World No-Tobacco Day is a worldwide event that takes place at the end of May. On this day, the World Health Organization (WHO) raises awareness about the use of tobacco and its harmful effects.
There is many health risks associated with smoking. This includes respiratory issues, heart disease, and cancer. The day also highlights the devious strategies the tobacco industry uses to market products. It also serves as a reminder for smokers to quit and for non-smokers to support others who are trying to quit.
Visit a smoke-free casino
Visit a smoke-free casino for an evening of entertainment. This makes a statement that you support smoke-free environments, and that clean air is everyone’s right. Casino workers at many casinos advocate for them to be smoke-free so they don’t have to breathe in secondhand smoke.
Parx Casino in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, has been smoke-free since the pandemic. It’s an example to other casinos that aren’t smoke-free, as its revenue hasn’t suffered due to a smoking ban. It is the top revenue-generating casino in Pennsylvania. The casino also has a mobile gambling app for those who prefer to play online casino games from home in their smoke-free environment.
Share on social media
It’s alarming that an estimated 37 million children in the world between the ages of 13 and 15 use tobacco. Every year, there is a different theme, and this year the focus is on the tobacco industry and its deceptive tactics. The marketing is glamorous, and attractive flavors make products more desirable. The colors, fruity flavors, and designs mask the truth and make young people want to start smoking.
The organization Take Down Tobacco suggests using your voice and unique way of expressing yourself to post on social media with the hashtag #TakeDownTobacco. This may be in the form of a poem, rap, or piece of art.
Host a podcast
You could host an online event on the day to expose lies and help to save lives. Perhaps you could host a podcast where you interview someone who kicked the habit of smoking and how they did it.
The WHO is planning an online event on the day. It will explore the strategies the tobacco industry uses to make products appealing to young people. This can lure them into nicotine addiction.
The speakers will include leading researchers and tobacco control advocates. It will focus on solutions and call for decisive action to protect future generations. Events like this are important for advocating for a healthier, tobacco-free future for all.
Join a local public awareness event
Various local events are held on the day, such as hikes, rallies, and health fairs. Non-profit organizations and your local health department will usually have information about these events. Websites like Awareness Days list events by location.
Many events involve walking or other forms of community engagement. If your community has a problem with tobacco use, participating in public events can add your voice to those of others in raising awareness.
Plan your own event
You could plan a grand dinner on the day. Your décor could support healthy living, and your menu could consist of fresh, nutritious dishes. Fruit and veggies contain vitamin C, which can help reduce cravings. You could emphasize to guests that healthy food choices will support them on their journey to quit smoking.
You could even have a speaker share how they quit smoking and offer cessation techniques. At the end of the event, you could encourage guests to sign a petition. This could be to advocate for tobacco advertising restrictions and other stronger tobacco control policies.
Start a 24-hour quit challenge
If you’re a smoker, you could use the day to challenge yourself to quit smoking. Many health organizations offer resources such as access to quit lines and counseling services. You could also get family and friends to support you in your challenge.
The number of smoking deaths per year in the U.S. is about 490,000, and every person who quits can help bring this number down. The life expectancy for smokers is at least 10 years less than that of non-smokers. Once you quit smoking, you can become a role model for other smokers who want to drop the habit.
