World No Tobacco Day: Kick the butt in Covid times

We all know that smoking leads to lung damage and even kills. The second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic is a grim reminder that quitting smoking has become more important than ever. “Smokers have up to a 50% higher risk of developing severe diseases and death from Covid-19, so quitting is the best thing smokers can do,” said WHO director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a statement recently. Hence, this World No Tobacco Day, the focus is on stubbing this habit.

Doctors believe that a pair of lungs, weakened by smoking, lowers immunity. “People who have quit smoking have had fewer Covid-related complications than the ones who do. The immunity of non-smokers is better than that of smokers. They are less symptomatic and recover early,” says Dr Akhilesh K, an associate professor of respiratory medicine.

Wellness expert Vesna Jacob, who quit smoking 20 years ago says, “Smoking is a sign of weakness. But we have to realise how it pollutes the body. We should take charge and focus on being mindful.” Echoing a similar sentiment, actor Renee Dhayani says, “I left smoking after I saw my father have a heart attack. It made me realise how I am harming my body.”

If you’re planning to quit smoking it should be under guidance. It is important to eat a nutrient-rich diet, focusing on the nutrients that smokers tend to be deficient in while quitting. “Smoking increases toxin levels in the body, which interfere with the absorption of nutrients. So, people who are trying to quit smoking need to