From the Department of Chest Diseases Expert Dr. Başak Burgazlıoğlu reminded us about the harms of using cigarettes and tobacco products on February 9, World No Tobacco Day. Stating that smoking causes 50 chronic and 20 fatal diseases, he also gave information about quitting methods.
Specialist Dr. from the Department of Pulmonary Diseases stated that today, 1.3 billion people smoke in the world and 80% of smokers live in developing countries. Başak Burgazlıoğlu gave the following information: “5.4 million people in the world, that is, one person every 6 seconds, die due to tobacco consumption. If consumption continues like this, this number is expected to be 8 million people in 2030.
The most frequently used tobacco product in the world and in our country is cigarettes. Cigarette smoke contains more than 5000 toxic and carcinogenic chemical components such as tar, various gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), volatile substances and nicotine. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has accepted cigarettes as a Grade 1 carcinogenic substance.”
It Causes 20 Chronic and 50 Fatal Diseases
Smoking in Turkey Stating that it is accepted as a public health problem in Turkey and around the world, Burgazlıoğlu said, “The number of deaths caused by smoking in our country is 5 times higher than the total of other deaths due to traffic, terrorism and work accidents. Cigarette smoking causes 50 chronic and 20 fatal diseases. Smoking is responsible for 90% of lung cancer. The risk of developing lung cancer is 20 times higher in smokers compared to non-smokers.”
Smoking shortens the lifespan of smokers by an average of 14.5 years. It has been shown that one in every 5 smokers dies prematurely. If we evaluate from here, it is known that every hour around the world, as many people die due to smoking as the number of people who will die when a fully loaded jumbo jet crashes.” he said.
The Risk of Lung Cancer Increases by 32 Percent in Passive Smokers
Burgazlıoğlu believes that people exposed to cigarette smoke are also at risk. drawing attention to the following: “The toxin in smoke taken through passive It contains more toxic and carcinogenic substances than the smoke smoked by a smoker. For example, the risk of lung cancer increases by 32% with passive exposure to tobacco smoke.” He said: Expert Dr. underlines that one should not be pessimistic. Başak Burgazlıoğlu gave the following advice:
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First of all, you need to really want to quit smoking. Never think that you cannot quit smoking and do not allow pessimism.
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Make sure to set a day for yourself to quit. The day you set should not be too far or too close. Give yourself time to prepare. Inform your relatives about your determination to quit.
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Write down your reasons for wanting to quit smoking on a piece of paper, hang it where you can see it, and carry it with you. Be sure to repeat these reasons every day.
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Remove items that remind you of smoking (such as lighters, cigarette holders, ashtrays). Be careful not to carry cigarettes or lighters in your pocket or bag.
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Stay away from environments that will make you want to smoke for a while. Ensure that environments that evoke smoking are rearranged; such as changing the location of the smoking chair or table, washing the curtains, cleaning the house.
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When you have a strong desire to smoke, walk around a little and change rooms. Eat a fruit or drink water. Do things that will take your mind off the thought of smoking. Remember why you quit smoking. Take deep breaths. This desire will pass after five or six minutes.
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If you think you cannot cope with the difficulties on your own, be sure to get professional support. Consult your workplace physician or a health institution.”
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