Smoking is the inhalation of the smoke of burning tobacco. Tobacco is an agricultural product processed from the fresh leaves of plants in the genus Nicotiana. A smoking habit is a physical addiction to tobacco products. Smoking is the single most important preventable cause of death. Most of the regular smokers initiate smoking habit in their adolescent period of life (a period between 13-19 years of life).Worldwide, recent studies have shown that total no of deaths due to smoking in world is more than 5 million. Smoking shortens the lifespan by at least 7-8 years. Smoking is done by variety of methods like Beedi, cigars, cigrarette, hookah etc All these forms/ methods of tobacco smoking are hazardous to health.
The adolescent age is a critical period in the formation of the smoking habit. Most smokers start smoking during their adolescence or early adult years. The earlier they start to smoke, the more likely they are to become regular smokers. The various reasons/causes for starting smoking are as follows:
* Stress reduction/relaxation.
* To kill boredom/as a form of entertainment.
* Low self efficacy (individual’s judgment of their capability to perform a specific task) & lack of Conscientiousness.
* Peer pressure, Friends & colleagues encourage non smokers to smoke.
* Media advertisements, Challenges & Fashion, Smoking styles in movies tempt adolescents to smoke.
* Easy availability of tobacco products.
* Smoking by parents, siblings also encourage adolescents to smoke.
Psychologists have developed personality profile for typical smoker. Extraversion is the trait that is most associated with smoking. Smokers tend to be sociable, risk taking & excitement seeking individuals. They smoke to improve their personality as smoking in early stages provides them pleasurable sensations The total no of chemical substances in tobacco is more than 4000.Tobacco smoke contains more than 70 carcinogenic (cancer-causing) substances. Nicotine, Tar, carbon monoxide are the chemicals present in cigarette. Nicotine is the content in cigarette that causes addiction to smoking. The sign which indicates addiction to cigarette is the need to smoke every day, having a cigarette soon after arising from sleep, Unsuccessful attempts at quitting.
PHYSIOLOGICAL HAZARDS OF SMOKING:
Cardiovascular Effects: Nicotine, carbon monoxide present in tobacco smoke lowers oxygen levels in blood cells, increases blood cholesterol levels, damages vessel walls, forms clots in blood. This impairs transport of oxygen throughout body, increases the risks of heart attacks & strokes.
Smoking & Cancers: According to the American Lung Association, smoking is directly responsible for about 90% of the deaths due to lung cancer. So, the common type of cancer caused by smoking is lung cancer. However Smoking is the biggest risk factor for other cancers as well which include bladder cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer etc.
Effects on Male Fertility: Long term smoking in men results in infertility & erectile dysfunction by decreasing the amount of blood flowing into the penis. Smoking impairs sperm motility, reduces sperm lifespan, and may cause genetic changes that can affect a man’s offspring.
Effects on the Unborn Child : Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk for Low birth weight, Birth defects (women who smoke during pregnancy have lower levels of foliate, a B vitamin that is important for preventing birth defects),Cleft lip (a split lip that has not closed during the fetus’ development).
Smoking and the Gastrointestinal Tract : Smoking increases acid production in the stomach. It also reduces blood flow and the production of compounds that protect the stomach lining. This combination of effects increases the risk for certain gastrointestinal condition like inflammatory Bowel Disease.
There are many cost-effective tobacco control measures that can be used in different settings and have a significant impact on tobacco consumption. The most cost-effective strategies are population wide public policies, like bans on advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products; tobacco tax and price increases; forbidding smoking in all public and workplaces; and requiring large, clear and visible graphic health messages on tobacco packaging. All of these measures are outlined in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Ministry of health and family welfare enacted anti smoking act in 2003 which includes prohibition of smoking in public places, banning advertisement of cigarettes on mass media. World No Tobacco day is celebrated on 31st May.
Smoking initiation in teen agers can be prevented by:
* Smoking can be prevented by health education.
* Parents can set a positive example for their children by not smoking themselves, and keeping their homes smoke-free.
* Schools can provide tobacco prevention programs, health educations to educate students about the dangers of smoking.
* Healthier ways of dealing with stressful situations:
* Adjust your standards. Perfectionism is a major source of avoidable stress. Stop setting yourself up for failure by demanding perfection. Set reasonable standards for yourself and others, and learn to be okay with “good enough.”
* Learn to forgive. Accept the fact that we live in an imperfect world and that people make mistakes. Let go of anger & resentments. Make time for fun and relaxation
* Healthy ways to relax: Go for a walk, Spend time in meditation, Call a good friend..
* Maintain a Healthy diet: Eat plenty of fresh fruits & vegetables, Drink plenty of water, Drink coffee/tea in moderation. These drinks may help boost alertness.
* Nicotine replacement therapy: involves the use of products that provide low doses of nicotine, without the contaminants found in smoke. The goal of therapy is to relieve cravings for nicotine and ease the symptoms of withdrawal. Nicotine patches deliver nicotine through the skin. This is called transdermal nicotine delivery. It is effective at reducing withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine gum (Nicolette has helped many people quit. Some people prefer gum to the patch because they can control the nicotine dosage, and chewing satisfies the oral urge associated with smoking.
* Electronic cigarettes (E-Cigarette): Electronic cigarettes are cigarette-, cigar-, or pipe-shaped devices that deliver nicotine or other substances in the form of a vapour. Electronic cigarettes are marketed as quit-smoking aids because they are designed to give the feeling of smoking without actually lighting up.
* Exercise : Studies continue to show that smokers who exercise can greatly increase their ability to quit smoking. it includes Run,Walk,Jump up and down, Stretch and Do push-ups
“Smoking is injurious to health’’ that is something written on all cigarette packs to warn the customers of deleterious consequences. Tobacco smoking in adolescents is reaching pandemic levels. The world Bank has reported that nearly 82,000-99,000 children & adolescents all over the world begin smoking every day. Giving up the habit of smoking is one of the most crucial things that an individual can probably do. In order to quit smoking individuals should prepare themselves for the move. It is imperative that one should get support for their endeavor to quit smoking .One should learn new skills and behaviors in order to give up smoking for good. People who quit smoking have reduced risks of suffering a heart attack ,stroke or cancer. Quitting smoking ensures a longer and better life.
Mir Uzma can be reached at miruzma589@gmail.com
