The younger children are when they first try smoking, the more likely they are to become regular tobacco users and the less likely they are to quit, a news release said.For Kansans wanting to quit, the toll-free Kansas Tobacco Quitline (866) KAN-STOP ((866) 526-7867) provides free and confidential coaching, and assists callers in preparing a personalized quit plan. The Kansas Tobacco Use and Prevention Program manages the Quitline and provides resources to organizations, such as the Tobacco Workgroup of Communities in Schools of Harvey County. For more information about World No Tobacco Day, visit www.who.int/tobacco/wntd/2008.en/. For more information about the Tobacco Workgroup, call Communities in Schools at 284-6520 or the Harvey County Health and Wellness Coordinator at 283-1637, ext. 20.
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Showing posts with label tobacco. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tobacco. Show all posts
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Travel Smoke-Free this Summer
The smoking ban is especially timely as many families are planning their summer road trips and vacations. Smokers who are planning to quit or reduce their cigarette consumption while vacationing or on the road are likely dreading the stress associated with travel and the inevitable chorus of "Are we there yet?" from their kids. The following tips can help smokers control their cravings while travelling this summer: . Set a personal goal Make this summer the season to quit and use your road trip or vacation as an opportunity to change your routine. . Be patient with cravings When you want a cigarette, wait a few minutes - a nicotine craving usually last three to five minutes. Do something else instead of smoking; try chewing gum or drinking water. Be sure to pack enough supply for your entire road trip.
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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.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Women’s heart risks decrease quickly after quitting smoking
There's good news for women who want to quit smoking. According to a new study published in JAMA, within just five years of giving up smoking entirely, womens' risk of death from heart disease or stroke starts to decrease significantly. In fact, after five smoke-free years, women reach 61% of their full potential to reduce risk of death from heart disease, and 42% of the full potential benefit in protecting against death from stroke.
For the study, researchers assessed the smoking habits of, and cause of death for, 12,483 women. They found that 64% of the deaths in actively smoking women were directly connected to cigarette smoking compared to only 28% of the deaths in former smokers.
The researchers also found that the risk of death from heart disease or stroke reduced much faster than that from lung disease or cancer.
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Saturday, October 17, 2009
Give up smoking for the holidays? Ironically, this may be your best opportunity to quit for good!
There are plenty of smokers, just like you, who have a desire to quit this bad habit. When it comes time that you decide to give up smoking, there's always that element of timing. You're going on vacation next week. You're going back to school to train for a new career. You've invited guests for the weekend. You're too stressed out at your job. You know the drill. It seems that there's always some reason that makes this a bad time to try to give up smoking. While you might genuinely want to quit smoking, it's far easier to rationalize that 'this just isn't the time' and put the whole idea on the back burner. The usual result? You put it off for a 'better time'. Here we've got a novel idea that turns that rationalization on its head – and works!
When people make an attempt to quit smoking, one of the major obstacles involves keeping your hands busy and your mind distracted from cigarettes. You may do a little housework, then give yourself a break – hey, why not have a smoke and a cup of coffee? Smokers all have 'triggers' that put a cigarette at the front of their consciousness. Coffee, tasks which require focus and concentration, the famous after-meal smoke ... these are common triggers to light up. Becoming aware of all of your triggers is helpful in any attempt to give up smoking.
Now, during the holiday season, most of us don't have time on our hands. In fact, we find our plates full of tasks to ready our homes for the holiday season, including decorating, menu planning, shopping and gift wrapping. Many of us also get the urge to clean up accumulated clutter, straighten up linen closets, lest visitors should inadvertently see such un-festive touches and think you're a poor housekeeper. Notice what all of these holiday preparations have in common: your hands are busy and your mind is sufficiently occupied to keep those thoughts of a smoke at bay. When you consider a 'right time' to give up smoking, the holidays may, paradoxically, be the perfect time.
When you want to – successfully - give up smoking, it's really not quite as simple as the 'mind over matter' concept. You've got to use a few psychological tricks on yourself to help you along. If your morning cup of Joe is the usual partner for a smoke, try switching drinks. Have a cup of tea, juice or a smoothie instead. Changing rituals is an important component. How about that 'inevitable' after-meal cigarette? Why not plan an alternate activity that immediately follows the meal. The holidays are perfect for playing board games, checkers, chess or card games. Have the game table ready to go, serving a beverage that isn't one of your triggers.
Following a rigorous housecleaning session, relax in the bath with a magazine or book. Bubble bath or herbal bath sachets help you to relax and remind you that these scents are far more attractive than a burning cigarette. Besides, it's kind of hard to smoke with wet hands!
Group family activities, such as decorating the tree, hanging lights and gift wrapping for friends and relatives helps keep you occupied – and honest.
The busier you are, occupied with activities you enjoy, the less likely it is that your mind will drift to that smoke! When you decide to give up smoking, make the first several days packed with non-stop activities. If you can resist smoking for just three days, you're over the worst. You'll find that you sleep better, breathe easier and think less and less of smoking. After three weeks, you're 'clean'.
Choosing to give up smoking during the holidays may, ironically, be the magic bullet you've been looking for all these years! As for your New Year's resolutions, that list will be one item shorter. See if this upside-down strategy doesn't work for you!
When people make an attempt to quit smoking, one of the major obstacles involves keeping your hands busy and your mind distracted from cigarettes. You may do a little housework, then give yourself a break – hey, why not have a smoke and a cup of coffee? Smokers all have 'triggers' that put a cigarette at the front of their consciousness. Coffee, tasks which require focus and concentration, the famous after-meal smoke ... these are common triggers to light up. Becoming aware of all of your triggers is helpful in any attempt to give up smoking.
Now, during the holiday season, most of us don't have time on our hands. In fact, we find our plates full of tasks to ready our homes for the holiday season, including decorating, menu planning, shopping and gift wrapping. Many of us also get the urge to clean up accumulated clutter, straighten up linen closets, lest visitors should inadvertently see such un-festive touches and think you're a poor housekeeper. Notice what all of these holiday preparations have in common: your hands are busy and your mind is sufficiently occupied to keep those thoughts of a smoke at bay. When you consider a 'right time' to give up smoking, the holidays may, paradoxically, be the perfect time.
When you want to – successfully - give up smoking, it's really not quite as simple as the 'mind over matter' concept. You've got to use a few psychological tricks on yourself to help you along. If your morning cup of Joe is the usual partner for a smoke, try switching drinks. Have a cup of tea, juice or a smoothie instead. Changing rituals is an important component. How about that 'inevitable' after-meal cigarette? Why not plan an alternate activity that immediately follows the meal. The holidays are perfect for playing board games, checkers, chess or card games. Have the game table ready to go, serving a beverage that isn't one of your triggers.
Following a rigorous housecleaning session, relax in the bath with a magazine or book. Bubble bath or herbal bath sachets help you to relax and remind you that these scents are far more attractive than a burning cigarette. Besides, it's kind of hard to smoke with wet hands!
Group family activities, such as decorating the tree, hanging lights and gift wrapping for friends and relatives helps keep you occupied – and honest.
The busier you are, occupied with activities you enjoy, the less likely it is that your mind will drift to that smoke! When you decide to give up smoking, make the first several days packed with non-stop activities. If you can resist smoking for just three days, you're over the worst. You'll find that you sleep better, breathe easier and think less and less of smoking. After three weeks, you're 'clean'.
Choosing to give up smoking during the holidays may, ironically, be the magic bullet you've been looking for all these years! As for your New Year's resolutions, that list will be one item shorter. See if this upside-down strategy doesn't work for you!
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 27, 2009
World Health Organization calls for ban on tobacco ads
According to a WHO press release, studies show that young people are more likely to start smoking if exposed to tobacco advertising. The WHO notes that only five percent of the world population "is covered by comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship".
"The WHO appeals to member states and policy-makers to require by law a comprehensive ban on all forms of advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco products," said WHO Regional Director for Africa Luis Sambo, in a statement released Saturday in Kampala, Uganda.
"In order to survive, the tobacco industry needs to replace those who quit or die with new young consumers," said WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan. "A ban on all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship is a powerful tool we can use to protect the world�s youth."
The WHO said that tobacco companies are specifically targeting the half billion youth in the Asia Pacific region by tying smoking to the idea of a flashy lifestyle.
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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, August 23, 2009
Now Is The Perfect Time To Quit Smoking
Now is the perfect time for smokers to quit — for their health. Smoking can cause chronic lung disease, coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer of the lungs, larynx, esophagus, mouth and bladder. Annual health care costs in New York state directly caused by smoking are $8.17 billion. Over half are Medicaid program costs at $5.4 billion. New Yorkers pay $904 per household on state and federal taxes for smoking-caused government expenditures. Quitting will give smokers more money in their wallets and most important, improve their health. The time is now. The New York State Smokers Quitline offers free coaching and quit plans, free nicotine patches, gum and lozenges, free tips and information and free online help. The toll-free Quitline number is (866) 697-8487. More information is available on the Quitline Web site at www.nysmokefree.com.
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Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Learn How to Quit Smoking Today
Young people do all sorts of stupid things in their lives, and I was no exception. The worst thing I ever did to myself was accept a cigarette that was offered to me by a friend. Before I knew it, that one-time experiment led to a pack-a-day habit that burdened me for 15 years. Then one day, I smartened up and realized that compromising my health wasn't worth the few minutes of pleasure that a cigarette gave me. I wanted to learn how to quit smoking once and for all in order to rid myself of the disgusting habit.
There are lots of different cessation methods out there, but I was able to eliminate a few right from the start. For instance, many people have reported success with hypnosis. Apparently, just having a therapist talk about how to quit smoking while they're in a highly suggestible state is enough to get some folks to stop cold turkey. But hypnotherapy is not something I could get into, so I'm not even going to bother. If it's up your alley, though, then by all means go for it!
Another method that has been successful for smokers is gradually reducing their nicotine intake with the help of patches and gum. These aids have been around for a long time now, and are ideal for those who are scared at the prospect of going through nicotine withdrawals. Read any book on how to quit smoking and you'll see numerous warnings about the likely withdrawal symptoms you'll experience. But with patches and gums, you can still get your daily dose of nicotine without having to smoke. This gives you a chance to wean yourself from the rituals of lighting up and handling a cigarette without having to deal with withdrawal right away.
If you ask your doctor about how to quit smoking, he or she might recommend a prescription drug. There are a few on the market, including Zyban or Wellbutrin. This is essentially an antidepressant that has been effective at reducing nicotine cravings in people interested in figuring out how to quit smoking. This is actually the method that I chose, and despite being extremely skeptical of the pill's efficacy, it truly worked for me!
But I know many smokers don't want to use any drugs at all, and would prefer an all-natural method instead. This is understandable, as patches, gums, and prescription pills are quite a bit more expensive than natural techniques. If you want to try going the all-natural route, then stock up on St. John's wort or make an appointment with a hypnotherapist.
Discovering the different options available to you is the first step in the quitting process. From here, you have to figure out how to quit smoking in a way that fits your personality and lifestyle so that you have the best chance at long-term success.
There are lots of different cessation methods out there, but I was able to eliminate a few right from the start. For instance, many people have reported success with hypnosis. Apparently, just having a therapist talk about how to quit smoking while they're in a highly suggestible state is enough to get some folks to stop cold turkey. But hypnotherapy is not something I could get into, so I'm not even going to bother. If it's up your alley, though, then by all means go for it!
Another method that has been successful for smokers is gradually reducing their nicotine intake with the help of patches and gum. These aids have been around for a long time now, and are ideal for those who are scared at the prospect of going through nicotine withdrawals. Read any book on how to quit smoking and you'll see numerous warnings about the likely withdrawal symptoms you'll experience. But with patches and gums, you can still get your daily dose of nicotine without having to smoke. This gives you a chance to wean yourself from the rituals of lighting up and handling a cigarette without having to deal with withdrawal right away.
If you ask your doctor about how to quit smoking, he or she might recommend a prescription drug. There are a few on the market, including Zyban or Wellbutrin. This is essentially an antidepressant that has been effective at reducing nicotine cravings in people interested in figuring out how to quit smoking. This is actually the method that I chose, and despite being extremely skeptical of the pill's efficacy, it truly worked for me!
But I know many smokers don't want to use any drugs at all, and would prefer an all-natural method instead. This is understandable, as patches, gums, and prescription pills are quite a bit more expensive than natural techniques. If you want to try going the all-natural route, then stock up on St. John's wort or make an appointment with a hypnotherapist.
Discovering the different options available to you is the first step in the quitting process. From here, you have to figure out how to quit smoking in a way that fits your personality and lifestyle so that you have the best chance at long-term success.
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!
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.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Hospital scare leads teen to quit smoking
"I was going through a very rough patch about a year ago and I took up smoking," she said.
"I started at a couple a day and soon it was up to 20.
"I ended up in hospital with pneumonia because of it."
In an effort to improve both her life and her health, Jess signed on to the Wynyard High School's anti-smoking program.
Under the program some students are sponsored to use quit therapies.
"I started on the patches for a couple of weeks but I ended up going cold turkey," Jess, whose sponsor is Murchison MLC Ruth Forrest, said.
Jess understands it's only early days but is determined never to smoke again.
"It's hard to turn down a cigarette when your mate offers you one," she said.
"(But) you feel so much better."
Ms Forrest said it was encouraging to see Jess had stopped smoking and was involved in the school's Co- Pilots community mentoring program.
Read More
Monday, February 23, 2009
Tobacco consumption kills 15000 Nepalis every year
If anyone tries to quit smoking without any preparations, it causes physical symptoms like palpitation, restlessness and insomnia.
People should develop confidence and strong will power to quit smoking and they should make certain preparations,� Dr. Shrestha said. Smoking has adverse impact on non-smokers and they are referred to as passive smokers, so until the FCTC is fully implemented we won't be able to save those types of smokers, he said.
Read More
People should develop confidence and strong will power to quit smoking and they should make certain preparations,� Dr. Shrestha said. Smoking has adverse impact on non-smokers and they are referred to as passive smokers, so until the FCTC is fully implemented we won't be able to save those types of smokers, he said.
Read More
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Anti-Smoking Poster Boy Defends His Habit
New York's poster boy for smoking cessation still smokes. But, he defended his actions to NewsChannel 9 Monday.
The State Health Department is using Skip Legault's story in their public service campaign to stop others from smoking. It's a shocking look at what smoking can do. Legault's had 17 blood clots, two heart attacks, strokes and his right leg amputated.
Skip Legault agreed to do the PSA's because his sister, who works for the St. Lawrence County Health Initiative asked him to. It's hard to find people with this many health problems still living.
“I was so close to dying that I think I just thought I just wanted to die," Legault says.
It came out a few weeks ago that Legault is still smoking. Truth be told, he never claimed not to be.
Read More
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Bar Owners Abandon Fight Against Smoking Ban
The owners of four Valley bars who tried to circumvent Arizona's smoking ban have reached an agreement with the state to stop their efforts.
Attorney General Terry Goddard and Department of Health Services Director Susan Gerard said Alfonso Larriva and Alfonso Ruiz will pay the state $10,000 and take steps to bring their bars -- the Metro Sportz Bar, the Maverick Saloon, River City Pockets and the Boomerang Bar and Billiards -- into compliance with the Smoke Free-Arizona Act.
Larriva and Ruiz were cited as May for violating the act after they claimed they were exempt because they had installed vents in their walls or replaced windows with vents so their bars could no longer be defined as ``enclosed" areas where smoking is prohibited.
The two also had failed to post the required ``No Smoking" signs and remove ash trays.
Read More
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Tobacco unit needs extra $1ma year
While the Health Ministry promotes smoking cessation under its Quit and Win program, financing the scheme was an area that needed serious consideration if the program was to be successful, Mr Corerega said.
If the State considers addressing the issue of helping smokers quit, future revenue generated from the sale of cigarettes could be directed to other forms of economic development, he said.
Interim Education minister Filipe Bole said it supported the Health Ministry's efforts to control smoking in designated areas.
"Smoking addiction starts early. Many young smokers think that they can quit easily but, it does not take them too long to find out that they are already addicted. According to the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council (NSAAC), in Fiji, 22 per cent of 13-15 year-olds smoke their first cigarette before they are 10 years of age," he said.
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