High among users, Nagaland remembers perils of tobacco

[caption id="attachment_118685" align="alignnone" width="565"] Deo Nukhu and Rajesh Soundararajan seen here with others during the observation of World No Tobacco Day in Kohima town on May 31.[/caption] Kohima, May 31 (EMN): As per the Global Adult tobacco Survey (GATS 2010), Nagaland with 57% is the second highest tobacco consumers in India, where 31.5% are into smoking and 45.3% are using smokeless tobacco products like ‘gutkhas’ and ‘pan masala’ etc. The more alarming fact is that as per the Population Based Cancer Survey, ICMR 2012-2014 Nagaland tops in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (Cancer) with male population at 15.3% and female at 10.8%. According to the Nagaland School Oral Health Survey, 2013-14) tobacco users among the age group of 8-13 years is said to be on the rise with 28.3% already on tobacco habits and 15% of the children smoking while 41.2% are said to be buying tobacco for parents. These data and figures were informed during the observation of ‘World No Tobacco Day’ on the theme ‘Tobacco – a threat to development’ at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima. The programme was organized by the Department of Health & Family Welfare with Parliamentary Secretary, Higher Education & Technical Education, Deo Nukhu as the chief guest. It was further informed that 80% of the state population is exposed to smoke (passive smokers in adults), 65% at workplace and 32% at public place putting the health of the second hand smokers at risk. On the brighter side, 36 schools, 4 colleges and three villages under Kohima district were declared as tobacco free with 85 schools, 11 colleges, 4 public places and 2 villages under Dimapur district and 1 village each under Wokha and Zunheboto district. Altogether 121 schools, 15 colleges, 4 public places and 7 villages in the state are tobacco free. Expressing concern over the high consumption of tobacco products in the state, Deo Nukhu pointed out that higher cancer cases in Nagaland are attributed to tobacco consumption, which otherwise can be prevented by opting a healthy lifestyle. While emphasising on the need to create awareness at all levels – home, schools, public places, working places etc to avoid untimely deaths, sufferings and diseases, Nukhu said this can also improve our health and economy by utilizing the amount for better purpose. He also strongly suggested eradicating of tobacco flow in the state, which is possible with no cultivation, no production and processing in the state. Also speaking on the occasion, deputy commissioner of Kohima, Rajesh Soundararajan said primary focus should be on how to prevent oneself from consumption of tobacco, as he pointed out that tobacco related illness ate preventable. While noting that young children/students get into this habit mostly through peer pressure, he has advised the students to discern good habits from bad habits, and choose a healthy lifestyle - the greatest gift for every person is ‘good health’, he added. Highlighting on the benefits of living a tobacco free life, Ambassador for Tobacco Smoke Free Kohima, Sievituo Solo said the youths of Naga deserve to have good health and stay fit and fine. He also suggested for starting a ‘Running Club’ to bring peo ple together in a platform to share and practice healthy lifestyle habits. Meanwhile certificates were given away to the villages of Philimi, Khonoma and Jotsoma, and cash awards and citations were presented to the winners and all the participants of the essay competition held on the theme. A child’s appeal on World No tobacco Day Toshimeren Walling, a student from G Rio School in Kohima made a very poignant appeal to all parents ‘if not for yourselves, then, for us’ to abstain from tobacco – a deadly habit. ‘Children’s imitation of parental strengths – values, character, sense of purpose, habits etc become powerful means of our development. However, parents have their imperfections as well, one of which is their tobacco habits’ said Walling. Children, he said imitate these faults in their parents, which become challenging for both the parent and the child to face. It is more likely to incorporate the habits of tobacco from their parents rather than from their peers, a young Walling full of wisdom said. Highlighting a personal experience related to tobacco- a friend’s father, who was recently diagnosed with lung cancer, Walling thinking about his friend and his siblings queried ‘what will become o f them? What about their future? Why should they also suffer for no fault of theirs?’ ‘Look into the eyes of your children and ask yourself, if they deserve to suffer because of your tobacco habits is motivation enough for you to quit’ said Walling because it has the potential to ruin your present and your children’s future. He suggested that the money spend on tobacco can be used for other important issues, such as health food, quality education and healthcare of the family. ‘Children live by the examples set by their parents. Please spare a thought about it’ he fervently appealed. ‘Our expectation from you is simple- reclaim your obligation to your family’s health and healthy living and protect your children from losing their future on tobacco’. ‘I am but a child….yet I hope my voice will reach out to people and remind them about the danger of tobacco’ he concluded. Institutions observe World No Tobacco Day    Highland Hall School, Dimapur A program marking the day was conducted at Highland Hall School in Dimapur with Purnungla, associate professor of the CISHR Nursing College as the resource person. Updates on Tuesday informed that the event was marked by a series of competitions for students of different classes ‘to create awareness on the theme ‘tobacco–a threat to development.’ Competitions such as debates, extempore speech and slogan-making and skits, it was informed. The winners were awarded with certificates by the Dimapur District Tobacco Control Cell. A signature campaign was also included in the activity for class-iX and class-X students, it was informed. Little Star Higher Secondary School, Dimapur Little Star Higher Secondary School in Dimapur also observed the ‘anti tobacco day’ on May 31, a press release informed on Tuesday. The Cultural Club of the school performed a skit depicting the dangers of tobacco consumption. They “graphically displayed the destruction of ambitions and goals that are brought about by careless tobacco consumption,” the updates stated. Dr. Temjennungsang Longchari, dental surgeon from Touch Up Dental Clinic and a core group member of the Anti Tobacco Team of Dimapur, visited the school and gave a power point presentation on the dangers of tobacco consumption, it was informed. He was stated to have said that Nagaland was the second highest consumer of tobacco after Mizoram. The incidence of oral cancer was very high in the state. He gave some graphical accounts of real life cases of patients who had developed horrific complications due to the consumption of tobacco and its products in various forms. Pictures of all the various forms of tobacco popularly available in the market were shown to the students. He talked about how tobacco consumption can interfere with your concentration and thus hinder your academic achievement. The School also undertook a slogan writing competition on the Theme of the Day. Certificates were awarded to the students by the Anti Tobacco Department. MGM Higher Secondary School, Dimapur MGM Higher Secondary School also observed the event with a variety of programs. A press rekease from the organisers informed that extempore speech for higher secondary and high school sections, a poster competition and an ‘awareness rally’ formed part of the events. About this year’s theme “tobacco, a threat to development” students were made aware about the dangers of tobacco consumption and ‘all were highly motivated that use of tobacco is a hindrance to development,’ the updates added. Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School, Dimapur Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School in Dimapur also observed World Tobacco Day. Principal Monoj Bhattacharjee spoke about the “evil effects” of tobacco consumption. Likewise, LC Das, headmaster, dwelt upon topics of harmful effects of tobacco, the note stated. Dr. Kaketo “delivered a very informative and instructive speech on the evils of tobacco consumption citing various datas,” the updates informed. Also, a speech competition was organized to mark the event. Raj Paul was adjudged the winner; Gourab Deb was placed second while Sandip Debnath was placed third. A drawing and slogan-making competition was also organized, it was informed. Christian Higher Secondary School Christian Higher Secondary School in Dimapur also observed World No Tobacco Day by having a signature campaign and putting up anti-tobacco signages, the organisers informed. Teachers and students also took a pledge against tobacco in the school, it was informed.