Today, May 31, is being observed as World No Tobacco Day, a day geared towards bringing awareness to the dangers surrounding tobacco smoking and steps people can take to create a healthy environment for many.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 8 million people die prematurely each year from tobacco use. Tobacco smoking also claims the lives of half of its users who do not quit smoking.

Smoking tobacco is harmful to your health because it contains toxic chemicals, which place smokers at risk for lung cancer and cardiovascular disease.

It can be difficult for smokers to kick the habit because tobacco contains nicotine, a stimulant that produces pleasing effects in the brain. According to the Mayo Clinic, when individuals try to quit smoking, they often experience mental and physical challenges.

There are some steps tobacco smokers can take to kick the habit of smoking:

• Talk to a counselor who can help you make a plan
• Counseling may also prove helpful in finding ways to deal with stress, which is one of the main reasons why people turn to smoking
• Use nicotine replacement therapy (patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler, nasal spray)
• Talking to your healthcare provider about prescribing a prescription medication
• Inform family and friends about your intention to quit
• Find an alternative to deal with stress
• Discard cigarettes and accessories