World No Tobacco Day is a global health event observed annually on May 31st, to inculcate awareness among the population about the harmful impacts of tobacco and safeguard the health of the community. Tobacco is a primary contributing factor to numerous types of cancers, with smoking alone being responsible for about 90% of lung cancer deaths.
Though there is a steady decline in tobacco users to 1.25 billion, especially among adolescents 13 to 15 years old, this still presents a major challenge. The tobacco industry's marketing tactics are often insidious and complicated. The manufacturers are introducing new products like e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and pouches specifically designed to appeal to young people.
The statistics are alarming and indicate a rising trend of tobacco and nicotine usage among young adolescents aged 13-15. Increased tobacco usage among young adolescents not only threatens their health but also paves the way for lifelong addiction and potential health problems and complications.
The World No Tobacco Day 2024 theme is "Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference." The theme focuses on safeguarding young people from the manipulative tactics of the tobacco industry, which often targets children and adolescents to create a new generation of tobacco users.
Why Protecting Youth Is Important?
The aftermaths of youth tobacco use are grim. Nicotine is highly addictive, and early exposure elevates the chances of dependence in adulthood, too. This dependence can result in the development of a range of medical conditions, including:
Respiratory Ailments
Regular tobacco use damages the airways and air sacs in the lungs, which are tiny hair-like structures that avert dirt and mucus from entering the lungs. Damages to the lungs can make you highly susceptible to certain infections like TB and pneumonia.
Additionally, chronic smoking can increase your risk of developing non-reversible lung conditions like asthma, COPD, and lung cancer.
Central Nervous System
Nicotine is a mood-altering drug that is one of the key ingredients in tobacco. This drug is habit-inducing and very addictive. It is one of the key reasons why people find it hard to quit smoking. Nicotine reaches the brain in seconds and can boost your energy levels for a while. However, as the effect fades, the person may feel exhausted and crave more. Additionally, the withdrawal of nicotine can lead to symptoms like anxiety, irritation, depression, and poor sleep patterns.
Heart Problems
Tobacco usage is one of the key risk factors for heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular complications.
Also Read: World No Tobacco Day 2021: Here Are 7 Effective Ways To Quit Smoking
Cancer
Tobacco use is not only associated with lung cancer but can also elevate the risk of certain types of cancers such as mouth, throat, oesophagus, bladder, and pancreas.
Vision Problems
Long-term smoking can affect vision and optic nerve function. It may result in specific conditions that affect the eyes including glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration.
Moreover, beyond the immediate health impacts, tobacco use among youth poses a potential economic burden on healthcare systems. Thus, prompt intervention and preventive efforts are vital to safeguard future generations and ensure a healthier and better living place. The right support and products can make the journey to the no tobacco zone easier. Here, we have curated some effective smoking cessation products and their benefits.
Effective Smoking Cessation Products
Baconil TTS30 21mg Patch 7's
The Baconil TTS30 21mg Patch is a transdermal nicotine patch designed to help smokers quit by providing a steady dose of nicotine throughout the day.
Benefits:
The patch releases nicotine slowly over 24 hours, helping to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Applied once a day, it provides a discreet and convenient way to manage nicotine dependence.
By maintaining a consistent level of nicotine in the bloodstream, it reduces the urge to smoke.
Nicotex 2mg Sugar-Free Nicotine Gum - Mint Plus 29's
Nicotex 2mg Nicotine Gum is a sugar-free gum that provides a controlled release of nicotine to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
BenefitsChewing the gum releases nicotine quickly, providing immediate relief from cravings.
It helps satisfy the oral fixation that many smokers experience, making it easier to quit.
Easy to carry and use anywhere, providing flexibility and convenience.
Nicotex Nicotine Transdermal 21 mg Patch 7's
The Nicotex Nicotine Transdermal Patch delivers a controlled dose of nicotine through the skin.
Benefits:
Ensures a steady release of nicotine to reduce withdrawal symptoms and manage cravings effectively.
It requires only daily application, making it a simple and hassle-free option.
It helps maintain a stable level of nicotine in the body, minimizing the risk of relapse.
Nicotex 2mg Chew Gum - Mint Plus Flavour 25's
This is another variant of Nicotex nicotine gum, providing the same benefits with a refreshing mint flavour.
Benefits:
Offers quick relief from cravings by releasing nicotine through chewing.
The mint flavour helps with cravings and keeps your breath fresh.
Can be used as needed, allowing you to control your nicotine intake.
References:
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-no-tobacco-day/2024
Smoking Cessation, Tiffani Sealock; Sandeep Sharma.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482442/
Effectiveness of stop smoking interventions among adults: protocol for an overview of systematic reviews and an updated systematic review
Mona Hersi,corresponding author#1 Gregory Traversy,#2 Brett D. Thombs,3,4 Andrew Beck,1 Becky Skidmore,1 Stéphane Groulx,5,6 Eddy Lang,7,8 Donna L. Reynolds,9,10 Brenda Wilson,11 Steven L. Bernstein,12 Peter Selby,10,13
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6339342/
