Dangers of tobacco use raised during Anti Tobacco Day in Garo Hills

TURA: Raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco use which causes heart disease and cancer the world “Anti Tobacco day ” was observed across Garo Hills with one such programme held at Rongram Weekly Market on Friday morning which was organised by District Legal Services Authority  (DLSA).
It may mentioned that  World No Tobacco Day 2019 is focusing on “Tobacco and Lung Health ” and therefore the campaign aims to raise  awareness  on the negative impact that tobacco has on people’s lung health and the fundamental role lung plays for the health and well-being of the people. 
Speaking on the occasion. Panel Lawyer Rania K Marak highlighted the objectives of the Anti Tobacco campaign which ensures protection to non smokers,  protects children and young people from being addicted to use of tobacco and discourage the use of tobacco by imposing restrictions to eliminate all direct and indirect advertisement. Promotions and sponsorship . 
Information the gathering  especially the traders of the region,  that smoking in public places is an offence,  she said that the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to under  18 years of age and sale within a radius of 100 yards of educational institutions is also prohibited. Cautioning the people about the ill-effects of tobacco and it’s by products, she said that a packet of tobacco may cost Rs. 10 or so but when a person falls ill by consuming tobacco than lot of money have to be spent for treatment which at times leads to serious consequences. 
Senior Psychiatrist, Tura Civil Hospital Dr Bollen S Sangma spoke about the ill-effects of consuming tobacco and it’s products and said that tobacco is one of the major causes of cancer related diseases in the region and it harms nearly every organ of the body in general and respiratory and cardiovascular system in particular leading to many diseases and pre mature death.  He further explained about nicotine, a substance found in tobacco which creates a sense of well-being  in the minds of people who consume it and makes them to desire for more and ultimately becomes dependent like substance abuse.  Moreover,  when a person is in mental stress he would tend to use it more, he said. Cataract, losing of skin elasticity, decrease of immunity in the body,  increase of blood pressure which leads to heart attack and stroke,  infertility in both men and women who use it are few serious consequences and health hazards caused due to smoking or using tobacco related products. Therefore, he requested everyone who consumes tobacco and related products to avoid using this and prevent themselves from unwanted diseases and live a healthy life in future. Earlier in the function,  Judicial Magistrate First Class, Dadenggre J A Marak welcomed the gathering while Panel Lawyer Cara R Sangma proposed the  vote of thanks.