Author – Dr. Siddhi Hathiwala. MDS, Public Health Dentistry (2013), CTCS (2020)
During our weekly session of CTCS course for cessation experts, a point was raised about a 77-years old person, doctor by profession and describing himself in good health state in spite of being a chronic smoker for over 40 years. It was discussed that whether or not should this person be encouraged for quitting tobacco.
The scenario was brought up that if one of his friends tries to come up with this suggestion, the very first point that he will put that ‘I am a doctor myself, and all my health reports are perfect. Smoking tobacco has not caused me harm in the way it is presented. Above all, it helps me stay energetic for my clinical practice’. So it is true, as a doctor, he must be perfectly aware that tobacco causes harm to its consumers. Additionally, he must also be knowing that the diagnosis of an impending cancer can be very abrupt and alarming situation.
The point he must not have thought about is being a respectable social figure himself, he is presenting a wrong attitude before the society, especially the young generation. The young folks around him would look at him and consider that ‘smoking is super essential for having a successful long career’ or that ‘tobacco does not kill’. His patients must see him having discoloured teeth, and think ‘if my doctor smokes I too can continue my habit without harm.’
So, it is highly recommended that this aged doctor should participate in a tobacco cessation program and put up his best efforts to discontinue tobacco usage. It does not actually matter here if he is able to successfully quit or not, because in both ways he will become a ‘Role Model’ for a large number of people.
Firstly, it highlights the fact that attempt to quit is important. It can be any age, any duration, any form of tobacco. The harm caused by tobacco products includes strong addiction. If one stays away from them as low as 72 hours, they can overcome addiction and withdrawal symptoms to a large extent. The benefits of quitting start appearing and continue over the time. So, ‘Quitting brings Better Health – Each day, Each year’.
Secondly, if he fails, he can be an example for youngsters for the difficulties faced during quit process. De-addiction is a long process, which is full of ups and downs for the patient. It takes a strong commitment and hard work; and so many people face failure. The addiction caused by tobacco products makes it difficult for even a doctor to quit, leave apart any layman. So, it is the best practice for all to stay away from these products. So, ‘Be Smart, Do Not Start’.
An ICanCaRe-certified tobacco cessation specialist follows the ABCD Of tobacco cessation for a 100% quit rate.
Book appointment to start a healthy tobacco/smoke-free life with the best in class tobacco/smoking cessation experts at www.icancare.in/quittobacco or call 011-430-77695 for help. Download the ICanCaRe e-cessation app for quitting smoking and tobacco at https://app.icancare.in.
