New Delhi, May 30 (IANS). Tobacco and smoking are considered the leading causes of many serious diseases around the world. This is why World No Smoking Day is celebrated every year on 31 May, so that people can be made aware of the harms of tobacco and the benefits of getting rid of it.
Health experts say that the decision to quit tobacco has more benefits than it may seem difficult. The special thing is that positive changes start in the body only 20 minutes after quitting tobacco.
According to experts, nicotine present in tobacco affects almost every organ of the body. Its long-term consumption increases the risk of cancer, lung disease, heart disease, stroke and many other serious health problems. Not only this, it also affects the family and people around, because chain smoking is also considered harmful for health.
The National Health Mission (NHM) appeals to people to adopt a tobacco-free life. According to Mission, after abstaining from nicotine the body starts healing itself slowly. Just 20 minutes after quitting tobacco, blood pressure and heart rate start normalizing, which is considered the first positive sign for the body. The process of eliminating nicotine from the body starts within 24 hours of quitting tobacco. After this, within 48 hours one starts feeling improvement in taste and smell. Many people start liking the taste of food better than before and their ability to recognize smells also increases.
According to health experts, a significant improvement in lung function is seen after about two months. Breathing becomes easier and fatigue is felt less during daily activities. At the same time, after one year of quitting tobacco, the risk of heart attack reduces to almost half, which is considered a big achievement for heart health.
Its benefits are even greater in the long run. Experts say that after about 10 years of quitting tobacco, the risk of lung cancer reduces to a great extent. This is why the decision to quit tobacco at any age can prove beneficial for health.
Support services are also available for people finding it difficult to quit tobacco addiction. A toll-free helpline number 1800-112-356 has been issued by the National Health Mission for people wishing to quit tobacco. This number can be contacted from 8 am to 8 pm except Monday.
–IANS
MT/AS
