According to data released by the World Health Organization (WHO), although 1,25 billion adults worldwide still use tobacco, there is an improvement in the numbers. Because in 2000, one in every five adults used tobacco, and in 2022, one in every three adults used tobacco. On the other hand, there is an increase in tobacco use in Turkey. According to the Turkey Health Survey published by TÜİK last year, the rate of daily tobacco users in the age group of 2022 years and above in 15 was 28,3 percent. This rate was 2010 percent in 25,4. Almost one in every five young people (15 percent) between the ages of 24 and 19,3 uses tobacco products. President of the Health Promotion and Anti-Smoking Association, Prof. Dr. Yasemin Open, In his statement on February 9, World No Tobacco Day, he pointed out that the rate of tobacco use has increased in every age group in Turkey except for those aged 75 and over, and listed the measures that should be taken against tobacco use, which threatens the health of the whole society, especially young people.
“YOUNG PEOPLE ARE MOST INFLUENCED BY THEIR FRIENDS”
Stating that the first reason for starting to use tobacco is the influence of friends Prof. Dr. Open, “The biggest factor in starting to use tobacco is the influence of friends with 31,3 percent. This is followed by curiosity with 23,8 percent and wannabe with 23,2 percent. At this point, families have a big responsibility. First of all, if parents use tobacco products, even if they explain the harms of this to their children, this will not be enough. Because children's first role models are their families. Then, as they get older, the friend factor comes into play. "For this reason, families should pay attention to their children's friends, stay in touch with their children's friends' families and teachers, and explain the harms of tobacco very well to keep them away from this danger."
Reminding that the European Commission aims to create a 'tobacco-free generation' by 2040 Open, He reminded that sanctions against the sale of tobacco products to children have increased in EU countries. Open He continued: “WHO also announced that this year, within the scope of May 31 World No Tobacco Day, it will dedicate itself to protecting children from the intervention of the tobacco industry and will work on this issue. “We must continue this struggle together.”
“ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE BAN MUST BE COMPLIED”
Stating that some people who stopped using tobacco products started using electronic cigarettes, but these cigarettes also cause great harm to health. Open, “Research reveals that nicotine and other chemicals found in electronic cigarettes create addiction and cause health problems similar to smoking. In fact, the sale of electronic cigarettes is prohibited in our country. However, these products can be easily accessed due to problems in the application. Another important issue regarding inspections is not to turn a blind eye to violations in areas that should be smoke-free airspace. "Unless inspections are increased and sanctions are not implemented, this situation will continue to threaten our public health," he said. Open He also emphasized the danger posed by hookah, which has an addictive effect like cigarettes, and said that one hookah causes poisoning at the same rate as an average of 4-5 packs of cigarettes, due to the heavy metals it contains.
“THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP IS FOR THEM TO QUIT SMOKING”
On behalf of the Health Promotion and Anti-Smoking Association, we invite everyone to quit smoking, other tobacco products and electronic cigarettes. Prof. Dr. Yasemin On, concluded his words as follows; “The most important step that smokers can take to protect and improve their health is to quit smoking. Just 20 minutes after quitting smoking, the body begins to recover. In the first days, the person may feel weak and unhappy due to nicotine addiction and habits. In fact, these symptoms show that the body is in the healing process. So much so that the risk of heart attack begins to decrease after just two weeks, the risk of cough begins to decrease within a month, and the risk of cancer begins to decrease within a year. "Those who have difficulties in this process can get professional support from Alo 171 Smoking Cessation Advisory Line or an expert."
