Resource speakers along with children and teachers during
the third phase of RMLCF tobacco-free campaign at G Rio School, Kohima on
Friday. (EM Images)
- KOHIMA — Dr.
Keduovinuo Keditsu, consultant cancer surgeon at Putuonuo Hospital in Kohima,
on Friday said that Nagaland is facing an epidemic of tobacco use amongst
teenagers.
- She made this remark during the Rev. Moa Longchari Cancer
Foundation (RMLCF) tobacco-free campaign 2025 (phase III) held at G Rio School
in Kohima on Friday.
- Speaking on the ill effects and consequences of tobacco
consumption, especially among schoolchildren, she said that it can have a
negative effect on their performances.
Also read: Nagaland Board HSLC, HSSLC 2025 results date, time and more: Where to check result, download marksheet
- She cited the National Factsheet Global Youth Tobacco Survey
India 2019 data of tobacco users among students at the age of 13 to 15
years—Arunachal and Mizoram had the highest number of consumers at 57.9;
Nagaland had 42.6%, followed by Meghalaya with 33.6%.
- The doctor shared that nicotine affects parts of the brain
responsible for learning, attention, and mood and impulse control. Tobacco use
also results in poor concentration, like mental interruptions, drowsiness and
distraction, as well as poor physical performances among children, she said.
- She further added that tobacco use causes lung cancer,
tuberculosis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, lung infections,
and pneumonia.
