When is "World No Tobacco Day"?
World No Tobacco Day is observed around the world every year on May 31.
Are there other related holidays"? Yes!
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What is this Holiday for?
The member states of the World Health Organization created World No Tobacco Day in 1987. It draws global attention to the widespread prevalence of tobacco use and to its negative health effects. The day aims to reduce the 5.4 million yearly deaths from tobacco related health problems. From 1988 the WHO has presented one or more World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) Awards to organizations or individuals who have made exceptional contributions to reducing tobacco consumption. On May 31st, 2008 the WHO called for a complete ban on tobacco advertising; the organization said studies establish a relationship between exposure to cigarette advertisement and starting smoking.
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Origin of this Holiday?
The event evolved from a series of events.
- In 1987, the World Health Assembly passed Resolution WHA40.38, calling for April 7, 1988 to be "a world no-smoking day".
- In 1988, Resolution WHA42.19 was passed, calling for the celebration of World No Tobacco Day, every year on May 31.
- On May 31st 2008, a section of the Smoke Free Ontario Act came into effect banning tobacco "power walls" and displays at stores.
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Health & Tobacco smoking
Tobacco smoke contains the psychoactive alkaloids nicotine and harmane, which combined give rise to addictive stimulant and euphoriant properties. The effect of nicotine in first time or irregular users is an increase in alertness and memory, and mild euphoria. Nicotine also disturbs metabolism and suppresses appetite. This is because nicotine, like many stimulants, temporarily increases blood sugar levels.
Medical research has determined that tobacco smoking causes lung cancer, emphysema, and cardiovascular disease among other health problems. The World Health Organization reported that tobacco smoking killed 100 million people worldwide in the 20th century and warned that it could kill one billion people around the world in the 21st century.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) caused by smoking, known as tobacco disease, is a permanent, incurable reduction of pulmonary capacity characterized by shortness of breath, wheezing, persistent cough with sputum, and damage to the lungs, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
"Inhalation of tobacco smoke causes several immediate responses within the heart and blood vessels. Within one minute the heart rate begins to rise, increasing by as much as 30 percent during the first 10 minutes of smoking. Carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke exerts its negative effects by reducing the blood’s ability to carry oxygen."
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What type of holiday is this?
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How can I Celebrate this holiday?
- Blog with us about it! - We have a blog called "Everyday is a Holiday" so visit our pages and talk with us about the holidays.
- Send Free E-Greeting! - If your ready to get together with your friends don't forget to invite them with these fun Internet Invitations.
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Resource links for more research:
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Other May holidays around the world
- The second Sunday in May is Mother's Day in the United States.
- Each year in May, the Eurovision Song Contest is held.
- The Indianapolis 500 is held on the Sunday before Memorial Day.
- On May 12, International Nurses Day is celebrated.
- Finland's Day in Finland on the 12th of May.
- Labor Day in Queensland, Australia is celebrated on the 1st Monday in May.
- In Canada, Victoria Day is celebrated on the last Monday on or before May 24.
- In the United States, Military Spouse Day is observed on the Friday preceding Mother's Day.
- In Kentucky, United States, the Kentucky Derby
- World Fair Trade Day is celebrated the second Saturday.
- In the United States, Memorial Day, a public holiday, is on May 30, but observed on the last Monday in May.
