It would be hard to believe there is anybody out there who still thinks smoking or any type of tobacco use is a healthy habit. Within the last five years, the U.S. government has spent about $1 billion on mass media campaigns aimed at driving down the number of American smokers.

Smoking isn’t only a problem in the United States. China, Eastern Europe and Southern Europe have the highest tobacco use rates, worldwide. That is why in 1988, the World Health Organization designated May 31 as World No Tobacco Day. It is an annual campaign marked by health professionals around the world uniting in the effort to inform the public about the devastating risks of tobacco, about the tactics tobacco companies use to addict smokers and to promote what people can do to “claim their right to health and healthy living”.

Not only is smoking detrimental to a person’s overall health, it can also exacerbate the symptoms of other illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease and diabetes. And, it doesn’t just harm the smoker. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that every year, 3,000 nonsmokers will die of lung cancer caused by the hundreds of toxic chemicals released through second-hand smoke. That’s why tobacco prices will continue to rise and more places will implement bans on smoking and the use of tobacco products.

To learn more, or if you are ready to quit, UT Health can help through our Tobacco Cessation Program. Click here for details.