Still more to be done in fight against tobacco smoking

While some regional islands have introduced national mechanisms to assist with the prevention of tobacco smoking, “We have a long way to go to have the region
be a tobacco free zone.”

Sharing this opinion, Head of the Caribbean Public Health Agency
Dr. James Hospedales noted that youth especially must be shielded from the epidemic of tobacco-related diseases and unnecessary expense through national implementations.

“Teens and youth are vulnerable to the deadly, addictive effects of tobacco. Smoking at an early age increases the risk of heart disease, asthma and bronchitis, high blood pressure, diabetes, addiction to nicotine, and the associated risk of other substance abuse. Young people should be also aware that smoking accelerates ageing of their bodies and their skin,” he stated.

He made the comments ahead of Saturday’s regional celebration of Caribbean Wellness Day, which has as its theme “Securing a Future Generation through Eating Healthy and Not Smoking”.

“We have an obligation to our young people. Investments in adolescent health and well-being will not only transform the lives of our Caribbean young men and women, but will also generate high economic returns. I urge policy makers, communities, the private sector, civil society and nongovernmental organisations, media and academia, as well as every individual to act now: the costs are simply not sustainable. Let us encourage healthy practices during this transitional stage, and take steps to better protect our future generation from health risks. This is critical to the future of Region’s health and social infrastructure, and to the prevention of health problems in adulthood. Let’s act now!” he added. (JMB)