More than 800 people participated in the age group of 5 to 80 years

On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, a 5K run and walk was organized on Wednesday by SLG Hospital, one of the major healthcare facilities in the city. More than 800 people from various walks of life, ranging in the age group of five to 80 years, participated in the run to create awareness of the ill effects of tobacco use.

Speaking on the occasion, DVS Somaraju, Executive Director, of SLG Hospital said, “The 5K run was conducted to educate the residents of Kukatpally, Nizampet, Bachupalli, and surrounding areas about the disadvantages and ill effects of tobacco use as well as the benefits of not using it. It was a matter of great happiness that people of all ages participated in it in such a large number. Tobacco use can lead to cardiac, neuro, nephro, and pulmonary problems. The farther away from it, the better. The World Health Organization’s theme of this year’s No Tobacco day is, “We need food, not tobacco”. Many people in the world are lacking proper food. We all need to help them have nutritious food.

Tobacco is consumed in various forms in our country, like cigarettes, cigars, gutka, and tambaku. In recent times, we have seen that the youth is also getting addicted to them. We are conducting such awareness programs to ensure that the new generation does not fall prey to this bad habit. We intend to ensure that those who are already used to it should stop and no one else should get used to it. If even a part of the money saved can be used to ease the hunger of those in the society around us, it will be of great satisfaction,” he said.

Director of the hospital, Yashwant Varma, said the run started from the hospital premises, to the Nizampet Metro Water Works and from there to the hospital. He urged the youth to give up the tobacco habit and also raise awareness among future generations. With even small children participating in the program, we feel that our intention has been fulfilled to a great extent, he said.