World No Tobacco Day Is May 31

In support of World No Tobacco Day, sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and observed on May 31 every year, the World Federation of Chiropractic is encouraging all chiropractic organizations and all chiropractors throughout the world to participate and utilize the WFC Chiropractors Against Tobacco (CAT) materials available at the WFC Web site.

"Studies show that smokers are more likely to quit smoking permanently if they receive counseling, behavioral therapy, and professional treatment," said WFC President Dr. Efstathios Papadopoulos, WFC Secretary-General David Chapman-Smith, and WFC Public Health Committee Chair Dr. Rand Baird in a joint release. The WHO encourages health professionals to provide their patients information about the terrible health consequences of smoking, help their smoking patients quit, and be role models who promote tobacco-free lifestyles. Doctors of chiropractic can play a vital part in this for their patients and their communities.

Tobacco use is one of the chief preventable causes of death in the world. WHO attributes about 5 million deaths a year to tobacco use, a figure expected to rise to about 10 million deaths a year by 2020, with 7 million of these deaths occurring in developing countries.

For more information, visit the WHO Web site and type in "World No Tobacco Day" in the search box. For information about local activities, contact your WFC member national chiropractic association.

Source: World Federation of Chiropractic