ILOILO City – With cardiovascular disease topping tobacco-related illnesses in the city, the City Health Office (CHO) is ramping up its anti-smoking campaign, targeting especially the youth and vape users under its expanded Tobacco Control Program.
Nurse IV Analeen Galilea of the CHO warned that smoking and vaping are equally dangerous, with nicotine from both products linked to serious internal and external health problems.
“The number one tobacco-related disease in Iloilo is cardiovascular disease,” she said, noting that the condition is closely tied to lifestyle-related issues like hypertension and diabetes.
“Our veins thin out and circulation suffers, which directly impacts the heart,” she stressed
As part of Tobacco Awareness Month, the city’s health sector is spotlighting the dangers of both cigarettes and vapes.
Contrary to popular belief that vaping is a safer alternative, Galilea emphasized they are “equal in harm.”
“Vape has nicotine, too. It only masks itself with flavor. We must unmask it,” she stressed.
The city government is taking a proactive approach through its Tobacco Control Program, which features personalized interventions, including Brief Tobacco Intervention (BTI) sessions and counselling across all nine district health centers.
These sessions offer three- to four-minute interventions using models like the “Smoker’s Body” to visually demonstrate the devastating effects of nicotine use.
“Smoking is an addiction. That’s why our approach includes sustained counseling and support,” said Galilea.
While participation is voluntary, the clinics are open to all individuals wishing to quit smoking.
Health officials enumerated the ill effects of smoking cancer and others:
External Effects
* premature aging
* yellowing of fingers and nails due to nicotine stains
* tooth decay and gum disease
* baldness
* persistent odor
Internal Effects
* increases the risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and lung cancer
* cardiovascular diseases associated with hypertension and diabetes; veins become narrower, leading to poor blood circulation throughout the body.
* weakened immune system; weight changes; and sexual dysfunction
“We are reinforcing the message early. Our city is progressive. We must promote a strict no-smoking and no-vaping environment,” Galilea added.
In urging young Ilonggos to make informed choices, Galilea concluded, “Be smart, don’t start.”/PN
