Global Non-Smoking Day - The case for ending smoking immediately
Have you tried to quit smoking several times? Then why not give it another shot - and now?
Because: May 31st is World No Tobacco Day! Since 1987, this annual event has been highlighting the ramifications of smoking on this particular day under various slogans.
When was World No Tobacco Day first observed?
The World No Tobacco Day was initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO). Beginning on May 31, 1987, this day has been commemorated annually with a different tagline each year. The motto for World No Tobacco Day 2024 is yet to be announced.
Here are some slogans from previous years:
- 1995: Smoking costs us more than we think!
- 2018: Watch out, who you lose your heart to!
- 2022: Save (y)our future. #LiveTobaccoFree
- 2023: Food instead of tobacco. Who can turn tobacco into food? #FoodInsteadOfTobacco
It was initially proposed by the World Health Assembly (WHA) to establish the World No Tobacco Day on April 7, 1988 as "World No Smoking Day." However, the "World No Tobacco Day" was later moved to May 31. The reason for this change remains unclear.
What are the objectives of World No Tobacco Day?
The primary purpose of World No Tobacco Day is to raise awareness about the health hazards and risks associated with tobacco consumption. It's a good reason to mark this day in your calendar as more than six million people suffer from smoking-related illnesses. Spotlighting the adverse effects of tobacco use is vital, especially for the 500,000 passive smokers - with 150,000 of them being children.
Apart from World No Tobacco Day, tobacco is also linked to other health concerns: Smoking damages nearly all body organs. It's the catalyst for various types of cancers and can result in infertility and gastrointestinal issues. Respiratory and cardiovascular systems particularly suffer.
National health organizations and associations are trying to increase awareness about the health impacts of smoking and the associated deaths and diseases. At present, a comprehensive tobacco ban has not been enacted by the government.
However, certain areas like schools, healthcare institutions, and public cultural, sports, and recreational facilities are designated as smoke-free zones. The Non-Smoking Protection Act in Germany protects passive smokers and non-smokers while regulating a comprehensive smoking ban.
In addition to raising awareness, World No Tobacco Day also aims to:
- Run public awareness campaigns targeting children and teens to discourage them from using tobacco products
- Encourage individuals and organizations to contribute to anti-tobacco initiatives.
Quitting smoking can significantly enhance your health
If smoking cigarettes seems unappealing and you say "no, thank you," then that's an excellent choice!
Tobacco usage is declining annually. In 2001, the Federal Ministry of Health reported that the consumption of 18- to 25-year-olds was still 44.5%, which had decreased to 29.8% a decade later. However, every smoker contributes to the deforestation of forests for growing tobacco. The WHO states that over a million hectares are required globally for tobacco cultivation.
Although smoking is not only environmentally detrimental but also associated with child labor and food insecurity, farmers earning meager wages often resort to unpaid family labor, particularly involving child labor.
When you quit smoking, you'll experience numerous health benefits:
- Reduced risk of heart attacks, heart diseases, and cancers
- Decreased risk of erectile dysfunction in men and increased risk of miscarriages and premature births in women
- People around you, especially children, are no longer exposed to second-hand smoke
- Environmental cost reduction and global pollution prevention
Along with your improved health, your wallet will also benefit. The money you spend on tobacco can be invested more wisely and, for instance, in nutritious food.
By eliminating one pack of cigarettes daily, you could save up to €190 in a month! How's that for a fantastic prospect?
Understandably, it won't be easy to quit smoking. But with determination and support from your loved ones and healthcare professionals, you can conquer this challenge.
