The Tobacco Control Unit of the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), a collaborating centre of the World Health Organization (WHO), once again participates in the celebration of the World No Tobacco Day (31 May) with the aim of informing the population about the dangers and risks associated with the consumption of tobacco and its derivatives.
To mark the occasion, the UCT will organise a series of activities to promote a healthy lifestyle. On Friday 31 May, information points to promote a smoke-free lifestyle will be set up at the entrance to the ICO, at the Bellvitge Campus of the University of Barcelona (UB) and, new this year, in the city centre of l’Hospitalet de Llobregat to reach a larger number of people. Those interested will be able to receive advice on how to stop smoking, as well as find out the levels of carbon monoxide in their lungs with the help of specialised nurses and also sign up for the regular information workshop held at the ICO to motivate them to stop smoking and start a process of quitting.
This year, WHO is focusing its campaign on “protecting young people from tobacco industry practices”, a growing concern given the emergence of new tobacco products such as electronic cigarettes with flavours that appeal to this age group. In this context, the UCT has also produced a video aimed at young people, in collaboration with the University of Barcelona (UB). The video, starring medical and nursing students, debunks some of the most common myths about smoking. It will be posted on social networks and can be viewed on screens at the UB.