MUMBAI: Nicotex, the leading brand in the smoking cessation category by Cipla Health Ltd has introduced a ‘21 Days to Quit Smoking Challenge’ exhorting smokers to quit smoking. As the nation entered a 21-day lockdown due to COVID-19 and is practicing social distancing, Nicotex also urged individuals to distance themselves from cigarettes by highlighting the health hazards of smoking in such times.

According to the world health organisation (WHO), smoking damages the lungs, making the person more vulnerable to COVID- 19. Also while smoking, the fingers (and possibly contaminated cigarettes) come in contact with lips which increases the possibility of transmission of the virus from hand to mouth. Hence for safer and better health during the growing pandemic spread, it is advisable to quit smoking at the earliest.

  Link of the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmxWnTDOCZY&feature=youtu.be  

It is also a well-established fact that it takes around 21 days for developing or breaking a habit, thereby inducing the thought that if a person does not smoke for 21 days, there are high chances that he or she will not be tempted to do the same later. The idea might appear like a herculean task; however, Nicotex, based on the principle of Nicotine Replacement Therapy can help smokers in their journey to quit smoking. It helps control the urge to smoke, and gradually allows the body to adjust having no nicotine at the end of the therapy.

Commenting on this campaign Cipla Health Ltd CEO Shivam Puri said, “As the entire country is taking efforts to practice social distancing and build immunity to combat potential threats of COVID-19, it is also the best time to distance oneself from the habit of smoking.  During these times as much as a poor immune system can make individuals increasingly susceptible to the virus, smoking can damage the lungs and make a person more vulnerable. We are hence reaching out to all smokers to give up smoking and adopt a healthier lifestyle. We believe you can!”