No Smoking Day is observed every year on the second Wednesday of March to prompt people to quit smoking. The primary target of this day is to spread awareness about the devastating effects of tobacco consumption/cigarette consumption on the human body.
As per the US Center of Disease Control and Prevention or CDC, smokers live 10 years less than non-smokers whilst being at a higher risk of suffering from diabetes, heart diseases, strokes, and other health conditions. Hence, it is of utmost importance to encourage people to quit this deadly habit and there specifically is a day dedicated to this cause.
Read on to know more about the history, significance, and theme for this year’s no smoking day.
No Smoking Day: History
Observed initially in 1984 for the first time after discovering that smoking had become a common addiction, this day was inspired by No Tobacco Day.
The purpose of this day is to inspire people to quit smoking and get them to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
No Smoking Day: Significance
Smoking or chewing tobacco is easily one of the worst and toxic habits for your overall health. The side effects start with a cough and some burning sensation in the throat, along with foul breath and eventually evolve to life-threatening issues like heart diseases, bronchitis, pneumonia, stroke, and cancer, especially oral cancer.
Research proves that “No Smoking Day” has helped 1 in 10 people to quit smoking in recent years. Various free campaigns are organized globally to get people started with their ‘Tobacco Free’ journey.
What happens when you quit tobacco?
In about 8 hours: Oxygen levels return to normal
In about 24 hours: The risk of heart attacks begins to decrease
In about 72 hours: Lung function improves.
In about 1-9 months: Coughing and shortness of breath decreases
In about 12 months: The risk of heart disease is halved as compared to tobacco users
In about 5 years: The risk of strokes is reduced
In about 10 years: The risk of lung cancer is less than half as compared to tobacco users.
In about 15 years: The risk of heart diseases is similar to a person who has never smoked.
No Smoking Day: Theme
The theme for No Smoking Day 2022 is ‘Quitting Smoking Doesn’t Have To Be Stressful‘. This theme looks to educate people about the process for quitting the habit and ensuring that they’re not stressed about their brand new journey.
