8th August 1942, a date etched on every Indian’s mind; the start of Quit India Movement. A movement which brought all of us together to fight and win Independence for India. Today again, the time has come for us to unite and start another movement to win another battle. This battle is against TOBACCO. 

More than 6 million tobacco- related deaths occur every year across the world, one-sixth of which occur in India alone. In India, every third adult consumes some form of tobacco. Though the ill-effects of tobacco addiction are well-known, its consumption hasn’t gone down. As per data, tobacco causes one death every six seconds; which means every 6 seconds somewhere a family is losing its bread earner. 

Tobacco is harmful in all forms be it in form of smoking, chewing or snuffing. 

Some of the harmful effects of Tobacco are

• Oral Cancer

• Precancerous Oral lesions like White patches, Red patches on check, lips

• Lung Cancer

• Heart Problems

• Difficulty in opening mouth

• Gum diseases

• Inability to eat any spicy food

Many of us are fighting the battle with the habit of tobacco and we appreciate their efforts. This battle is easier to win if there is support from family, friends and doctors. 

We all are aware of harmful effects of tobacco but the main problem that arises while trying to quit is to control the urge. Let us help you when you have such strong urge to use tobacco.

Whenever you feel like smoking or having tobacco follow these 4 Ds

1. Distance yourself from the thought – The urge to have tobacco is going to last for few minutes. Distance yourself from this thought for those few minutes

2. Deep breathing – While distancing yourself, take deep breaths

3. Drink water – Drink water to curb down the urge

4. Distract yourself – Have a walk, listen to music, engage in your favorite activity or hobby to distract yourself from the thought of having tobacco

There are some triggers too which try to take you away from your path of quitting tobacco. But these triggers can be overcome by few simple things.

We have few simple solutions for the most common triggers experienced during quitting tobacco.

TRIGGERS and their SOLUTION

•Soon after waking up in the morning --- Brush your teeth

•Going to office on my way, a tobacco vendor --- Go by another route 

•After lunch --- Read a book. Talk with a non tobacco user

•While returning home --- Talk with your family member

 •In your car --- Clean it out and get rid of smell, and keep healthy snacks with you.

•When you are stressed --- Get enough sleep, stay active and talk about what is bothering you

•After dinner --- Recap the day/ Maintain a diary

With this read help yourself or your family member or your friend who is trying to quit tobacco. Let us together say Tobacco Quit India.

#Notobacco #TobaccoQuitIndia