Friday, September 3, 2010

Quit Smoking Tips

Have you been a longtime smoker and now you want to quit? If so, you will reap the benefits by becoming a healthier person. Smoking is addictive so you need to understand that even with

the best, quit smoking tips, this is a process, a journey, but one worth taking. To some degree, you are going to have symptoms of withdrawal and experience cravings but this is normal and with sheer determination, they will pass. However, with some insider tips, you will reach your goal easier and ultimately have more success.

The First Step

One of the greatest quit smoking tips is to devise a plan, one that you can follow to stay on course, even when you have cravings. By having a great plan, you will know the right way to handle tough days so when you are in a certain environmental situation or feeling a certain way, you do not revert to smoking. As a part of your plan, you need to have multiple quit smoking tips gained from other people who have quit, doctors, the Internet, and so on.

Choose a Technique Specifically For You

The number of tips for quitting the tobacco habit exists but each smoker is going to react differently to each one. For this reason, people need to consider a variety of options, realizing that some things will fail and some succeed. For instance, some of the more popular quit smoking tips involve using laser, acupuncture, herbal remedies, hypnosis, nicotine patches and gum, going cold turkey, and the list goes on. Once you identify what seems to be working best for you, it is important to stay focused and not give up. If you find that you miss having a cigarette in your mouth, you might try herbal cigarettes made without nicotine. If you enjoy the mouth stimulation, perhaps gum or lozenges would work best. The process to quit smoking is hard but you need to use the various methods available and maintain a positive attitude. With this, you can go on to a long, healthy life.

It is important that you mix up your daily routine and change environment. The reason is that with smoking, you get into a routine, which means in addition to the physical addiction, you are now battling a physiological addiction. Simply steps of changing the time or place where you have your morning coffee, going for a walk after dinner instead of sipping a glass of wine, or calling a family member or friend to walk you through a tempting moment. With a few simply quit smoking tips, your goal of success will be achieved.

When You Start The Process to Quit Smoking

One of the important quit smoking tips is that when you get through a day without smoking, be proud. Instead of looking at how well you will do tomorrow or the day after, focus on one day at a time. In addition, rather than worry about what you are going to do when or if you get a craving for a cigarette, deal with the craving when it happens. Now, you should have a plan in place but do not dwell on it. Experts and ex-smokers agree that of all quit smoking tips, the one that makes the most sense and helps the most is to take baby steps. It is also important that if you slip one day, do not beat yourself up or give up on your quest. With all of this, you will finally kick the habit of smoking.


View the original article here


Ways To Quit Smoking

It seems that advertisements for quitting smoking are everywhere, on the television, in magazines, the internet, and so on. 

These advertisements focus on literally hundreds of ways a person could quit smoking such as nicotine patches or gum, prescribed medication, sprays, inhalers, going cold turkey, and the list goes on.  With so many available options, for the person trying to quit smoking, it can be overwhelming and confusing.

Typically, people want the ways to quit smoking that are the fastest, easiest, and cheapest.  However, a common mistake seen by smokers is the belief that the only way they will ever succeed in kicking the cigarette habit is to go with the most expensive and robust option available.  Some people move from solution to another, always thinking that something bigger and better is just around the corner.  However, not satisfied with each product, instead of trying even one of them, they try nothing.

When it comes to ways to quit smoking, people need to remember a few things.  For starters, smokers have to recognize that they have an addiction, one that is powerful and hard to beat.  After all, smoking and the inhalation of nicotine is much more complicated than buying a car or a new outfit.  To kick the nicotine habit, people have to use all the energy and willpower they possess in fighting the cravings from a mind and body perspective.  Once a person accepts that he or she is addicted to nicotine, the healing process can begin.

For anyone to have success in the quest to stop smoking there has to be a recognition and acknowledgement that cigarettes are a habit.

After this, the individual can start the process of quitting cigarettes in a number of ways.  Tar and nicotine tend to dehydrate the body so the first thing is increasing water intake.  Along with hydrating the body, more fluids help to flush out harmful toxins and chemicals associated with cigarettes.  While some people will try going cold turkey, experts believe that cutting down gradually is easier and more effective.

Another one of the ways to quit smoking is with good, old-fashioned remedies.  For instance, taking a warm bath with Epsom salts is beneficial in that it helps to pull out the tar and nicotine toxins from the body so this along with drinking more water is great for flushing out the system.

People need to remember that while quitting smoking is not always easy it is possible and there are millions of non-smokers to prove it.  Stopping this habit all starts by admitting to an addiction and then maintaining a positive outlook.  Along with this, using various methods to quit and getting rid of toxins will make a person feel and look much better while boosting a healthier body and mind.


View the original article here


Natural Ways To Quit Smoking

One particular group of people that get caught up with cigarette smoking is teenagers, primarily because of peer pressure.

Often, teenagers will do things they know are bad simply as a means of fitting in or to be one of the “cool” kids. Unfortunately, teenagers in this situation do not understand the full dangers of smoking, not only that tobacco is unhealthy but also deadly. For people that want to stop smoking, making the first move toward stopping is the toughest. Then when thinking of natural ways to quit smoking, it seems overwhelming.

While there are medications available, most of these cause side effects and many can be dangerous. For this reason, parents and even teachers working with teenagers that smoke encourage they quit this habit naturally. Instead of kids taking prescription medication, a better option is with alternative medication, great for curbing smoking cravings.

What is Alternative Medication?

People that want to stop smoking actually have a number of options specific to herbs. One option that many people prefer, and a means to quit smoking that is effective is by switching cigarettes for herbal gum. The reason is that smoking is a tool used to release stress so chewing gum provides a healthier tool for dealing with tension but even with this, the amount of gum chewed on a daily basis should be within reasonable limits.

Even herbal tea has been proven to help, being a great natural way to quit smoking. With this, certain teas can calm nervousness, which in turn reduces the person’s need to smoke. The benefit of using herbal teas and even gum to quit smoking is that while they reduce stress and cut back ravings, they also contain natural ingredients that are healthy to the body overall.

One of the oldest alternative and natural ways to quit smoking is with acupuncture. Used by the Chinese for thousands of years, tiny needles are placed on specific nerve areas that cut the craving for tobacco drastically. Acupuncturists know where the needles need to be placed and for people that are tired of cigarettes, this form of alternative medicine works amazingly well.

All of these methods are natural, meaning the individual is not taking any kind of harmful prescription drug or using alcohol or street drugs to eliminate stress. Sadly, many people have died due to accidental overdose while trying to stop smoking, which is why using an alternative option, is so important. These options work great for adults but they are especially great for teenagers, again being healthy and a great way for parents to help their children stop the dangerous habit of smoking cigarettes.


View the original article here


Health Effects Of Smoking

The bottom line is that the health effects of smoking go well beyond the lungs but unfortunately, many people still do not fully understand this. 

Sure, most smokers are concerned over lung cancer but due to a lack of knowledge, they do not have a realistic scope of the true dangers.

A huge conspiracy regarding the health effects of smoking dates back to 1953, a time when tobacco companies came up with a plan after meeting at the Plaza Hotel in New York.  Their marketing focus was to draw attention regarding the health risks of smoking off the habit.  The judge involved at that time was also involved with the ruling associated with the Surgeon General’s announcement in 1964 that smoking caused lung cancer.  Sadly, the health effects of smoking were at that time distorted.

In addition to tobacco companies not telling the truth about the dangers associated with smoking, they also failed the public by marketing products to youth.  While everyone was talking about how bad it was for younger people to smoke, the advertising and marketing strategies were geared toward this age group specifically.

Of course, along with the horrific health effects of smoking, people also need to consider the cost.  With the cost of cigarettes now around $5 per pack, smoking a single pack a day would cost a person significant money.  For the money the average person spends a month on cigarettes, he or she could pay rent or put the money into savings.

Then, considering that up to 15% of smoke is breathed in as secondhand smoke, the dangers continue to rise.  This means children and even pets are put at risk for cancer and other health effects of smoking because of parents.  This alone should be enough to change a person’s mind to stop.

Cancer of the lungs is one of the most common effects of smoking but other parts of the body are also at risk to include kidneys, bladder, esophagus, colon, and pancreas.  Even bones can be damaged by smoking with an increased risk of osteoporosis, leading to degenerative disc disease and fractures.  Another one of the many health effects of smoking has to do with infertility.  Both women and men are affected.  For women, ovulation is impacted whereas in men, sperm count reduced.
The body is affected in other ways such as lower blood circulation to lower extremities, blood disease, slow healing, and the list goes on.  The body is a beautiful creation and considering all the damage caused from smoking, people should give serious thought to quitting forever.


View the original article here


Thursday, September 2, 2010

Why Quit Smoking

Most people who smoke wish they didn't. They live with a hatred for the habit they can't seem to do without. The fear of serious illness is usually there too, lurking in the background, and always that awful feeling of being powerless to quit.

Nicotine addiction does that to a person.

As smokers, we live in denial about what cigarettes are doing to us. We have to, otherwise there would be no comfort in smoking, no relief...no pleasure.

Yes, we know that smoking causes cancer and emphysema - we know smoking kills and that we're playing roulette with our health. However, we also know that most smoking-related diseases take years to develop, so we tell ourselves we have time, that nothing will happen to us. Besides, the bad stuff always happens to other people anyway, right?

Right?

Wrong. With upwards of 5 million people dying on this planet every year from tobacco use, chances are more than good that we'll end up a tragic addition to those statistics if we continue smoking.

Every additional year we invest in smoking compromises our chances for survival all the more. Eventually, there comes a time for most smokers when the "smokescreen" starts to wear thin. And when it does, smoking loses its luster; its ability to soothe. Instead, smoking becomes a fearful, anxiety-ridden activity that has little to do with pleasure or relaxation, and we find ourselves thinking about quitting with every cigarette we light. The fact that you're here reading this article is a good sign. You're probably sick of smoking, and unhappy enough to be seeking out some help. Good for you, because when it comes to overcoming the addiction to nicotine, education is key. The more you understand about how smoking affects you and what to expect as you wean yourself away from it, the better prepared you'll be for success. What are the reasons behind your desire to quit smoking? Sit down with paper and pen, and list them out. Include every single thing you can think of, from the largest, most obvious of reasons, to the smallest. My own 26 year addiction turned me into a person I didn't much like. I was fearful that a smoking-related disease would catch up with me before I found a way to quit smoking. I was worried sick, so to speak.I hated the smell, the embarrassment, and the need. I especially resented the need. Nicotine dependency made me feel weak and helpless.These were some of the first items I put on my own list of reasons, and it didn't take long to add a long line of other things I hated about smoking as well.

Think about the pros and cons of smoking as you compose your list, and when you're done, make a copy to carry with you. Add to it when more reasons come to mind, and read it when your resolve is at a low ebb. It will quickly help you get your priorites back in order and keep you on track with your quit program. Think of your list of reasons as a cornerstone in the foundation you're building for smoking cessation.

Much of the process of release from nicotine addiction comes down to plain old practice. We taught ourselves to smoke one day at a time until it was interwoven into just about every activity in our lives. It only makes sense then, that we should allow ourselves the time it takes to retrain old habits into newer, healthier ones that don't involve smoking. Arm yourself with knowledge and support, and be patient. You'll grow stronger by the day.

Success always starts in our minds. Once we get our thoughts moving in the right direction, taking positive action comes more easily.

It's like a snowball rolling downhill. Channel your thoughts onto that sheet of paper, and you'll begin to gain momentum. Once you start the snowball rolling, you'll be amazed at what you can do to change your life for the better.


View the original article here

Quit Smoking Tips

Have you been a longtime smoker and now you want to quit? If so, you will reap the benefits by becoming a healthier person. Smoking is addictive so you need to understand that even with

the best, quit smoking tips, this is a process, a journey, but one worth taking. To some degree, you are going to have symptoms of withdrawal and experience cravings but this is normal and with sheer determination, they will pass. However, with some insider tips, you will reach your goal easier and ultimately have more success.

The First Step

One of the greatest quit smoking tips is to devise a plan, one that you can follow to stay on course, even when you have cravings. By having a great plan, you will know the right way to handle tough days so when you are in a certain environmental situation or feeling a certain way, you do not revert to smoking. As a part of your plan, you need to have multiple quit smoking tips gained from other people who have quit, doctors, the Internet, and so on.

Choose a Technique Specifically For You

The number of tips for quitting the tobacco habit exists but each smoker is going to react differently to each one. For this reason, people need to consider a variety of options, realizing that some things will fail and some succeed. For instance, some of the more popular quit smoking tips involve using laser, acupuncture, herbal remedies, hypnosis, nicotine patches and gum, going cold turkey, and the list goes on. Once you identify what seems to be working best for you, it is important to stay focused and not give up. If you find that you miss having a cigarette in your mouth, you might try herbal cigarettes made without nicotine. If you enjoy the mouth stimulation, perhaps gum or lozenges would work best. The process to quit smoking is hard but you need to use the various methods available and maintain a positive attitude. With this, you can go on to a long, healthy life.

It is important that you mix up your daily routine and change environment. The reason is that with smoking, you get into a routine, which means in addition to the physical addiction, you are now battling a physiological addiction. Simply steps of changing the time or place where you have your morning coffee, going for a walk after dinner instead of sipping a glass of wine, or calling a family member or friend to walk you through a tempting moment. With a few simply quit smoking tips, your goal of success will be achieved.

When You Start The Process to Quit Smoking

One of the important quit smoking tips is that when you get through a day without smoking, be proud. Instead of looking at how well you will do tomorrow or the day after, focus on one day at a time. In addition, rather than worry about what you are going to do when or if you get a craving for a cigarette, deal with the craving when it happens. Now, you should have a plan in place but do not dwell on it. Experts and ex-smokers agree that of all quit smoking tips, the one that makes the most sense and helps the most is to take baby steps. It is also important that if you slip one day, do not beat yourself up or give up on your quest. With all of this, you will finally kick the habit of smoking.


View the original article here

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

10 Electronic Cigarette Facts

The electronic cigarette is quickly rising in popularity as more smokers become aware of this healthier smoking alternative. For the first time an alternative nicotine delivery system is available that closely simulates a real smoking experience. Many people believe this will lead to countless smoker's lives being saved. The e-cigarette is looking very promising and is already revolutionizing the way many people smoke... permanently.


However, because it's a relatively new device that is just coming into public awareness, there is a lot of misinformation surrounding the electronic cigarette. Is it safe? Can it help you quit smoking? Is there a danger of more kids getting addicted to nicotine? These are all sensible questions that need to be addressed in order for you to make an intelligent decision whether this is something you could benefit from.

The following are a list of 10 FAQs about the electronic cigarette:

1. How close to the real thing is it? Very similar... enough to satisfy the most hardcore smokers. There are many reports of smokers with 1-2 pack a day habits completely switching over to e-cigarettes permanently. The vapor tastes, feels and looks like tobacco smoke. It delivers that instant nicotine satisfaction that smokers crave.

2. Is it safe? Tobacco smoke has over 4,000 toxic chemicals. Electronic smoking has none of these because there is no actual smoke involved. Smoke is the real health hazard. E-cigarettes deliver nicotine by inhaling a vaporized water/nicotine solution without having to worry about tar, carbon monoxide, etc.

A report by the Royal College of Physicians states that nicotine by itself has not been proven to cause any long term ill health effects. Electronic cigarette vapor has about 20 ingredients (including nicotine) all of which are considered safe as long as the proper instructions are followed.

3. Can it help me quit smoking? Electronic cigarettes are NOT marketed as smoking cessation devices. They are meant to be used by smokers who are seeking an alternative that can be used anywhere. That being said, common sense dictates that it definitely has potential to be an integral part of a sensible stop-smoking program (similar to how nicotine gum and patches are used).

4. Is it approved by the FDA? The e-cigarette is a nicotine delivery device and doesn't fall under the jurisdiction of the FDA right now.

5. Why are certain groups so opposed to it? This is a complicated question. Certain groups may have the public's best interests in mind and just want more clinical studies to be done. Others have a financial interest in trying to figure out the best way to capitalize on what is probably going to be a billion dollar industry soon.

6. Can it be used anywhere? Technically, yes. There is no burning tobacco so no second hand smoke is produced. Although it is totally acceptable in most public places, there are certain areas like restaurants that may not like the appearance of it. In these cases simply check with the staff first.

7. Does it target kids? Absolutely not! There is a lot of misinformation regarding this topic. Some anti-groups are claiming that because a variety of flavors like fruit, vanilla, chocolate, etc. are available this is going to appeal to kids. That's like saying because nicotine gum comes in a variety of flavors like mint or fruit it's catering to a younger crowd. Adults enjoy a variety of flavor choices too! The bottom line is the initial cost for an electronic cigarette starter kit (usually around $100 or so) is not practical for most kids. The market is adult smokers looking for a healthier alternative smoking choice.

8. What is the best e-cigarette? This is where you need to use a bit of discrimination. There has been a lot of cheap designs coming out of China that are wrought with mechanical problems. Luckily there are a handful of high-quality manufacturers out there. A little bit of research will help you decide. Just remember that sometimes it's worth spending a few more dollars one time to ensure you get a high quality device that is capable of giving you an enjoyable and problem-free smoking experience.

9. How much does it cost? A quality starter kit (including rechargeable battery, charger and 5 nicotine cartridges) will run you around $100 - $150. A package of 5 cartridges will run you around $10 - $15. I cartridge is about the equivalent of 1 - 1.5 packs of cigarettes. Do the math. That's the equivalent of paying around $2 - $3 per pack of cigarettes.

10. Where can I buy one? Because it's still fairly new, not many stores are carrying these yet. The best deals can be found online.