Livestream launched for World No Tobacco Day

Local health authorities have invited Chinese Internet celebrities to a live-streaming event to share their experiences of quitting smoking ahead of World No Tobacco Day on Sunday.

Health officials and doctors also participated in the livestream to educate the public about the dangers of smoking and medical services available to help people quit.

“There are over 6,000 chemicals in cigarette smoke and at least 70 can cause cancer,” said Dr Shi Zhaowen from Putuo District Central Hospital.

Smoking is a leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the leading risk factor for lung cancer in China.

About 80 to 90 percent of male lung cancer cases in China have a connection with smoking. Smoking can also impact the cardiovascular system.

“Smoking is a kind of tobacco addiction, which is a chronic disease,” Shi said. “There are withdrawal symptoms if people stop smoking or reduce smoking. They can visit smoke-quitting clinics in the hospital for professional guidance and help. ”

The Shanghai Health Enhancement Commission said the city is promoting the construction of a service network for smoke quitting involving clinics, a hotline, community support and Internet-based support.

Currently, there are 36 such clinics at local medical facilities. General physicians in community health centers also offer smoke-quitting direction and health management.