Narayana Health launches a series of initiatives to observe World No Tobacco Day

In an effort to create awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use, Narayana Health, the leading healthcare chain has launched an integrated campaign in Bengaluru. Titled “#BeAQuitter”, the initiative will witness Narayana Health organizing free Smokerlyser test across the city. The test will be conducted using a special device called Smokerlyser (breath analyser). The equipment will help people to understand the carbon monoxide level in his / her body. It will analyze the health risk the person posses owing to his/her smoking habit as well. Apart from the on-ground activity, the campaign will also see Narayana Health hosting a QnA session on Facebook. The Facebook Live will be addressed by a pulmonologist and a psychiatrist/psychologist, providing a platform for people to clear their doubts regarding smoking and its effects. The forum will also guide the public on ways to quit smoking.Further, during the occasion Narayana Medical Centre, a unit of Narayana Health will be launching its dedicated Smoking Cessation Clinic at the hospital. The exclusive clinic will start its functioning from May 31st, 2018. The clinic will offer screening which comprises of complete blood count test, chest X-Ray, pulmonary function test and Consultation with pulmonologist and counseling by psychiatrist.Elaborating about the initiatives, Dr Murali Mohan B V, Senior Consultant - Pulmonology , Narayana Health, said, “While tobacco consumption has declined worldwide, in India the situation is still far from desirable. Lack of awareness, and lack of individual will are key reasons for the still rampant tobacco consumption. Through this campaign we are planning to address not only the community at large, but individual smokers as well. In fact, the Smokerlyser alerts the individual about the impact of smoking on their body. We hope it provides a reality check and hence encourages them to quit.”According to WHO, tobacco usage kills more than 7 million people around the world each year. Apart from cancer, it causes heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and a host of other health problems. It is one of the leading causes of preventable diseases and deaths.

from The Economic Times https://ift.tt/2suNPzo