Give up smoking!

If you ask yourself why you should give up smoking just take a look at the risks and costs of continuing to smoke. First you should know that 22% of all male deaths are due to smoking and 11% of all female deaths have the same cause. Narrowed and hardened arteries, cold hands and feet, weakened bones, peripheral vascular disease, cold skin, osteoporoses and decreased fitness are just a few smoking effects, but the risk of developing smoking related illnesses can be reduced by giving up smoking. 

Chemicals in Tobacco Smoke

In tobacco smoke are over 4,000 chemicals like carbon monoxide which is a colourless, odourless gas that in large doses is lethal, but in smaller doses causes shortness of breath and increased heart rate. 

Another harmful ingredient within cigarette smoke is hydrogen cyanide, a colourless gas that evens a short-term exposure can lead to vomiting, dizziness, headaches and nausea. 

And let us not forget about nicotine, the reason why cigarettes are as addictive as they are (to give up smoking would be far easier if you didn’t have this little nasty in there!). In larger quantities nicotine is extremely poisonous; a person would die within minutes if you place 60g of pure nicotine on her/ his tongue.

Costs of Smoking

If you want to give up smoking, just think about the costs of smoking, and I am not just talking money, giving up can be a good idea. Besides the financial costs, smoking also has physical costs such as wheezing, reduced fertility, risky pregnancy, damaged circulation, damaged taste buds, nicotine-stained fingers, heart attack, lung cancer and the list goes on. And do not forget about the social costs like polluting the air with carcinogens, dusty and stuffy home, spoilt clothes and furniture, smoke gets in your eyes and so on.

Second-hand Smokers

Smoking also affect your love ones not only you. Non-smokers are also exposed to the 4,000 chemicals when they breathe other people's tobacco smoke. Secondhand smoking can affect your children; they are more likely to get chest illnesses, ear infections, wheezing and childhood asthma, tonsillitis and to smoke themselves. Exposing people around you to secondhand smoke you will put them at risk of the same diseases as you.

But it’s not all doom, the minute you give up smoking your body starts to recover; your circulation improves, you breathe more easily, your skin warms up, your risk of disease starts to fall, you will have a cleaner, fresher house, you will no longer put the persons around you at risk and you will be a lot richer!

Dangers Of Smoking

Almost everybody knows that smoking is bad for the health. Images of blackened lungs line school hallways and hospital waiting rooms, but despite this people continue to take up smoking. This may have to do with the pervasive romantic image of smoking -- an image that has nothing in common with reality.

There are many ways to take tobacco. You can chew it, inhale it through the nose, and smoke it in the form of cigars or cigarettes. No matter how it's taken it is dangerous, but because smoking is the most popular way to consume tobacco it has also received the greatest attention from the medical field and the media.

When a smoker inhales a puff of cigarette smoke the large surface area of the lungs allows nicotine to pass into the blood stream almost immediately. It is this nicotine "hit" that smokers crave, but there is a lot more to smoke than just nicotine. In fact, there are more than 4000 chemical substances that make up cigarette smoke and many of them are toxic.

Cigarette smoke is composed of 43 carcinogenic substances and more than 400 other toxins that can also be found in wood varnish, nail polish remover, and rat poison. All of these substances accumulate in the body and can cause serious problems to the heart and lungs.

Cancer is the most common disease associated with smoking. Smoking is the cause of 90% of lung cancer cases and is related to 30% of all cancer fatalities. Other smoking-related cancers include cancers of the mouth, pancreas, urinary bladder, kidney, stomach, esophagus, and larynx.

Besides cancer, smoking is also related to several other diseases of the lungs. Emphysema and bronchitis can be fatal and 75% of all deaths from these diseases are linked to smoking.

Smokers have shorter lives than non-smokers. On average, smoking takes 15 years off your life span. This can be explained by the high rate of exposure to toxic substances which are found in cigarette smoke.

Smokers also put others at risk. The dangers of breathing in second-hand smoke are well known. Smokers harm their loved ones by exposing them to the smoke they exhale. All sorts of health problems are related to breathing in second-hand smoke. Children are especially susceptible to the dangers of second-hand smoke because their internal organs are still developing. Children exposed to second-hand smoke are more vulnerable to asthma, sudden infant death syndrome, bronchitis, pneumonia, and ear infections.

Smoking can also be dangerous for unborn children. Mothers who smoke are more likely to suffer from miscarriages, bleeding and nausea, and babies of smoking mothers have reduced birth weights or may be premature. These babies are more susceptible to sudden infant death syndrome and may also have lifelong health complications due to chest infections and asthma.

It is never too late to give up smoking, even those who have smoked for 20 years or more can realize tremendous health benefits from giving up the habit.

General Information On Smoking

In the sixties, when the hippies ruled the world, cigarettes were available just about anywhere, and they can smoke pretty much anywhere they please – even in hospitals! Different advertisements of cigarettes filled the streets as well. But nowadays we're more aware about the different effects smoking can bring. It has also come to a point where smoking is prohibited in public places, and cigarette packets are required to include fair warning about their product's ill effects.

Here are some basic information about smoking:

1. Smoking is one of the most common forms of recreational drug abuse. Smoking, once started on, is a hard habit to break. This is thanks to a substance called nicotine which is found in tobacco leaves. Nicotine, like heroin and other addictive narcotics, make the mind and body quickly get used to it that it does not feel normal without it.

2. Nine out of ten tobacco and cigarette smokers taste their first puff before they reach the age of eighteen. And most adults who have started smoking in their teen never thought they would get hooked on the habit when they started. This is the same reason why they advise that it is easier not to get started on the habit.

3. Smoking increases a person's risk of developing heart diseases like heart attacks and stroke. It also increases the chances of having different forms of cancer like lung cancer, throat cancer, and cancer of the mouth. It may give a person lung problems like bronchitis, and emphysema.

4. Smokers are more likely to be absent from work than non-smokers, and their illnesses tend to last longer. This means smokers may incur more medical costs because they see physicians more often. They also have a tendency to be admitted to the hospital more often and for longer periods of time as compared to those who do not smoke.

5. Smokers have a lower survival rate after surgery than non-smokers. This is because cigarette smoking may also affect the body's immune system, which may cause delayed would healing, and reduce immune response. And because the immune response is reduced, there is a great probability that complications may come up after surgery.

6. Periodontitis, a serious gum disease which may lead to tooth and bone loss, may also be caused by cigarette smoking because it smoking affects the body's natural ability to fight off infection and repair damaged tissues.

7. Smokers have a higher chance at developing peptic ulcers, which can be located in the stomach and the duodenum, as compared to people who do not smoke cigarettes. If peptic ulcers are left untreated, this condition may be fatal.

8. Aside from serious medical conditions, smoking may also give a person bad skin. This is because smoking restricts blood vessels, preventing oxygen and other nutrients from getting to the skin. 

9. Cigarette smoking may also leave a person with bad breath. And if it becomes persistent, it may develop into a condition called halitosis. 

10. The smell of stale smoke lingers and sticks to a smoker's clothes and hair. And it is pretty difficult to remove.

Before you start smoking, think it over and ask yourself: “Do I really want all these medical conditions to affect me?” This may as well help you decide whether or not you're going to light that first stick or not.

Don't Want a Cigarette: Help Quit Smoking Is Here!

If you don't want a cigarette: help quit smoking is what you need. Many people are tired of smoking and do not want to continue it. But their addiction drives them to continue to buy cigarettes. The nicotine in there blood stream will not let them just give up it grabs them with constant cravings until the person finally gives in. 

Smokers often fight daily with their cravings for more and more nicotine. It is a substance that once in the body has an extremely difficult time letting go. People who have only smoked for a couple of months can still find quitting smoking to be extremely difficult. For those that have smoked for years and year, the idea of quitting smoking is two fold.

Heavy smokers have to fight against the nicotine addiction and try to become smoke-free over time. It is difficult for the body to rely on nicotine and then have to start functioning on less and less of it. But most heavy smokers find that a gradual cessation from the nicotine or tobacco works best for them. Becoming totally smokeless can often take several months. 

The second part of quitting for, people who have smoked for several years, is the lifestyle changes that it will bring. For years the person has spent hundreds of dollars on cigarettes every month. They are now faced with a surplus of cash that can be hard to handle productively. Smokers also have developed habits or rituals that surround their smoking habit. These may include meeting friends at work during smoke breaks or going to a favorite bar to smoke and have a drink.

When the smoker is finally able to quit smoking their trigger spots will still be there. If there was a certain restaurant that they always smoked at it may be hard to eat there and not have a cigarette. These responses are normal and it does not matter if you quit smoking cold turkey or did it over a long period of time. The craving for nicotine can last years after a person has quit smoking. 

It is important for a person who is trying to quit smoking to incorporate other lifestyle changes into their lives. If they normally meet for a smoking break twice a day it may be helpful to use that time to go for a walk. Smokers need to recognize their triggers and learn to avoid situations that are tempting to them. 

Through monitoring of their environment and adjusting their quitting techniques it is possible for people at all smoking levels to quit. Quitting smoking may take a different amount of time for each individual and there is not RIGHT or specific program that can guarantee success. 

A smoker that is aware of their triggers and is able to avoid them when necessary will have a better probability of quitting smoking and sticking to it. Millions of people every year try to quit smoking; it is a difficult thing to do. But extremely worth it for the people who do it.

Why Most People Fail To Quit Smoking

Did you know that according to statistics, only 10% or even less of those who tried to quit smoking only succeeded? Yes, even so, of those who quitted smoking, are not guaranteed to stop forever।

Occasionally, you would hear the same old stories, on how people would just quit for 1, 2 or 3 weeks/months even years, and then return to the old habit. Not only that, they will come back and smoke even more and more. It is as if

They are smoking with a vengeance!

Because they had to “cover” back the loss of cigarettes intake while they were taking a break when they were trying to quit. It may seemed funny or weird to you but this is true. It happens so often I’m sure you came across this situation at least once in your life before.

Did you know that according to statistics, only 10% or even less of those who tried to quit smoking only succeeded? Yes, even so, of those who quitted smoking, are not guaranteed to stop forever.

So why did those people and so many of them fail? They were lacking a very important aspect. You see my friend, they were lacking of

A STRONG Purpose To Quit Smoking!

This may seem over simplified at first, but this is crucial in the preparation of quitting smoking. Not only do you need a purpose, you must have a purpose so strong that it almost certainly becomes a conviction for you to quit smoking. I’m sure you heard somewhere before that why is more important than how.

Without a purpose, regardless of whether you can quit smoking, you may pick in up in the future.

Here’s how you should create a strong purpose to quit smoking:

1) Pick up a paper and write down how smoking has affected you in the past.

2) Next write down of how smoking is affecting you presently.

3) Followed by how smoking will 100% definitely affect you in the future.

You may relate any issues relating to this matter. Perhaps your family, love ones, relatives, job, career, health, performance, your time and money. You may relate how smoking has affected all those areas in your life.

The second reason why people fail to quit smoking is that many people do not know how to cope with the withdrawal symptoms. In the process of quitting smoking, many suffer from various symptoms such as anxiety, frustration and irritation.

Soon one may lose concentration and would be utterly “paralyzed” because of the addiction.

Alternative Methods to Quit Smoking

The article talks about the different methods that can be used in helping individuals who want to quit smoking. Though there are many over-the-counter medications that are designed to help smokers, these products may also bring side effects and interact with other drugs. Because of this reason many individuals are trying alternative methods to help them live a nicotine-free life.

It is estimated that 70 percent of smokers want to quit, it's no wonder that there are many quit smoking products and programs out that are designed for these individuals. These are scientifically-proven quit smoking programs that have gotten the nod of many health professionals. However, using these products may not be that effective and may bring side-effects. For this reason, many alternative therapies are out to help many individuals in their desire to be nicotine-free. These alternative methods are considered by many as safe and effective way of quitting smoking. 

Acupuncture

Medical studies show that acupuncture may increase the levels of endorphins in the body. Endorphins are opiate-like substances in the body that are known elevate the mood and bring moments of relaxation. These factors may lower the cravings for that stick or pack of cigarette. Many health professionals recommend at least four sessions of acupuncture during the first month of quitting. 

Herbal remedies 

There are no herbs that contain nicotine. However, there are herbs like chamomile that has a calming effect that may help one's transition to life as a non-smoker. The calming effect of this herb may help one cope with stressful situations that may lead one to light a cigarette. However, individuals who want to try this herb should seek the approval of a health professional because it might produce an allergic reaction and interact with other drugs. 

Hypnosis

Smokers have natural cigarette triggers. Factors like driving, eating, watching TV, and stress may entice individuals to smoke. With subconscious reminders about the positive effects of quitting smoking, hypnosis may help reduce nicotine cravings and improve one's ability to quit smoking. In addition to these health benefits hypnosis therapy uses no drugs and can be completed completely and there is no long-term cause. 

Exercise and nutrition

Regular exercise may improve blood flow and help individuals deal with tensions and stress in life without cigarettes. Studies show that moderate exercise like 30 minutes of jogging and brisk walking may bring many health benefits. Exercise and other physical activities may also promote the production of endorphins. In addition to exercise, eating regular meals and cutting down fat in one's diet may aid in the management of blood sugar changes associated in quitting smoking. 

Massage

Having a massage may promote better moods and less anxiety which may lead to fewer and less nicotine cravings. A University of Miami Touch Research Institute suggested that a two-minute hand or ear massage may curb nicotine cravings and, therefore, cut daily cigarette intake. 

There are many scientifically proven quit smoking products and alternative methods that are available. These products, however, cannot do all the work, the best and effective to quit smoking involves determination, discipline, and commitment to stop the habit permanently. Using these products and engaging in alternative methods can help smokers cut the habit by making them more comfortable and complacent to adjust to life without cigarettes. However, before taking over-the-counter or herbal products and engaging in many alternative methods to quit smoking, individuals are advised to seek the approval health professionals. They may explain various alternative methods and clarify side effects and drug interactions that may take place while under medication. With the right tools and attitude, quitting smoking can be easier than others think.

Giving Up Smoking Will Increase Your Wealth

Figures released recently by the Health Development Agency confirm that smoking is killing around 83,200 people a year in England. It is the largest cause of illness and significantly decreases smokers expected life-span.

Speak to any reformed smoker and they will tell you just how difficult it was to overcome the habit, although invariably they enthuse about their improved health and the saving in money. Did you know that smokers spend an incredible £92,000 on cigarettes, on average, during their lifetime? How's that for an incentive to quit?

It's not only the cost of the cigarettes that they'll save on. Life and critical illness insurance premiums will be healthier too – smokers can pay up to double the cost of their insurance cover. With the increased accessibility to information on the internet, people have been searching for ever lower prices for their insurance cover. This has led to a price war with insurance companies battling to retain their share of the market. In an effort to recoup some of the lost revenue, insurers have tightened their criteria and now insist that smokers must pay an increased premium to cover the health risk which their habit fuels. The standard rates for these insurance policies shown in insurance advertisements are for the fit and healthy and clearly the risks to which smokers expose themselves take them out of this category.

Once you've achieved your goal and broken the habit, you'll have to convince your insurer that you're a reformed character! You need to have given up smoking for between 1 and 5 years (most companies would be happy with 1

year) before you can be counted as a non-smoker. Then you can contact your company and ask them to re-quote. You'll see a very much reduced premium. At this stage it's worth trying the internet to see if you can save even more money. It would be as well to wait until your new insurer has checked your health details and accepted your application before cancelling your current cover.

It's no trouble to cancel a policy – stop paying! If you cancel your direct debit the insurer will contact you fairly quickly to see what's going on. You then need to tell them that you no longer require the cover. Cancellation charges will not apply.

Talking of health details, please be completely truthful when you fill in the proposal form. In the event of making a claim, your insurer will approach your Doctor for confirmation of your non-smoking status and if you're found to have misled them, your claim will be refused due to non disclosure of facts.

However long you've been a smoker, the improvement in your health gained by quitting is very worthwhile. Remember, to miss-quote someone famous, “Tis better to have smoked and stopped, then never to have stopped at all!” Or something like that.