the encounter

The tobacco menace

It is worrying to note that more than 95,000 people die annually in the country because of tobacco use. The number is ever increasing. Not only that, nearly 12,00,000 people are affected with chronic disease because of this most unhealthy of habits. We also know that 50 per cent of smokers died prematurely, on an average 14 years earlier than non-smokers. Quitting smoking was arguably the most important preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the report said while referring to the American Heart Association data. Virtually everyone these days know about the severely harmful sides of tobacco consumption but most of the users are not ready to give it up. It can be compared to drug addiction–only difference is while narcotics are banned it is perfectly legal for an adult to consume tobacco products. Tobacco use is one of the most serious health challenges in Bangladesh.
An increasing number of cafes and restaurants across the country are serving shisha to customers of all ages. The ban on underage smoking is not being implemented, especially when it comes to serving flavoured shisha to eager 16-year olds. Experts have revealed that an hour of shisha is equivalent to smoking 100 cigarettes. Secondhand smoke is another contributing factor to diseases. Secondhand smoke is a combination of two types: the exhaled smoke from a smoker and the smoke from the end of a burning cigarette. Both types contain the same toxic carcinogens.
The government must realise that the revenue it generates from the tobacco industry every year is far less than what the public spend on treating diseases caused by tobacco use. Smoking is banned in indoor offices, restaurants, health-care and educational facilities and on public transportation in this country. But sometimes the ban is openly flouted with apparent impunity.
Tobacco users need help to quit: WHO fact reveals that a majority of the smokers who are aware of the dangers of tobacco want to quit the deadly habit. However, as nicotine exists in tobacco, it is difficult for them to quit. Unfortunately there are no medications available to treat tobacco dependence in Bangladesh. Nevertheless, counselling, cooperation from the near and dear ones, medication and various awareness measures can help a smoker to quit the habit.

the encounter

The tobacco menace

It is worrying to note that more than 95,000 people die annually in the country because of tobacco use. The number is ever increasing. Not only that, nearly 12,00,000 people are affected with chronic disease because of this most unhealthy of habits. We also know that 50 per cent of smokers died prematurely, on an average 14 years earlier than non-smokers. Quitting smoking was arguably the most important preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the report said while referring to the American Heart Association data. Virtually everyone these days know about the severely harmful sides of tobacco consumption but most of the users are not ready to give it up. It can be compared to drug addictiononly difference is while narcotics are banned it is perfectly legal for an adult to consume tobacco products. Tobacco use is one of the most serious health challenges in Bangladesh. An increasing number of cafes and restaurants across the country are serving shisha to customers of all ages. The ban on underage smoking is not being implemented, especially when it comes to serving flavoured shisha to eager 16-year olds. Experts have revealed that an hour of shisha is equivalent to smoking 100 cigarettes. Secondhand smoke is another contributing factor to diseases. Secondhand smoke is a combination of two types: the exhaled smoke from a smoker and the smoke from the end of a burning cigarette. Both types contain the same toxic carcinogens. The government must realise that the revenue it generates from the tobacco industry every year is far less than what the public spend on treating diseases caused by tobacco use. Smoking is banned in indoor offices, restaurants, health-care and educational facilities and on public transportation in this country. But sometimes the ban is openly flouted with apparent impunity. Tobacco users need help to quit: WHO fact reveals that a majority of the smokers who are aware of the dangers of tobacco want to quit the deadly habit. However, as nicotine exists in tobacco, it is difficult for them to quit. Unfortunately there are no medications available to treat tobacco dependence in Bangladesh. Nevertheless, counselling, cooperation from the near and dear ones, medication and various awareness measures can help a smoker to quit the habit.