Smoke-Free Minds
Your experience with her today is a step you’ll regret tomorrow!

Deraya University launched a unique awareness campaign to educate the university community about the risks associated with all forms of smoking. The campaign explained the health and social harms resulting from smoking and presented practical steps to help people quit this harmful habit. Additionally, tips were provided on how to support and motivate others to quit smoking.

The main objective of this campaign is to regulate smoking on campus and raise community awareness to ensure a healthy and safe environment for everyone on and off campus.

A major awareness event about the dangers of smoking and mental health

The university’s duties encompass more than just academic education; they also include social and health sectors. Deraya University’s “Health Ambassadors” initiative was organized to spread this important message, work on improving community culture, and increase health awareness. The program received significant attention from staff, university members, and students.

Alongside Dr. Wael Safwat, a consultant in internal medicine and health awareness, and Dr. Aisha, a specialist in mental health, several prominent figures attended the event, including deans of colleges and vice presidents of the university. They provided vital scientific information on how smoking affects physical and mental health and emphasized the importance of taking decisive action to stop it.

The “No to Smoking” initiative – a step towards a healthier life

One of the important health campaigns to raise public awareness about the dangers of smoking and its harmful effects on health is the “No to Smoking” campaign.

 Dr. Wael Safwat discussed the negative health effects of smoking during the event, emphasizing how it is linked to several chronic diseases, including cancer, heart diseases, and respiratory conditions.

The impact of secondhand smoke on non-smokers, especially the young and the elderly who are more susceptible to respiratory diseases, was another topic discussed by the guests. Dr. Wael emphasized that although quitting smoking requires a lot of willpower and appropriate psychological support, it is not impossible.

Mental health: The foundation of quality of life

During another part of the session, Dr. Aisha discussed the importance of mental health. Since mental health has a significant impact on people’s quality of life and daily decision-making, she emphasized that it is as important as physical health. In her talk, she covered several important topics, such as:

– Mechanisms for coping with daily stress and psychological pressure

-The importance of positive thinking and how it affects people’s behavior and overall health.

-The contribution of social support to improving mental health and reducing feelings of loneliness.

She also confirmed that paying attention to mental health affects a person’s ability to address unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking. While there are more effective and healthier ways to reduce stress, such as exercising, meditating, and engaging in constructive social activities, some people resort to smoking as a coping mechanism.

How do we help smokers quit?

During the event, the best ways to support smokers in quitting smoking without pressure or coercion were discussed. Among the suggestions presented:

Encouraging the smoker to try healthier alternatives to smoking, such as using nicotine-free gum or engaging in new hobbies.

Emphasizing the positive benefits of quitting smoking, such as improving overall health and increasing physical activity.

Avoid aggressive or critical methods, as emotional support and encouragement have a greater impact than blame.

Smoking and Oral Health: Risks That Cannot Be Ignored

An important issue regarding the effects of smoking on oral and dental health was also addressed during the event.

-Smoking leads to permanent changes in the color of teeth, affecting appearance.

-It also increases the risk of gum diseases, weakens the gums, and causes tooth loss.

-Additionally, the harmful compounds in tobacco increase the risk of developing oral cancer.

The harmful consequences of smoking can be reduced by maintaining good oral hygiene through regular tooth brushing and visiting the dentist, as we always emphasize.

Smoking and mental health are a vicious cycle that must be broken

The relationship between smoking and mental health was addressed after the event. According to Dr. Aisha, smoking is often associated with psychological issues such as stress and anxiety. It worsens mental health conditions rather than solving them; however, some resort to it as a means of relieving stress.
Dr. Aisha explained that although smoking temporarily reduces stress and increases the production of feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine, it ultimately worsens mental health over time.

Deraya University continues its efforts to promote health awareness

Hosting such events is part of the university’s commitment to the community, and through them, it seeks to shape a generation with better awareness and health. Additionally, the university plans new health initiatives in the future, which will include:

Awareness campaigns about chronic diseases and prevention methods, specialized seminars related to mental health and its impact on academic performance, and programs to reduce smoking on campus.

These efforts stem from the university’s conviction that education goes beyond mere classroom study; it also includes promoting comprehensive health awareness that benefits both individuals and society.

The event concluded with an open discussion session, where attendees interacted with specialists and asked questions about how to quit smoking and ways to improve mental health at the university.

The Health Ambassadors Initiative will continue its mission to build a healthier and more informed community. The journey to change starts with awareness, and together, we can create a smoke-free environment that fosters well-being and growth.