Tobacco Use Contributes to Heart Disease - World No Tobacco Day 2018

1. Tobacco Use Contributes to Heart Disease - World No Tobacco Day 2018 World No Tobacco Day is celebrated on the 31st of May every year. This day is sponsored by the World Health Organization since 1987. WHO, by observing this day, aims to spread awareness about the health risks of consuming tobacco? It also encourages the governments all over the world to take effective steps to stop people from smoking and other tobacco use. Every year, on an average, tobacco kills more than 7 million people around the world and the number will only increase if anti-tobacco actions are not taken, according to WHO. Tobacco can cause various types of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and lung diseases. In the USA, tobacco is one of the greatest causes of death and disease which can be prevented. The World No Tobacco Day 2018 aims at educating people with the theme of‘Tobacco and heart disease.’ Tobacco usage is one of the major risk factors contributing to causing cardiovascular disease (CVD), along with coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. As per WHO data not many people, in general, are aware of the risk of tobacco consumption leading to CVD. As per WHO reports: CVD is the major cause of death among people all over the world. Smoking, tobacco and second-hand smoking contribute to 12% deaths due to heart disease.

2. After high blood pressure, tobacco use is the second highest cause of CVD. Tobacco use, an unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. In an attempt to curb the health risks of tobacco, WHO has encouraged and urged governments from all over the world to protect people from its harm.  Some of the suggested measures to spread awareness and protect people include:  Creating smoke-free public places, public transportation, and workplaces. Keep plain packaging and/or having important and graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging Educating people with effective anti-tobacco media campaigns Making people aware of the health risks of tobacco use as well as second-hand smoke exposure Taking measures to ban tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship Increase taxes on tobacco products which eventually will make them less affordable This World No Tobacco Day let us all pledge to live in a healthier and fulfilling way. YOU MAY ALSO READ: Asthma: Prevention is Better as There is no Cure 6 Tips for Saving Money on Prescription Drugs