I.T.S DENTAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL & RESEARCH CENTRE WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY

LOKESH GOSWAMI TENNEWS- On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day (31st May 2017) I.T.S Dental College Hospital & Research Centre, Greater Noida organized a walkathon in which around 400 students & more  than 25 faculty members participated to create awareness regarding tobacco & its harmful effect with the help of Posters, Banners and Street Play among youth & College students of Greater Noida. The rally started form I.T.S Dental College covering en-route I.T.S Engineering College, United College, Sri Ram College, NIIT, & Galgotia Institute. On this occasion a program on Tobacco and Oral Health was also organized in the Vivekanand Auditorium of the College. The chief guest for the function was Dr. Simrit Kaur (Professor Public Policy, FMS Institute, Delhi University, Delhi) and Guest of Honor was Dr Anurag Bhargav (CMO, G.B Nagar). Also present on the occasion were Dr Nepal Singh & Dr Bharat Bhushan (Deputy CMO & Nodal Tobacco Control Officer, G.B Nagar), Director – PG Studies, Prof. (Dr.) Akshay Bhargava, all Dental & Medical HOD’s and students. Chief guest Dr. Simrit Kaur warned the young generation about debilitating effects of tobacco & smoking as India is Nation of youth. She also told that dentist & medical professionals can do tobacco intervention at two levels – Individual and Community level. She told that dentist have a major role in this as they see the harmful effects of tobacco use on oral cavity much earlier than other physicians. They should counsel the patient by promoting the oral health and healthy lifestyles. This can be achieved through few minutes of focused talk during oral examination and make the patient aware and conscious of the harmful effects of tobacco use. Dr Anurag Bhargav informed the gathering that, In India, almost 47.9% Males & 20.3% females smoke. Every minute, more than 150 people die because of smoking. He also informed that India is the second largest tobacco producing nation in the world & more than 55 lakh people are associated with bidi producing industries. He said that Doctors can make a huge contribution in tobacco use cessation by various ways like acting as a role model by not using tobacco or By quitting successfully, developing and implementing school intervention models for tobacco cessation, linking with NGOs to spread health awareness, encouraging the farmers for alternative crop initiatives which should be done in consultation and co-ordination with the horticulture department.Vice – Chairman of I.T.S – The Education Group Mr Sohil Chadha in his address told that majority of tobacco related diseases and deaths are in the age group of 35-50 years which are the most productive years of a person. He told tobacco addiction is not only social burden but also a huge financial burden on family and nation as well. He appealed to all youngsters to adopt the slogan “BE SMART – DON’T START” in their life. Director, Prof (Dr) Akshay Bhargava urged the students and faculty to decrease the burden of this deadly problem from society by just not starting with habit in first instance. He informed students & faculty members that the theme for World No Tobacco Day 2017 is “Tobacco – a threat to development”. He said that theme highlights how tobacco threatens the development  of nations worldwide, and is calling on government to implement strong tobacco control measures. These include banning marketing and advertising of tobacco, promoting plain packaging of tobacco products, raising excise taxes, and making indoor public places and workplaces smoke-free. He told that tobacco deaths in India may exceed 1.5 million annually by 2020. He stressed that in developing countries like India, the disease burden, health care costs as well as other fiscal losses resulting from premature deaths attributable to tobacco consumption are increasing rapidly. He voiced that dentists have an important role to play in preventing the harmful effects of smoking, and consequently tobacco cessation counseling should be as much a part of the dentist’s job as plaque control and dietary advice. The Dramatic society of I.T.S Dental College, Greater Noida “YUVTANTRA” presented a street play named “DEHSHAT”, a skit depicting tobacco and its ill effect on oral & general health was performed on stage which was appreciated by all. A Dance- Drama was also performed by students showing the addiction of youth to tobacco products. With the help of faculty, students started awareness drive against tobacco & smoking  through posters, wall paintings, street play. After this award for various “Anti- Tobacco” competitions like Chart / Poster making, Graffiti, sketching, Rangoli and wall painting were given to the winners. All this helped in showcasing the bitter & harsh reality to the patients visiting I.T.S Dental College, Greater Noida. Vice – Chairman of I.T.S – The Education Group Mr Sohil Chadha, Secretary Mr. B.K. Arora and the invited dignitaries applauded the students & faculty for serving the poor patients and the society. The program ended with High Tea for the dignitaries and faculty members.