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.
WHO has released its first-ever global guideline on managing sickle cell disease (SCD) during pregnancy, highlighting the dangers faced by women and their babies. SCD is an inherited blood disorder with potentially fatal consequences, and the health risks intensify during pregnancy. The new guideline aims to improve outcomes for pregnant women with SCD and calls for more investment in evidence-based treatments and disease awareness. With SCD on the rise globally, increasing numbers of maternity care providers need to be equipped to handle its challenges.
On Thursday, March 19 at 5:01 a.m. ET, the vernal equinox or the first day of spring will take place in the Northern Hemisphere. This marks the beginning of the season of longer days and warmer weather as the sun's rays fall directly on the equator. Despite popular belief, day and night are not exactly the same length on the equinox due to atmospheric refraction. The summer and winter solstices and the autumnal equinox also have significant impacts on the Earth's tilt and the length of daylight hours.
A new, inexpensive Arduino-based logger has been developed for accurately mapping the depths of water bodies. By using budget-friendly hardware such as a GPS module and an SD card, combined with a standard NMEA capable echolot sounder, this device is accessible and practical for scientists, recreational enthusiasts, and more. With the added use of Python and matplotlib, users can now easily transform the collected data into detailed depth maps, revealing vital information about water levels and shallow spots in various environments.
After a 28-hour journey through space, Group Captain Shukla has become the first Indian to board the International Space Station (ISS). Accompanied by three other astronauts from the Axiom-4 mission, the ISS is now hosting a total of 11 people. Shukla was welcomed with hugs by the astronauts already stationed at the ISS and presented with the astronaut number 634. As the pilot of the mission, Shukla was given a number ahead of his fellow rookie astronauts and was offered a liquid diet to refresh himself before exploring the six-bedroom facility in space.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has successfully docked with the International Space Station on the Axiom Mission 4. This marks a proud milestone in Indian space history, as Shukla becomes the first Indian to reach the ISS. The docking process involved intricate procedures, and upon arrival, Shukla and his crew were welcomed with warm hugs and will conduct various experiments during their 14-day mission on the ISS.
After a 28-hour journey, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three other astronauts were welcomed onto the International Space Station (ISS) by the expedition team. Shukla expressed his gratitude and excitement for the 14-day mission, where they will conduct scientific experiments and interact with people on Earth. He also shared his amazement at the view and the warm welcome he received from the ISS crew.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has been launched to the International Space Station as part of the Axiom 4 mission aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The spacecraft is currently en route to the ISS and is expected to dock with the Harmony module on June 26. The mission, led by Peggy Whitson, will last for two weeks and include scientific research, outreach activities, and commercial projects. Shubhanshu Shukla is joined by mission specialists from ESA and HUNOR. Get to know all about this historic mission carrying an Indian astronaut to space after 40 years.
After multiple delays, the Axiom-4 mission has finally launched with Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla onboard for an important space mission. The spacecraft, carrying Shukla as the pilot along with three other astronauts, will dock at the International Space Station in a few hours. This joint mission between India, Poland, and Hungary marks a significant step in international human spaceflight collaborations and showcases India's ambitions in global space exploration. Shukla's journey not only symbolizes India's return to human spaceflight but also propels the country's human space program to new heights.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a native of Lucknow, is commanding the Axiom-4 Mission to the International Space Station, breaking barriers for India in space exploration. As his family watches the live broadcast of the historic event, they express their pride and excitement for Shukla's role as a key member of the international crew. Along with Commander Peggy Whitson, Shukla and the team will carry out groundbreaking research and outreach during their 14-day mission.
The successful launch of the Axiom Mission 4, carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the US, has sparked celebrations across the country. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian astronaut on board, has received wishes and cheers from prominent leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The mission is expected to lead to new frontiers in scientific studies and space exploration, showcasing the enduring partnership between NASA and ISRO.