Children get a taste of why they ought to stay away from tobacco

Dimapur, July 5: A seminar focusing the harmful effects of tobacco was conducted at Kiddies Corner School in Phek town on July 5. The program was organized by the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) of Phek. District Nodal Officer Dr. Reyosalü Lase Vizo was the resource person for the event.

The resource person talked to the students about what tobacco was and what the harmful effects of tobacco consumption were, and the cause of non-communicable diseases such as oral cancer which is on the rise among the Naga people, heart diseases etc.

Dr. Vizo also informed the students that sales of tobacco products to or by persons below the age of 18 years is a punishable offence. The students were also given awareness on the two forms of tobacco smoke and smokeless. Where she informed that Nagaland has the highest percentage of consumption of smokeless tobacco and ranks 2nd in tobacco consumption. She also sensitized the students and teachers that sales of cigarettes and other tobacco products in an area within the radius of 100 yards of the institution is a punishable offence.

Altogether 66 students from class 9 and 10 and teachers attended the program, Leaflets on the harmful effects of tobacco was handed out.