Minister of Health, Dr. Irving McIntyre has warned Dominican youths to shun cigarattes and tobacco. The health minister warned that smoking is dangerous to health and youths must not be lured into it. He issued the warning on the occasion of the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) on May 31.
McIntyre revealed that the government of Dominica will always abide by the recommendationsof the World Health Organization (WHO) to reject tobacco addiction for youths and adults alike. He said nobody must be decieved by the marketing strategies adopted by tobacco companies to promote their products since it is ultimate dangerous to personal health.
“For years the tobacco industry has developed aggressive strategies and tactics, targeting the youth as an emerging and vulnerable market for its addictive tobacco and products,” McIntyre said.
According to the health minister, numerous studies show that active smokers are at higher risks of developing chronic diseases and suffering greater complications when they contract COVID-19. McIntyre attributed tobacco to hypertension, cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. He noted that these conditions are the top 5 causes of morbidity and mortality on the island.
He revealed that it is the responsibility of everyone to protect youths from tobacco and tobacco products. He urged youths everywhere to desist from damaging behaviours and work for a brighter future which builds on resilience and godly character.
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