Year of Change - No Smoking Day 2019
Every year in Israel, about 8,000 people die as a direct result of smoking-related harm. This figure is equivalent to a bus accident occurring every two days where all passengers perish.
- ד''ר יוסי עזורי
- פורסם כ"ד אייר התשע"ט
(Photo: shutterstock) #VALUE!
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For years, cigarette manufacturers have invested in advertising that leads many young people to reach for cigarette boxes without considering the serious consequences. In the past year, new legal restrictions have been implemented on cigarette companies. Initially, the "Prohibition of Advertisement and Restriction of Marketing of Tobacco and Smoking Products" law was enacted, which nearly eliminates cigarette advertising. Moreover, starting in July 2019, the production and marketing of toys or candies in the shape of cigarettes will be prohibited. Additionally, at the beginning of 2020, displaying smoking products in stores will be banned.
According to the 2017 report by the Minister of Health, in Israel, one in five adults smokes, and in the last decade, smoking rates in Israel have remained almost unchanged. Approximately 8,000 Israelis die each year due to smoking-related diseases, and on average, about 670 people die in Israel each month from smoking-related illnesses.
The statistic of 8,000 Israelis dying from smoking-related harm is significant and substantial. For comparison, would we remain indifferent if every two days a bus crashed and all its passengers were killed? Or if every two months a train full of passengers derailed, leaving no survivors? Or if every month three Boeing 747 planes crashed with no survivors left?
There is no doubt that Israel is undergoing significant change regarding the eradication of smoking. The various laws are a breakthrough and actually help prevent young people from reaching for the cigarette in the first place. However, we still witness a smoking rate that has not changed significantly in recent years. Furthermore, studies show that most smokers regret starting to smoke and even wish to quit. Today, there are various proven options that increase the success rates of smoking cessation. We are witnessing various developments in smoking cessation. Therefore, it is recommended to consult your family doctor about the best way for you.
Dr. Yossi Azuri is a specialist in family medicine, a diabetes consultant, a smoking cessation advisor, and one of the founders of the Society for Prevention and Smoking Cessation in Israel
