Media Release

Mangaluru, Jun 29: A community wide intervention to promote smoke free homes in the city with the help of primary health care workers was launched at the Primary Health Centre in Bondel on June 27. This intervention was held by Health and Family Welfare Services – DK, District Tobacco Control Cell and Tobacco Intervention Initiative Centre, A J Institute of Dental Sciences.

Dr Vijaya Hegde and Dr Pooja Shetty had a one-on-one interaction with the Anganwadi workers and ASHA Workers. Their exposure to passive smoking and their knowledge regarding second hand smoke was assessed. A health talk was later given regarding the ill effects of second hand smoke and the importance of making their homes smoke free.

A discussion was held with the health care workers. ASHA Workers and Anganwadi workers were asked to initiate the 'Smoke Free Home' in their respective houses andwere asked to spread awareness in their neighborhood.

The health education programme was also held for the ANM trainees on ill effects of tobacco and second hand smoke. Data forms were given to them to collect data from the houses of Moodushedde village on use of tobacco and second hand smoke exposure for the implementation of smoke free homes.

Dr Rajesh B V – district surveillance officer addressed the gathering regarding the importance of the initiative and motivated them to implement the programme in the presence of Dr Subhas Shetty – medical officer – Bondel PHC and Dr Shubhan – reader, Department of Public Health Dentistry, AJIDS.