Tobacco - a threat to public health.

Health experts warn that tobacco smoke is a "silent killer" that directly threatens the quality of the human race and the sustainable development of society. Changing behavior and tightening regulations on smoke-free environments are considered key solutions to protect public health and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.

At the Respiratory Center of the Provincial General Hospital No. 2, doctors and nurses regularly receive many cases of diseases directly related to smoking, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, or persistent pneumonia. According to medical staff, patients with a history of smoking often have weakened immune systems, increasing the risk of complications and prolonging treatment and recovery time.

Patient Do Duy Ngai, 66 years old, residing in Cam Duong ward, was admitted to the hospital with shortness of breath, excessive phlegm, and persistent fatigue. After examination and monitoring, the patient was diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia, acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with superimposed infection, and heart failure. The patient had a long history of smoking. Doctors prescribed antibiotics, nebulized medication, oxygen therapy, and several specialized tests to assess his health condition. Following intensive care and treatment, the patient improved, vital signs stabilized, and he continued to be monitored in the ward.

According to Ms. Le Thi Lien, Head Nurse of the Respiratory Center at Provincial General Hospital No. 2: Besides examination and treatment, the center regularly organizes health counseling and education sessions for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, and other respiratory diseases. Through these activities, the medical team guides patients on effective methods for quitting smoking, while also raising awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco on individual and community health.

In particular, during the World No Tobacco Day celebrations, the center intensified its activities and provided direct counseling to patients and their families to spread the message of building a smoke-free living environment. This contributed to protecting public health and promoting a healthy and civilized lifestyle.

Tobacco smoke not only affects those who directly use it, but also seriously impacts the health of those around them, especially children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Health experts advise that all types of tobacco are harmful, and any exposure to tobacco smoke can damage the body. There is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke. Therefore, people need to proactively quit smoking to reduce the risk of dangerous respiratory, cardiovascular, and cancerous diseases.

Along with treatment and counseling at healthcare facilities, tobacco harm prevention and control activities in the area have been implemented comprehensively in various practical forms over the past period.

During the period 2015-2025, the entire province organized 424 direct communication sessions at schools, factories, residential areas, and markets, with over 60,000 participants. Many activities for students were also promoted through 15 competitions on understanding the prevention and control of tobacco harm, with the participation of 6,585 high school students.

In addition, training and capacity building for grassroots officials were emphasized, with 172 training courses for over 5,700 people, including health workers, teachers, police officers, village heads, Party branch secretaries, and those working in tobacco harm prevention and control. Relevant agencies also implemented inter-agency monitoring at 376 agencies and units; and developed a visual communication system with thousands of billboards, banners, posters, no-smoking signs, and leaflets to spread the message of building a smoke-free living environment in the community.

Promoting awareness and changing behaviors in preventing and combating the harmful effects of tobacco not only contributes to protecting people's health but also aims to build a safe and civilized living environment for the sustainable development of the community.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/thuoc-la-moi-nguy-voi-suc-khoe-cong-dong-post900730.html