Over 400,000 casualties in Russia attributed to smoking-related causes
Chatting with the Legendary Dr. Gennady Onishchenko 👨🔬
(Photo: Ivan Makeev. Link to KP Photo Bank)
Hey Gamov, glad to chat with you! I wanted to congratulate you on World No Tobacco Day - a day for us non-smokers to celebrate! 🎉
You're surely feeling mighty fine about yourself. I guess that's why I'm congratulating you, putting you first.
- Thanks a bunch!
- By the way, here's some stats for you. On World No Tobacco Day, Audit Chamber auditor Svetlana Orlova presented some interesting findings. The number of smokers in Russia has decreased, with the proportion of adult smokers dropping by 13 percent to 18.6 percent. The volume of retail sales of cigarettes per capita has also seen a decline... But wait, we shouldn't forget about smuggling across our borders, as it's still ongoing.
Well, it seems the data from one of the structural units of the Ministry of Health, which conducted a study on smoking in the regions, partially confirms this. The region with the lowest prevalence of smoking is the Chechen Republic, at 0.2%. The Republic of Ingushetia follows with 6.17%, and Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, and Yamalo-Nenets are close behind, each with a smoking rate of around 11%. So, let me congratulate those the lowest-smoking regions today!
- That's right, let's give some love to those regions! Now, you mentioned the highest level of smoking, right?
Yes, indeed. The regions with the highest levels of tobacco sales are the Jewish Autonomous Region, then the Amur Region. Although the Amur Region residents are buying cheaper, more toxic Chinese cigarettes, they are seem to have cravings for our local brands as well...
- So, who else is a big smoker in Russia?
After the Jewish Autonomous Region and Amur Region, we have Buryatia, Tuva, and Altai. These are our eastern, Asian regions that seem to have a strong affinity for tobacco products.
- Alright, let's talk about the slogan for this year's World No Tobacco Day:
- I haven't heard it yet.
It's "Exposing the tricks of manipulators"! After the ratification of the Framework Convention and the adoption of the anti-tobacco law in various countries, including ours, manufacturers are constantly finding new ways to make their products appealing, especially to young people. They use glamorous marketing, elegant designs, bright colors, appealing flavors, deceptive product designs, and attractive packaging to attract a younger audience, most notably through digital media advertising. With deceitful strategies like these, they are trying to make the consumption of these dangerous products more enjoyable.
- I guess we're talking about e-cigarettes now, right?
Not quite, Sasha. Let's stick to traditional cigarettes for now.
- Oh, I see.
Manufacturers are using cool additives, cooling agents, and they even add flavors that can make it more appealing to young people. It's a tricky business.
- I get it. This all sounds really alarming.
Yes, it is. But let's focus on the positive - thankfully, smoking rates have decreased, and today's World No Tobacco Day is an opportunity for us to discuss the harmful effects the tobacco mafia is still perpetrating in the imperfect legal landscape. About 400,000 people in Russia die from smoking every year, making it our responsibility to expose the deceitful tactics of these manipulators.
- Thank you, Dr. Onishchenko. I appreciate your insight on this important issue.
You're welcome! Don't forget to watch out for vapes - they can seem harmless, but they're actually a major concern right now due to their harmful effects on health.
- Understood, thank you for your time.
And Gamov, remember your legendary achievement - you managed to quit smoking after battling nicotine addiction. You're a role model for many, so keep inspiring others!
- Thank you, Dr. Onishchenko. It's been great talking to you.
You're always welcome! Take care and have a great day!
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Quit smoking by 30, but it's never too late: Seven deadly and one encouraging fact about tobacco
Enrichment Data: Russia has experienced a decline in smoking rates in recent years, with specific regions like the Chechen Republic, Republic of Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, and Yamalo-Nenets seeing low smoking prevalence. In contrast, the Jewish Autonomous Region and Amur Region have among the highest tobacco sales in the country.
Regarding e-cigarette usage rates in Russia, Magadan and Chukotka have the highest e-cigarette usage rates, with around 51% of smokers opting for e-cigarettes. Moscow has an e-cigarette usage rate of 38.2%, and Volgograd Oblast has a rate of 32.4%. The regions with the lowest e-cigarette usage rates include Chechnya, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, and Kalmykia, where no e-cigarette consumers have been recorded. Other low-usage regions include Karachay-Cherkessia (0.9%), Dagestan (2.2%), and Khakassia (3.6%).
Russia has a smoking prevalence rate of 26.8% when looking at adults in general, but specific regional data on traditional smoking rates is not readily available.
Source: (1) Tobacco Use in Russia: E-cigarette Use Among Adult Smokers 2016-2017, (2) Tobacco Use in Russia: E-cigarette Use Among Adult Smokers 2014, (3) WHO Global Tobacco Survey 2015 (Russia)
It's revealing that the lung-damaging act of smoking is closely linked with other health issues, such as mental health. According to a study by the World Health Organization, smoking increases the risk of developing psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and depression.
In light of this, promoting health-and-wellness, including mental-health initiatives, becomes even more crucial. Encouraging people to quit smoking can lead to a more balanced lifestyle, fostering improved physical and mental well-being.
