By Mrs. Angeliki Psatha Psatha, Scientific Head of the Pulmonology Department of the ANASSA Clinic and Polyclinic
By decision of the World Health Organization, May 31st has been designated as World No Tobacco Day.
According to data from the National Public Health Organization, globally, smoking claims the lives of approximately 8 million people a year. In Greece, about 1/5 of all deaths, which corresponds to more than 20,000 per year, are attributed to smoking-related diseases (including both active and passive smoking).
Smoking is the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is also estimated that 25% of deaths from cardiovascular disease are due to smoking.
Finally, it is worth noting that smoking appears to be associated with the adverse effects and negative progression of Covid-19. Research data has proven that smokers are more likely to experience severe symptoms from Covid-19, as well as being more likely to be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and require mechanical respiratory support or even die.
Benefits of quitting smoking
- Within the first 12 hours after quitting smoking, oxygen levels return to normal and carbon monoxide levels in the blood decrease
- 1 year after quitting smoking, heart attack risk drops by 50%
- 10 years after quitting smoking, the risk of lung cancer drops by 50%
- Quitting smoking is the greatest gift a smoker can give himself. The benefits to the individual are immediate and long-term and this implies more and healthier years of life
ANASSA operates a well-equipped smoking cessation clinic where the person concerned receives personalized and effective medical assistance in his attempt to quit smoking, through counseling guidance and medication, if this is deemed necessary.
Tel. contact: 2421316491