 Hans Anders Troedsson from WHO Western Pacific Region speaks at the World No Tobacco Day forum at the Korea Press Center, Thursday. / Yonhap |
WHO advises Korea to fight smoking at industry level, raise awareness
By Noh Hyun-gi
High cigarette consumption has consistently tarnished Korea’s reputation as 25.6 percent of the entire population aged over 15 smoke according to OECD Health Data 2011. Though the figure has declined 16.6 percent from 1999 to 2009, it is still higher than the OECD average of 22.3 percent.
Even more striking is the gender divide, 48.3 percent of males over 19 smoke according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, whereas only 6.3 percent of females are habitual smokers.
At a conference to celebrate the 25th World No Tobacco Day, Thursday, Korea will make it a priority to combat tobacco consumption according to ministry officials.
Korea will work to cut the male smoking rate to 20 percent through adopting stronger warning graphics on packaging and indicating the ingredients of tobacco products, said Im Chae-min, minister of health and welfare at the Korea Press Center in Seoul.
Im emphasized Korea’s efforts to tackle tobacco consumption through expanding no-smoking areas and support provided by clinics.
May 31 is designated World No Tobacco Day as a health awareness day by WHO. It is marked every year to promote around the clock boycotting of tobacco products.
The theme this year was “Tobacco Industry Interference” and according to the WHO website, “the campaign will focus on the need to expose and counter the tobacco industry’s brazen and increasingly aggressive attempts to undermine global tobacco control efforts.”
Hans Anders Troedsson and Susan Mercado, representatives of WHO, spoke about the entire web of businesses (manufacturers, importers, distributors, and processors of raw materials) and their tactics to keep the cigarette market alive.
Specifically, WHO explains that these entities: 1) “Exaggerate the economic importance of the industry;” 2) “Manipulate public opinion to gain the appearance of respectability;” 3) “Fabricate support through front groups;” 4) “Discredit proven science;” and 5) “Intimidate governments with litigation or the threat of litigation.”
The occasion recognized organized and individual advocates of a tobacco-free world. The Korean Association on Smoking and Health received a World No Tobacco Day Award for its 24 years at the frontier of anti-tobacco activism.
The health ministry awarded Kim Gwang-ho, a hairdresser who has been offering private consultations for his clients who want to give up cigarettes at his salon in Ulsan.
In November, it will host the 5th Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The five-day event taking place at COEX in southern Seoul will invite over 1000 professionals including representatives from 170 nations, NGO activists and scientists.
The health ministry will arrange various campaigns in Seoul through June 6. From June 1 to 6, people can receive free tests for nicotine dependency, as well as measure their bloodcarbon monoxide level and blood pressure at Gwanghwamun Plaza.
Tobacco consumption kills 6 million people every year, making it the leading cause of preventable deaths, according to WHO. If current smoking trends continue, tobacco will kill more than 8 million people annually by 2030, substantially affecting low- and middle-income households.
In Korea, more than 30 percent of cancer patients in Korea die in early stages due to the detrimental effects of smoking. “Cigarettes contain at least 60 types of carcinogens including 20 high-risk substances,” said Lee Jin-hwa, professor of pulmonology at Ewha Womans University’s Mokdong Hospital.
“Compared to non-smokers, habitual smokers are 20 times more likely to develop lung cancer. In fact, smoking increases the risk of various carcinomas.” A history of smoking increases the danger of stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer and other diseases.
leann.noh@koreatimes.co.kr
10 tips to quit smoking from Ewha Womans University Medical Center
1. Remind yourself of the reasons for quitting
2. Set a start date
3. Tell people that you are quitting and ask for help since publicizing your resolution is a great source of motivation
4. Seek advice from people who have succeeded in quitting smoking
5. Take advantage of professional programs and clinics designed to help you give up cigarettes
6. Avoid social gatherings that may tempt you to smoke
7. During the first three weeks of quitting, you may experience withdrawal characterized by anxiety but keep in mind that the symptoms will subside over time.
8. Use a nicotine patch or chew gum to overcome urges to smoke
9. Hydrate yourself and eat lots of fruit and vegetables rich in fiber and vitamins
10. Exercise to relieve stress from not smoking
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