“CELEBRATION OF WORLD NO-TOBACCO DAY”

National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit in association with Counselling Cell of Shri Madhwa Vadiraja Institute of Technology and Management, Bantakal organized webinar on “Harmful effects of smoking tobacco in any form” 31 May 2021 to mark the observance of World No Tobacco Day. Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma, Professor, Department of Psychology, NIMHANS, Bengaluru was the resource person.

Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma started his presentation based on this year’s theme “Commit to Quit” and said that the aim of this day is to spread awareness about the dangers of using tobacco, to make tobacco users aware of the opportunity to lead a healthier life and how health problems can be tackled by doctors when one quits smoking. He explained various types of tobacco consumption and its effects, ingredients in a puff of smoke and said, smokers are more likely to have heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic lung disease and diabetes, all of which are important comorbidities for developing severe illness and adversely affecting the clinical outcome in COVID affected patients. He also gave some tips and guidelines to quit tobacco like (i) make a ‘quit plan’ and stick to it (ii) avoid stressful situations (iii) 5-min walk or stretch (iv) Nicotine-replacement therapy like chewing gum or skin-patches etc.

Dr. Thirumaleshwara Bhat, Principal; Dr. Ganesh Aithal, Vice Principal; Deans, HODs of various departments were present during the occasion. Mr. Nagaraja Rao, Coordinator NSS and Ms. Shashikala, Coordinator Counselling Cell, conducted the program. Ms. Ramyashree, Assistant Professor, Department of CSE welcomed the gathering and proposed vote of thanks. A total of 75 members including faculty, staff and students participated in the webinar.