Under the slogan 'Swap tobacco for fruit', Fuenlabrada University Hospital has initiated a campaign to convey a clear message about the importance of quitting smoking to safeguard health. The initiative is part of the commemoration of World No Tobacco Day.
Driven by the hospital's Smoke-Free Committee and in collaboration with the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), the event's primary objective was to raise awareness about the risks associated with smoking and promote the adoption of healthier lifestyles among patients, professionals, and residents.
Professionals from Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Cardiology, and Pulmonology delivered an informative session for hospital staff. This session detailed the impact of tobacco on cardiovascular and respiratory health, as well as presenting therapeutic alternatives for quitting the habit and improving quality of life.
Outside the hospital, an information point was set up where AECC professionals and volunteers provided advice on healthy eating, physical exercise, and general well-being. A symbolic gesture allowed attendees to exchange a cigarette for a piece of fruit, representing the shift towards healthier habits.
Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions that can be made to take care of one's health.
The campaign was supported by the Occupational Health Service and the General Services and Catering teams, who coordinated the event's logistics. The hospital reiterates that smoking remains one of the main threats to public health, linked to various types of cancer, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases.
The benefits of quitting smoking are almost immediate, improving symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath, and reducing the long-term risk of serious illnesses. Through actions like these, Fuenlabrada University Hospital aims to foster a culture of prevention and health care through small, everyday changes.
