Yearly Death Toll from Smoking Reaches 8 Million: UAE Intensifies Awareness Initiatives
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is escalating its anti-smoking crusade, focusing on shielding public health, particularly the youth, as the planet commemorates World No Tobacco Day on May 31.
National Awareness Drive
Aligning with the global initiative, Abu Dhabi's National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) has embarked on a comprehensive media campaign advocating for prevention and public education. Yousef Al Dhiyeb Al Ketbi, NRC's CEO, affirmed their mission to cultivate a smoke-free society by implementing school programs, workshops, and smoking cessation clinics. He cautioned against the misleading notion that e-cigarettes are safer alternatives, citing research linking them to severe heart and respiratory illnesses.
Vaping: Alarming Trend
Dr. Favas Thaivalappil, a Consultant Pulmonologist at Mubadala Health Dubai, raised concerns over the burgeoning vaping trend, particularly among young people. Contrary to popular belief, e-cigarettes still release harmful chemicals that can damage the lungs and heart. Moreover, Dr. Favas debunked the myth that medwakh and shisha are less harmful alternatives, citing their comparable adverse effects.
Healing Starts Quickly Upon Quitting
Health experts underline the rapid recovery process that commences just 20 minutes after ceasing smoking. In a matter of weeks, one's blood pressure decreases, lung function improves, and breathing is made easier. Over time, quitting noticeably reduces the risk of chronic bronchitis, COPD, and cancers.
Aiding Smokers to Abstain
Mubadala Health Dubai offers a 12-week smoking cessation program, providing counseling, medication, and behavioral support. Strategies such as the "4Ds" (Distract, Delay, Deep breathing, Drink water) and lifestyle changes—like exercise and circumventing triggers—can boost the likelihood of quitting success.
"Write down your reasons to quit and revisit them daily," advised Dr. Favas. "Cravings usually dissipate within ten minutes; plan accordingly."
Smoking in Low-Income Countries: A Grave Concern
Over 80% of the world's 1.3 billion smokers dwell in low- and middle-income countries, where the implications of tobacco-related diseases are disproportionately impactful. Invigorated public health measures are required to counter this trend.
In conclusion, the UAE is striving to reduce tobacco consumption and champion healthier lifestyles, particularly among the youth.
- The National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) in Abu Dhabi has initiated a media campaign, emphasizing prevention and public education as part of a global anti-smoking drive.
- In line with this mission, NRC aims to establish a smoke-free society through school programs, workshops, and smoking cessation clinics.
- Yousef Al Dhiyeb Al Ketbi, NRC's CEO, urged caution against the idea that e-cigarettes are safer alternatives, citing research that links them to severe heart and respiratory illnesses.
- Dr. Favas Thaivalappil, a Consultant Pulmonologist at Mubadala Health Dubai, expressed concerns over the vaping trend's increase among young people and debunked the myth that medwakh and shisha are less harmful alternatives.
- Health experts emphasize that a rapid recovery process begins just 20 minutes after quitting smoking, with blood pressure reducing, lung function improving, and breathing becoming easier within weeks.
- Mubadala Health Dubai offers a 12-week smoking cessation program, providing counseling, medication, and behavioral support to aid smokers in quitting.
- Strategies such as the "4Ds" (Distract, Delay, Deep breathing, Drink water) and lifestyle changes like exercise and avoiding triggers can boost the likelihood of quitting success.
- Worldwide, over 80% of the 1.3 billion smokers reside in low- and middle-income countries, requiring invigorated public health measures to counter the trend of tobacco-related diseases in these regions.
- The UAE's efforts to reduce tobacco consumption and promote healthier lifestyles, particularly among the youth, incorporate education, self-development, mental health, fitness and exercise, nutrition, culture, lifestyle, science, medical-conditions, chronic diseases like cancer and respiratory conditions, and career development.
