On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, security forces in Tamenglong provide young students easy tips on how to quit smoking the natural way amid the raging Covid-19 pandemic.
Awareness on the need to quit tobacco amid the Covid pandemic was discussed with young students of Tamenglong district in a webinar organised by the 44 Assam Rifles under the aegis of 22 Sector Assam Rifles IGAR (E) on May 31, with the theme ‘Quit Smoking’.
Speaking on the occasion, the 44 Assam Rifles Commandant Pradeepkumar highlighted a few suggestions on how to stop consuming tobacco.
According to the Commandant, it is most important to make up one’s mind to quit and fix a date. He said that setting a day for being completely free of the habit will help one gradually decrease tobacco intake and finally stop smoking.
Dr SS Sha, 11 AR CMO, who also spoke on the occasion, said to further subdue the urge to smoke one can have healthy snack or nicotine gums or even sugarless chewing gums. One should have a support system around him. Constant reminders from family members can motivate a person to beat the urge to smoke.
"This urge develops when under stress so try some calming techniques such as relaxing music, breathing exercises, massage, meditation or even closing your eyes… Keep focus on rewards of quitting and you would succeed. Keep yourself busy to do good things. Replace any free time of the day with something productive and constructive or take up some hobby," he suggested.
Dr Sha further said that the Covid-19 pandemic has been affecting lungs of the patients directly. It has led to millions of tobacco users the world over to say that they want to quit. He then explained the numerous health benefits of smoking cessation. Beneficial health changes related to heart rate and blood pressure along with clean lungs is attracting people from all age groups to opt for quitting tobacco, he said.
Smoking also affects children who are exposed to second hand smoke. Quitting smoking decreases the excess risk of many respiratory diseases related to second-hand smoke in children.
During the webinar, the Commandant released an e-brochure on “No Tobacco Day”. Sharing this brochure with the participants, he urged all to spread awareness about Tobacco cessation and its benefits during the ongoing COVID pandemic. He also appealed to all to follow COVID appropriate behaviour and spread awareness on it.
Lauding the contribution of various CSOs and youth leaders in their efforts towards the ongoing third phase of vaccination drive in the district, he requested the public to follow protocols at COVID care centres and get vaccinated at the earliest.
The commandant further informed how the unit has been conducting Covid awareness among people in far flung, remote villages of Tousem sub division. The team of the unit spreading awareness has reached Azuram, Thiulon, Phellong and Namtiram villages.
The collective efforts will definitely bring a new ray of hope in society, he added.
World No Tobacco Day was first observed in 1987. WHO recognised May 31 as World No Tobacco Day to draw attention of people to the dangers of using tobacco.
