Don't let cigarette smoke 'poison' public health.

Thai Nguyen is gradually moving towards the goal of building a civilized, modern, and safe living environment for its people. However, alongside the achievements in development, one issue continues to silently impact community health: the widespread use of tobacco in daily life.

Guidance and patient reception at Thai Nguyen Lung Hospital.

The dangers of cigarette smoke

Smoking is one of the leading causes of many dangerous diseases such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and respiratory illnesses. In reality, many people still have a complacent attitude, believing that smoking a few cigarettes a day doesn't significantly affect their health. However, the harmful effects of smoking often occur silently, accumulating over time and only becoming apparent when the disease is already in an advanced stage.

According to the Ministry of Health , Vietnam is currently among the countries with the highest rates of male smoking in the world. More than 56% of households have at least one smoker. Every year, tobacco causes more than 100,000 deaths in Vietnam, including tens of thousands of cases due to passive smoking.

Dr. Vi Tran Doanh, Director of the Oncology Center at Thai Nguyen Central Hospital, said: Many patients, upon discovering they have lung cancer, already have a history of smoking for many years or frequent exposure to secondhand smoke. Unfortunately, many only come to the hospital when the disease has progressed to a severe stage. Tobacco not only damages the lungs but also affects the cardiovascular system, blood vessels, and many other organs in the body.

Thai Nguyen currently has nearly 1.8 million inhabitants. Although there are no complete statistics on the number of smokers in the province, the reality shows that tobacco is still prevalent among many age groups, especially adult men.

The current concern is the growing trend of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products among young people. Many teenagers believe that e-cigarettes are "less harmful" than traditional cigarettes, and therefore use them without fully understanding the consequences.

E-cigarettes still contain addictive nicotine along with many harmful chemicals that can directly affect brain development in young people. Long-term use can easily lead to emotional disorders, reduced concentration, and an increased risk of using other stimulants.

Ms. Chu Thi Nam, from Vo Tranh commune, Thai Nguyen province, shared: "In public places, I often see people smoking right next to children, but it's very difficult to remind them. The smoke affects everyone around. I hope everyone will raise their awareness for the sake of public health..."

The insidious but long-lasting effects of tobacco smoke are becoming a serious concern. Without effective control measures, the number of people suffering from tobacco-related diseases will continue to increase, leading to numerous negative consequences for families and society.

Let's work together to build a smoke-free environment.

Over the past period, various levels and sectors in Thai Nguyen province have implemented numerous propaganda activities to raise public awareness about preventing and combating the harmful effects of tobacco.

In many hospitals, medical facilities, schools, and administrative offices, models such as "Smoke-Free Healthcare Facilities," "Smoke-Free Schools," and "Smoke-Free Workplaces" are being maintained and expanded. No-Smoking signs are installed in many easily visible locations to remind people to comply with the regulations.

Doctors at Thai Nguyen Lung Hospital examine and advise on treatment for patients.

In addition, relevant authorities are strengthening inspections and monitoring of compliance with the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harm, gradually building a healthier and safer living environment for the community.

Mr. Luu Thanh Huan, from Phu Thinh hamlet, Phu Thinh commune, shared: "Propaganda efforts are only truly effective when they receive the consensus and support of every citizen. Families need to regularly educate and remind their children to be aware of the harmful effects of tobacco, especially e-cigarettes."

According to doctors, quitting smoking is not easy, but it is entirely possible if smokers are determined and receive the right support. Smokers should develop a plan to gradually reduce the number of cigarettes smoked each day, avoid environments that easily trigger smoking, increase physical activity, and seek support from family members or healthcare professionals.

For teenagers, families and schools need to strengthen education on life skills and the ability to identify the risks from e-cigarettes and other new-generation tobacco products. Early prevention will help limit the formation of smoking habits and protect the long-term health of the younger generation.

Every citizen can also contribute to building a smoke-free environment through practical actions such as not smoking in public places, not smoking in homes with young children, reminding relatives to quit smoking, and strictly complying with the law on preventing and controlling the harmful effects of tobacco.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle and resolutely saying no to tobacco from an early age will contribute to creating a safe, civilized, and smoke-free living environment.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/xa-hoi/202605/dung-de-khoi-thuoc-dau-doc-suc-khoe-cong-dong-5a800ec/