On the occasion of World No Tobacco day, an ‘Anti-Vaping Awareness Campaign’ was held in Integrated Indian School on Wednesday 31st May 2023.
IIS celebrated ‘World No Tobacco Day’ by hosting an informative presentation by Dr. Imtiyaz Nawaz for the students of classes 8 to 11 to educate and illuminate them about the dangers of tobacco and nicotine use, as well as the prominence of maintaining good health.
Tobacco use is the world’s leading cause of preventable death. Research shows 90 percent of adult smokers picked up their first cigarette when they were kids. Life expectancy for smokers is at least 10 years shorter than non-smokers.
Children start smoking for variety of reasons. Some think it makes them look cool, to fit in and be part of a group, to appear older, to experiment. Some do it just because they have a friend or friends who smoke. Smoking is a habit that is dangerous not only for the smoker, but for the people around them.
Dr. Imtiyaz Nawaz enlightened the students with the impact of tobacco and nicotine. Many people think vaping is less harmful than smoking. All e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm their brain development, which continues until age 25. It can impact attention, learning, and memory. He sensitized students on second- hand vapour. Second-hand vapour comes from what the user exhales. He also added that evidences suggest that it has same chemicals as tobacco smoke.
Dr. Imtiyaz insisted the students to stay away from smokers when a cigarette is lit in their hands, ask anyone who vapes to stop or move away from them, and do not become a passive smoker.
The seminar came to an end with some counseling tips for parents. The Principal extended her heartfelt thanks to Dr. Imtiyaz for his informative presentation. As a token of appreciation and gratitude, Principal Mrs. Ritu Mathur and Vice Principal Mrs. Husena Ali Asgar Khedawala presented a memento to the eminent doctor.
The Vice Principal urged the students that the fight against tobacco required their collective effort. She also stressed that it is incumbent to stand together and never lose sight of the shared goal – a world free from tobacco. The students also chanted the slogan of ‘No tobacco’ which was led by her. She continued to empower them as she advocated for change and told them to celebrate triumphs that would come along the way and that they would serve as beacons of hope and inspiration, showcasing the strength of the human spirit.