Students Educated on Tobacco Perils
Students in Nellore were sensitised to the health risks of tobacco and smoking during an awareness programme promoting healthy lifestyles.
An awareness programme on preventing tobacco and smoking addiction among teenagers aged 14-18 was organised on Sunday at Bharatiya Vidya Vikas English Medium School and Vatsalya Ashram in Kondayapalem under the aegis of Janahita Vatsalya Ashram.
Addressing the students, trainee Sani Sivaprasad from the postgraduate diploma in health promotion education programme of Gandhigram Rural Institute, Dindigul, highlighted the serious health risks of tobacco use, including lung diseases, heart ailments, DNA damage, and as many as 14 types of cancer affecting the lungs, mouth, throat and oesophagus.
He also cautioned that tobacco addiction at a young age hampers physical growth, reduces concentration and adversely impacts academic performance.
Vatsalya organising secretary G.V. Sambasiva Rao and joint secretary Durga Prasad said the institution was committed to nurturing children with healthy habits and protecting them from harmful addictions.
The organisers urged students to stay away from tobacco and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Deputy health education officer Chejerla Sudhakar Rao and Manava Sevaye Madhava Seva chairman Arava Parimala appreciated the initiative. Vatsalya staff and volunteers also participated in the programme.
