KATHMANDU, Feb 3: Senior cardiologist Om Murti Anil has launched an awareness campaign to discourage smoking with the slogan 'A small sacrifice from me, a big gift for a loved one'. 

Dr Anil stated that this year, Saraswati Puja and Valentine’s Day fall on the same day and can be celebrated with the commitment to create a society free from smoking.

He also requested individuals to give up smoking and tobacco addiction from that day as it will be memorable and beneficial.

“On the occasion of Valentine’s Day, you offer flowers and gifts to your loved ones. Along with that, giving up addiction is the most valuable gift for the long life of yourself and your family,” Dr Anil said, adding, “If you love them more than yourself, then what else can be as precious as the gift of long life?”

Dr Anil clarified that he used the slogan 'smokers are not selfish' in this campaign with the expectation of positive results for the purpose of encouraging individuals to quit smoking.

According to Dr Anil, studies have proven that smoking is the leading cause of human death. He said that the average life expectancy of cigarette consumers decreases by two months every year.

“Smokers have two to four times more risk of heart attack and about 25 times more risk of lung cancer,” he said. Similarly, studies have shown that if an adult smokes too much, there is a risk of early death.

When a person smokes, it seriously affects not only him, but also the people around him. The secondary smokers who are around them breathing the smoke indirectly are at risk. It also affects the health of the people around them.

Stating that the number of smokers is high in poor countries like Nepal, he said that out of the 1.3 billion people who smoke in the world, 80 percent of them are citizens belonging to poor countries.

“If you don't smoke, you can avoid premature death and you can fulfill your responsibilities as a parent, and you can protect your family financially and socially,” he said, adding, “It is important to understand by everyone that life is not only for self, many people are connected to us.” 

Dr Anil, who has started a campaign to get rid of smoking addiction, has also placed a Google form on his Facebook page to encourage such people who want to express their commitment to quit smoking.

 
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