The detrimental effects of smoking on our health are well-known. There are hundreds of chemicals in smoke, many of which are cancer-causing or carcinogenic in nature.
Smoking also raises our chance of developing heart disease and long-term respiratory conditions. About 50 per cent of all cancer-related fatalities are attributable to tobacco use. Oral cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in India, where it accounts for 30 per cent of all cancer cases. 90 per cent of oral cancer cases in India are caused by tobacco use, according to a report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Smoking causes oral cancer by exposing the tissues in the mouth to harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitrosamines, and benzene. These chemicals can damage the DNA in the cells lining the mouth, eventually transforming these normal cells into malignant cells. Symptoms of oral cancer include mouth sores which do not heal, pain in the mouth and ear, difficulty in swallowing, lump in the neck, a white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth.
To prevent oral cancer, individuals should maintain good oral hygiene, quit smoking, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Quitting smoking and oral tobacco is the best way to reduce the risk of oral cancer. Additionally, tobacco cessation can have significant benefits for one's overall health, such as improved lung function, reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.
Advanced oral cancer can be a challenge to treat, hence early detection is important to increase chances of a successful outcome. The treatment options for oral cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Numerous advances have been made in this field in the past few years. Minimally invasive surgery and robotic surgery, targeted radiation and chemotherapy drugs can now treat these cancers with negligible impact on quality of life. Preservation of function and aesthetics have become the mantra for developing new strategies.
In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be used to achieve the best possible outcome. Furthermore, one can quit smoking with the help of resources such as nicotine replacement therapy, consisting of nicotine gum and patches, which helps in reducing withdrawal symptoms. Counselling and support groups can also be beneficial for those trying to quit smoking.
Prevention is the best strategy. Stopping tobacco use would eliminate the vast majority of oral cancers. There is no other disease which has such a clear prevention strategy. Your health is your priority and now is the time to stop smoking.
When employed by experienced and skilled experts, music therapy is an evidence-based, efficient, and safe method of treatment that is used to treat people who require mental healthcare. Numerous emotional effects that music has on people have been demonstrated by studies. The following are some advantages of music therapy for general mental health.
Maintaining good health, supporting muscles, and aiding in blood sugar control all depend on regular exercise. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week.
Healthy eating does not entail avoiding fat, consuming fewer calories, or simply boiling your food. A well-balanced, nutritious diet must be adopted in order to develop healthy eating habits, which include eating everything in the proper quantities, at the proper times, and in the proper combinations.
While bungy jumping is the most sought-after activity by adrenaline junkies, if you are going for bungy jumping for the first time, then it can be a nerve-wracking experience. Your mind will play tricks and juggle with multiple feelings of fear of the unknown, whether you made the right decision, or how your body will react. Here are five things you can do or keep in mind to be better prepared for an adventure of a lifetime.
According to the studies, your sugar intake should not exceed 5 per cent of your total daily calories. This means that a typical adult's sugar intake should not exceed 30g per day. The most harmful type of sugar is free sugar, which is found in fizzy drinks, fruit juices, biscuits, cakes, and chocolate.
Those who practise yoga learn to connect with their body, mind, and soul, while those who practise meditation employ breath work to achieve supreme relaxation. Yoga is frequently linked to a steady increase in flexibility and strength, but it's also an excellent way to foster creativity. Yoga aids in the development of creative force, and research are supporting the claims made by practitioners.
