Week-long Tobacco Avoidance Initiative Kicks Off in Yakutia
Russia to Host No Tobacco Week in Line with World No Tobacco Day
From May 26 to 31, Russia will serve as host to No Tobacco Week, culminating on World No Tobacco Day, traditionally celebrated on May 31.
Tobacco use remains a leading cause of death and disease across the globe. According to reports from the World Health Organization (WHO), around seven million people perish annually due to tobacco-related ailments.
In Russia, tobacco use contributes significantly to mortality, with approximately 300,000 deaths annually. Medical professionals advocate that abstaining from tobacco is a crucial step towards a long, healthy, and active life.
Throughout the week, various events will be organized throughout the republic to increase public awareness regarding the hazards of tobacco smoking and cigarettes. One such event is set to occur in Yakutsk on Friendship Square on May 31, from 12:00 to 15:00, under the banner "Healthy Youth - Strong Republic."
Due to the worldwide implications of tobacco-related illnesses, it is essential to recognize the severity of the issue. WHO statistics reveal that tobacco-induced cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths reached 2.147 million globally in 2021, with a substantial impact on global health[4][5]. Despite a decline in age-standardized mortality rates, the sheer number of deaths persists as a matter of significant concern due to population growth and aging[5].
Moreover, tobacco use is not limited to CVD. It also contributes to other health issues, including Alzheimer's disease[3], making it a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), a significant challenge in achieving global health goals[2]. The ongoing efforts to raise awareness and promote a tobacco-free lifestyle are crucial in mitigating these adverse health consequences.
- The focus of the "Healthy Youth - Strong Republic" event in Yakutsk on May 31 is expanding public knowledge about the risks associated with tobacco use, not just for cardiovascular health, but also for the prevention of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and even Alzheimer's disease.
- With a growing concern over chronic diseases, science has been spearheading research into the links between tobacco use and cancer, a leading type of long-term illness.
- As workplace wellness becomes more important, employers are introducing tobacco-free policies to foster a health-and-wellness-focused environment that reduces the risk of impairments caused by tobacco-related medical conditions.
- In the pursuit of better cardiovascular health, many individuals turn to fitness and exercise as natural methods for maintaining a tobacco-free lifestyle and overall well-being.
- World No Tobacco Day is not only a call to action against tobacco use in Russia but also a global appeal for sustainable policies that address the mental, physical and social repercussions caused by chronic diseases related to tobacco consumption.
