With six million people dying every year due to direct and indirect consumption of tobacco products, it is about time to give this global epidemic a serious thought. With the same motive, World Tobacco Day is celebrated on May 31. It is an attempt by the World Health Organisation to combat the amount of tobacco consumption at a global level.
Started in 1987, the theme for this year is illicit tobacco trade that has become rampant globally.
WHO plans to call for an action from the policy makers, public and academicians to combat the issue which is severe enough to cause a significant dent on the world economy.
Though the biggest step to give up smoking is to develop a will to stop, if you are one of the many who is trying to quit, here are a few tips
■ Make a list of reasons to quit, and keep it with you. Every time you feel like smoking or consuming tobacco products, look at the list. The technique works wonderfully
■ Mark the date on the calendar for every day you spend successfully without tobacco. It will boost your morale.
■ Fizzy and aerated drinks provoke the craving to smoke. Avoid them.
■ Avoid “just one cant harm” excuse. Peer pressure is often the reason why people start smoking or using other tobacco products.
■ Make friends who abstain from tobacco. If peer pressure can lead you to adopt the habit, it can also make you quit the habit.
■ Announce to your friends and family about your decision to quit. Apart from having a lot of help, it will give you a strong reason to quit in the fear of losing face.
■ Don’t give up if you fail. It is never easy to give up a habit you had for years. Keep trying.