Archive for December, 2009

What are the Harmful Effects of Smoking ?

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Let us start from the top of the Body – Brain Hair, Eyes, Nose, Teeth, Gums, Mouth, Throat …. One could go on right to the Legs and Feet and everything in between (Pun intended) In other words Smoking affects the entire body and in numerous ways, too. Not to mention people who are around you who are forced to be passive smokers just by inhaling the deadly smoke from your cigarette. And last but not the least affected are the children you will parent who will end up having cancer and other fatal diseases due to mutations in genes and chromosomes. Cool! Thank You Very Much!

Every smoker will suffer from some illness as a direct result of smoking, one half will die because of it and the other half will not make it past middle age. In fact smoking is the single greatest preventable cause of disease and premature death. Contrary to popular perception that smoking causes lung cancer, it also causes Cardiovascular diseases, mouth and throat cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, bronchitis, cancer of the colon, cancer of the stomach, cancer of the pancreas, cancer of the kidney, uterine cancer, cervical cancer, cancer of the vulva, cancer of the penis, cancer of the bladder and leukemia. WOW! Quite an impressive list, one must say!

Next, let us consider the cost of smoking. When people consider the cost of smoking, they usually focus on the cost of the cigarettes alone, which could go up to $2,000 a year.

But when you add to that the cost of various medical ailments, the actual cost could go up to $200,000 over a lifetime. Every pack of cigarettes that an adult male smokes knocks off $222 from the value of that man’s life, estimate W. Kip Viscusi and Joni Hersch of Vanderbilt Law School. Ouch! That Really Hurts!

Not only is smoking bad for the smoker’s health, it is even worse for those around him. When a smoker decides to light up, he takes an active decision to risk his health, whereas when passive smokers are made to inhale the deadly potion of over 4000 chemicals, their health is compromised upon for no fault of theirs. In most cases, it is innocent children who are at risk from passive smoking. Not to mention the children who are yet to come into this world. Great! What a Welcome!

Last but not the least, every smoker must remember that tobacco companies WANT you to smoke. Each smoker is worth more than $40,000 to them over his or her lifetime. Recent studies suggest that over a period of time, the levels of nicotine, the primary addictive agent in cigarettes, has steadily been on the rise, which means more profits for the cigarette companies. Cha Ching! Roll in the Moolah!

At the end of the day, what’s in it for the smoker?

Karuna has been writing articles since the past 12 months. Not only is she an expert on diets and various ways to lose weight, you are welcome to check out her new website http://drip-coffee-makers.com for information on how to make coffee with Drip Coffee Makers

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/quit-smoking-articles/what-are-the-harmful-effects-of-smoking–1644983.html

Everything You Need to Know Before You Decide to Quit Smoking

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

We all have bad habits that somehow interfere with our normal life. Still, not all such habits are equally harmful. Smoking is considered an addiction and its dangerous effects on the health have been determined to be so substantial that this activity has been or is being banned in public places in almost all countries in the world.

Even though many difficulties stand on the way of smokers to practice their favorite activity, most still find ways in which to continue with their bad habit or rather addiction. However, there are also people who want to change their life for the better and their number is constantly increasing. You have to know that the transition process from smoker to non-smoker is not going to be easy, but if you really want to quit smoking you can and you will do it.

The number one factor that determines the success of people wanting to quit smoking is their willpower and determination. Indeed, the psychological factor is crucial if you want to get rid of this harmful addiction for good. It is a good idea to find serious reasons for quitting. Most smokers somehow do not regard their health among the most important motivating factors simply because they feel good when smoking. So, more all-encompassing and substantial reasons are necessary. Usually, parents find it easier to quit when they are motivated by their children – knowing that you might not be there for your baby will certainly play a role in making a person quit smoking. Others find it extremely helpful to imagine the benefits they are going to get after quitting. These include not only the health ones, but the social ones in particular. In any case most people attempting to quit smoking are advised to take advantage of specialized counseling during the quitting process.

The help from a psychologist will also help you deal with the side effects of the quit smoking medications that you will be taking. You are not in any way obliged to use any drugs, but most smokers find these particularly helpful and beneficial. The side effects can be both physical and psychological. Headaches and nausea are quite common, but many smoker also report having sleeping difficulties, insomnia and abnormal dreaming. Anxiety is often present as well. Thus, if you are serious about quitting smoking and you plan to take medications, you have to be prepared to deal with the side effects in the best way possible that will have the least negative effect on your daily life and health.

There are a lot of people who choose more unconventional methods in which to quit smoking. Apart from the counseling many smokers are turning to hypnosis for help. It is essential to keep in mind that when performed professionally and with good intentions this psychological method is completely harmless. There is controversy to whether this technique involving positive induction actually works, but there are many reports claiming people with smoking addiction have been successfully cured.

Jack Sillow is an NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) expert who specializes in quit smoking treatments for normal people. He runs the site http://QuitGuide.net where he regularly posts useful advice, tips and tricks aimed to help people quit smoking.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/quit-smoking-articles/everything-you-need-to-know-before-you-decide-to-quit-smoking-1644931.html

How to Prepare for Quit Smoking and The Aids You Could Use

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Quit smoking is one of the hardest things to do. However, a little planning could help to ease out this process so that you achieve your smoking cessation goal successfully.

How to prepare for quit smoking

Given below are some tips that will help you prepare for quit smoking.

  • Set a quit date and remain firm on it. Choose this date depending on your convenience, for instance if you smoke more during office hours, keep this quit date over the weekend so that it becomes easier for you.
  • If possible, plan to quit with a friend. This will help you remain motivated.
  • Before your quit date, hide away all your ashtrays and lighters and dump all the cigarettes that may be lying around your home or workplace. Remove anything that will push you towards smoking.
  • Before you quit, observe your smoking patterns. Write down what prompts you to smoke. For instance many people smoke during coffee breaks, when they are stressed, while on a phone, while reading or watching TV. These are your smoking triggers; you’ll need to avoid these triggers when you are all set to quit.
  • Try to avoid friends who prompt you to smoke.
  • Before your quit date inform your friends, colleagues and family members that you are planning to quit. Seek their motivation and support during this tough process, they’ll be eager to help you out and comply with your wishes.
  • If you find it tough to quit smoking via the cold turkey method, visit a doctor to learn about the various quit smoking aids that are available on the market; find out which one will be more suitable for you. These quit smoking aids are designed to relieve you of nicotine withdrawal symptoms and make quitting easier for you. And one of the recent effective quit smoking aid available in the market is Chantix smoking cessation pills.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a popular and effective smoking cessation aid. This therapy aims at providing nicotine to the body externally through various forms such as nicotine patches, inhaler, nasal spray, gum, sublingual tablets and lozenges. Once the body receives nicotine in these forms it no longer craves for cigarettes which apart from containing nicotine, consists of 4,000 other harmful chemicals. Thus, nicotine replacement therapy protects you against the harmful chemicals and at the same time relieves you of your withdrawal symptoms. Further, nicotine replacement therapy gives you a chance to break the smoking cues in your daily life and provides you with a more convenient and painless smoking cessation experience. To get the best results from this therapy you must use it in conjunction with some form of support from your friends and family or from a professional counselor. However, since nicotine replacement therapy provides nicotine to your body, a certain risk of re-addiction is involved with this quit smoking treatment.

Nicotine-free quit smoking medications

Currently, this is the most advanced smoking cessation aids that one can use. Nicotine-free quit smoking medications that are available on the market include Chantix (varenicline tartrate) and Zyban (bupropion hydrochloride). Both these medicines are approved by the US FDA as a prescription only smoking cessation drug. These drugs are ideal for those who are motivated to quit but find it hard to quit via the cold turkey method owing to nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Both Chantix and Zyban help to relieve you of the nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The active ingredient in these drugs mimics the effect of nicotine on the brain. They stimulate the brain to release dopamine – a neurotransmitter that is responsible for the feelings of pleasure and well-being. This action helps to reduce your craving for nicotine and thus lessen your nicotine withdrawal symptoms. In addition, Chantix blocks nicotine from acting on its receptors on the brain. This means, that even if you lapse during your Chantix treatment and light up a cigarette you will not derive the same pleasure as you used to earlier. You’ll therefore no longer be tempted to smoke again. For this reason, success rate with Chantix is higher as compared to Zyban or any other smoking cessation aid.

Other methods of smoking cessation

To avoid side effects associated with smoking cessation medications and nicotine replacement therapy, many people are now making use of alternative therapies to quit smoking such as:

  • Hypnosis
  • This method aims at constantly reminding you of the harmful effects of smoking and establishing it firmly in your subconscious mind. Your counselor will provide you with CDs or audiotapes that you’ll be required to play all day while doing your daily tasks and even while sleeping. The success of this method depends on your inclination to being hypnotized.

  • Acupuncture
  • Many people are taking advantage of acupuncture which is an ancient Chinese method of healing; it involves inserting thin needles into specific parts of your body to stimulate your nerve endings. The therapy aims at releasing endorphins, which are also known as the ‘feel good’ hormones, which encourage a feeling of well-being and happiness and keep your mind away from withdrawal symptoms.

Chantix Varenicline an effective smoking cessation drug. Chantix online is a FDA approved medication for sale in USA for smoking cessation. Get chantix drug today and say no to smoke effectively and safely.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/quit-smoking-articles/how-to-prepare-for-quit-smoking-and-the-aids-you-could-use-1644611.html

A Little Plan Can Help You Achieve Your Quit Smoking Goal

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

In their heart most smokers nurture a secret desire to quit smoking one day. However, most smokers, especially those who have been addicts for years feel jittery about the idea of quitting. They become so attached to their cigarettes that they find it hard to imagine their life without them. Further, the idea of suffering from nicotine withdrawal symptoms also dissuades them from even thinking of smoking cessation. It is only when the harmful effects of smoking begin to take a toll on their health that a smoker develops the will to quit smoking. At this stage, a lot of damage may already have been done and the people may find it extremely hard to quit as they cannot stay without their cigarettes. Hence, you should begin early and remain motivated to achieve your smoking cessation goal.

Smoking is harmful – Motivate yourself to quit

Experts believe, that smokers should embark on a quit smoking plan as early as possible. This is because smoking is associated with numerous life-threatening conditions including heart diseases, various types of cancers and lung ailments. Further, smoking adversely affects the health of your family members and friends through passive smoking. Pregnant ladies who smoke are likely to suffer from miscarriages or give birth to low birth weight babies. Further, there are many other social consequences of smoking. People try to avoid the company of those who smoke. Addicts tend to smell bad and their appearance also changes since their skin and teeth are adversely affected due to the effects of harmful chemicals contained in cigarette smoke. The best way to avoid the harmful effects of smoking is to quit as early as possible.

Develop a positive mindset to quit

This world is a beautiful place and you’ll certainly not like to leave it early because of a smoking related condition. Neither is it the best way to quit this world. Wouldn’t it be better to quit smoking and spend your days in this world happy and healthy? A positive approach towards smoking cessation will help you achieve your quit smoking goals successfully.

Having the right mindset is crucial to the success of any program, including smoking cessation. Many people have successfully quit smoking without any counseling or use of any of the quit smoking medications or aids; they have achieved this solely through their strong will-power and their determination to quit. You too need to nurture a strong and sincere desire to quit. Just think of how disturbed your family gets because of your smoking habits, imagine how much happiness you’ll bring to their life with your decision to quit smoking.

Choose your quit date

Experts believe that the right approach to begin your smoking cessation program is to pre-determine a quit date. This will bring more seriousness in your efforts. Choose this date wisely. Do not begin your program on days when you experience extraordinary stress. This is likely to trigger your temptation to start smoking and de-motivate you before you can complete your smoking cessation program. You may choose special days in your life as your quit smoking date such as your birthday or that of your loved one. Alternatively, you may choose Christmas or New Year depending on your convenience. Mark this date on your calendar and inform your friends about your quit smoking date. Request them to support you in your quit smoking endeavors; with their help you can get over the withdrawal symptoms.

Make preparations to quit smoking

Success of your smoking cessation goal depends a lot on your preparation to quit smoking. Invest sometime in preparing to quit smoking. Before your quit date hide away all your ashtrays and lighters and throw away all the cigarettes that may be lying around your home or workplace. Remove everything that could be a reminder of your smoking days. Also, identify your smoking triggers. Once you are set on your smoking cessation program try to avoid people and situations that tempt you to smoke. Another good idea would to develop a hobby or to spend more time doing things that interest you. This will keep your mind away from the thoughts of smoking. Eat a balanced diet and participate in regular physical exercise to keep a positive mindset. This is essential since nicotine withdrawal symptoms make you feel irritated, anxious and depressed. In addition, you may consult a doctor to know if you should make use of smoking cessation aids to relieve you of nicotine withdrawal symptoms and help you quit successfully.

Quit smoking aids that you may use

Discussed below are some of the most popular quit smoking aids that will help relieve you of nicotine withdrawal symptoms effectively –

  • Quit smoking treatment – Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
  • This effective therapy aims at providing nicotine to the body externally. It helps to relieve you of withdrawal pangs so that you are able to get out of the habit of smoking. The NRTs are available in various forms including nicotine chewing gum, nicotine patches, nicotine tabs, lozenges, nicotine nasal spray and inhalators. However, since NRTs provide nicotine to your body, a risk of re-addiction is involved in this therapy.

  • Stop smoking treatment – Chantix & Zyban
  • Currently, nicotine-free quit smoking medications such as Zyban (bupropion hydrochloride) and Chantix (varenicline tartrate) are the most popular quit smoking aids. These medicines are approved by the FDA as smoking cessation drugs and are available on a prescription only. Both Chantix and Zyban imitate the effect of nicotine on your brain to stimulate the release of dopamine – a neurotransmitter that gives you the feeling of pleasure; you therefore do not experience a craving for cigarettes. In addition, Chantix prevents nicotine from acting on its receptors on the brain. This means that even if you give in to the temptation to smoke again you’ll not derive the same pleasure and therefore you’ll no longer be tempted to light up again.

Buy Chantix Varenicline online for treatment of smoking cessation. Chantix varenicline is safe drug for quitting smoking. Buy Chantix stop smoking pills for smoking cessation Order Chantix online once a day starter packs now.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/quit-smoking-articles/a-little-plan-can-help-you-achieve-your-quit-smoking-goal-1644615.html

STOP SMOKING TODAY

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

One of the best things a smoker can do to Live Life Well is quit smoking. The health benefits of quitting occur for all smokers, regardless of age, sex or length of time that they have been smoking.

People who have already developed smoking-related health problems, like heart disease will also benefit from quitting.

  • Within hours of quitting smoking the nicotine and carbon monoxide in your blood decreases, while the oxygen level in your blood increases.
  • Within days your sense of smell and taste begin to improve, breathing and exercising become easier, even your chances of having a heart attack have been reduced.
  • Within one month your circulation will improve and your blood pressure and pulse rate will decrease.
  • Within three months, cilia (the small hairs inside your lungs) have begun to re grow. This improves your lungs’ ability to clean themselves. Lung function may be increased by up to 30 per cent.
  • Within one year, your risk of a heart attack is reduced by half.
  • Within 10 years your risk of dying from lung cancer is reduced by half.
  • Within 15 years your risk of dying from a heart attack is equal to a person who has never smoked.

For more information go to the Factsheet – WWW.MYSMOKEQUITER.BLOGSPOT.COM

By choosing to Live Life Well and quit smoking, you will significantly reduce your chance of cancer, heart disease, stroke, emphysema and other lung disease.

You will also be less likely to have cataracts on your eyes, brittle bones, wrinkles, yellow teeth and bad breath.

Being a non smoker will reduce your chance of impotence, difficulty falling pregnant, and premature births, small babies and miscarriage.

If you are a parent, quitting smoking means you will lower your children’s risk of SIDS, ear infections, allergies, asthma, bronchitis and other lung problems, and reduce the chance they will take up smoking later in life.

Remember, it’s never too late to start Living Life Well and be a non smoker. The sooner you quit, the better.FOR MORE INFO VISIT WWW.MYSMOKEQUITER.BLOGSPOT.COM

www.MYSMOKEQUITER.BLOGSPOT.COM

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/quit-smoking-articles/stop-smoking-today-1640926.html


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