Despite decades of awareness campaigns and warnings, tobacco use remains a major public health threat, with e-cigarettes and vaping contributing to the problem. According to a 2022 WHO study, at least 37 million young people worldwide use tobacco, with the popularity of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches on the rise. These products, marketed as a way to help smokers quit, have instead normalized the act of smoking, particularly among younger generations. This poses a grave threat as tobacco use is linked to various cancers, including lung cancer, the most prevalent form of cancer in India.
Electronic Cigarettes, Vaping, and the Global Tobacco Crisis: A Grave Threat to Public Health
Despite decades of public awareness campaigns and warnings, tobacco use remains a major public health threat worldwide. In recent years, the rise of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vaping has added a new dimension to this problem.
The Lure of E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes have been marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, with claims that they help smokers quit. However, studies have shown that this is not the case. In fact, e-cigarettes have become a gateway to nicotine addiction for many young people.
The popularity of e-cigarettes among youth is particularly concerning. According to a 2022 World Health Organization (WHO) study, at least 37 million young people worldwide use tobacco, with the popularity of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches on the rise. These products have normalized the act of smoking, especially among younger generations.
The Health Risks of Tobacco Use
Tobacco use is linked to a wide range of health problems, including:
E-cigarettes have not been shown to be any safer than traditional cigarettes. In fact, some studies have suggested that they may even be more harmful.
The Impact of World No Tobacco Day
World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on May 31st to raise awareness of the dangers of tobacco use and to advocate for policies to reduce its use. This year's theme is "Protect youth from industry manipulation and prevent them from nicotine addiction."
The WHO is calling on governments to:
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Are e-cigarettes safer than traditional cigarettes?
No, e-cigarettes have not been shown to be safer than traditional cigarettes.
2. Do e-cigarettes help smokers quit?
No, e-cigarettes have not been shown to be effective for smoking cessation.
3. What are the health risks of e-cigarettes?
E-cigarettes have been linked to a variety of health risks, including: lung damage, heart disease, and cancer.
4. What can be done to reduce tobacco use?
Governments can implement comprehensive tobacco control measures, including bans on tobacco advertising and promotion, increased tobacco taxation, and support for smokers who want to quit.
5. How can I protect my child from the harmful effects of tobacco?
Talk to your child about the dangers of tobacco use, encourage them to avoid tobacco products, and set a good example by being smoke-free.
A bone box with the inscription "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus" was recently put on display in Atlanta, Georgia. The box is believed to have once held the remains of James the Just, brother of Jesus, making it the oldest physical evidence of Jesus. Despite some controversy and accusations of forgery, the box has been declared authentic by experts.
As the winter solstice approaches on December 21st, the Northern Hemisphere will experience the shortest day and longest night of the year. This natural phenomenon has captivated people for centuries, with ancient traditions and festivals taking place around the world. Through science, we can understand why this occurs and how it affects different regions of the world differently.
Every year, the Northern Hemisphere experiences the arrival of winter on the winter solstice, which marks the shortest day and longest night due to the Earth's tilt on its axis. As the North Pole is furthest from the sun, it receives the least amount of sunlight, resulting in a gradual lengthening of days towards the arrival of spring. This year, the winter solstice falls on December 21 and will be celebrated by people worldwide in various ways to mark the significant celestial event.
In a miraculous surgery, doctors at Kurnool Government General Hospital successfully removed a one-foot stick from the stomach of a 12-year-old boy who had fallen from a tree and suffered an abdominal injury. The head of the Paediatrics Department, Dr Shiva Kumar, along with doctors from the orthopaedic and anaesthesia departments worked together to perform the three-hour long surgery. The patient, Irfan, is now able to walk on his own and is expected to make a full recovery in a month.
NASA has released stunning new images of two nearby star clusters that resemble a wreath and a Christmas tree. These clusters, known as NGC 602 and NGC 2264, are located in the Small Magellanic Cloud and are made up of young stars. The images were created by combining data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and James Webb Space Telescope. As we celebrate the winter solstice, take a moment to marvel at these cosmic Christmas decorations.
Vladimir Putin's announcement about the development of a cancer vaccine in Russia has stirred up a wave of hope among patients and experts alike, with its promised release for general use as early as 2025. As the world grapples with the devastating effects of cancer, the Russian vaccine, developed with the help of AI technology, could potentially revolutionize the way we understand and treat the disease. However, with other countries also racing to develop their own versions of cancer vaccines, the competition is stiff, and the details of Putin's claim are yet to be revealed. If successful, this could mean the end of the world's biggest killer.
Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams and her colleague Barry Wilmore have been stuck at the International Space Station for six months due to a malfunctioning spacecraft. Their rescue mission has been further delayed as NASA announced a delay in the return flight on SpaceX's Crew-9 Dragon capsule. They are now expected to spend close to ten months in space, raising concerns about their health as astronauts require twice as many calories in space due to changes in their metabolism. NASA's Commercial Crew Programme Manager has commended the SpaceX team for their efforts in preparing a new spacecraft for the mission.
Russian scientists have developed a vaccine that may be able to treat cancer, offering hope to patients who previously had no guaranteed cure. The vaccine is currently in testing and is expected to be available in early 2025. While there is still more testing to be done, pre-clinical trials have shown promising results in slowing the growth and spread of cancer. It will be available for free in Russia, but there is no information yet on which types of cancer it will treat or what the name of the vaccine will be. Similar treatments are also being developed in other countries, such as the UK.
Towana Looney, who had been on dialysis for eight years, became the fifth American to receive a gene-edited pig kidney transplant at New York University Hospital. The transplant was a success, with the kidney immediately turning a healthy color and functioning properly. This groundbreaking procedure is expected to become a lifesaving technology for many patients suffering from organ failure.
With the Gaganyaan mission quickly approaching, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has made significant progress in its preparations. All propulsion systems for the launch vehicle are ready, the crew escape system has been tested, and the crew and service modules are in the process of integration. According to the reply by Minister of State for Space Dr Jitendra Singh, the first uncrewed mission is targeted for the end of 2024, with a series of further missions set for 2025 and 2026. With all the ground infrastructure and support systems in place, India is gearing up for a historic first crewed mission in 2026.