Tackling a Leading Global Preventable Cause of Death: World No Tobacco Day

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately six million deaths per year are related to tobacco use, making it one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide. Further, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of deaths contributed by tobacco use will only continue to rise to approximately eight million persons per year by 2030. March 31 (today) is World No Tobacco Day, a day of awareness to the health risks of tobacco use. It was started in 1987 by the WHO, and this year’s focus is to “ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.” The latest issue of Cardiology magazine talks about the impact smoking specifically on heart, which causes 40 percent of all cardiovascular disease. Although smoking remains a major problem globally, efforts have been made to lower smoking use in the U.S. The ACC and its state chapters have played a crucial role in these efforts through support of local and state-based smoking legislation. Currently, 24 states, in addition to Washington, DC, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, have laws set in place that require smoke-free workplaces, restaurants and bars. On a global level, the ACC has played a pivotal role in the development of a plan for the global campaign to combat Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Tobacco use was included as part of the nine health targets recently decided upon, that are designed to combat NCDs worldwide. The ACC, in conjunc...
Source: ACC in Touch Blog - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Special Topics Source Type: blogs