Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of disease and premature death around the world. As a tobacco user, giving up tobacco is the most important thing you can do for your health and the well-being of your family.
Unfortunately, smoking rates are very high in South Asian communities. South Asians often smoke cigarettes, bidis or a hookah, or chew tobacco in paan or gutkha. Unfortunately, there are many health risks. For example, chewing paan makes you five times more likely to get oral cancer.
The sooner a person quits smoking, the sooner their body can begin to recover. Occasions such as Ramadan, Diwali, Vaisakhi, birthdays, anniversaries or the birth of a new baby can be the perfect time to give up smoking and/or chewing.
Work together with your family and friends to give up tobacco use. Talk to them about the health issues and benefits of being smoke-free. If you support each other, then you have a much better chance of success.
Many families enjoy chewing tobacco in paan at home. You don't need to spoil this tradition by stopping the ritual altogether. Try chewing paan without the tobacco in it. This is much safer, and you won't be putting yourself or your family at risk.
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