Smokers advised to shun the habit

Visakhapatnam: Despite the statutory warning that pops up on the movie screens and warning labels carried on cigarette packets, efforts taken to curb smoking hardly deters the smokers.

A recent survey reveals that India recorded 35 million smokers in the past two decades and the figure is likely to increase in the coming years.

With 'No Smoking Day' observed on the second Wednesday in March to encourage smokers to shun the habit, those who had given up smoking say their will power, family support and circumstances played a key role in breaking the habit.

Experts say that nicotine, one of the main chemicals present in a cigarette, is quite addictive and what is required to quit smoking is 'will power.'

Explaining the impact of smoking on one's health, general physician at A N Beach Hospital Zaheer Ahmed says, "Smoking adversely affects the lungs along with other parts of the body. Chronic smokers have an increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer and thromboangiitis obliterans and other ailments."

Smokers say that though they know smoking shortens their lifespan, they could not help but search their pockets for a cigarette every time they come across a stressful situation. "Smoking certainly gives me a high. What started off as a casual attempt with some of my friends five years ago has now become a part of my life," says Kumar, a 23-year-old student.

While there is a significant rise in smoking among young men, shop-owners find the habit is also catching up among women these days.

"Four years back, no women used to visit our shop for a cigarette. However, the trend has changed now as women customers do step into the counter asking for a pack of cigarette," observes V V Ramaiah, a pan shop owner.

Those who have given up smoking believe that the decision to shun the habit largely depends on one's will power. "Initially, I used to smoke five cigarettes a day. However, when I moved to my new office, there is no designated smoking zone and I have to step out of the office premises to smoke which includes climbing a series of stairs. This has eventually helped me cut down on the number of cigarettes I smoke a day. Fortunately, with the help of my family support, I don't crave for cigarettes any longer," says a working woman, who has given up smoking.

Experts suggest that those who are undergoing nicotine replacement therapy must exercise caution.

"This therapy works alongside other measures considered to quit smoking. However, using nicotine gum beyond recommended weeks raises concerns of addiction to the gum chewing," warns Aditya Narayan, radiation oncologist of HCG Cancer Centre.