Life does get better without Tobacco

World No-Tobacco Day is observed around the world every year on May 31st. It is meant to encourage a 24-hour period of abstinence from all forms of tobacco consumption across the globe. The day is further intended to draw global attention to the widespread prevalence of tobacco use and its negative health effects, which currently lead to 5.4 million deaths worldwide annually.

At SHAFA, we celebrated this day by having a debate session on the topic, “Does Life get better without Tobacco?” in which the participants, comprising of staff and residents, came out with the following conclusions:

"So go ahead and make your quit plan - you can do it!" - Ravi Ji, Project Manager.

"In your tobacco-free life, you can look forward to fewer coughs, colds, sore throats, and easier breathing (within days!), as well as fresher smelling clothes, fewer facial wrinkles, lower insurance rates and lots more money saved up to spend as you choose - there’s no downside" - Jasveer Singh Brar, Peer Support Counsellor.

"It doesn't take long to get the body rid of nicotine, the drug in tobacco that smokers physically depend on. But it can take time to adjust to the idea of not having cigarettes around as constant companions" - Vijay, General Member.

"There may be other triggers for your emotional desire for a cigarette long after the physical craving has gone - so be prepared. If you are alert you can prevent the temptation to smoke from weighing you down" - Saurabh, Co-ordinator.

"Ask yourself what triggers you to light up. Could it be certain drinks such as coffee or alcohol, or activities like watching television, talking on the phone, or driving?" -  Marco, H.O.D.

"Of course there are no hard and fast rules to tell exactly what will happen when you give up smoking. Some people don't put on any extra pounds at all, some gain more, and some will actually lose weight. For those who do put on a few pounds, the average gain is about 3-4 kgs. (6-9 lbs.) - not a lot. On an  average, people who quit smoking eventually end up at about the same weight as people who have never smoked." Pradeep, Chief.