World No-Tobacco Day is observed on May 31 each year to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and promote smoking cessation. This year’s theme, “We Need Food, Not Tobacco,” aims to encourage tobacco growers to switch to sustainable, nutrient-dense crops. The campaign also highlights the tobacco industry’s obstruction of initiatives to replace tobacco farming with environmentally friendly crops, exacerbating the global food crisis.
History:
The history of World No-Tobacco Day dates back to 1987 when the World Health Assembly initiated a global effort against the tobacco epidemic. In 2003, the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) was adopted, and 31 May was designated as World No Tobacco Day to commemorate this milestone. The WHO FCTC is the first international agreement dedicated to reducing tobacco consumption and its detrimental health impacts.
Significance:
World No-Tobacco Day is significant due to its emphasis on preventing and controlling tobacco use, which is a leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide. The tobacco industry also contributes to environmental degradation and exploits vulnerable communities. The day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and advocate for effective policies and programs to reduce tobacco consumption.
Smoking has numerous negative effects on the body. Here are 8 unique negative effects of smoking on our bodies:
1. Respiratory system
Smoking damages the respiratory system, causing chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It also increases the risk of developing lung cancer and other respiratory infections.
2. Bone health
Smoking weakens bones and increases the risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterized by decreased bone density and increased susceptibility to fractures.
3. Dental Health
Smoking is detrimental to dental health, causing tooth discoloration, bad breath, gum disease, and an increased risk of tooth loss. It also hampers the success of dental procedures such as dental implants and root canals.
4. Digestive system
Smoking negatively impacts the digestive system by increasing the risk of various cancers, including mouth, throat, esophageal, stomach, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer. It can also lead to peptic ulcers and acid reflux disease.
5. Reproductive system
Smoking has harmful effects on the reproductive system. In men, it can reduce sperm quality, motility, and overall fertility. In women, smoking increases the risk of infertility, complications during pregnancy, miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental issues in newborns.
6. Immune system
Smoking weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections, and respiratory illnesses, and delaying wound healing. It also increases the risk of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
7. Vision and eye health
Smoking has detrimental effects on vision and eye health. It increases the risk of developing cataracts, a clouding of the lens in the eye, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.
8. Mental health
Smoking is associated with an increased risk of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. It can also worsen symptoms in individuals with existing mental health conditions, leading to poorer overall well-being.
“Quitting smoking is crucial for improving overall health and reducing the risk of various conditions. Understanding the extensive health risks associated with smoking can serve as motivation to quit and promote a healthier lifestyle.“
Watch the Exclusive WHO video on World No Tobacco Day 2023: Grow food, not tobacco