With Ramadan fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about making positive changes in our lives. While many people focus on spiritual and dietary changes during this holy month, it’s also an excellent time to try and quit smoking. As a habit that can severely impact your health and wellbeing, quitting smoking is not only beneficial in the short term but can help you live a healthier and happier life in the long term. In this article, we’ll explore some of the benefits of quitting smoking during Ramadan and discuss how you can use this time to make positive changes for life.
In Jakarta, on the 7th of March, 2021, a campaign against child smokers was launched in Cengkareng, West Jakarta. The campaign was aimed at accelerating the government’s target of reducing child smokers to 8.7 percent of the smoking population by 2024.
One of the volunteers who participated in the campaign spoke to a minimarket cashier about the dangers of cigarettes. This was one of many efforts made by the government to curb the smoking habits of children in Indonesia. It is a common problem in the country, with an estimated 9.1 percent of Indonesian children aged between 10 and 18 years smoking.
Smoking is a major public health issue in Indonesia, with tobacco consumption being one of the highest in the world. Despite efforts by the government to regulate smoking, the problem persists, especially among children. The government has implemented various measures to reduce smoking rates, including increasing taxes on tobacco products.
Studies have shown that smoking causes various health problems, including respiratory diseases, heart disease and cancers among others. Smoking habits when picked up at a young age could lead to severe consequences later on in life.
Efforts to curb child smoking in Indonesia are still ongoing, and campaigns such as the one launched in West Jakarta are just one aspect of the many initiatives aimed at reducing smoking rates in the country.
The Indonesian government has also implemented laws banning smoking in public places, including schools and hospitals. Billboards and advertisements promoting cigarettes have also been removed from public view. The government has also increased taxes on tobacco products and required graphic warning labels on cigarette packages.
Despite these measures, smoking rates in the country remain high, and the problem of child smoking persists. The availability of cheap cigarettes and the lack of education about the dangers of smoking are among the factors contributing to high smoking rates.
Efforts to curb smoking rates in Indonesia need to be more comprehensive and focused on educating children about the dangers of smoking. This should begin in schools by providing education about the risks of smoking and why it should be avoided.
Parents also play a vital role in preventing their children from smoking. They should aim to establish an open conversation with their children about the dangers of cigarettes and encourage good health habits.
The Indonesian government should also consider measures such as increasing the price of cigarettes further and imposing stricter laws against tobacco companies that target children.
In conclusion, smoking is a severe public health issue in Indonesia. The government has taken steps to curb this problem, but more needs to be done to reduce smoking rates, especially among children. Initiatives should focus on educating children about the dangers of smoking, and parents should play a more significant role in preventing their children from taking up smoking. By taking these steps, smoking rates in Indonesia can ultimately be lowered, and people’s lives can be saved from the severe health impacts of smoking.
