On November 20, 2023, the 15th tutorial for Certified Tobacco Cessation Specialists was held, marked by a productive collaboration between Dr. Mariya, Dr. Siddhi, Dr. Anshika, and the new addition to the coordinator team, Dr. Abhishek Bhadranna.
Agenda Highlights:
1. Case Discussion on PAAN Cessation: Dr. Anshika Pandey presented a compelling case of a paan (betel leaf) consumer and shared the successful guidance provided to help the individual quit this habit.
2. Integration of WHO Guidelines on Tobacco and Diabetes: Dr. Rakesh Gupta from SIPHER and Dr. Pawan Gupta led a discussion on the recent WHO guidelines concerning tobacco and its connection to diabetes. They highlighted how ICanCaRe has incorporated these guidelines into the ABCD model for comorbidity management.
3. Turning Tobacco Cessation into a Success Story: Participants engaged in a thoughtful dialogue on transforming tobacco cessation into a successful endeavor. The focus was on building confidence and establishing a strong identity in the field of tobacco cessation. Attendees were tasked with creating their professional identity, including designing visiting cards and flyers.
4. Special Pricing for Tobacco-Related Medications: Information regarding exclusive pricing for tobacco-related medications for CTCS in clinic settings was shared to facilitate more accessible treatment options.
5. Acknowledging ICanCaRe: Dr. Pawan Gupta emphasized the importance of CTCS acknowledging ICanCaRe in all their presentations, both online and offline, to strengthen the collective mission.
Members’ Feedback:
– Siddhi continued to express her appreciation for the ongoing opportunities for learning and professional growth.
– Abhishek expressed gratitude to all participants for their valuable contributions and highlighted the wealth of knowledge gained during the session.
– Rakesh commended the inclusion of comorbidity management into ICanCaRe cessation and emphasized the tutorial’s importance for anyone looking to excel in the field.
– Dr. Rajkumari underscored the tutorial’s role in enhancing learning and skill development.
– Kshipra expressed gratitude for the enriching learning experience.
ICanCaRe Academy Tutorial for Certified Tobacco Cessation Specialists (CTCS) is a monthly program held on the 15th of each month, from 9-10 PM. The program encourages CTCS to present complex cases on tobacco cessation for discussion and finding solutions to facilitate successful quitting. To submit cases or for further information, individuals can contact Dr. Mariya, Dr. Siddhi, Dr. Anshika, or Dr. Abhishek.
ICanCaRe Academy encourages active participation in these monthly sessions to gain profound insights into practical tobacco cessation through case discussions. Aspiring Certified Tobacco Cessation Specialists can explore the certification process at www.icancare.in/academy/ctcs
Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease in the world. It can harm not only the smoker but also the people around them who are exposed to second-hand smoke. If your brother is a tobacco user, you may be worried about his health and well-being, and you would wish your brother to be tobacco-free. Here are some steps you can take to support your brother in his journey to becoming tobacco-free. Read – Why should a sister wish her brother to be tobacco-free. https://blog.icancare.in/2023/08/31/why-should-asister-wish-her-brother-be-tobacco-free/
1. #KNOWTOBACCO. Be a Tobacco MARSHAL. Educate yourself about the dangers of tobacco use and the benefits of quitting. Learn about the different types of tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookahs, e-cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco. Find out how they affect the body and increase the risk of various diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and diabetes. The short-term effects and long-term effects. Also, learn about the positive effects of quitting tobacco, such as improved breathing, blood pressure, circulation, taste, smell, and mood. You can find reliable information from various sources and also from http://blog.icancare.in Please download the ICanCaRe Tobacco Wellness APP
2. COMMUNICATE – Talk to your brother about his tobacco use and his reasons for quitting. Choose a time and place where you can have a calm and respectful conversation with your brother. Avoid nagging, lecturing, judging, or criticizing him for his tobacco use. Instead, express your concern and care for him, and ask him how he feels about his tobacco use and his readiness to quit. Listen to his answers and try to understand his perspective. You can also share some facts and benefits of quitting tobacco that you learned from step 1 but do not overwhelm him with too much information at once. You will need to have patience.
3. WIN OVER TOBACCO IS EASY – Encourage your brother to seek professional help and use evidence-based methods to quit tobacco. Quitting tobacco can be very challenging, especially if your brother has been using it for a long time or has a strong addiction. He may need more than just your support to quit successfully. You can suggest that he talk to Certified Tobacco Cessation Specialists near you or online Call ICanCaRe Quitline @ 011-43077695, about his tobacco use and get advice on the best ways to quit. You can also help him find and use proven methods to quit tobacco, such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), Nicotine Receptor Agonist medication, behavioral therapy, or quitline services. Certified Tobacco Cessation Specialist uses the most advanced digital tobacco cessation protocol for a 100% quit rate.
An ICanCaRe Certified Tobacco Cessation Specialist follows the ABCD Of Tobacco Cessation to help in a 100% quit rate.
4. HAND HOLD- Be his Quit Buddy. Connect with your CTCS. Support your brother throughout his quitting process and celebrate his achievements. Quitting tobacco is not easy, and your brother may face many challenges and setbacks along the way. He may experience withdrawal symptoms, cravings, stress, mood swings, or weight gain. He may also encounter triggers or temptations that make him want to smoke or use tobacco again. You can help your brother cope with these difficulties by being there for him when he needs you. You can offer him emotional support, such as listening to his feelings, giving him encouragement, or reminding him of his reasons for quitting. You can also offer him practical support, such as helping him avoid or deal with triggers, distracting him from cravings, or joining him in healthy activities that reduce stress and improve well-being. Additionally, you can celebrate his achievements and milestones with him, such as going one day, one week, one month, or one year without tobacco. You can praise his efforts, reward his progress, or do something fun with him to mark the occasion.
5. BE A QUIT BUDDY. BE PATIENT. Do NOT FEEL GUILTY. – Be patient and understanding with your brother and yourself. Quitting tobacco is a personal decision and a process that takes time and effort. Your brother may not be ready to quit right away or may not quit on his first attempt. He may relapse or resume his tobacco use after quitting for a while. Do not give up on him or blame him for his failures. Instead, be patient and understanding with him and help him learn from his mistakes and try again. Remember that every quit attempt is a step forward and an opportunity to improve. Similarly, be patient and understanding with yourself, and do not feel guilty or frustrated if you cannot make your brother quit tobacco. You cannot control his behaviour or force him to change; you can only offer your support and guidance. The final decision and responsibility lie with him.
By following these steps, you can show your brother that you care about him and that you want him to live a healthier and happier life without tobacco.
Let us join hands to #savetheyouth.
(The Author – Dr. Pawan Gupta M.Ch. is Director of Surgical Oncology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, Patparganj, and Noida. He is the author of the books – Win Over Tobacco Made Easy, Be Smart Do Not Start and is highly recognized for his work on Oral Cancer and Tobacco Cessation. He is the convenor for the Certified Course in Tobacco Cessation at Gujarat University, and has trained more than 1000 doctors to be tobacco cessation specialists).
Book your appointment today to start a healthy tobacco/smoke-free life with the best in class tobacco/smoking cessation experts at www.icancare.in/quittobacco or call 011-430-77695 for help. Download the ICanCaRe e-cessation app for quitting smoking and tobacco at https://app.icancare.in.
Cancer, a formidable adversary that has touched the lives of countless individuals, has long been a subject of concern and research across the globe. In the face of this relentless disease, a remarkable event titled “INSPIRE INCLUSION FOR CANCER PREVENTION” emerged as a beacon of hope and a platform for knowledge sharing. This National Webinar initiated by Inner wheel District 310 with ICanCaRe Academy, conducted on the occasion of National Cancer Day, brought together an astonishing 644 Inner Wheel members and 11 District Chairmen, making it one of the largest national gatherings on cancer prevention in the country.
Distinguished Chief Guests and Convenors:
The event was graced by esteemed Chief Guests and Convenors who have been at the forefront of the battle against cancer:
1. Chief Guest – AP Preeti Gugnani gave her opening remark and her commitment to the control of cancer. She put forth to influence inclusion for cancer control on 7 points – awareness, screening, early detection, financial aid to help cancer patients, early treatment, research, policy advocacy, reducing stigma, and global unity to win the battle against cancer. She emphasized the HPV vaccine for all women as a means of cancer control. Tobacco is a major killer not only as cancer but many other diseases that need special attention and congratulated Mrs. Sonal on taking this major step in the Inner wheel by empowering women as TOBACCO MARSHALs.
2. District Chairman 310 – Anita Singh as the DC who initiated the event was very happy to bring such a large gathering together and urged that everyone get together to make this a project for the district.
3. Past District Chairman 310 – Sonal Bhatia Convenor and the mastermind for the event put forth that cancer is rising and it is the responsibility of each of us to join hands towards the control of the disease. One factor that can change the cancer scenario is Tobacco, 25% of all cancers are due to tobacco, 15 cancers have been documented and India has the highest consumption of tobacco in the World leading to the highest number of cancer patients due to tobacco, especially oral cancers. She is a tobacco MARSHAL (www.icancare.in/academy/marshal) and leader who trained and inducted more than 1000 tobacco MARSHALS and urged her Inner Wheel sisters to be MARSHAL in society to make a big impact in the long run.
Their presence and dedication underscored the event’s significance and set the stage for an enlightening discourse on cancer prevention.
A Wealth of Expertise:
The event boasted an impressive lineup of Chief Speakers and Experts:
2. Dr. Reena Kumar, Academic Director ICanCaRe Academy- Dr. Kumar’s expertise in cancer prevention strategies especially in Tobacco Control was a highlight of the event, providing attendees with actionable steps to reduce their risk. One factor that can change the cancer scenario is tobacco control. She urged each member to be part of the moment to SAVE the youth.
3. Dr. Pravesh Singh: Dr. Singh delved into the importance of early detection and regular screenings, demystifying the process for the audience. She mentioned the relationship between mental well-being as a means of physical well-being.
4. Er. Rishabh Agrawal: Er. Agrawal brought a unique perspective to the table, shedding light on the role of technology and innovation in cancer prevention and care. He showcased the ICanCaRe APP which is a knowledge-based scientifically developed for quitting tobacco and spreading knowledge about tobacco.
Dedicated Promoters:
Behind the scenes, a group of passionate individuals played a pivotal role in ensuring the event’s success:
– District Chairman 301 – Urvashi Mittal
– District Chairman 304 – Beena Shah
– District Chairman 307 – Reeta Sharma
– District Chairman 308 – Seema Kapoor
– District Chairman 309 – Surinder Kaur Monga
– District Chairman 311 – Sandhya Gupta
– District Chairman 312 – Sushma Agarwal
– District Chairman 317 – Vaishali U Lokhande
– District Chairman 326 – Rasika Bahadur
Their unwavering support and dedication amplified the impact of the event, turning it into a resounding success. All the DCs more than agreed to take cancer prevention in a big way. They supported Sonal for a tobacco-free society and to be a MARSHAL themselves and to promote the same in their clubs.
A Collective Effort:
The webinar was not just an information exchange; it was a call to action. Cancer, a disease on the rise, poses a threat to every home. The event posed critical questions: Can we prevent cancer? Can we halt its upward trajectory? Can we make a difference?
The resounding answer: YES. With the right knowledge, collective efforts, and a commitment to raising awareness, we can tackle this formidable foe head-on.
The Path Forward:
As we reflect on the success of the “INSPIRE INCLUSION FOR CANCER PREVENTION” National Webinar, we find inspiration in the unity and dedication of those who participated. Together, we are making strides toward a future where cancer is not just treatable but preventable. All the DCs were urged to promote tobacco moment in their districts and involve as many to be tobacco MARSHALs.
The Association President called for a major event MARATHON to create awareness against Cervical cancer on 10th January 2023 and urged all DCs to participate in large numbers for the same.
This National Webinar served as a powerful reminder that when we come together to share knowledge and inspire inclusion, we have the potential to save countless lives. The fight against cancer continues, and as we do, we move closer to a world where cancer is a word of the past.
Stay tuned for updates on future initiatives and events as we continue our journey to make a meaningful impact in the battle against cancer.
