On May 31, the “World Non-Smoker Day” is celebrated. This commemoration was instituted in 1989, by the World Health Organization (WHO), to reflect on the risks of tobacco in humans and, in addition, to promote effective policies aimed at reducing its consumption. A necessary and commendable task due to the proven and high damages caused by the cigar. 2019 focuses on "tobacco and lung health".
The international figures for its impact on health are alarming: approximately four million men and women die annually from lung cancer, gastric ulcers, accelerated heart rate, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiac ischemia. In addition, according to calculations, 2020 will become the leading cause of death and disability above AIDS, tuberculosis, traffic accidents, suicides and homicides.
In Peru, its use in the population begins at the age of 12 and is the second most absorbed drug after alcohol. It affects groups between 17 and 40 years of age. A separate chapter deserves the drama suffered by the so-called "passive smokers" who repeatedly inhale an amount equivalent to two or three cigarettes. We have a greater than 30 percent risk of heart disease and lung cancer compared to those who avoid exposure to their smoke. The sequelae can be respiratory affections, aggravation of heart disorders and irritation to the mucosa.
In this sense, the smoke has a mixture of different elements such as smoke emitted by the burning of the cigar, steam exhaled by the smoker and pollutants deployed when smoking. Let us keep in mind that, according to accredited reports, it is the second worldwide reason for death and is responsible for the death of one in ten adults.
Concluded this tight account concerning its severe damages, I want to comment on several social etiquette tips that are well worth noting. I want to start by asserting, with special emphasis, that it is up to smokers to exercise caution and to know when to abstain from this activity. Not only because of its negative effect on third parties, but in attention to certain occasions and events.
Más allá de las prohibiciones existentes -y cada vez más rigurosas- aconsejo guardar una actitud cuidadosa hacia sus semejantes. Está demás indicar que se inhibirá en situaciones en las que se hallen niños, adultos mayores, damas embarazadas o enfermas. El cigarro deja impregnado un intenso olor en muebles, enseres, prendas de vestir, paredes, etc. Por ello, conviene establecer criterios para el uso del tabaco dentro del hogar y de espacios estrechos que impidan la circulación del aire. Un ejemplo: procurar efectuarlo en zonas con amplia ventilación. Mucho mejor si subsiste la posibilidad de hacerlo en exteriores como balcones, terrazas, patios y jardines.
When invited to a social event, ask the host and its participants for permission; if there are no visible ashtrays it is most likely not allowed; butts will not be thrown on the ground; at lunch or dinner, you never smoke before dessert, as some do without hesitation; Avoid holding the cigar while it is presented, it is unpleasant: be careful when inhaling the smoke, avoiding puffs and blowing towards others.
I have seen senior officials in public and private offices take advantage of their status to smoke in work meetings without caring about the discomfort generated around them. A deplorable sign of lack of correction and deference. If you hold a position of hierarchy in the organization, internalize the famous expression: "Treat your inferior, as you would like your superior to treat you." In each of these smallest details, the genuine view of individuals is unambiguously perceived. Daily and spontaneous behavior makes it easier to see the true educational dimension and the moral framework of men and women.
Respect for your neighbor is an unequivocal manifestation of your ability to live together. Hence, I insist on my recommendation to develop our feeling of belonging, common sense, empathy, soft ability, emotional intelligence and, especially, to be aware of the impact of our actions in the environment with which it is incumbent on us to forge assertive coexistence.
Let us make all the efforts required to conceive this yearning and avoid passing out in our effort to "humanize" our relationship with our neighbor, starting from considering it "the supreme end of society and the State". That must constitute a personal mission and an indefeasible civic commitment.
Take care of your health and that of your peers. When celebrating “World Non-Smoking Day” show your degree of self-worth and self-esteem. Consequently, think carefully about the importance of ensuring your optimal quality of life. Never again relevant are the words of the lucid English writer and politician Benjamin Disraeli: "Life is too short for us to make it petty."
