Dr Gbenga Durojaiye, a medical consultant at Giwa Memorial Hospital, Ibadan on Saturday urged Muslim smokers to use the opportunity of the Ramadan to quit the habit.
He warned those who smoked while breaking their fast (Iftar) that the first smoke inhaled immediately after ending the fast could be dangerous considering the state of the body at the time.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan, Dr Durojaiye said that smoking could be dangerous for a fasting person whose body was trying to recoup after abstaining from water and food for so long.
“Smoking is the worst thing a person can do to his body, especially at iftar in Ramadan.
“Those who do so and escape the risks involved must consider themselves lucky if they do not contract serious cardiovascular problem during this period,’’ he said.
He said that at that time, the body was in greater need of liquids, glucose, oxygen and smoking could lead to the contraction of blood vessels, preventing the required flow of oxygen.
Durojaiye said that smoking at such a critical time could cause the blood to thicken which he said could lead to the blockage of arteries and also increase blood pressure.
He advised people with weaker resistance to the urge for tobacco to seek medical and psychological assistance, saying nicotine and tar were the most damaging substances in a cigarette.
“It is extremely harsh for the human stomach to tolerate them after a day-long emptiness,’’ Durojaiye said.
He said that smokers must take light and nutritious foods, with proper rest during the fasting period, adding, “Ramadan is a golden opportunity for smokers to quit the habit.’’
“This is the time. If a person can refrain from smoking for a whole day during Ramadan, he can quit the habit for good,’’ he said. (NAN)