Kathmandu, Feb 2: In a proactive move to discourage smoking and promote a healthier lifestyle, Dr Om Murti Anil, a distinguished cardiologist, has initiated a compelling public awareness campaign under the slogan, ‘A small sacrifice from me, a big gift for my loved one.’
This endeavor aligns strategically with the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami, dedicated to the goddess of learning, Saraswati, and coincides with the celebration of love on Falgun 2nd of the Nepali calendar, marking Valentine’s Day. Dr. Anil, recognizing the heightened efficacy of making life-altering resolutions on special occasions, conducted an insightful Facebook Live session on a Thursday evening.
In this engaging session, he urged well-wishers to consider embracing a healthier lifestyle by renouncing smoking and tobacco addiction. Dr. Anil emphasized the profound impact of such a commitment, not just on individual health but as a meaningful gift to loved ones. As Valentine’s Day approaches, he underlines the essence of prioritizing family well-being by pledging to overcome addiction.
Choosing Family Over Smoke
Embarking on the transformative journey to a smoke-free life, Dr. Anil introduces a poignant motto, ‘Smokers are not selfish.’ This emphasizes the critical importance of giving up smoking not only for personal well-being but as a selfless act that positively influences family members. To reinforce this commitment, he recommends a gradual reduction in smoking leading up to a complete cessation on February 14th, symbolizing not just a celebration of love but a commitment to a smoke-free future for one’s family.
Dr. Anil sheds light on extensive studies that unequivocally establish smoking as the primary cause of premature death. Delving into the grim statistics, he reveals that each cigarette shortens a user’s life by 11 to 13 minutes, translating to a reduction of two months in life expectancy for every year of smoking. The startling realization that smokers may effectively have only 10 months in a year underscores the urgency for individuals to break free from the shackles of tobacco.
Similarly, in a compelling narrative, Dr. Anil accentuates the often underestimated danger of secondhand smoke. This insidious hazard poses a significant threat not only to active smokers but also to those in close proximity, especially vulnerable groups such as infants, children, and individuals with chronic health conditions. Dr. Anil’s advocacy extends beyond individual health to encompass the collective impact on the well-being of others.
Disproportionate Impact on the Economically Disadvantaged
Drawing attention to a recent study, Dr. Anil unveils the grim reality that out of the 80 million global deaths attributed to tobacco use, an additional 1.3 million fatalities are linked to secondhand smoke or ‘passive smoking.’
He underscores the heightened prevalence of smoking and tobacco consumption in economically challenged nations, where a staggering 80 percent of the 1.3 billion tobacco users worldwide reside. Dr. Anil underscores the decision to quit smoking as not just a measure to avert premature death but as a profound and selfless gift to one’s family.
Recognizing the broader impact on family well-being, he emphasizes the understanding that life is not solely an individual’s; rather, it is a shared responsibility. To further support those willing to embark on this transformative journey, Dr. Anil has introduced a Google form on his Facebook page, allowing individuals to express their commitment to this positive change.
In a notable culmination of efforts, during his Thursday Facebook Live session, a remarkable peak of 6,672 live viewers participated. Encouragingly, more than 50 individuals from various parts of the country, and even beyond Nepal, pledged to quit smoking. Dr. Anil has now initiated a comprehensive two-week campaign to combat smoking addiction, promising a range of activities during this period to facilitate the journey towards a smoke-free lifestyle.
