• World No-Tobacco Day 2023: History, Significance & 8 Ways Smoking Affects Our Body Besides Poor Lung Health

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    World No-Tobacco Day 2023: History, Significance & 8 Ways Smoking Affects Our Body Besides Poor Lung Health

    Every year on May 31, the world observes World No-Tobacco Day. It is an annual event organized by the WHO...


    Digital Desk: Every year on May 31, the world observes World No-Tobacco Day. It is an annual event organized by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption and to encourage people to quit smoking.


    Theme


    This year's World No-Tobacco Day theme is "We Need Food, Not Tobacco." The global campaign 2023 aims to encourage tobacco farmers to adopt nutrient-dense, sustainable crops by raising awareness of alternative crop production and marketing opportunities. Moreover, it also attempts to highlight the tobacco industry's tactics to impede attempts to substitute tobacco cultivation with sustainable crops, which would exacerbate the global food crisis.


    History


    The origins of World No-Tobacco Day may be traced back to 1987 when the World Health Assembly issued a resolution calling for a global anti-tobacco movement. In response, the WHO declared May 31 as World No-Tobacco Day to commemorate the third anniversary of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC)'s acceptance in 2003. This is the first international pact aimed at reducing tobacco smoking and its harmful health effects.


    Significance


    The significance of World No-Tobacco Day stems from its emphasis on tobacco use prevention and control, which is one of the main causes of preventable deaths globally. The tobacco industry also leads to the degradation of the environment and the exploitation of disadvantaged groups. World No-Tobacco Day is a chance to raise awareness about the harms of smoking and advocate for effective tobacco-reduction regulations and programs.


    As mentioned above, we can make the most of this day by knowing how smoking harms our health. Smoking has several negative effects on us, one of which is deteriorating lung health. Keep reading to find out more about the other ways tobacco and smoking harm our health.


    1. Cardiovascular system 


    Smoking raises the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke, by harming the inner lining of arteries, narrowing blood vessels, and raising blood pressure.


    2. Digestive system 


    Smoking affects the digestive system by raising the risk of stomach and pancreatic cancer. Additionally, it can lead to digestive issues like acid reflux, ulcers, and more.


    3. Skin health


    Smoking promotes skin aging by decreasing blood flow, resulting in wrinkles, dryness, and sagging skin. It also raises the chances of developing skin cancer.


    4. Reproductive system


    Both men and women are harmed by smoking. It can cause erectile dysfunction in men, as well as decreased sperm count and motility. Smoking during pregnancy can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, early birth, low birth weight, and other issues.


    5. Oral hygiene


    Smoking is a leading cause of oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth loss. It also causes bad breath and stains teeth.


    6. Vision 


    Smoking raises your chance of developing cataracts and macular degeneration, which can lead to blindness.


    7. Immune system 


    Smoking lowers the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight infections and diseases. It also slows recovery from surgery or injury.


    8. Mental health


    Smoking raises the chance of developing anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. It has also been linked to poor cognitive function and memory loss.


    In general, smoking is an important risk factor for an array of health conditions other than lung disease. Quitting smoking is one of the finest things a person can do to enhance their health and lower their risk of developing these diseases.