Breathe Free, Live Healthy: May 31-World No Tobacco Day!

World No Tobacco Day has been established by the World Health Organization to be celebrated every year on May 31st, aiming to inform and raise public awareness on a global scale about the effects of tobacco in all areas of our lives, focusing on our health.

This year's 2024 campaign focuses on children and young people, highlighting the importance of educating and raising awareness among young generations about the long-term consequences and risks of tobacco consumption and the benefits of a smoke-free life.

At the same time, it aims to encourage children and young people to follow positive and healthy role models, adopting a lifestyle oriented towards their health, well-being and self-care.

The dangers of tobacco and vaping use in children and young people.

The use of tobacco and vaping (e-cigarettes) poses significant health risks to children and young people as they are exposed to harmful chemicals while their vital organs are still developing.

Various scientific studies prove that tobacco use affects all vital organs of a child / adolescent, causing serious effects on their functionality and vitality.

Toxic substances entering the body can cause immediate consequences:

• Respiratory infections: Pneumonia, bronchitis, laryngitis, etc.
• Asthma, episodes of coughing and wheezing.
• Eye irritation, headache, nausea.
• Earaches

But also, long-term damage and diseases after years and systemic exposure such as:

• Inadequate growth and/or lung damage
• Damage to the vessels and heart.
• Carcinogenesis
• Cataract

The dangers of passive smoking

Children and young people, even as passive smokers, are exposed to thousands of chemicals that are implicated and linked to various damages and diseases for the body, just like active smokers.

It has been shown that children who inhale smoke (secondary smoking) also have an increased risk of bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections and other diseases. In addition, in the long term, children exposed to

They are at risk of having less developed lungs and are more likely to become smokers themselves. However, even if they don't smoke as adults, they have been shown to have an increased risk of heart disease, lung cancer, cataracts, and even rheumatoid arthritis. Equally important research has been done on the effects on children and young people of tertiary smoking, nicotine, and toxic substances, i.e. tobacco, that remain in the surrounding environment, long after the disappearance of tobacco itself. It has been found that children carry toxic substances of tobacco in their hands, even when no one smokes around them, and then carry them in their mouths and bodies.

Finally, studies show that children who grow up with parents who smoke / vape gradually form the impression that it is something natural, so possibly not so harmful. Familiarization with this habit from an early age makes children potential future smokers.

The benefits of living without tobacco

Adopting healthy attitudes without consuming tobacco products can bring significant benefits to its quality.

Our daily lives, but especially in our overall well-being and health as adults and especially as children.

Physical health

First of all, we safeguard our physical health and well-being from serious, chronic and life-threatening diseases and diseases. We strengthen our immune system, limiting the production of free radicals and consequently toxic substances, which cause us additional damage to our body. In addition, quality life expectancy is increased.

Mental health

Our emotional balance and peace of mind is scientifically proven to be better when we live without addictions and dependencies, especially on toxic substances harmful to our body.

More specifically, we have the ability to manage our stress better and more effectively, in healthy and natural ways for our body, such as relaxing breathing techniques, meditation, coming into contact with nature and water (eg taking a bath) and / or transforming our stress creatively through physical and / or artistic activity. In addition to the remarkable reduction of anxiety and stress, the

Our mood as emotional distress and sadness decreases over time, and consequently our self-confidence and self-care are boosted.  

The benefits of living without tobacco

The advantages are noticeable in our external appearance, which has characteristics of a more youthful and healthier image, free from signs of premature aging.

More specifically:

• Our skin is more radiant, hydrated, elastic and firm, without signs of premature aging, wrinkles or stretch marks due to the reduction of its strength and associated with the reduction of collagen.
• Better hair quality and appearance, both in terms of gray appearance issues and hair thinning, hair loss and hair loss in some cases.
• Our teeth and nails are also shinier without yellow stains, breath is fresher and free from bad breath caused by dry mouth and dehydration. The health of our oral cavity is very important in the health of the gums, as for example gingivitis and periodontitis is a very common condition, which has much better therapeutic results when there is no consumption of tobacco products.

Economic advantages

Savings related to both insurance, prevention, care and treatment costs of our physical and mental health, as well as expenses on treatments and products for beauty and care of our external appearance associated with tobacco use and its consequences.

World No Tobacco Day

It is very important to have access to counselling systems and services in case we need help with smoking cessation.

We want your opinion too!

Send your article to info@daddylife.gr