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Artists'
Support Vital to Eradicating Use of Tobacco Among Youngsters
Showbiz stars
can reverse the harmful trend of tobacco use among youngsters in
Pakistan,
by reinforcing positive messages through dramas, ads and movies
and showing smoking as a major health hazard and an unhealthy trait.
This was a key recommendation made at the World No Tobacco Day organised
by Aga Khan University (AKU) on May
31, 2003.
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| Renowned
TV actor Shakeel highlights the hazards of smoking at the "World
No Tobacco Day" organised by AKU
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Speaking in
the context of this year's theme 'Tobacco-free films. Tobacco Free
Fashion. Action!' renowned TV actor Shakeel said that tobacco is
a major health problem in Pakistan.
He said that while smoking is declining in the West, it is on the
rise in Pakistan.
He said the
worst affected are the youngsters who emulate showbiz celebrities
as role models. Two thirds of today's smokers started smoking in
their teen years. The tobacco industry needs 11,000 new smokers
everyday to replace those it kills, he added.
Prof. Javaid A.
Khan, Consultant Chest Physician at AKU, said that according to research
conducted last year by the University, 40% men and 8% women smoke
on a regular basis in the country. He regretted that the tobacco companies
in Pakistan
have been given a free hand to promote a powerful addictive substance
to the youth of the country. As a result of aggressive marketing campaigns an estimated 1,500 children are taking up smoking everyday
in the country. He said the use of tobacco has led to an increase
in the instances of heart diseases, stroke, emphysema and respiratory
disorders, and eventually, death. He added that tobacco advertising
has a strong influence on children, as it 'normalizes' smoking, making
it socially acceptable, and difficult for health education to convince
people how dangerous tobacco is. "Children and youngsters eventually
get hooked to this addiction," he lamented. He demanded there be a
comprehensive ban as has been recommended in a recent resolution passed
in the world health assembly.
That
tobacco is the single largest preventable cause of death in Pakistan,
occurring by way of lung cancer, was a view shared by Dr. Irfan
Vazeri, Consultant Oncologist, in his discussion on Tobacco and
Cancer. "Over 90% of such cancers are preventable if the use of
tobacco is avoided," he said.
Dr. Abul Faizi,
Consultant Psychiatrist at AKU, discussed the psychological aspects
of tobacco, and the reasons why people smoke. He said that nicotine
is a powerful addictive substance - more powerful than heroin. "Once
hooked, the person becomes a life-long customer," he said.
Dr.
Marie Andrades, Assistant Professor Department of Family Medicine,
AKU, speaking on motivating patients to quit smoking, said that "it is never too late to quit smoking. Most people feel that after
30 or 40 years, it seems pointless to think about quitting as most
of the damage is already done. But even then, such people can improve
their quality of life by improving their lung functions as they
quit smoking."
It may be mentioned
here that, in keeping with AKU's ethical standards, and out of respect
for prevailing standards within the community, the University seeks
to make a clear statement that it will not undertake grant funded
research or clinical trials, nor will it solicit, encourage nor
accept any direct or indirect support or assistance, financial or
in kind, from companies whose products or services are in any way
contrary to the betterment of individual health, education or moral
character.
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