World No Tobacco Day

World No Tobacco Day, observed on May 31st every year, is a crucial time for healthcare professionals — we are responsible for propagating public health awareness.

Tobacco consumption is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths worldwide. Every year the death rate is increasing, posing a heavy burden on healthcare professionals to combat the loss. The effects of tobacco are enormous — cancer, heart disease, respiratory disease, and more. Beyond physical health, this dangerous consumption also affects the general well-being and mental health of an individual.

How do we bring these individuals out of this vicious cycle? It's not just a habit; for many youngsters, smoking has become a fashion. They are often not mentally mature enough to understand the ill effects and how it will affect their education, profession and personal life.

This day is a golden opportunity to spread awareness and help individuals quit smoking — or better, never take it up in the first place.

As doctors, we educate our patients through clinic campaigns and social media, focusing on the risks of tobacco and helping with the rehabilitation process. Many doctors also contribute through free interviews and camps.

It's simple to say, but a lot to follow. We need to help people who are using tobacco with proper cessation support, peer support, behavioural therapy, a smoke-free environment, and by celebrating milestones. Without these, it would be very difficult for someone to break their addiction.

The main affirmation on World No Tobacco Day is to promote a tobacco-free lifestyle and support a healthy life. The major goal is to reach those under addiction and provide a smoke-free future for the generations to come. Together, through collective action and the determination of the healthcare system, we can head towards a world where tobacco-related diseases are a thing of the past.