Clearing the Smoke

May 31 was observed as No Tobacco Day in the city. Several organisations held rallies and workshops on the occasion. On the occasion,Dr Kinila T Mohan said,“All forms of tobacco are harmful,from Beedis,Cigarettes,Paan with tobacco,Paan Masala,Hookah,Gutkha,Chillum,Chutta, Khaini,Mawa,Mishri and Dry snuff. ”He also highlighted ten reasons to quit smoking,which included the prediction of WHO,which says that tobacco will kill a billion this century and that tobacco is deadly and smoking kills up to half of all lifetime users. He said more than 60 chemicals have been found in tobacco,including Carcinogens,which are known to cause cancer. He emphasized on the addictive nature of Nicotine,which is found in tobacco,both emotionally and physically,as addictive as heroin or cocaine,making tobacco quitting difficult.

Speaking of the illness that tobacco causes,Mohan said “Tobacco is a silent killer and single largest cause of preventable diseases including asthma,cancer,heart attacks and COPD. Smoking substantially increases the risk of Tuberculosis (Koch’s) and death from it. Smokers are at risk for mouth,voice box (larynx),lung cancer,heart attack,stroke and chronic debilitating lung disorders like COPD (chronic obstructive lung disease).” He also listed other hazards of smoking,like the danger of fire,damage to environment and second hand passive smoking to nearby family and friends. He also talked about the 5 A’s and 5 R’s through which one can quit smoking or help a family member to quit.

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“Smoking cessation therapy (Nicotine replacement treatment),counseling,lung function tests (Spirometry) along with pranayama/ yoga or other alternate complimentary therapy can help one quit smoking,” he added.