When I started this project I received a lot of support from people who were sympathetic to the difficulties that smoking and smoking cessation presented. Sadly, what I soon discovered were the numerous ways in which this addiction extends itself beyond the smoker himself. The following article, received by one such person, demonstrates this point quite nicely:Not too long ago I was visiting my physician, and while waiting my turn in one of the...more
Youve heard it said that humans have five sensessmell, hearing, vision, touch and tastebut only two of these senses are based on chemicalssmell and taste. The senses of smell and taste allow us to experience the world around us through tiny chemical properties in the air. This is especially true of cigarette smoke. When a cigarette is consumed, tiny particles are released into the air, and these chemicals dont disappear as soon as the smoke...more
With all the gadgets and aids marketed today promising a quick fix to those looking to stop smoking, the truth can sometimes be hard to discern. Patches, gum, inhalers and hypnosis have all been used with some success, but none are foolproof, and they certainly dont come cheap. There is another alternative though. Studies have shown that regular exercise performed either as a stand-alone method or in combination with nicotine replacement, can significantly curb your craving to smoke, and assist you in coping with the nasty withdrawal symptoms that can interfere with your life.In a 2005 study in Vienna, 216 people were placed on nicotine replacement therapy for their cigarette addiction, and half of those108were asked to engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. At the conclusion of the study, 40% of those receiving nicotine replacement alone had remained smoke freea fairly good resultbut a whopping 80% of those who had included exercise had achieved the same feat. Thats double! And with similar results being reported in studies around the world, many experts are now recognizing the powerful benefits of exercise for those who are trying to give up smoking.Cessation from...more
If your repeated, heartfelt urgings for your loved one to stop smoking have finally paid off, the next thing you may be wondering is what to expect. What kind of side effects will the smoker in my life go through when he finally decides to stop?The answer to that question can be quite complex, as every smoker will experience different side effects...more
The stresses of everyday life can be a powerful trigger for the smoker trying to quit. Situations that used to precipitate the lighting of a cigarette must now be dealt with another way, and unless they are, the threat of regressing becomes very likely. So how can people cope with these stresses that produce the craving to smoke? Many experts...more
Have you ever wondered, as you light up, what, exactly, is happening to make you so dependent on tobacco? Have you ever vowed to quit smoking only to fall back into the old habit within a very short time? Have you ever been warned by a health care professional that you must stop smoking or risk the consequences to your health and well being?Those questions could be answered by millions of people trapped by the addiction to tobacco. But wouldn't it help to know exactly how one is ensnared, sometimes for life, by a weed? Each puff a smoker takes starts an immediate delivery of nicotine to the brain, thus giving the smoker good control over the 'fix' he or she requires. After the first inhalation it is easy to want more, and even easier to give oneself more.Inhaling sends the nicotine directly to the lung beds, allowing the drug to reach the brain directly, without becoming part of the general circulation of the blood. Once in the brain, nicotine stimulates receptors which cause the release of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. This substance gives a sense of pleasure to the smoker, thus starting the addiction process rolling.Nicotine also controls many other brain molecules that...more
Did you ever stop to wonder if there were some easy, natural ways to help you kick the tobacco habit? For instance, is there a meditation group nearby that has its focus on quitting smoking? If so, it might be a very good move to join them for a few...more
It is all over now and you must feel great. You have lessened your risk for cancer of the throat, bladder, lungs and mouth; your heart and arteries will not have to work as hard as they once did, and your lungs are singing your praises in full...more
It isn't going to be easy, but there are several ways one can start on the road to cleaner lungs and more energy. First off, try to keep strong and focus your mind on quitting. The following can help you:Keep a diary of times when the cravings are...more
We go to the doctor for all our aches and pains, and take medications as prescribed, for any number of ailments. Then doesn't it make sense to go to our health care professional to find out what the latest weapons are in the war against tobacco...more
This is the time of year when we make New Year's resolutions. One of the most common New Year's resolutions is to quit smoking. It is important to understand why you are addicted before you start any program. Understanding how nicotine affects the...more
The epidemic of smoking-related diseases is one that only the potential victims can abolish. Smoking is among the most common habits in the Western world and this dangerous habit will kill a large number of those who engage in it.It is amazing to...more