India: In MP, 330 Children take up Tobacco Each Day

Source from:  indiatimes.com 11/03/2015

More than 5,500 school students take up tobacco-related products every day in India. According to a Global Youth Tobacco Survey conducted on school-going children, 330 of the total figure are from Madhya Pradesh.

According to health experts, despite increasing awareness, the situation is deteriorating as an increasing number of students are getting hooked to tobacco use.

"Youth are well aware of the hazards of smoking and consuming tobacco products. But, consciously they indulge into bad habits which ultimately decreases their life span," said national chairman of IMA cancer & tobacco control committee, Dr Dilip Acharya.

While addressing a gathering over the 'health hazards of tobacco & quitting methods', Dr Acharya said ICMR report which states that out of 100 youth starting tobacco consumption today, 50% would die early due to tobacco-related diseases.

He said India has become global capital of oral cancer due to rising tobacco consumption. Though 85% tobacco addicts quit the habit by cold turkey method, rest of them should not feel disheartened as it may require seven to eight serious attempts. "It is very important that students understand the health hazards and refrain from starting smoking/chewing tobacco," he said. Enditem