ecosystems, and mitigates climate change.
This theme highlights the connection between our choices, the environment, and our collective responsibility to preserve the planet for future generations.
Economic Development
This theme also addresses economic development and the well-being of communities.
Tobacco farming often perpetuates poverty cycles. This happens because farmers become dependent on a crop that poses health risks and fluctuating market demand.
Now, how do we empower farmers?
We can diversify their income streams to build more resilient livelihoods. Growing crops for food opens doors to new opportunities, local market development, and the creation of sustainable food systems.
Of course, all of this can be effectively done at governmental levels. So, our governments need to step up to eradicate this tobacco sickness forever!
Final Thoughts!
This theme serves as a call to action for individuals, governments, and organizations to unite in building a future where our resources are devoted to nourishing our bodies, preserving the planet, and cultivating a tobacco-free world.
