If you or someone you know smoke cigarettes, you know that it is a very difficult thing to deal with. Cigarettes are highly addictive and harmful to the person who smokes then as well as the people around them.
No Smoking Day aims to bring awareness to the dangers of this addiction. The day also tries to spotlight resources available to help people decide to try and quit.
History of No Smoking Day
No Smoking Day started out in 1984 and has grown in size and scope since then. It is celebrated in communities across the world trying to educate more people every year. Each year there is a new short them that can be used in advertising and media to help get the word out.
One that many may remember was used in 2010 was “Break free”. This theme was used with images of broken cigarettes encouraging smokers to try to break the chains of tobacco addiction.
Why is it so important to have a day set aside for this? Over the last few decades, it has become very clear how terribly dangerous smoking is. There are toxins in them that cause many different forms of cancer from the mouth to the lungs.
What is also important to know is that while it may be a personal choice to smoke or not, when one smokes near another person -or even a pet – the second-hand smoke is just as dangerous to them. So, in fact, it really isn’t just a personal decision.
The protection of people who do not want to be affected by second-hand smoke has led to new laws in most communities that ban smoking in most public spaces.
How to celebrate No Smoking Day
The best way you can celebrate No Smoking Day if you are a smoker is to take the opportunity to choose to quit. It may not be easy but it is clearly worth it as you will improve your health within hours and days of stopping.
Of course, like anything having to do with your health you should consult your physician for advice on the best course of action for you personally. There are many options to support you once you make the choice to quit.
The day can be celebrated by those who are concerned about someone they love by offering them access to resources that can help. There are support groups, over the counter cessation aides, and phone numbers to people who can just talk to them.
Most insurance companies have programs available now as well and would be happy to help. Be supportive in offering resources and you may find that this year will be the year that your loved one is ready to quit.
There is another way to celebrate and it is one that needs to be made a big deal of. That is for those who have quit! It is a great time to let them know you are proud of them and their continued status as a non-smoker. No matter how you choose to celebrate just make the leap of faith and go for it!
