Tobacco & Health
Anil K Agarwal, (RKMV 1984)
In the 44th Praktani Adda held on Saturday, May 21, 2023, Dr. Anil Agarwal delivered an enlightening talk on the critical topic of tobacco and health. The event, moderated by his fellow batchmate Abhijeet Sadhu, shed light on the various aspects of smoking, its impact on public health, and the challenging journey of quitting.
He began by presenting a wealth of information about smoking, starting with alarming statistics. With a staggering 1.3 billion smokers worldwide, it has emerged as one of the leading causes of premature mortality, claiming the lives of approximately 8 million people each year. This statistic alone emphasizes the urgent need to address the issue effectively.
Interestingly, during the Adda it was revealed that despite the overwhelming desire of 75% of smokers to quit, only a mere 2% manage to succeed in their quitting efforts. To understand the reasons behind this low success rate, he delved into the medical aspects of nicotine addiction. He explained how the addictive nature of nicotine is reinforced by both positive and negative factors, making it challenging for individuals to break free from its grip.
To help the audience gauge their level of addiction, Dr. Agarwal introduced a simple six-question scoring system test. This test aimed to measure addiction and provide individuals with an understanding of their dependency on tobacco.
The heart of the Adda revolved around the comprehensive approach required to combat tobacco addiction. He emphasized the importance of combining pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic methods to increase the chances of successful quitting. From medications to behavioral therapies and support systems, he stressed the need for a holistic strategy.
Motivation and determination played a vital role in Dr. Agarwal's discussion. He introduced the audience to "The Cycle of Change," a framework that highlights the different stages individuals go through when attempting to quit smoking. By understanding these stages and focusing on the right interventions at each step, individuals could enhance their chances of successfully overcoming tobacco addiction.
The Praktani Adda was undoubtedly an eye-opening event, raising awareness about the hazards of smoking and inspiring smokers to embark on the journey towards a smoke-free life. Dr. Anil Agarwal's insights and comprehensive approach provided hope and guidance to those seeking to break free from the clutches of nicotine addiction.
