Health effects of tobacco, second-hand smoke, quitting and prevention.
Pakistan’s burden of non-communicable diseases is linked to several modifiable risks, including tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and obesity, the National Assembly was told. The government says public awareness campaigns and higher taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages are among the measures intended to address these risks.
A report published by The News on Sunday describes a growing oral cancer problem in Sindh linked to gutka use, while noting that official case records capture only patients who are diagnosed. The issue matters because gutka remains available in local markets despite a provincial ban, and many rural patients seek care late or do not reach diagnostic facilities.
Some newer vaping devices link use to cryptocurrency, points and other rewards. Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center warn that rewarding continued vaping could increase addiction risks and work against efforts to quit.
A study of 30,979 Japanese adults found that current heated tobacco users had a higher risk of developing hypertension than never-smokers in the main analysis. However, the association was not statistically significant in several sensitivity analyses, and the study cannot show that heated tobacco use caused the condition.
Colorado officials have issued a health and safety advisory for specific marijuana vape devices made by Staycon LLC, which does business as craft. The advisory says the affected batches include an ingredient containing methylene chloride and were sold at about 405 stores between March 27 and September 25.
Smoking can damage nearly every organ in the body. It is linked to cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, weakened immunity and pregnancy-related risks, while secondhand smoke can also harm people nearby.
Many adult smokers in Pakistan try to quit but struggle to do so without accessible support. Expanding local cessation programmes, counselling and nicotine replacement therapies could give smokers more practical help, while bringing healthcare providers into tobacco-control efforts.
Quitting smoking brings health benefits at any age and can also protect family, friends and coworkers from secondhand smoke. Although the first days may be difficult, stopping smoking can help break the cycle of nicotine withdrawal, stress and repeated cravings.
The US Food and Drug Administration is expected to announce measures that could accelerate reviews of vaping products and nicotine pouches, according to a Wall Street Journal report cited by Reuters. The report says the agency may revisit requirements for new tobacco applications and consider simpler scientific-study rules, although Reuters could not independently verify the details.
