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Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav said tobacco kills 13 lakh people every year in India. Launching the second edition of the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign virtually at a hybrid event at Lady Hardinge Medical College, Jadhav said, “Every year around 13 lakh people lose their lives due to tobacco in India.”
He added, “Tobacco has become a fashion statement among the youth but it can lead to dangerous diseases like cancer.”
The Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 2.0 aims to protect the health and well-being of young people from the harmful effects of tobacco. As part of it, the MoS also inaugurated tobacco cessation centres in medical institutions across India.
Jadhav motivated the youth to prioritise their health over tobacco use, as it’s closely linked with the development of the nation. The MoS stated that “good health is intrinsically related to own as well as closed one’s happiness”.
The new 60-day campaign prioritises five key areas. It includes increasing public awareness about the dangers of tobacco; improving compliance with the revised guidelines for Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) to keep schools and colleges free from tobacco; strengthening the enforcement of tobacco control laws, especially COTPA 2003 and the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019, to limit youth access to tobacco; promoting Tobacco-Free Villages; and boosting social media outreach.
Here, take a look at tips that can help prevent tobacco use.
Health Risks
Understanding the severe health risks of tobacco use such as lung cancer, heart disease and respiratory problems can deter people from starting or encourage them to quit. When you have the knowledge, it can be a powerful tool to avoid harmful behaviours.
Support System
Surrounding yourself with supportive friends, family or a professional counsellor can help you resist the temptation to use tobacco. Also, having partners who hold you accountable can help to encourage you, especially when you have cravings.
Stress-Relieving Activities
Many people turn to tobacco to cope with stress. Replacing this habit with healthier alternatives like meditation, exercise or hobbies can help manage stress in a better way without resorting to smoking or chewing tobacco.
Goals and Milestones
Establishing personal goals to avoid tobacco or quit its use creates a sense of purpose and progress. Breaking down the journey into achievable milestones can help to keep you motivated and focused.
Triggers and High-Risk Situations
Identify and stay away from situations, people or places that might trigger the urge to use tobacco. Whether it’s social gatherings with smokers or stress-filled environments, when you minimise your exposure to these triggers, it can help reduce temptation.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
For those trying to quit, nicotine replacement products like patches, gum or lozenges can help ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. These products give you a controlled dose of nicotine without the harmful chemicals in tobacco.
Professional Help
Seeking help from healthcare providers, including doctors or pharmacists can be beneficial. They can provide you with counselling, prescription medications or certain programs. Professional help increases the chances of successfully preventing or quitting tobacco use.
(With inputs from IANS)