KROS College takes ‘Tobacco free living’ campaign to schools

Dimapur, August 10 (EMN): Anti Tobacco Cell, KROS College in collaboration with Health and Family Welfare, Government of Nagaland organised campaign for tobacco-free under the theme, “Tobacco free living,” with Dr. Arenla Walling, district nodal officer, NTCP at Loyola Higher Secondary School, Jakhama and St Joseph’s Higher secondary School, Viswema on August 9.
Lecturer i/c of Anti Tobacco Cell, Kelühol Tase, in the introductory note outlined the objectives of KROS College, Anti Tobacco Cell. He said the aim is to prevent the use of tobacco among young people and adults, to increase public awareness on the consequences of tobacco use, to increase anti-tobacco policies and programmes in schools, to reduce access to tobacco products to minors, to reduce access to tobacco products through illicit trade, for schools to effectively prevent and reduce youth tobacco use among their students, the school authorities must create an environment that encourages anti-tobacco beliefs and behaviours.
Addressing the students, Dr. Walling said tobacco use is one of the chief preventable causes of death in the world. The adverse health effects of tobacco use among smokers are well described.
“Tobacco use generally begins during adolescence and continues through adulthood sustained by addiction to nicotine. Recent trends indicate an earlier age of initiation and rising smoking prevalence rates among children and adolescents. If the trend continues tobacco use will result in the deaths of 250 million of the people who are children and adolescents today” said Dr. walling.
Both the principal of Loyola Higher Secondary School (LHSS) and St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School (SJHSS) expressed their contentment of the campaign.
It may also be noted that SJHSS is declared as Tobacco Free School whereas LHSS is yet to be declared officially as Tobacco Free School by the Department.