“Quit nicotine, save the world.” -Dr. Rajiv Desai. MD. The Core Plan to Prevent Chronic Diseases

Our main goal is to increase the number of Filipinos who are healthy at every stage of life- from conception to resurrection. Our strategy provides evidence-based recommendations fundamental to improving the nation’s health through the active engagement of all sectors of society to help achieve these goals. These evidence-based recommendations will reduce the burden of leading causes of preventable death and major illness.

“Quit nicotine, save the world.” -Dr. Rajiv Desai. MD. The Core Plan to Prevent Chronic Diseases

Our main goal is to increase the number of Filipinos who are healthy at every stage of life- from conception to resurrection. Our strategy provides evidence-based recommendations fundamental to improving the nation’s health through the active engagement of all sectors of society to help achieve these goals. These evidence-based recommendations will reduce the burden of leading causes of preventable death and major illness. Here is the second of seven priority areas:

2 TOBACCO-FREE LIVING

Seven Most Effective and Natural Interventions to Quit Smoking:

(1) Detoxification: Nicotine and other chemicals (2) Foods to help you quit smoking (3) Herbs to overcome cravings and repair the lungs (4) Exercise for tobacco-free living (5) Complete Hydration (6) Spirituality and Smoking (7) Family and Community Support.

(7) Family and Community Support

Strong families are the foundation of our society. In my years of practice, I have seen countless men and women, young and old, that were affected by cancer, elevated cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, heart disease and fatty liver due to smoking. Tobacco kills people at the height of their productivity, depriving families of breadwinners and nations of a healthy workforce. Tobacco users are also less productive while they are alive due to increased sickness. There are many studies showing that in developing countries, the lowest income groups spend as much as 10-15 percent of total household expenditure on tobacco. That means families have less money to spend on basic items such as food, education and health care.

Smoking cigarettes is not a personal matter, as passive smoking also kills innocent bystanders. For a long time, people did not realize that smoking was an addiction and that nicotine was the cause. In fact, cigarette smoking was widely perceived as glamorous behavior.

To prevent our children from smoking, parents should not smoke, and we should tell our children that we disapprove smoking. Studies have shown that school children who believed that both their parents strongly disapproved of smoking were less than half as likely to smoke as those kids whose parents did not show as much disapproval towards smoking. Children whose parents closely monitor their television and music-listening habits are less likely to drink, use drugs, and smoke cigarettes. Neglected children, or children with absentee parents, are four times as likely to abuse drugs, drink, and smoke as children living with parents who were regularly present and who offered a structured lifestyle. Siblings and parents are role models for children. If a child’s parents smoke, they are three times more likely to smoke themselves.

One important part of quitting smoking is getting help from those around you. Your family, friends, coworkers, and community groups provide the essential support, motivation, accountability and help you need to quit smoking.

As a community, let us identify and implement comprehensive measures to reduce the epidemic: help smokers kick the habit for good, protect people from the effects of tobacco consumption and second-hand tobacco smoke. Tobacco consumption is currently the single leading preventable cause of death, which results in the premature death of six million people a year. More than five million of these are users or ex-users of tobacco, and more than 600, 000 are nonsmokers exposed to second-hand smoke. If current patterns continue, the number of deaths will increase to eight million a year by 2030. Key aspects of tobacco control include measures that:

Protect children and youths from tobacco by discouraging use and especially by preventing them from starting to consume tobacco;
Help motivate tobacco users to quit and stick to quitting by giving encouragement and positively reinforcing healthy habits;
Protect nonsmokers from exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke;
Express solidarity by quitting smoking at the same time as friends or family;
Regulate tobacco products;
Ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

On May 31 every year, the world observes World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) that is promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is meant to encourage a 24-hour period of abstinence from all forms of tobacco consumption across the globe. The day is further intended to draw global attention to the widespread prevalence of tobacco use and its negative health effects.

Meanwhile, here is the Green Secret’s “Super Immune Boost” juice for optimum immune function, a great detoxifier loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. (Make sure to wash all ingredients well before juicing). It is a MUST to use organic ingredients only.

• 1 cup fresh pineapple

• 2 cloves garlic

• ¼ inch ginger

• 1 handful sweet potato tops or 3 kale

• 2 carrots

Juice all ingredients in your masticating juicer. Stir and enjoy!

REMEMBER, tobacco is on track to KILL one billion people, smokers and nonsmokers, this century. This year, we have a historic opportunity to change the future. Together, let us reclaim our right to health and protect younger generations from losing their lives and future with every puff of smoke. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences on “Ask Dr. C at www.greensecret.com.ph”  Our deepest gratitude to IAJ WELLNESS CORPORATION for making this information public. For more information or questions, email me at [email protected].

Christine E.V. Gonzalez is a doctor of naturopathic medicine and holds PhDs
in holistic nutrition and natural medicine. LLM (MS Environmental Laws & Labor)
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