Smoking has long been recognized as a detrimental habit, causing severe health issues and adversely impacting the environment. However, quitting smoking holds immense value, offering numerous benefits to both individuals and the world around us.

So, why is quitting smoking valuable? Let us then explore its transformative impact on human health and the environment.

Navigating the value of quitting smoking

Quitting smoking is a crucial step towards achieving optimal health. It significantly reduces the risk of life-threatening conditions such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disorders. By eliminating harmful toxins, individuals experience improved lung function, increased energy levels, and a stronger immune system. Quitting smoking also reduces the risk of premature death, leading to a longer and healthier life.

Not only does quitting smoking benefit individuals, but it also protects loved ones from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Children, in particular, are vulnerable to respiratory illnesses, asthma attacks, and developmental issues caused by passive smoking. By quitting smoking, individuals safeguard their own health and the well-being of those around them.

The financial implications of smoking are also substantial. Cigarettes are expensive and contribute to increased healthcare costs due to smoking-related illnesses. By quitting, individuals can save money for essential needs or invest in endeavors that enhance their quality of life. Breaking free from tobacco addiction brings financial freedom.

Quitting smoking goes beyond personal health—it contributes to environmental preservation. Cigarette butts, the most littered item worldwide, harm ecosystems by contaminating soil and water with toxic chemicals. By quitting smoking, individuals reduce the environmental burden associated with cigarette production, disposal, and pollution.

Smoking releases harmful pollutants into the air, compromising air quality and contributing to air pollution. Quitting smoking actively contributes to cleaner and healthier environments, promoting respiratory health and reducing the risk of infections.

Quitting smoking also has a positive social impact. Former smokers inspire and motivate others by setting an example and sharing their success stories. This creates a ripple effect, fostering healthier communities and encouraging collective action towards a smoke-free society.

By quitting smoking, individuals contribute to a brighter and more sustainable future. As smoking rates decrease, resources can be redirected towards healthcare, education, and environmental conservation. Embracing smoke-free living paves the way for healthier generations, free from smoking-related diseases and environmental degradation.

Debunking fallacies in smoking cessation

"Can abruptly quitting smoking lead to death?"

This intriguing question, which often leads to misinformation among the public, has been a recurring topic in various conventions and gatherings focused on the no-smoking campaign, according to Dr. Florante Trinidad, the National Professional Officer of the World Health Organization (WHO).

During the 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) for General Santos City Data to Action, organized by the Sarangani Provincial Department of Health Office (PDOHO), an attendee from the media has dared to voice their concerns, speaking of alarming cases where former smokers allegedly met their death after abruptly quitting the habit.

With firm confidence, Dr. Trinidad immediately dispels the notion that sudden cessation poses any risks, including the threat of death. "It is never too late to quit smoking. Hindi ho totoo na may masamang dulot ang biglang pagtigil ng paninigarilyo. Dapat nga ho talaga ititigil nang lubusan ang paninigarilyo."

(It is not true that abruptly quitting smoking can cause harm. The right thing to do is to completely quit smoking.)

Discrediting the ruse, he assured the media that the harms attributed to sudden cessation were nothing more than myths. The truth, he emphasized, still rests in the power of complete cessation.

"Kasi pag sinabi po nating isang kaha, gagawin mo siyang sampung stick, gagawin mo limang stick, then dalawang stick, hindi ho iyon ang cessation na tinatawag, hindi ho ganoon ang tamang pagtigil ng paninigarilyo... Biglang pagtigil po dapat."

(When we say you started with one pack of cigarettes, you make it ten sticks, then five sticks, and then two sticks. That is not what we call cessation; that is not the proper way to quit smoking... It should be an abrupt cessation.)

He explained that the "misunderstood relationship" between sudden deaths and quitting smoking could be attributed to a lack of awareness, saying that many smokers may live their lives blissfully but are unaware of the underlying diseases lurking within their bodies until it is too late.

"Huwag niyo nang hintayin na kayo ay magkaroon ng sintomas para tumigil sa paninigarilyo. Kasi magkakataon lang, na kung kailan kayo tumigil ng paninigarilyo, hindi niyo napansin na may sakit na pala kayo, may sintomas na pala kayo, hindi lang nagpa-screen. Nagkataon lang na nang tumigil kayo, doon niyo lang talagang lubos na naramdaman ang mga sakit at kamatayan na nauugnay sa paninigarilyo."

(Don't wait until you develop symptoms. Quit smoking right now. There may come a time when you quit smoking and only then realize that you already have a disease; you already have symptoms, but you didn't get screened. It just so happens that when you quit, that's when you truly experience the full extent of the illness, disease, and eventually death associated with smoking.)

In this journey towards a smoke-free life, Atty. Franklin Gacal, the city administrator, emerged as a shining example. Drawing from his personal experience, he shared his own battle with smoking.

He said that two packs a day became his routine until fate intervened. Hospitalized in 2013, Atty. Gacal was at a crossroads that demanded a choice: quit or face an uncertain fate. He embraced the challenge, bidding farewell to cigarettes. Ten years later, he stands as a testament to the benefits of abrupt cessation, debunking the myth of its dangers.

"Siguro kung hindi ako tumigil, baka tigok na ako, baka wala na ako dito. Kaya hindi ako naniniwala na ang biglang pagtigil ay magdudulot ng kamatayan."

(Perhaps if I hadn't quit, I might have died, and I might not be here anymore. That's why I don't believe that abrupt quitting will cause death.)

Trinidad further noted that there is a tendency among smokers to transition from smoking to vaping, believing it to be a safer alternative. However, he strongly advised against this practice, stating, "Vaping and electronic cigarettes are not cessation aids. They should not be used as a means to quit smoking."

Meanwhile, Acting City Health Officer Dr. Lalaine Calonzo highlighted the effects of smoking, which takes a toll on an individual's health. She then enumerated the various diseases attached to long-time smoking, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer, among others.

“With regard to the no-smoking program, it is one of the programs under the DOH. It is being implemented by the City Health Office under the non-communicable diseases,” says Calonzo.

Jenelyn Ellie Ventura, Sarangani PDOHO Development Management Officer IV, also mentioned the shuddering fact that "every cigarette shortens a person's life by approximately seven minutes—a haunting reminder of the fragility of existence."

DOH-LGU General Santos partnership on anti-smoking campaign and cessation

According to the 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey, conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority and the Department of Health - Epidemiology Bureau (DOH-EB), General Santos City has seen an increase in the number of cigarette smokers.

The survey revealed that approximately 77,000 individuals in the city smoke tobacco, with 31% being males and 4% being females. Dr. Trinidad commented that heated tobacco products and electronic cigarettes have gained popularity among smokers.

Also, the battle against secondhand smoke remains unabated, with 87,000 individuals reporting exposure within their own homes. The lingering threat follows: 18,000 adults experienced exposure to tobacco smoke while using public transportation, and 8,000 individuals stated they were exposed to tobacco smoke in enclosed areas at their workplaces. This is despite efforts to combat cigarette marketing and promote massive awareness.

Yet, amidst the rising number, there is a glimmer of hope, as Dr. Trinidad pointed out, among the countless individuals who were planning to escape from the clutches of smoking, somehow signaling a positive note.

Tracing back, General Santos City is a proud Red Orchid Awardee (ROA). This prestigious accolade celebrates the city's commitment and efforts toward tobacco control measures.

Inspired by the criteria set forth by the WHO, the Red Orchid Award recognizes the selfless dedication of the different local government units (LGU) trying or having successfully tried their best to create and ensure a smoke-free environment in their respective areas.

“Binabati ng WHO ang DOH-CHD Soccsksargen dahil po sa patuloy na pagbibigay ng Red Orchid Awards. Ang Red Orchid awards po ay isang karangalan na binibigay ng DOH sa mga LGU na matagumpay na nagtataguyod ng 100% smoke-free environment,” says Trinidad.

(The World Health Organization congratulates DOH-CHD Soccsksargen for continuing to confer the Red Orchid Awards, which is an honor given to local government units for successfully upholding a 100% smoke-free environment.)

As the journey towards a smoke-free city continues, collaboration becomes the cornerstone of success. Government agencies, healthcare providers, police, community leaders, and individuals unite in the pursuit of a common goal: to fight smoking.

Atty. Gacal acknowledges then that it is about time to rekindle tobacco control efforts, strengthen City Ordinance No. 56 Series of 2017, or the Comprehensive Smoking Ordinance, and reclaim momentum in General Santos City's battle against smoking.

“So expect na ang gobyerno dahil wala na ang pandemic, we can go back to our [normal] lives, ay irerevive natin ang anti-smoking ordinance"

(So, now that the pandemic is no longer a threat and we can go back to our lives, we will revive the anti-smoking ordinance).

Though Calonzo admitted that "we have to start from zero again. All our personnel will undergo training on smoking cessation, on the MPOWER, all of that will be done. And then training among enforcers, that is the first thing that we will be doing," it is a must to reactivate the No Smoking Ordinance in the city.

Under the Red Orchid Award, MPOWER stands for the six tobacco control policies, namely: Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies; Protect people from tobacco smoke; Offer help to quit tobacco use; Warn against the dangers of tobacco; Enforce bans on tobacco advertising; and Raise taxes on tobacco.

The General Santos City Police Office, or GSCPO, will be responsible for apprehending violators. Individuals who want to quit smoking will have access to smoking cessation activities, the health officer says.

She also remains optimistic and vows that despite the increase in the number of smokers in Gensan, they "would really do [their] best to make General Santos City not only a Red Orchid awardee [again] but also a smoke-free city." (HJF -- PIA SarGen)