DROP THE STICK
Tobacco use has hazardous health and social implications. Owing to this, in most societies across the world the practice is seriously frowned upon. It is estimated that there are approximately 1.3 billion tobacco addicts in the world
today. The mortality rate that occurs due to the various respiratory and circulatory complications associated with tobacco use is alarming. These complications if left unchecked can result into fatal diseases which include among other things the cancer
family (lung, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus and pancreas). Conclusive research findings show that persistent tobacco use could also increase the vulnerability of its users to diseases of the urinary tract, pelvis, bladder and digestive
tract.
Apart from the presence of high levels of nicotine in tobacco, users also expose their body systems to high volumes of toxic chemicals prominently among them are Tar (a sticky brown substance which stains fingers, teeth and lungs), carbon
monoxide (a poisonous gas found in car exhaust fumes as well), Hydrogen Cyanide (damages lung-clearing system causing accumulation of toxic agents in lungs), and a host of other additives.
Public health officials are particularly concerned about the increasing risk posed by smokers to the health of the non-smoking members of the general public. There is abundant evidence to prove that, inhalation of tobacco smoke by non
smokers through the so-called “secondary smoking” has caused significant mortalities resulting from tobacco related diseases The effects are particularly serious for children, who can be plunged into serious health complications arising from the
inhalation of tobacco smoke within close proximity. Children who have a history of exposure to tobacco smoke either from their mothers or caregivers are four times at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This even makes the case against public
smoking uncontestable.
Despite the high public awareness level created on the anti-smoking platform millions continue to engage in this unhealthy habit. Indeed, some behavioral psychologists have reported that a significant percentage of tobacco users have a
hidden emotional gloom generated from the awareness of the negative implications tobacco usage has on their general health state. It then sounds the reverberating question as to why they still engage in this practice.
On the social front, tobacco addicts need more support, motivation and encouragement to see them through the process of “dropping the stick.” The nicotine addict should as a matter of principle be helped into understanding and appreciating
the need to quit. Having done this then the right platform would be created to proceed. It must however be emphasized that the decision to quit comes with some difficulties often called “withdrawal symptoms.” The withdrawal symptoms can take the form of:
• Faintness
• Emotional instability such as depression, anxiety, restlessness, and anger
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• Headaches
• Tiredness
If the above symptoms are not properly managed with the right attitude it could easily lead to relapse, thus defeating the entire process.
Besides the enormous health benefits that come with quitting smoking, other equally intangible rewards are listed below:
1. A cut in cigarette expenditure can greatly improve personal income budgets of smokers leading to a better economic standing;
2. Improvement in physical appeal-The bad breadth, pungent body odor and stained teeth will become history once an individual quits the “cancer stick.”
3. Efficient functioning of the smell and taste buds;
4. Your seemingly pleasurable habit no longer becomes a public health concern;
5. It will eventually lead you to an improved sense of social belongings.
Over and above all the longevity and improved quality of life that awaits the resolve to drop the “stick” is worth the price to be paid, making your choice imperative.
