MANOJ SINHA
Ramgarh, June 18: An awareness program for tobacco eradication was held at Sri Agrasen School in Bhurkunda in Ramgarh district on Saturday.
Notably, Ramgarh was recently declared as smoking-free by the district administration.
Chief Guest Rita Devi, Ramgarh Zila Parishad Vice President, Ramgarh Civil Surgeon Dr Prabhat Kumar, Former Zip Vice President Manoj Ram, and Principal Nilkamal Sinha lit the lamp to start the event.
The children through a play titled ‘Tobacco’s hobby, death in installments’ raised awareness about the dangers of tobacco use.
Cigarettes were described as the source of deadly diseases, and an appeal was made to give up tobacco and choose life instead.
The children who performed the play were Charulata Rani, Zeeshan Khan, Saurav Kumar, Prateek Kumar, Vindhyachal Kumar and Sudhanshu Kumar.
Rita Devi said, “One person’s drug addiction wreaks havoc on the entire family. Tobacco users not only jeopardise their own lives, but also put their families and society at danger of sickness. That is why people should choose life rather than tobacco. Anyone can give up addiction if they move forward with a strong will. Addiction to drugs is not a way of life.”
Dr. Prabhat Kumar, the keynote speaker, remarked, “Tobacco addiction now affects not just the elderly and the young, but also children. Its ingestion is linked to a number of dangerous illnesses. It results in physical, mental, and financial harm. We spend our money on tobacco to eat first, then on disease treatment later. So, one should refrain from using cigarettes in any manner.”
He said that children can bring a big change in the society on such subjects. Children are the brand ambassadors for the family and the locality. The message of drug eradication must be taken to every locality.
He went on to say that youngsters may make a significant difference in society on such issues. Children are the family’s and community’s brand ambassadors. The message of drug abolition must be spread throughout the country.
Dr. Kumar also offered advice on how to quit smoking. “Continue your efforts to quit smoking,” he said. “Take away all cigarette goods from your possession. Make it a weekly habit to go without smoke for one or two days. Change your routine by going for a morning walk. Make friends with those who will assist you in overcoming your difficulties. Keep fennel, long, cardamom, and other spices on hand. When prompted, drink water. Take a deep breath and hold it. Refrain from using cigarettes. Shift your focus to the other side. Make a powerful intention,” he added.
Tobacco contains substances such as nicotine, nitrosamines, benzopyrins, arsenic, chromium, and others that are harmful to one’s health.
Increased heart rate and blood pressure return to normal soon after quitting smoking as Carbon monoxide levels in the blood begin to drop after 12 hours.
In 48 hours, the mouth test and smelling abilities improve. In two to three weeks, the risk of a heart attack begins to decrease. The lungs’ performance begins to improve and the feeling of being out of breath is lessened. In a year’s time, the risk of heart arteries is lowered by half.