Active smoking and exposure to cigarette smoke have an irreversible impact on health, especially on the appearance and development of cardiovascular diseases. Dozens of volunteers transmitted this message to visitors of the Public Garden “Stephan the Great and Holy” in central Chisinau within an event entitled “Tobacco breaks hearts” that was dedicated to the World No Tobacco Day, IPN reports.

On this occasion, there awarded students who took part in a thematic drawing contest staged by the Center for Health Policies and Studies. Students of the Pharmaceutical Medicine College “Raisa Pacalo” presented an open lesson about the effect of smoking on the heart, while coaches of a sports club provoked those attending to a fitness masterclass with exercises for strengthening the heart.

Attending the event, Minister of Health, Labor and Social Protection Svetlana Cebotari said the incidence of cancers caused by cigarette smoking increased 1.4 times during the past ten years. About 5,000-6,000 deaths are reported annually.

“Today we want to encourage smokers to give up smoking or to seek help if they cannot cope,” stated Haris Hajrulahovic, Head of the Country Office of the World Health Organization in Moldova.

Volunteers of the Youth-Friendly Health Center of Botanica district gave fruit to those who accepted the provocation to throw the cigarettes they had on them. The Center’s head Veronica Cumpana said lessons are given periodically by specialists who tell the young people about the dangers posed by smoking. According to polls, the young people go in for sports and do not smoke as smoking is no longer ‘fashionable’.

Varfolomei Calmac, tobacco control specialist, said the Anti-Tobacco Law is implemented and the lack of smokers in parks is a proof of this. Three years ago this was unimaginable.

To seek help in giving up smoking, the persons can call the green line 080010001. If the right to a cigarette smoke-free environment in public places was violated, one can call 080012300. The phone services are free.