An old song parody began:
T-O-B-A-C-C-O/Little green worms upon it grow.
Several health organizations, in fact, may be chanting that song on Saturday during the new international "World No Tobacco Day."
The World Health Organization started WNTD in the United States in 1988. Other nations — notably Australia and New Zealand — have fueled the flames. The idea of the day was the same then as now: bring the truth about tobacco to the masses.
And figures show just how much the truth hurts.
Around the world, tobacco-related illnesses kill 10,000 people every day. For every 1,000 tons of tobacco that is harvested, 650 people will die.
Almost half of the men in the world now smoke, while only 12 percent of the women do. In developed nations, however, the percentage of women smokers doubles. When it comes to tobacco, education and wealth seems to breed stupidity.
Of the 300 million men younger than 29 years old in China today, 200 million will take up smoking.
If a 12-year-old American boy or girl were to put the money they normally would spend on tobacco into a savings account, they would each have $1 million when they turned 65.
For 15 years, World No Tobacco Day has been trying to get such information into the hands of the people of the world, especially the citizens of undeveloped countries. Their efforts have included "Quit and Win" competitions, media blitzes and many rallies.
It should also be noted that what was once "No Smoking" is now "No Tobacco," as snuff and chewing tobacco have become popular and prominent and cause major health problems of their own.
Fortunately, many around the world are beginning to see that tobacco is not a "lifestyle choice" but is a matter of public health and safety. At the recent Cannes Film Festival, for instance, several movie stars — including Julia Roberts and Nicole Kidman — came under public criticism for smoking. The feeling was that Hollywood had helped to glamorize smoking in the '40s, now the movie industry should help to combat it. Directors of movies that showcase tobacco should be pressured to do otherwise.
We commend the World Health Organization for its efforts and hope Utahns will give their support to a health initiative well worth their time.