Every year, 31st May, is marked as World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) by WHO, lay emphasis on the risks associated with tobacco use. According to WHO 2010 statistics, it was estimated that about 13% (approximately 111,856,400 persons) Of India’s population smoked out of which about 24% of were men and about 3% were women. The highest rate of smoking among men was seen in the age-group 40 – 54; and among women in the age-group 70+.
Majority of the smokers start out young. At such a tender age, one doesn’t think of health risk associated with it and generally smoke to fit in peer circle, family influences or to experiment. Some people start tobacco use because they believe that it helps them cope with stress, anxiety while others may do it because they feel smoking helps in weight loss.
The poisonous nicotine is the chief active ingredient in tobacco and is found in such items as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and cigars. When a person smokes, a dose of nicotine reaches the brain. Initially, it improves mood and concentration, decreases anger and stress, relaxes muscles and reduces appetite. However, regular doses of nicotine lead to changes in the brain chemistry, which can cause withdrawal symptoms when there is a decrease in the supply of nicotine. Smoking briefly reduces these withdrawal symptoms and this therefore reinforces the habit. Prolonged usage of tobacco contributes to damaged blood vessels, disturbs cholesterol levels and BP, and increases the risk of coronary heart diseases and respiratory diseases.
Not only does tobacco usage cause physical damage to our body but it also affects our mental health in several ways. Research confirms that smoking is directly proportional to levels of stress- with long exposure to nicotine, stress levels are likely to increase rather than decrease. Other consequences include instability, diminished cognitive intelligence, loss of memory and panic attacks affecting mental well being at work and home. Sudden episodes of sadness and mood swings can also be included.
On this World No Tobacco Day let’s try to abstain from all forms of tobacco for healthy physical and mental being and a better environment.
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