Simple Steps Towards a Healthier Life
Key Questions Answered
Q1. Why is quitting tobacco important?
Tobacco kills over 8 million people globally and 13.5 lakh people in India every year. Quitting tobacco reduces the risk of TB, Lung diseases, Cancer, Heart disease, Stroke
It also improves breathing, stamina and overall quality of life.
Q2. Is it ever too late to quit tobacco?
No. It is never too late.
The body starts recovering within hours of quitting and health benefits continue to increase over time.
Q3. What is the first step towards quitting?
Set a quit date.
Choose a date within the next 1–2 weeks and mentally prepare yourself to stop tobacco completely.
Q4. Why do many people fail to quit?
Common reasons include – nicotine addiction, stress, social habits, peer influence and lack of support.However, repeated attempts improve chances of success.
Q5. What are tobacco triggers?
Triggers are situations that increase cravings, such as
tea or coffee, stress, alcohol, friends who smoke, Tobacco selling shops, loneliness or certain routines.Identifying triggers helps in controlling cravings.
Q6. What should a person do on quit day?
On the quit day – throw away cigarettes, bidis, gutka or vaping products like e Cigarette, electronic Hookah, remove lighters and ashtrays, avoid company of smokers
and stay busy and active.
Q7. How can cravings be managed?
Cravings usually last only a few minutes. Helpful methods include – drinking water, deep breathing,walking, listening music, chewing sugar-free gum, meditation and talking to supportive people.
Q8. Can medicines help in quitting tobacco?
Yes. Under strict medical supervision only like
nicotine gums, lozenges,
patches and certain other medicines can improve quitting success rates. But it should not be self therapy.
Q9. Why is family support important?
Family encouragement increases motivation and helps prevent relapse.
Quitting becomes easier when homes become tobacco-free environments.
Q10. What if someone starts tobacco again after quitting?
A relapse is not failure.
Many successful quitters needed multiple attempts before quitting permanently.
Restart immediately and continue the journey.
Q11. How is tobacco linked with TB?
Tobacco damages lungs and weakens immunity.
Tobacco users are more likely to develop TB, spread infection, experience severe disease,
and have poorer treatment outcomes.
Q12. What is the key public health message?
End Tobacco → End TB → Save Lives
Q13. Where can people seek help in India?
National Tobacco Quitline:
📞 1800-11-2356
Professional counselling and support can improve quitting success.
*Conclusion*According to Dr. S.K. Arora, the chances of success increase with repeated attempts. Within a few hours of quitting tobacco, the body begins to heal. Over a few months and years, the risk of diseases like cancer also decreases significantly. Preventing nicotine and tobacco addiction is essential not only for cancer and heart disease but also for a TB-free India. Behind the deceptive, attractive packaging and flavors of tobacco products lie severe addiction and disease. It is crucial for TB and tobacco control programs to work together. This will be a significant step toward a TB-free India
Dr. S.K. Arora
Senior Chest Specialist & Consultant, Former Delhi State TB Head, Government of Delhi (WHO Awardee)
TB Expert | Tobacco Control Advocate | Public Health (India)
