The Hindustan Times Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF) is one of the most popular cultural fests in Mumbai that draws art lovers from all over the city.
Apart from the various art and music attractions at this year's event, a highlight will also be the smoke-free venue. It's an initiative taken by Fortis Healthcare, the official healthcare partner of KGAF 2015.
"While we strive to offer the best possible healthcare facilities to people, we are also passionate about educating the community on health issues, and spreading awareness about the same," says Sukhmeet Sandhu, regional director, Fortis Healthcare.
Talking about the endeavour, Dr S Narayani, zonal director, Fortis Healthcare, adds, "Our objective is to take healing beyond the walls of the hospital, and create wellness in the community. The idea of making KGAF a 'No smoking zone' is an appeal to people to bring about lifestyle changes for the sake of their health. And cessation of smoking is one of the most healthy changes a person can bring about in his or her life."
The health hazards of smoking go beyond the risk of cancer. It affects the health of not just those who smoke, but also those around smokers.
"Smoking can cause multiple cancers, ranging from lungs, oesophagus and larynx, to kidney, bladder, pancreas and cervix. It's also a factor for hypertension, heart attack, visual impairment, acid peptic disease, oropharyngeal disorders and more," says Dr Boman Dhabar, medical oncologist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund.
{{/usCountry}}"Smoking can cause multiple cancers, ranging from lungs, oesophagus and larynx, to kidney, bladder, pancreas and cervix. It's also a factor for hypertension, heart attack, visual impairment, acid peptic disease, oropharyngeal disorders and more," says Dr Boman Dhabar, medical oncologist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund.
{{/usCountry}}While tobacco or cigarette smoking is generally associated with lung cancer, they can also cause nine other types of cancers. "Besides tobacco, cigarettes are made up of 28 other carcinogenic items that cause different kinds of cancers. So this initiative at the festival is an important one for the benefit of the people," says Dr Anil Heroor, surgical oncologist, Fortis Hospital.