Professors from The College of Pharmacy at Qatar University (QU) joined the rest of the world on May 31, to celebrate World No Tobacco Day, under the theme ‘Commit to Quit’ chosen by World Health Organisation (WHO).
Several professors at The College of Pharmacy shared their sentiments on World No Tobacco Day.
On the occasion Dr Hager ElGeed, teaching assistant, clinical pharmacy and practice, said: “Tobacco is dangerous to your health, as the substances you inhale while you smoke do not just affect your lungs. Rather, they can affect your entire body. Qatar like many other countries around the world has adopted some strategies to control tobacco use. This aims to reduce the burden of tobacco consumption on the health of individuals and societies. Multiple institutions in the country offer help for people who are willing to quit smoking. Such a supportive environment can encourage individuals to think of their health and wellbeing.
“One of the most important steps to take towards your wellbeing is to quit smoking. If you are trying to quit smoking, it is never late. It is always encouraged that you quit smoking, even if you have been smoking for many years. Just always remember that the surest way not to fail is to determine to succeed,” he added.
Professor Ahmed Awaisu, professor of clinical pharmacy and practice and tobacco control advocate; head of the department of clinical pharmacy and practice, said: “On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day 2021, I would like to wish us a tobacco-free world where the risks associated with tobacco is brought to minimum. I would like to reiterate that to succeed in the tobacco control efforts being implanted by various stakeholders globally; all hands must be on deck. The commitment and efforts to quit from smokers and other tobacco users can make an enormous difference in this fight.”
While speaking on the relevance of smoking with Covid-19, he said “Currently, the world is facing dual epidemics of tobacco use and Covid-19. With the conundrums imposed by Covid-19 impacting all realms of life and the safety precautions imposed by governments, it is timely for tobacco users to make viable quit attempts. As an anti-tobacco advocate, I would like implore and encourage all tobacco users (including cigarette and shisha smokers) in Qatar and other countries globally to sign the pledge to quit today on the WHO website.”
Emphasising on the scientific facts, professor Ashraf Khalil, professor of medicinal chemistry and acting head of the pharmaceutical sciences department, College of Pharmacy’ said: “In recognition of World No Tobacco Day 2021, I am motivated to first share with you some scientific facts about tobacco smoke. More than 7,000 chemical compounds have been isolated and identified in tobacco smoke.
“At least 65 compounds of them were classified as carcinogens (can cause cancer). In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic has created more question marks about the harmful effect of smoking. This huge number of compounds can seriously affect different parts of the smoker’s body not only the lungs.
“The sad truth is that ‘smoking kills’ isn’t new information, but this day is still the best opportunity for everyone to be reminded about just how toxic and dangerous it is to either smoke or use any tobacco substances.
“The question remains, what benefits could anyone gain by ingesting more than 7,000 compounds and risking their life? Therefore, I would like to request and urge all the tobacco users to sign the pledge to quit today on the WHO website.
“All what you need is a strong will and to understand that you are giving yourself a better and healthier life.”
Dr Maguy El Hajj, associate dean for academic affairs at College of Pharmacy, said: “I would like to take the chance to increase public awareness on the detrimental effects of tobacco use and passive smoking. As a pharmacist, I would like to encourage every smoker to consider smoking cessation. Many studies have proven the potential benefits of smoking cessation including reducing the risk of cancer and cardiovascular events.
“In this regard, I would like to highlight the important role of pharmacists in tobacco cessation. Pharmacists are one of the most accessible healthcare providers and both prescription and non-prescription smoking cessation aids are available in community pharmacies.
“As such pharmacists are really in a great position to offer smoking cessation services. Therefore, I encourage every smoker who is contemplating smoking cessation to visit their closest pharmacy.”
While speaking on smoking complications and smoking cessation strategies at the college, Dr Hazem Elewa, associate professor and head of clinical training at College of Pharmacy, QU Health, said: “Smoking is a major health burden in Qatar and worldwide. At the College of Pharmacy special attention is made to teach students since their first years about smoking complications and smoking cessation strategies.”
He added: “Pharmacists can play a very important role in educating patients about the effect of smoking on the general health and especially in patients at risk for cardiovascular disease, asthma and cancer. Our students, the future pharmacists in Qatar and the region, study many of these aspects in different courses at the college. They cover smoking complications, smoking cessation, and smoking interactions with medications. Moreover, these sessions are conducted as didactic, interactive role-play and interprofessional education to strengthen the ability of the students to master and fully digest this important topic.”