Health plans are providing incentives for employers to offer free or reduced-cost programs that help workers stop smoking. Humana offers free coaches and a no-cost annual physical, and Michigan-based Priority Health offers classes, online smoking-cessation aids and partial reimbursement for some prescription drugs. Honolulu Advertiser (Hawaii), The (06/02) Wisconsin health insurers to give out-of-pocket cost estimates Wednesday, May 28, 2008 Asthma resource guide for health plans Thursday, July 19, 2007 Searching for business contacts in health care? Thursday, May 29, 2008 Related News Stories Related Press Releases Priority Health Offers More Choice With Addition of Physicians and Health Care Centers to Southeast Michigan Network News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.), The | Thursday, December 13, 2007 HAP ranks as No.
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Showing posts with label addiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label addiction. Show all posts
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Quit Smoking - Prepare To Succeed
For many smokers the will to give up smoking is strong yet it appears irrespective of what they do, they just cannot seem to break this devastating habit. The incapability to give up smoking causes many to secretly belittle themselves and curse their appearing weakness. For others it appears they just wake up one morning and decide to give up smoking. What makes the difference in these people? Is someone that makes a decision to give up smoking like this a more robust person than the one that still has to become a non-smoker? Let's evaluate. First off, most of the people even smokers don't truly enjoy smoking. Nicotine is very addictive, and breaking this obsession by not smoking can be very trying and tricky. So, if you are one who has still to stop smoking don't criticize or belittle yourself. Yes, nicotine is addictive, but it is an obsession that may be damaged. All these helps do have merit.
One part is imperative if any of these helps are to work for the person which has formerly attempted to stop smoking and failed.
This part is your perspective. Before you even begin the process to give up smoking, you will likely need some adjustments in your angle. The way to start to prepare yourself is to come to certain realizations. You can not give up because your heavy other wants you to give up smoking. Most likely fear isn't a good incentive for you either. You have developed a powerful will to resume, although you criticize yourself for it.
So, for you the call to give up smoking must be accompanied by a will that's just as powerful, if not stronger than your current will to give up smoking. Most will tell you to set a quit date at least ten days out, and do not really quit smoking till your give up date. It is also suggested that cold turkey is the most successful give up trail. During those days before your actual give up smoking target date, you are mentally preparing yourself to be free from smoking. This has got to be a robust call that only you can make for yourself. To steer you to the strength you want to effectively stop smoking, you will have to guage yourself and the genuine reasons for why you're still smoking. This isn't a straightforward task for most but once they have listed all of the true reasons, and have adopted the psychological perspective to replace smoking with other items which will supply better benefits, the job of quitting becomes far easier. Once your give up smoking date arrives, you may wish to use some of the AIDS debated above to boost your success rate.
The point is that if you have correctly done your preparation previously your opportunity for success will be seriously improved. Remember, the body and mind prosper and accommodate whatever substance you give it. You can give up smoking.
One part is imperative if any of these helps are to work for the person which has formerly attempted to stop smoking and failed.
This part is your perspective. Before you even begin the process to give up smoking, you will likely need some adjustments in your angle. The way to start to prepare yourself is to come to certain realizations. You can not give up because your heavy other wants you to give up smoking. Most likely fear isn't a good incentive for you either. You have developed a powerful will to resume, although you criticize yourself for it.
So, for you the call to give up smoking must be accompanied by a will that's just as powerful, if not stronger than your current will to give up smoking. Most will tell you to set a quit date at least ten days out, and do not really quit smoking till your give up date. It is also suggested that cold turkey is the most successful give up trail. During those days before your actual give up smoking target date, you are mentally preparing yourself to be free from smoking. This has got to be a robust call that only you can make for yourself. To steer you to the strength you want to effectively stop smoking, you will have to guage yourself and the genuine reasons for why you're still smoking. This isn't a straightforward task for most but once they have listed all of the true reasons, and have adopted the psychological perspective to replace smoking with other items which will supply better benefits, the job of quitting becomes far easier. Once your give up smoking date arrives, you may wish to use some of the AIDS debated above to boost your success rate.
The point is that if you have correctly done your preparation previously your opportunity for success will be seriously improved. Remember, the body and mind prosper and accommodate whatever substance you give it. You can give up smoking.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
No Smoking Signs Keep the World Healthier
We look to signs to give us information and to tell us rules. On bathroom doors, there are ltle signs of men and women so we know what bathroom we should correctly go into. At stores and malls, there are arrows to sections so we know where to go. Signs help us get from one place to another. There are also signs for different stores so we know what we are shopping for. Whout signs, we wouldn’t know what to do. Everything would be a mess and unorganized and people would be doing things that they shouldn’t. A very important sign that people see a lot is of a cigarette with a red line through . No smoking signs let us know when we can light one up and when we have to wa.
Restaurants and bars are popular places to see these. Although people can enjoy a few beverages in the comfort of the establishment, they will have to escort themselves outside to have a smoke. There are no smoking signs in most places since is hazardous to everyone’s health. If you are a smoker and you light up in the presence of others you are generally thought of as inconsiderate. That’s why signs that prohib smoking help everyone to understand what is expected of them.
It is important that these signs are present wherever smoking is not permted. Otherwise, people will light up whenever they want. Seeing the no smoking signs makes them realize that they are not allowed to smoke there. It keeps everyone safe in that environment and free from the deadly smoke that destroys your lungs. Those who want to continue living healthy lives shouldn’t have to be forced to inhale something hazardous.
They can be bought or printed. If you are in charge of an establishment or an environment that you want to have smoke free, you will need to place a sign there to inform people that they are not allowed to smoke there. You don’t want to have to walk up to someone to let them know that they can’t smoke. No smoking signs make your job easier and they are a great way to inform all smokers that they’ll need to wa to indulge their hab.
Everyone is entled to make their own choices but there are times when ’s in everyone’s best interest if certain behavior is followed. When most smokers see a no smoking allowed sign they respect . They know that when the urge strikes them they can always take a few moments outside to satisfy their craving.
Restaurants and bars are popular places to see these. Although people can enjoy a few beverages in the comfort of the establishment, they will have to escort themselves outside to have a smoke. There are no smoking signs in most places since is hazardous to everyone’s health. If you are a smoker and you light up in the presence of others you are generally thought of as inconsiderate. That’s why signs that prohib smoking help everyone to understand what is expected of them.
It is important that these signs are present wherever smoking is not permted. Otherwise, people will light up whenever they want. Seeing the no smoking signs makes them realize that they are not allowed to smoke there. It keeps everyone safe in that environment and free from the deadly smoke that destroys your lungs. Those who want to continue living healthy lives shouldn’t have to be forced to inhale something hazardous.
They can be bought or printed. If you are in charge of an establishment or an environment that you want to have smoke free, you will need to place a sign there to inform people that they are not allowed to smoke there. You don’t want to have to walk up to someone to let them know that they can’t smoke. No smoking signs make your job easier and they are a great way to inform all smokers that they’ll need to wa to indulge their hab.
Everyone is entled to make their own choices but there are times when ’s in everyone’s best interest if certain behavior is followed. When most smokers see a no smoking allowed sign they respect . They know that when the urge strikes them they can always take a few moments outside to satisfy their craving.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Just in case you didn't know smoking is bad for you!
Back in the day, cigarette companies advertised with impunity. Television, roadside billboards and magazines all promoted the smoking habit. It had not then been established that smoking led to all sorts of terrible medical conditions no one wants. It's likely that tobacco companies were in the know, but the general public was not. At worst, it was considered to be a habit of questionable merit and not very physically attractive. It wasn't always so. Remember the old movies with such legendaries as Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, striking up and puffing away in a seductive and sought-after manner that the young people were eager to emulate? Well, times have changed.
For some decades, the smoking habit has been denigrated, with smokers being declasse individuals without the sense God gave a flea, Bogart and Bacall notwithstanding. Today, there's been a complete turnaround from the advertising campaigns of old. Tobacco companies, in response to class action suits, actually have the audacity to include quitting tips on their website navigation bars.
Magazine ads and billboards are now forbidden territory for the cigarette industry. On the other hand, no smoking signs have become big business indeed. If you want to let everyone know of your distaste for tobacco, you can buy no smoking signs in any material you might imagine – metal, plastic, wood – you name it, you can get it. There are signs suited to posting at factories, home and office applications. There are no smoking signs you can place on doors, walls, and desks. For those who want to make their sentiments perfectly clear, there's a desk plaque available proclaiming the smoking rules in sizes from subtle to you-can't-miss-it. How about stickers? Engraved no smoking signs are yours at the click of your mouse. Custom designs can proclaim the rules in a friendly spirit. “Please! No smoking!”, surrounded by cute little vining plants to lessen the blow to those smokers sensitive to no smoking signs.
Want to establish strict boundaries? Go for legalese phrasing - “No smoking within 50 feet!” - that certainly makes the message clear.
What if you're dealing with non-native English speaking smokers? Never fear. You can get your message across in numerous languages.
Some states, like Arizona and Louisiana, offer free no smoking signs for business owners. You just need to fill out some forms to qualify.
For the thrifty person who wants to make known their disdain for the habit, there's downloadable clip art you can print out on your home printer and plaster all over the place.
Just to cover all the bases, you've got to consider that misled soul holding a cigarette as he approaches your premises. This eventuality is covered. You can purchase smoking shelters, outdoor ashtrays and a variety of trash containers for the safe and prompt disposal of these nasties. Surely there's not a smoker alive who needs reminding. Just in case, there's certainly no shortage of signs that unequivocally, say, no!
For some decades, the smoking habit has been denigrated, with smokers being declasse individuals without the sense God gave a flea, Bogart and Bacall notwithstanding. Today, there's been a complete turnaround from the advertising campaigns of old. Tobacco companies, in response to class action suits, actually have the audacity to include quitting tips on their website navigation bars.
Magazine ads and billboards are now forbidden territory for the cigarette industry. On the other hand, no smoking signs have become big business indeed. If you want to let everyone know of your distaste for tobacco, you can buy no smoking signs in any material you might imagine – metal, plastic, wood – you name it, you can get it. There are signs suited to posting at factories, home and office applications. There are no smoking signs you can place on doors, walls, and desks. For those who want to make their sentiments perfectly clear, there's a desk plaque available proclaiming the smoking rules in sizes from subtle to you-can't-miss-it. How about stickers? Engraved no smoking signs are yours at the click of your mouse. Custom designs can proclaim the rules in a friendly spirit. “Please! No smoking!”, surrounded by cute little vining plants to lessen the blow to those smokers sensitive to no smoking signs.
Want to establish strict boundaries? Go for legalese phrasing - “No smoking within 50 feet!” - that certainly makes the message clear.
What if you're dealing with non-native English speaking smokers? Never fear. You can get your message across in numerous languages.
Some states, like Arizona and Louisiana, offer free no smoking signs for business owners. You just need to fill out some forms to qualify.
For the thrifty person who wants to make known their disdain for the habit, there's downloadable clip art you can print out on your home printer and plaster all over the place.
Just to cover all the bases, you've got to consider that misled soul holding a cigarette as he approaches your premises. This eventuality is covered. You can purchase smoking shelters, outdoor ashtrays and a variety of trash containers for the safe and prompt disposal of these nasties. Surely there's not a smoker alive who needs reminding. Just in case, there's certainly no shortage of signs that unequivocally, say, no!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Smoking the World
It is hailed as one of the best-selling consumer products and enjoys a rapidly expanding market. Its companies boast impressive profits and prestige, but with one problem; its best customers keep dying off. Yes smoking is one of the most profitable activity and one of the most hazardous too. Smoking info has shown that over 420,000 Americans die each year of the habit. When compared to the use of illegal drugs, that is an astounding 50 times more deaths! Another amazing smoking info is that 3 million people, and obviously more, die from smoking annually. When you do the math, that is about 6 people dying every minute from smoking alone. According to the survey conducted in 45 countries, it shown that the worst is yet to come saying, “If current smoking patterns persist, then by the time the young smokers of today reach middle or old age, there will be about 10 million deaths a year from tobacco—one death every three seconds.”
However, statistics do not end there. More smoking info suggests that smoking will eventually kill half of all of smokers – a truly terrifying thought. Since the 50’s, more than 60 million people have already died from the habit. For tobacco companies this is bad for business. If 3 million die each year and many more, an unknown number, quit the habit of smoking, this means that they will need to be replaced. So what have these companies been doing to ensure that they remain in business? One of the strategies is targeted towards the liberation of women, especially in Asian lands. While smoking is an accomplished fact in the Western world, it has taken time in developing lands of Africa, Asia and Latin America. However, the tobacco companies’ efforts seem to be paying off. Smoking info and statistics have shown that more women are now smoking in these lands and the stigma once associated with smoking is dying, if it has not already done so, in many places.
Take China statistics for example. It is estimated that more than 61 percent of all adult men smoke and women are quickly adding to that figure. In fact, by comparison, there are more smokers in China than the entire population of the United States, more than 300 million. Another smoking info is that more than 1.6 trillion cigarettes are smoked each year in China alone, about a third of what is consumed in the entire world. This figure will continue to rise in the future.
However, statistics do not end there. More smoking info suggests that smoking will eventually kill half of all of smokers – a truly terrifying thought. Since the 50’s, more than 60 million people have already died from the habit. For tobacco companies this is bad for business. If 3 million die each year and many more, an unknown number, quit the habit of smoking, this means that they will need to be replaced. So what have these companies been doing to ensure that they remain in business? One of the strategies is targeted towards the liberation of women, especially in Asian lands. While smoking is an accomplished fact in the Western world, it has taken time in developing lands of Africa, Asia and Latin America. However, the tobacco companies’ efforts seem to be paying off. Smoking info and statistics have shown that more women are now smoking in these lands and the stigma once associated with smoking is dying, if it has not already done so, in many places.
Take China statistics for example. It is estimated that more than 61 percent of all adult men smoke and women are quickly adding to that figure. In fact, by comparison, there are more smokers in China than the entire population of the United States, more than 300 million. Another smoking info is that more than 1.6 trillion cigarettes are smoked each year in China alone, about a third of what is consumed in the entire world. This figure will continue to rise in the future.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Blue Cross Marks 10-Year Anniversary of Victory Over Tobacco Industry
These policies are aimed at supporting adults who want to quit smoking and keeping young people from ever starting to use tobacco.
Despite such positive changes, tobacco use continues to be a major health concern. "With approximately 600,000 adult smokers in Minnesota and nearly $2 billion spent in our state annually to treat health conditions caused by tobacco use, we can't rest on our laurels," said Dr. Marc Manley, Blue Cross' vice president and medical director for population health. "The tobacco industry is still very powerful. As long as the industry continues to create new products and new marketing tactics that adapt to changing social norms, there's more work for us to do. We remain committed to connecting people to help so they can quit smoking, building workplaces and communities that support healthier lifestyles, and focusing on those who are hardest hit."
Blue Cross will mark the tobacco settlement anniversary by hosting a day-long Prevention Minnesota conference at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest in Minnetonka on May 8.
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Thursday, July 16, 2009
Check out the online quit smoking groups and succeed!
While you may be a highly disciplined person in every other area of your life, when you decide to quit smoking, you face one of the most difficult challenges to self discipline. It's easy for people who have never smoked to say “What's the big deal? You just decide to quit smoking and then do it!” This sort of statement can be not only irritating, but discouraging. It's not so simple, as your previous attempts to quit the habit may have demonstrated.
Now, with the additional, hefty taxes on tobacco products – with more in the offing – smoking has become financially unfeasible. More pressure.
It's a statistical fact that more people succeed when they have access to a support group. While there are quit smoking groups you can attend locally, they don't usually have daily meetings, you've got built-in excuses not to go (it's raining, I'm tired, low on gas to drive there, etcetera). On the other hand, online quit smoking groups are there 24/7 and the members come from every walk of life and from around the world. Due to the sheer diversity of people you'll meet in the online groups, the amount and quality of support you'll receive increases exponentially. You'll get insights on what works and what doesn't from others who are in the same boat. Some members stick around, even after they've quit, to offer encouragement. If they succeeded, so can you!
So, despite your holier-than-thou non-smoking friends and neighbor's discouraging remarks, there are some considerable difficulties in overcoming smoking. You'll find that the members of online quit smoking groups know just where you're coming from. Let's take a look at some of the common difficulties smokers have when trying to ditch the habit.
Not only are you addicted to the nicotine, but also to an array – can you say 500-1000 – chemical additives contained in cigarettes. If you've only had the habit for a few years, it may be marginally easier to kick the habit. Why? In the majority of smokers, the worst factors of this challenge are psychological. For example, the typical smoker has a number of mental triggers which precipitate an automatic 'time to light up' response. You leave work, get in your car and light up. Your morning coffee? Gotta have a cigarette. Calling a friend for a lengthy conversation? Light up and bring the ashtray. The list of triggers goes on and on.
If you can make it past the first three days, most of the nicotine and chemicals are flushed from your system, which gets you past the physical addiction. The gotchas come in the psychological addiction. Every member of your online quit smoking group has experienced every variant of this type. Someone has experienced your particular bugaboo and can offer you some tips and tricks on putting that one to rest.
No one is going to be chastising you for having given in and lit up. They've all been there, done that. You'll just have to get back on the train with renewed determination. The toxins in that one cigarette can be flushed right out in a day. Drink lots of water and juices. Now you're back on track.
The key to success is sticking with your online quit smoking group. Don't ever give up. You will succeed, be free, have more cash and make new friends!
Now, with the additional, hefty taxes on tobacco products – with more in the offing – smoking has become financially unfeasible. More pressure.
It's a statistical fact that more people succeed when they have access to a support group. While there are quit smoking groups you can attend locally, they don't usually have daily meetings, you've got built-in excuses not to go (it's raining, I'm tired, low on gas to drive there, etcetera). On the other hand, online quit smoking groups are there 24/7 and the members come from every walk of life and from around the world. Due to the sheer diversity of people you'll meet in the online groups, the amount and quality of support you'll receive increases exponentially. You'll get insights on what works and what doesn't from others who are in the same boat. Some members stick around, even after they've quit, to offer encouragement. If they succeeded, so can you!
So, despite your holier-than-thou non-smoking friends and neighbor's discouraging remarks, there are some considerable difficulties in overcoming smoking. You'll find that the members of online quit smoking groups know just where you're coming from. Let's take a look at some of the common difficulties smokers have when trying to ditch the habit.
Not only are you addicted to the nicotine, but also to an array – can you say 500-1000 – chemical additives contained in cigarettes. If you've only had the habit for a few years, it may be marginally easier to kick the habit. Why? In the majority of smokers, the worst factors of this challenge are psychological. For example, the typical smoker has a number of mental triggers which precipitate an automatic 'time to light up' response. You leave work, get in your car and light up. Your morning coffee? Gotta have a cigarette. Calling a friend for a lengthy conversation? Light up and bring the ashtray. The list of triggers goes on and on.
If you can make it past the first three days, most of the nicotine and chemicals are flushed from your system, which gets you past the physical addiction. The gotchas come in the psychological addiction. Every member of your online quit smoking group has experienced every variant of this type. Someone has experienced your particular bugaboo and can offer you some tips and tricks on putting that one to rest.
No one is going to be chastising you for having given in and lit up. They've all been there, done that. You'll just have to get back on the train with renewed determination. The toxins in that one cigarette can be flushed right out in a day. Drink lots of water and juices. Now you're back on track.
The key to success is sticking with your online quit smoking group. Don't ever give up. You will succeed, be free, have more cash and make new friends!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
The compulsion to use marijuana is a form of addiction
Is it addicting and do people go through a withdrawal when they stop smoking? Thanks. A: Actually, this is two questions: is marijuana addicting and do people experience a withdrawal when they stop smoking it. I say this is two questions, because a drug can be addicting, despite it not causing a withdrawal syndrome when a person stops using the drug. Cocaine, for example, is highly addicting, but stopping cocaine does not lead to a withdrawal syndrome. To answer your question about whether marijuana is addicting, I must first define chemical addiction, which is the compulsive use of the chemical, seeking to use more and more of it, and being unable to stop. Often with addiction, there is the preoccupation with using the drug, and more and more is spent on getting and using the drug..In this regard, marijuana can be addicting as many people report compulsive use and an inability to stop using it.
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Sunday, July 5, 2009
Quit Smoking through Hypnosis
I was raised in a pretty conservative family setting, so I was always a little bit suspicious of hypnotists. Nonetheless, I knew that my suspicion was mostly a superstition. People tend to be scared of things they don't understand, and even pretty smart educated people are no different. When I was trying to stop smoking, I thought it might be an excellent time to try out hypnotism. Getting hypnosis to quit smoking would not cost a lot, I figured, and it would let me get rid of my addiction with very little work. If it didn't work, I could always try something else. All in all, it seemed like I had nothing to lose.
The interesting thing about hypnosis to quit smoking – or any other addiction hypnosis for that matter – is that it works mostly because people believe in it. Being hypnotized does not stop your body from physically craving nicotine, and it doesn't stop you from having positive associations with it. The key is that, when you are under hypnosis, you believe that you will is not your own. If the hypnotist tells you that you no longer like to smoke, you will unconsciously decided to play along rather than contradict what he is saying. It's kind of a silly system my opinion, but it really does work.
The hypnotist explain all of this to me the first day. It was funny to me that going into my hypnosis to quit smoking, he would tell me that hypnosis was not real, but he explained that it helped put people at ease. People have so many superstitious beliefs about the power of hypnotism that sometimes he runs into tough cases who are sort of afraid to go under. By explaining how he does hypnosis to stop smoking, he is able to establish a more even, cooperative relationship with his patients. This makes them feel more comfortable with him, which in turn makes them better hypnotic subjects.
I had assumed that being hypnotized meant that you always forgot what happened, but apparently this is not the case. His hypnosis to quit smoking started with a standard induction where he made me feel sleepy so that I was unable to open my eyes. I was still aware of what was going on, but somehow I just didn't feel like moving. I remembered everything – that induction, the suggestions he gave me to quit craving cigarettes, and the process of waking up. Yet even though I remembered it, it still worked on me. Since then, I haven't craved another cigarette. I don't know if it works for everyone, but It certainly worked well for me. If you are trying to give up cigarettes, hypnosis to quit smoking really is worth trying.
The interesting thing about hypnosis to quit smoking – or any other addiction hypnosis for that matter – is that it works mostly because people believe in it. Being hypnotized does not stop your body from physically craving nicotine, and it doesn't stop you from having positive associations with it. The key is that, when you are under hypnosis, you believe that you will is not your own. If the hypnotist tells you that you no longer like to smoke, you will unconsciously decided to play along rather than contradict what he is saying. It's kind of a silly system my opinion, but it really does work.
The hypnotist explain all of this to me the first day. It was funny to me that going into my hypnosis to quit smoking, he would tell me that hypnosis was not real, but he explained that it helped put people at ease. People have so many superstitious beliefs about the power of hypnotism that sometimes he runs into tough cases who are sort of afraid to go under. By explaining how he does hypnosis to stop smoking, he is able to establish a more even, cooperative relationship with his patients. This makes them feel more comfortable with him, which in turn makes them better hypnotic subjects.
I had assumed that being hypnotized meant that you always forgot what happened, but apparently this is not the case. His hypnosis to quit smoking started with a standard induction where he made me feel sleepy so that I was unable to open my eyes. I was still aware of what was going on, but somehow I just didn't feel like moving. I remembered everything – that induction, the suggestions he gave me to quit craving cigarettes, and the process of waking up. Yet even though I remembered it, it still worked on me. Since then, I haven't craved another cigarette. I don't know if it works for everyone, but It certainly worked well for me. If you are trying to give up cigarettes, hypnosis to quit smoking really is worth trying.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
We all know that cigarette smoking is bad for our health
By now, everyone on the planet is aware of the dangers of cigarette smoking. Nevertheless, more than 3000 kids start the habit every day! Fighting the battle against cigarettes has long been a case of the tobacco industry versus common sense. However, at the same time, since common sense does not prevail, our Congress continues to attempt to legislate behavior (rather ineffectually) while the tobacco industry spends hundreds of millions of dollars fighting the legislation.
Early in 2009, legislation was passed which almost doubled the price of tobacco. This legislation went into effect April 1, 2009. Perhaps the rationale was that, if tobacco products became so costly, particularly in a bad economy, people would simply not be able to afford to poison themselves – or, at least, not as liberally. The trouble with this enforced type of behavior modification is that cigarette smoking is addictive. Attempts at quitting result in short tempers. Do they really suppose the person who has just been laid off is going to quit smoking while trying to land a new job? Not likely. Chances are they'll reduce their food budget before quitting cigarettes.
The positive result of such legislation? Government coffers grow. While these taxes are supposedly funding new programs to help reduce cigarette smoking and fund even more legislation to ban smoking in public places, we've all seen the efficacy of other such government efforts.
The government's latest move to put a damper on cigarette smoking has empowered the FDA with the authority to approve what ingredients may be allowed in tobacco products, mandate changes, eliminate toxins and disallow new tobacco products. Now, on the face of it, this may sound like a good thing. Nicotine is a toxin and the primary addictive substance in tobacco.
However, what's less known is that there are between 500 and 1000 'additives' to cigarette tobacco which are also addictive and also toxins. Shouldn't the legislation have put some real teeth into this FDA authority, requiring all of the additives be removed, thus approving a much less addictive product that people might actually be able to beat?
When I was much younger and commensurately naive, I thought that the FDA was supposed to regulate food and drugs in a manner that provided the consumer with safe products. Now I know that pharmaceutical companies put out drugs that, while passing FDA approval, are later found to have side effects with devastating consequences which go unnoticed for years. The FDA allows additives, growth hormones and antibiotics to enter our bodies through various approved foods. So why should we believe the FDA will do any better with cigarette 'safety'?
Taxation and attempts to legislate behavior seem more an issue of revenue and politics than real solutions to the cigarette smoking problem. Perhaps if the funding were used for classroom coursework for kids, with documentaries of patients on oxygen tanks and a few images of what cigarette smoking does to your lungs, the money might be well spent.
After all, if President Obama, an educated and intelligent man, still smokes, it seems that it's the future generation we should be targeting. In his remarks on the bill, President Obama said “... For over a decade, leaders of both parties have fought to prevent tobacco companies from marketing their products to children and provide the public with the information they need to understand what a dangerous habit this is.”
When this latest piece of legislation passed, the primary author of the bill, Representative Henry Waxman (D-California) made this statement: "I think we are today at the last gasp of the tobacco industry's efforts to protect their profits at the expense of the health and lives of the American people and to get children to take up this habit." The last gasp.
Early in 2009, legislation was passed which almost doubled the price of tobacco. This legislation went into effect April 1, 2009. Perhaps the rationale was that, if tobacco products became so costly, particularly in a bad economy, people would simply not be able to afford to poison themselves – or, at least, not as liberally. The trouble with this enforced type of behavior modification is that cigarette smoking is addictive. Attempts at quitting result in short tempers. Do they really suppose the person who has just been laid off is going to quit smoking while trying to land a new job? Not likely. Chances are they'll reduce their food budget before quitting cigarettes.
The positive result of such legislation? Government coffers grow. While these taxes are supposedly funding new programs to help reduce cigarette smoking and fund even more legislation to ban smoking in public places, we've all seen the efficacy of other such government efforts.
The government's latest move to put a damper on cigarette smoking has empowered the FDA with the authority to approve what ingredients may be allowed in tobacco products, mandate changes, eliminate toxins and disallow new tobacco products. Now, on the face of it, this may sound like a good thing. Nicotine is a toxin and the primary addictive substance in tobacco.
However, what's less known is that there are between 500 and 1000 'additives' to cigarette tobacco which are also addictive and also toxins. Shouldn't the legislation have put some real teeth into this FDA authority, requiring all of the additives be removed, thus approving a much less addictive product that people might actually be able to beat?
When I was much younger and commensurately naive, I thought that the FDA was supposed to regulate food and drugs in a manner that provided the consumer with safe products. Now I know that pharmaceutical companies put out drugs that, while passing FDA approval, are later found to have side effects with devastating consequences which go unnoticed for years. The FDA allows additives, growth hormones and antibiotics to enter our bodies through various approved foods. So why should we believe the FDA will do any better with cigarette 'safety'?
Taxation and attempts to legislate behavior seem more an issue of revenue and politics than real solutions to the cigarette smoking problem. Perhaps if the funding were used for classroom coursework for kids, with documentaries of patients on oxygen tanks and a few images of what cigarette smoking does to your lungs, the money might be well spent.
After all, if President Obama, an educated and intelligent man, still smokes, it seems that it's the future generation we should be targeting. In his remarks on the bill, President Obama said “... For over a decade, leaders of both parties have fought to prevent tobacco companies from marketing their products to children and provide the public with the information they need to understand what a dangerous habit this is.”
When this latest piece of legislation passed, the primary author of the bill, Representative Henry Waxman (D-California) made this statement: "I think we are today at the last gasp of the tobacco industry's efforts to protect their profits at the expense of the health and lives of the American people and to get children to take up this habit." The last gasp.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Stop Smoking
Let us accept it if you havent received the caution by this point, you will not. It might be really innocent if you assume that lung cancer only has effects on certain folks with a genetic factor or those over sixty five years old. Only one Marlboro can leave negative marks on your lungs for a month. Do not be ignorant as you are putting your wellbeing in jeopardy.
With the proof of health worries in relation to smoking, it is clear that you only need common sense. However, in truth, it does not occur that way. You need some inducement like fear before you start to think about about giving up smoking.
To the contrary, some smokers continue to smoke even if they have cancer of the throat.
They puffing their way thru holes on their necks.
Smokers have such a tough time in the future with their body than a non-smoker. It causes plenty of issues on the life of the smoker and those around him.
To stop smoking isn't particularly easy as you been doing it for long and when you are prepared to give up you are dependant. We are able to also go for non-nicotine cigarettes, the body patch or go for actual prescription by a doctor. Think about the more helpful and better things that you can purchase with the cash. About eighty percent folks retort back to smoking after once leaving it and only twenty percent successfully accomplish the task. Some folk are not able to keep on with the smoke termination programs because they are saying that they are dear. Seem as if it a better solution to spend on your fitness rather on an illness any way. So, you can see that there are some hard core smokers that cant quit smoking. Remember that when you are diagnosed as having lung cancer, nothing much can be done. If the tobacco makers place these caution labels on their products, do you continue to need evidence that smoking is good for health? Study the medical books or paper clipping. Do not they mention that smoking is the major reason for respiration issues like asthma and bronchitis? I want to bring another point. Though you do not smoke, but being around with smokers also makes you a passive smoker. Does not they contain powerful tobacco scent? I believe it's a good move that regimes are banning smoking in some areas. Do not you suspect it is about time to stop smoking?
With the proof of health worries in relation to smoking, it is clear that you only need common sense. However, in truth, it does not occur that way. You need some inducement like fear before you start to think about about giving up smoking.
To the contrary, some smokers continue to smoke even if they have cancer of the throat.
They puffing their way thru holes on their necks.
Smokers have such a tough time in the future with their body than a non-smoker. It causes plenty of issues on the life of the smoker and those around him.
To stop smoking isn't particularly easy as you been doing it for long and when you are prepared to give up you are dependant. We are able to also go for non-nicotine cigarettes, the body patch or go for actual prescription by a doctor. Think about the more helpful and better things that you can purchase with the cash. About eighty percent folks retort back to smoking after once leaving it and only twenty percent successfully accomplish the task. Some folk are not able to keep on with the smoke termination programs because they are saying that they are dear. Seem as if it a better solution to spend on your fitness rather on an illness any way. So, you can see that there are some hard core smokers that cant quit smoking. Remember that when you are diagnosed as having lung cancer, nothing much can be done. If the tobacco makers place these caution labels on their products, do you continue to need evidence that smoking is good for health? Study the medical books or paper clipping. Do not they mention that smoking is the major reason for respiration issues like asthma and bronchitis? I want to bring another point. Though you do not smoke, but being around with smokers also makes you a passive smoker. Does not they contain powerful tobacco scent? I believe it's a good move that regimes are banning smoking in some areas. Do not you suspect it is about time to stop smoking?
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Cannabis addiction almost destroyed me
I tried quitting, just smoking on weekends, leaving my cannabis with someone else so I wouldn't be tempted, and not buying any. But for five years the longest I went without was a few days. I couldn't do it alone."
From the outside, it can be difficult to understand how a drug which prompted James to feel acutely lonely and confused could come to control his life.
He explains: "At the start it felt really pleasurable. During the first five years, even before the addiction really took hold, it's unlikely that any amount of nagging would have stopped me.
"Cannabis has a subtle way of raising your senses, offering you a slightly altered perspective on life and the everyday nine to five routine. Music sounds better and colours are more vivid. You can see beauty in an ugly city; things which other people are immune to.
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