Getting Help To Quit Smoking

July 12, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Stop for no smoking terror

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Quitting smoking can be difficult – all the motivations are there, the health benefits, smelling nicer, the financial saving, but for some people, willpower alone just isn’t enough. For some people using tobacco patches or chewing gum might help, but others still find quitting extremely difficult, and possibly even impossible.

Seeking help can be the answer, however. Many people find addictions extremely hard to fight on their own, and having someone to offer support and help makes all the difference. First, consider whether you will tell any friends or family. Those who will provide this support and assistance will be beneficial, but if you think they might be judgemental or make it harder, keep your plan to yourself.

Join an online quitting scheme. The NHS runs a program designed by smokers which offers support at those critical moments – you can get emails, texts, phone calls and letters to spur you on, and stop you giving in to temptation. They also run local stop smoking schemes, which allow you to meet others trying to stop smoking, and discuss what is working for you – or talk about something completely different, and distract yourself.

See your doctor. You may be able to get subsidized treatments such as chewing gum or patches to help you with the initial cravings, or to stop withdrawal symptoms. You might be an ideal candidate for Nicotine Replacement Therapy, which is better for you then smoking, or nasal spray, which delivers the nicotine your body needs without you needing to smoke.

Finally, print off some information about why you should quit and use it to motivate you when you are really craving a cigarette – the benefits of smoking really are worth the effort!

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Are E-Cigarettes Safe for Smokers?

June 12, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Smokers are likely to try just about anything that promises to save them from nicotine withdrawal while they try to give up tobacco. Companies that sell e-cigarettes claim that they have made a product that allows smokers to get their fix without inhaling all of the carcinogens and harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. Are e-cigarettes really a safe alternative for smokers?

The Benefits of E-Cigarettes 

Electronic Cigarettes 

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There are some benefits to using e-cigarettes, especially if someone uses them to replace tobacco cigarettes. E-cigarettes contain pure liquid nicotine. That means smokers only inhale this chemical. Clearly, this is a healthier alternative to smoking tobacco because you eliminate a large number of the carcinogens and chemicals that can cause health problems.

Makers of the e-cigarette also maintain that their product is useful for people trying to quit smoking. E-cigarettes, they say, are similar to nicotine patches, except that the electronic cigarettes also help satisfy oral fixations that can make it difficult for smokers to quit.

E-Cigarettes and Nicotine Addiction

That’s where e-cigarettes become questionable. Compared to tobacco cigarettes, they are safer. Compared to not smoking at all, though, they are diseases waiting to happen. It’s dishonest to compare e-cigarettes with nicotine patches. Patches are designed to help individuals wean themselves off of nicotine. Electronic cigarettes, however, position themselves as alternatives to smoking. Users feel that they have made a healthy choice, so they are less concerned about quitting altogether.

This is one of the reasons that cities across the United States have extended their smoking bans to cover electronic cigarettes, too. What are more useful ways to give up smoking without suffering through psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms.

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Effects of Smoking over Respiratory System

May 5, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Inspite of several warning and advices, many people still smoke cigarettes. Other than causing irrreversible damage to their own body, smokers pollute the enviornment and also cause several diseases to non-smokers. Oxygen is very important for all living organisms and good quality of the oxygen flow decides the energy release, working of metabolism, and even burn of nutrient. The breathing of oxygen and release of carbon-dioxide is normally performed by the respiratory system.

Some Kills

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Smoking is very injurious to health and tobacco contains harmful chemicals that interrupts the respiratory system. The harmful chemicals here include tar, carbon monoxide, radioactive compounds, hydrogen cyanide, metals, and free radicals. The craving for tobacco increases and aggravated and this become really painful when a person attempts to give up smoking. Though a person may give up smoking through counseling and other ways, it takes so many years for the respiratory tract to rehabilitate.

Smoking also causes different types of cancer, especially it causes lung, mouth, and throat cancer. Studies have revealed that tobacco also causes chronic bronchitis, a condition that makes breathing very difficult. Women who have the habit of smoking especially during pregnancy have miscarriges and still birth. Smoking also introduces some tar particles inside the respiratory system and these are the sticky substance that affects not only finger nails and teeth, but also affect delicate lung tissue.

Most importantly some components in tar is found to be the cancer trigger. Other than this, hydrogen cyanide affects lung clearance system. Also, these harmful chemicals damages heart and blood vessels, and this can lead to stroke and heart disease.

 

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Various Ways to Stop Smoking

March 28, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Nearly every smoker wants to quit, but most find that it is a very tough thing to actually do. There are several stop smoking aids available now that may be able to help make the process of stopping a little less stressful. One of the most commonly used stop smoking aids is the nicotine patch. The nicotine patch is worn on the body similar to a band aid and is usually placed on the upper are. The patch slowly releases nicotine that is absorbed into the skin. By using a nicotine patch, the cravings for cigarettes is lowered. Most patches are worn for a day then discarded and replaced by a new one. They are said to help alleviate the withdrawal symptoms that smoker’s feel when trying to quit.

Also available is nicotine gum that works in a similar manner as the nicotine patch, but is chewed instead of worn. There are specific instructions as to how often it is considered safe to use the gum. The gum packages come with a dosage instruction pamphlet that should be followed closely. Most gums come in various strengths and are supposed to be used according to how many cigarettes the person smokes per day. Hypnosis is another way to try to stop smoking, although many that have tried it, have stated that it doesn’t work well. Using acupuncture is another way many smokers try to quit.

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COPD: One of the Risks of Smoking

March 20, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which is also referred to as COPD, is often times caused by long term tobacco use. This disease constricts the airways in the lungs, leading to a variety of unpleasant symptoms. Many that have been diagnosed with COPD will have had occasional bouts of bronchitis early in the disease.

The condition may be caused by a variety of scenarios, but smoking is the biggest cause of the disease. Other causes include breathing second hand smoke, pollution in the air and being exposed to toxins that may be found in certain work places.

Symptoms of COPD vary among those that have been diagnosed with it. One symptom is shortness of breath. This will most normally get worse as the disease progresses. Lung infections are also quite common for those that have COPD, along with fatigue.

Although there is no cure for the disease, there are treatment plans available that help ease shortness of breath and other symptoms. If smoking is the cause of the disease, the person should try to stop as soon as possible so the disease doesn’t worsen. Many types of prescription medications are used to treat the condition, including steroids to help take down inflammation. Oxygen may also be prescribed for home use. Steroids can be used by way of an in inhaler and are commonly prescribed as a treatment method for COPD. The main objective of the use of steroids is to take down the inflammation in the lungs caused by the disease.

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Small Cell Lung Cancer and Smoking

March 10, 2011 by Leave a Comment

There are many different types of lung cancers and not all are caused by smoking. Thousands of people every year are diagnosed with lung cancer who have never smoked or been subjected to second hand smoke. Sadly though, there is one type of lung cancer that is almost always caused by tobacco use. This disease is called small cell lung cancer.

This type of cancer is one of the most aggressive types. It is very fast growing and spreads quickly to other parts of the body. Approximately twenty percent of lung cancer cases diagnosed are small cell. Other contributors to small cell lung cancer include being exposed to asbestos or uranium. Radon poisoning can also be a factor.

Small cell lung cancer rarely exhibits symptoms until it has spread outside of the lung, therefore it is often diagnosed in a later stage of the disease. Some of the symptoms that are common are shortness of breath, pain in the area of the ribs, back or chest, a hoarse voice, coughing that may or may not include coughing up blood and trouble swallowing.

One of the most common forms of treatment for small cell lung cancer is chemotherapy. Surgery is rarely done as it has been proven that it does not slow down the progression of the disease and is of little use in treating the cancer. Radiation is often times used in conjunction with a chemotherapy plan.
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The Coexistence of Natural and Western Medicine

February 17, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Combining natural and western medicine is fast becoming the norm in many areas. There have been many terms coined to refer to this joining of practices, such as integrative medicine. Each has its benefits and when combined, these benefits are transferred to the patient.

Western Medicine

Western medicine is referred to as modern or traditional medicine. It is based almost entirely on science and focuses primarily on the healing of the body and the mind.

Natural Medicine

This type of medicine has been around for centuries and relies on the history and therapies used throughout civilization to heal not just the physical, but also mental and spiritual ills. Natural medicine is also known as alternative and traditional medicine.

With integrative medicine the best aspects of both methods are used to heal. Years ago the very thought of these two types of medicine forming an alliance was laughable, but not so anymore. Many patients and their doctors have happily combined the best of both worlds when treating certain illness.

Many ancient forms of Chinese medicine including acupuncture are now widely accepted in the treatment of illnesses and addictions. The medicinal properties of herbs used across the globe have influenced many treatment methods. Herbs are now being used for many ailments ranging from fertility issues to skin complaints and weight loss.

The scientific community has noticed this convergence between traditional and modern medicine and has been more than willing to get in on the action. Herbal remedies that are now available from major companies is case in point. Research is underway as new herbs are examined in labs to find out how to use them to treat common diseases.

In many countries such as the USA, acupuncture is regulated and many practitioners of the ancient healing method have to be certified. The successful outcomes for patients when natural and modern medicines are used together are being hailed across the globe.

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How to Stop Kids from Smoking

February 15, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Knowing the dangers that cigarettes pose, no one really wants kids to take up the habit. Sadly, for many reasons such as peer pressure or curiosity, many children will try smoking. There are many programs that try to help stop kids from smoking with varying degrees of success. Efforts aimed at teens are not always successful at conveying the message that smoking is not cool.

Some ways that parents and other adults that help stop children from smoking include:

Talking to them about it: As soon as you deem it appropriate start talking to your child about the dangers of smoking. Do not use a judgmental tone when discussing the issue. Depending on the age of the child using pictures that depict the health effects of smoking such as a diseased lung is worth considering. When watching movies with your children discuss what is seen. Using this opportunity to discuss the real world as against the images generally seen on TV and in the print media will help reinforce good habits.Stop smoking if you are a smoker: Few things work with kids like emulating their parents. If you smoke, your no-smoking message may not have the desired effect.If penalties are applied to persons who sell underaged kids cigarettes, fewer kids would have access.Getting children involved in activities may help keep them busy enough to avoid smoking. Plus, those involved in sports may be less inclined to start since they need to remain healthy to play.

Studies have shown that the children of smokers are more likely to smoke. This doesn’t mean that if you smoke you should not try to stop your child from doing it as well. Most would agree however that the best method is to talk to them frankly about smoking to try to keep them from starting.

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Do Smoking Prevention Methods Work

February 14, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Based on the number or people, including teens one sees smoking it may seem as if smoking prevention methods have failed. However, statistics indicate that these methods have been yielding results. They include counseling, advertising in the media and of course, drug therapy and plain old talking. While most of these programs target young smokers, many take aim at older adults as well.

There are now grants funding programs that are all aimed at smoking prevention and quitting. Many of the ads shown are graphic in nature and have scared people enough to make them want to stop smoking. While this is not always enough to have an impact on smokers who are hooked on nicotine, it does provide a starting point.

In 2002 information from the Centers for Disease Control indicated that the fall in the number of teen smokers is partially a response to prevention strategies. The fall in cigarette sales over the last few years is also seen as an indication that fewer people are smoking or people are smoking less.

Of course, there is the belief that on a whole school-based prevention programs are not very effective. This does not mean that these programs should be scrapped, but the message may need to be revamped.

One other benefit of smoking prevention programs is that they dissuade some children and teens from starting if they were so inclined. While figures are not easy to come by, it is to be hoped that the successes of the past are being replicated today. What some studies have shown is that the more effective programs are those that promote smoke-free zones such as a workplace or meeting area.

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Understanding the Risks of Secondhand Smoke

February 12, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Secondhand smoke (SHS), also called passive smoke or environmental tobacco smoke, can have serious health implications for non-smokers. Research has proven that exposure to secondhand smoke can lead to diseases such as cancer and various respiratory illnesses.

Tests have shown that secondhand smoke contains at least 69 toxins that are known cancer-causing agents or have possible cancer causing effects. Some of the conditions that can result from or worsen due to exposure to secondhand smoke are:

Cancer

Many studies have proven that prolonged exposure to SHS has a carcinogenic impact on humans. It has been shown that people exposed to this type smoke have a higher risk of developing lung cancer.

There is also a higher possibility of brain tumors in children so exposed, even if their mothers are non-smokers.

Lung diseases

Apart from lung cancer, non-smokers who are exposed to passive smoke can develop lung-related illnesses as a result.

Circulatory problems

Heart disease and many circulatory conditions have also been linked to exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.

Respiratory conditions

There is ample evidence that exposure to secondhand smoke can make asthma and other respiratory conditions worse.

Pregnancy and birth complications

Some cases of low birth weight babies or premature births have been linked to the mother’s exposure to secondhand smoke. Passive smoking was linked to some cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by the US Surgeon General in a 2006 report.

Hearing loss and nose and throat infections have been attributed to some degree to exposure to passive smoke. Other illnesses that scientists and doctors are exploring for this relationship are allergies, dementia and some skin conditions.

Children and the sick are especially vulnerable to the effects of secondhand smoke. Continued research has shown that people exposed to secondhand smoke are as much at risk for some conditions as the smokers themselves. Despite all the evidence to date of the negative impact of SHS many smokers are still not sufficiently convinced to stop exposing others.

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