The Department of Addiction Prevention, through the UPCCA (Unit for Community Prevention of Addictive Behaviors), promotes for the 18th consecutive year the campaign on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, which is celebrated on May 31. This year's slogan has been chosen through an innovative initiative that has motivated the population of Dénia, through social networks, to send a slogan that represents the campaign. The response has been very good and many proposals have been received, among which the UPCCA team, headed by councilor Melani Ivars, has chosen the following: "Enfront del tabac... esfuma't", by Mayte Soler Sánchez. The council wants to thank Mayte Soler for her collaboration and the creative capacity that she has shown when devising such a suitable slogan for the campaign. The participation of all the people who have sent her proposals throughout these days is also appreciated.
Both the slogan and the design of this year's poster show positive messages and highlight the decision-making power of each one to say 'no' to tobacco and bet on health and life compared to the option of starting in the habit with high risk of addiction involved.
The objective of the campaign, in line with the guidelines set by the WHO, is to raise awareness and sensitize the population regarding the harmful nature of tobacco, the effects and risks of gates and, above all, warn the population of the high risk of habituation and addiction.
Smoking is a public health problem that causes many problems, including:
- Tobacco smoke causes illness, disability and death (it contains more than 4.000 toxic substances, of which more than 40 are carcinogenic).
- Tobacco reduces the quality of life: 30% of cancers, 20% of cardiovascular ailments and 80% of chronic obstructive pulmonary ailments (COPD) are caused by tobacco use.
- The habit of smoking carries significant health risks, its harmful nature being demonstrated.
We also remember that it is the leading cause of preventable mortality in the world.
Typically, most smokers start in youth. Therefore, the key is to say no to the first cigarette, since nicotine generates a strong dependence and then breaking the habit to it is not easy.
As for people who already smoke, the message is encouraging: it is possible to quit. It is about finding and combining the moment, the motivation and, if necessary, the appropriate treatment for cessation.
And, for those who are still not convinced, here are some of the benefits of leaving tobacco behind:
- After 48 hours, the senses of taste and smell improve.
- After 72 hours, respiratory function improves.
- From three months, they improve blood circulation and physical capacity.
- In the year the risk of coronary disease decreases in half.
- At 5 years, the risk of lung cancer decreases by half, as does the risk of the oral cavity, larynx, esophagus, bladder, kidney and pancreas.
- From the age of 15 the risk of cardiovascular ailments is equal to the risk of non-smokers.
