Smoking

ways to quit smoking

2008-07-31T23:03:00.003-07:00

Counting the Days and the Ways to Quit Smoking

Smoking is a nasty habit that can be difficult to break. Quitting smoking might seem like the obvious choice, but many people are reluctant to quit because they are aware of the many withdrawal symptoms that go along with quitting smoking. However, what these people do not know about are the many ways to quit smoking. Such a wide assortment of options for kicking the gross habit makes it easier for people to quit smoking once and for all.

Feeling Sick

People are often discouraged from quitting smoking because, regardless of the many ways to quit smoking that exist, the withdrawal can be a very difficult process. Your body becomes physically addicted to the nicotine and cigarettes, and it becomes used to putting things in the mouth. Employing one of the ways to quit smoking eliminates both of these factors, thus causing withdrawal.
People who experience withdrawal might have many different symptoms, including: cigarette cravings, irritability, frustration or anger, tremors, decreased heart rate, fatigue, restlessness, depression, increased appetite, constipation or upset stomach, anxiety or nervousness, difficulty concentrating, headaches, insomnia, and increased coughing. These symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after you first find a way to quit smoking.
Taking the Plunge
Though quitting smoking is difficult, it is important that you do so for your on health, and for the health of those around you. Today, there are many different ways you can quit smoking. One of the most common ways is medication of some sort. There are many nicotine and non-nicotine medications available, such as a nicotine patch, nicotine gum, and Varenicline.
If you do not wish to take medication, then there are other ways to quit smoking as well. Hypnosis, acupuncture, behavioral therapy, and nicotine vaccination are all alternatives to using medication in order to quit smoking.
Management Skills
One you have found a successful way to quit smoking, then you will still have to manage the cravings that might occur in your daily life. This requires using psychological strategies. For example, remind yourself about why you decided to quit. Another idea is to keep busy, so you do not constantly think about smoking.
Other people find it helpful to brush their teeth or drink water when they experience a craving. The trick is finding the strategy that works best for you. Although quitting smoking is a very difficult task, once you have done it, you will have made a very big accomplishment that you and all of your loved ones can be proud of.

underage smoking

2008-07-31T23:03:00.001-07:00

Preventive Measures for Underage Smoking

Smoking is dangerous/ hazardous to your health. We see this warning on every box of cigarettes sold anywhere in the world. Yet, we wonder why is it still being sold? Adults do not heed this warning and they set a bad example to our kids about smoking. There are many reasons why some older children want to try smoking. Underage smoking is a concern that the government is trying to address lately.

Parents’ Role in Underage Smoking

Underage smoking has actually increased from a plateau since the late eighties. This is in spite of the fact that the government has made many regulations and laws regarding the dangers of smoking. Underage smoking is actually one of the preventable causes of death among young adults and older children.

Parents need to understand their role in curbing underage smoking. There are many ways that a parent can help their child avoid underage smoking. One of these is to make your child aware that smoking is lethal to his health along with the health of his family. Talking about smoking and its dangers can open your child’s eyes.

Parents should not just talk the talk about smoking but they should also walk the walk. In other words, parents should set a good example to their children. When your child sees you smoking and you lecture him on the lethal side effects of underage smoking, do you think that this makes for a credible role model? Children look up to their parents and other adults so adults should show them what the adults want their kids to be.

It would also be a good idea to listen and talk to your child about everything, not just about underage smoking. Parents who have open communication lines with their children often get to notice if something is wrong even if the child does not talk about it.

There has been some talk that parents should treat their child as their friend but this is not entirely correct. Your child already has plenty of friends; he will need parents more than friends when it comes to guidance. Be open to talk to your child and be quick to diplomatically guide your child in the right direction.

Underage smoking is a real problem in our society. Many older children and young adults succumb to underage smoking and its hazards. Parents, please take time to talk and listen to your kids. Listen to what they have to say and guide them accordingly.

teenage smoking

2008-07-31T23:02:00.004-07:00

Dealing with Teenage Smoking

In the early 1970’s, The Brady Bunch featured a very rare plotline involving social commentary in which Greg was caught smoking cigarettes. Or, rather, they found cigarettes in his jacket and they turned out not to be his…you have to love how they skirted making a character look bad. What was interesting about this episode was that smoking was generally not presented in a bad light on television.

In fact, a number of television “good guys” loved to puff away on camera. So, to see an episode that head butted teenage smoking was groundbreaking. However, the presentation was idealized and trite as dealing with teenage smoking is a complicated process.

The Teenage Element

Teenagers are very difficult to reach sometimes. That is to say, no matter how much you try to reason with a teenager it becomes difficult to sway opinions mainly because teenagers are not exactly known for their capacity to embody logic. As such, even when you confront a teenage with facts it can be difficult to get them to respond in the manner in which you would wish them to respond.

When it comes to the subject of teenage smoking this can be doubly frustrating mainly because of the seriousness of the health problems that a teenager might develop after a lifetime of health problems due to repeated smoking over an extended period of time.

When it comes to being a teenager, there will always be a desire to rebel or embody the counterculture. Additionally, teenagers often do not think of themselves as being vulnerable. Teenagers are risk takers and when it comes to teenage smoking, the negative effects of smoking do not manifest until many years later so teenagers are less inclined to take smoking serious.

Of course, this is compounded by the fact many images still bombard teenagers with the notion that smoking is cool or hip. Granted, many teenagers can also see through this type of nonsense but then there will be those teenagers who are real susceptible to such imagery.

This is a shame because if a teenager starts smoking they may not be able to quit and this could lead to a number of problems into adulthood. Then again, that is also why many tobacco companies encourage such behavior because it sets the stage for gaining a customer for life. As such, the ability to curtail teenage smoking is much harder than most would assume despite the severity of the situation.

stop smoking tips

2008-07-31T23:02:00.003-07:00

A Few of Many Stop Smoking Tips

Do you want to stop smoking? Stop smoking tips fall under two broad categories. These two categories are traditional and nontraditional tips. The first of many stop smoking tips is to determine whether or not you really want to quit or not and write the reasons why down on paper to remind you when you lose your way to your main goal. One you have decided that quitting is right for you, remember that you must stay strong if and when you encounter cravings or withdraw symptoms.

Getting Some Much-Needed Advice

One way to be strong during a craving is to follow the four D’s as stop smoking tips. They are delay, deep breath, drink water, and do something else. One should delay because the cravings only last for a few minutes. Deep breathing helps you to relax, which allows you to do something else. The water will flush the nicotine out of your body. While being strong during the cravings and withdraw symptoms, remain positive and focus on the end results. By doing all of these steps you increase your chances of success drastically.

Visualization is key in stop smoking tips. Visualize yourself as a nonsmoker in two unique ways. First, dispose of everything that you relate to smoking. Second, think of how much better you will feel without smoking and how much better your car, home, and clothes will smell.

Changing one’s routine is essential to quitting smoking. When going out to eat, choose to sit in the non-smoking section. Also, if you tend to smoke when drinking alcohol, it is a wise idea to avoid situations in which you are apt to drink. Coffee drinkers who smoke should also cut back on their coffee intake when trying to quit smoking because caffeine is absorbed quicker without nicotine in the body.

Another aspect emphasized in stop smoking tips is getting support from family, friends, and work colleagues. Having a quitting buddy is very beneficial. This allows you to share your feelings and encourage one another. Also, if others around you smoke, ask them to support you by not offering you a cigarette. With others support and reinforcement, quitting smoking will be easier.

If these stop smoking tips do not work for you, there are more extreme ways that your doctor can recommend. These include nicotine patches or chewing gum, which are known as nicotine replacement therapy. Another thing that your doctor may suggest are medicines, such as Chintax.

stop smoking pill

2008-07-31T23:02:00.001-07:00

What Else You Should Know About the Stop Smoking Pill

When you smoke cigarettes for a longer period of time, you simply become addicted. It is mainly because of the nicotine content which has a highly addictive property. Additionally, cigarette smoking contains various harmful chemicals and prolonged use of cigarettes may even turn to be fatal.

The complexities of cigarette addiction may involve its legal and social acceptance, so it needs a carefully designed plan and meticulous effort if you are serious about quitting your cigarette smoking habit. However, prior to designing any plan for yourself, it is essential to consider looking over the factors that you find logical to quit this habit and the long-term benefits associated with quitting.

A stop smoking pill that aids in reducing cigarette craving can also help in minimizing the withdrawal symptoms. Zyban and Wellbutrin are the names of two popular stop smoking pills. Zyban functions as an antidepressant medication which helps in stimulating the endorphins secretion. Endorphins have the ability to improve the energy level of an individual, which eventually makes the individual feels good. An essential component of the stop smoking pill is Bupropion hydrochloride which aids in combating against withdrawal symptoms.

General Instructions

When the stop smoking pill is administered, it needs to be used for more than 8 to 10 weeks. People who use it irregularly or who do not complete the course have the higher probability to return to the same using pattern or even worse. Typically the first week of the stop smoking pill therapy, you may continue smoking fewer cigarettes as you may have planned to completely stop from the second week after administration. However, if you have not stopped even after several months, this therapy is not for you. So, it is better that you should stop taking the stop smoking pill immediately.

Possible Side Effects

The most common side effects associated with the usage of Zyban are insomnia, dry mouth, bizarre dreams, and atypical libido. Other psychological side effects are depression, anxiety, irritation. Most of these side effects overlap with the symptoms of withdrawal and make it utterly complicated. So, it becomes difficult to distinguish between the side effects occurred from the usage of the stop smoking pill and the withdrawal symptoms. People suffering from anorexia or bulimia are not prescribed to use this medicine. Apart from that, individuals who are on monoamine oxidase inhibitors medication are typically not advised to take a stop smoking pill.

stop smoking medication

2008-07-31T23:01:00.002-07:00

Finding Out About Stop Smoking Medication

Smoking is a highly addictive habit that can affect both the smoker and the non smokers who are constantly in contact with him. Many people are aware of this increasing problem and they are making steps to help smokers get rid of this nasty habit. One of the methods to quit smoking is to use medication to stop smoking. This aid to stop smoking medication has been studied well by many researchers and many have been approved by the FDA.

These stop smoking medications are primarily used to aid in quitting smoking. There are individuals who are not suitable for these kinds of medications which is why it is best to consult a medical practitioner regarding how to quit smoking so he can assess whether you need the aid of stop smoking medication to do so.

Stop Smoking Medication for Smokers

There are many kinds of stop smoking medication available in the market today from. These range from nicotine gum to a nicotine inhaler. These aids to stop smoking medication can be used for those individuals who smoke more than ten cigarettes in a day’s time. Those who do smoke fewer than ten or may be pregnant need to consult a medical practitioner. Some stop smoking medications are available over the counter such as the Nicotine gum while the other stop smoking medications need a prescription from a certified medical practitioner.

You would also benefit to ask a doctor before you use any stop smoking medications because they know the how these affect people and if you are suitable for these. Smokers must first be assessed regarding their physical health before any prescription can be dispensed. Although, they are advertised as stop smoking medication, they can not entirely do the job of quitting smoking for you. You, as an individual who wishes to quit smoking must be determined to do so and must be ready to deal with any relapse or weak judgment call on your part.

Dangers of Smoking

Smoking can cause a plethora of ailments and cancers not only for the person smoking but also for those that the smoker comes in contact with. Second hand smoke can be more dangerous than the act of smoking itself. Medication, combined with your family and friends’ support can help you quit smoking and get back in track to a healthier life. It is not too late to quit smoking and you improve your chances of decreasing your risk of heart and lung disease when you quit.

stop smoking hypnosis

2008-07-31T23:01:00.001-07:00

How to Stop Smoking Using Hypnosis

Although it is very easy to say ‘Simply stop smoking’, it is really a difficult task for those who have been smoking for a long time. People have tried different options to put a stop over their smoking habits. Many of these options are well up to the mark, while some may not offer sufficient benefits. Many people consider hypnosis as a useful and effective tool for smoking cessation. This article sheds light on the essential principles of hypnosis that aid in smoking cessation and also how people can take the advantage of hypnosis to stop their smoking habit.

Principles

When it comes to stopping smoking using hypnosis, it is accepted that the addiction occurs due to disrupted psychological functioning in the brain and once the restoration of the functioning occurs, it will make the individual free from addiction. However, the disruption in psychological functioning does not occur in the conscious regime, rather it is a product of subconscious mind which you can not access directly. So, if you wish to alter the psychological functioning in order to stop smoking, hypnosis has no alternative as it is only through hypnosis subconscious regime can be accessed.

Hypnosis Programs

Many people believe that once they entered into a hypnotic state under the supervision of hypnotist, it means they will not have any control over themselves and simply become a zombie. However, this is not the fact; in fact, the proponents of hypnotherapy argue the opposite. As hypnosis deals with the subconscious mind and its reprogramming, it makes the individual even more alert and conscious and helps him to enhance all his psychological functioning.

Although many people categorize between different forms of hypnosis such as self-hypnosis, self-directed hypnosis and many others, many scholars explain all hypnosis are self-hypnosis in reality. If someone wants to stop smoking using hypnosis, it is he who first decides that he wants to quit his habit, hypnosis offers him the required support. If he is not willing, there is probably no hypnotherapy on the face of the earth which can do any good for him.

If you like to stop smoking via hypnosis, you have a whole host of options open in front of you. Of course, some of them are legitimate, but some are not. You can get hypnosis CDs or DVDs for this purpose or you can attend hypnosis programs that may be offered in 7 or 10 days packages. However, before you enroll in any such programs or buy any products, you should do enough research to check the authenticity of the claims made in order to avoid being scammed.

stop smoking aids

2008-07-31T23:00:00.004-07:00

Stop Smoking Aids: Some Popular Ways to Quit Smoking

Stop smoking sounds very easy, however it is not so easy for those who actually try quitting. Many smokers try to stop smoking several times with their full wisdom, however once again get back to the old habit because of common side effect such as weight gain or withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, and depression. With the help of stop smoking aids, people who wish to quit smoking can experience several potential benefits at the time when they try doing the same.

Smoking is an acceptable social habit, which makes it even so tough to quit. However, if we can not stop smoking, it aids several potential damages such as serious complications in heart and lung, accelerating ageing process, diminishing natural skin quality, bad breath problems, weakened immune system and many others. Although smokers consider smoking as a great stress reducer, the fact is smokers are more susceptible towards higher level of anxiety and depression.

Practically, there is a huge variety of stop smoking aids available in today’s market such as nicotine gum, Nicoderm (a nicotine patch), stop smoking hypnosis, and many others. Each of them functions in a highly individualized way, however, with the same purpose to help people stop smoking. Among them all, nicotine gum and nicotine patch are popular as great stop smoking aids among the masses due to their potential benefits.

Benefits of Stop Smoking Aids

When a smoker plans to quit smoking, one of the greatest fears becomes weight gain. Different types of stop smoking aids work fantastically here and offer an excellent benefit by preventing this from occurring simply by substituting the nicotine component that actually holds back the appetite with natural, helpful and non-addictive botanicals. In fact, natural stop smoking aids help in the management of the functioning of appetite in the best possible fashion, during which a smoker does not really need to bother that he or she is living his life without nicotine.

When someone is using stop smoking aids, it also enhances the level of mental functioning including a prominent improvement in clarity and focus. The use of stop smoking aids ensures the immediate relief from the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, which in turn, offers the individual to enjoy the experience of non-smoker without delay. If you would like to use stop smoking aids, you can easily buy it at a grocery store, pharmacy or online.

smoking while pregnant

2008-07-31T23:00:00.003-07:00

Smoking While Pregnant: A Selfish Act

Perhaps one of the most irresponsible things you can do while pregnant is smoking. Smoking has extremely dangerous consequences, regardless of whether you are pregnant or not. However, for pregnant women, smoking holds additional consequences. Furthermore, it can severely damage the health of the unborn child! If you will not quit smoking for your own sake, then do it for the sake of the innocent life inside of you.

Extended Effects

For women who smoke while pregnant, the dangerous effects of smoking are even greater. It can lead to a numerous amount of complications related to the pregnancy. For example, women who smoke while pregnant are much more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy, which is where the egg is implanted in somewhere other than the uterus. In some cases, this requires for the baby to be surgically removed very early on in the pregnancy!

Another complication that can occur as a result of smoking while pregnant is placental complications. The risk of having placental complications doubles if the mother is a smoker. Such conditions include placenta previa and placental abruption, both of which can endanger the life of the mother and the life of the baby as well. Other pregnancy complications that can occur as a result of smoking while pregnant include: increased risk of miscarriage, increased risk of stillbirth, and increased vaginal bleeding.

A Baby is Born

A newborn is the most innocent creature of all. Of all people, they deserve to suffer the consequences of smoking while pregnant the least. However, they will suffer if their mother smokes during her pregnancy. Many of the consequences of smoking while pregnant are not just for the mother, but for the baby as well! A baby whose mother smoked while pregnant is more likely to be at a low birth weight. Smoking can also increase the risk that the baby will be prematurely born., and babies of mothers who smoked while pregnant are more likely to have birth defects such as a cleft lip.

Even if the baby is born on time and with no birth defects, they are still not out of harm’s way. Babies who have a low birth weight are more at risk during their first few moths of life, and babies of smokers are more likely to die of SIDS than other babies. Additionally, studies have shown that smoking while pregnant can cause the child to have behavioral problems later on in life.

A Selfless Act

When you are the only person that you have to worry about, saving yourself from the consequences of smoking is not considered to be a noble or exceptional act. However, the minute you save the life of an innocent child by quitting the habit, you have performed a selfless act.

Smoking Statistics

2008-07-31T23:00:00.001-07:00

Taking Smoking Statistics Serious

Probably the best way to convince an individual of a particular notion would be to confront them with the facts. Usually, when an individual is presented with the actual reality of a situation they will be less inclined to ignore the facts.

In the health world, the various public discourses of smoking statistics has made it next to impossible to deny the fact that smoking is dangerous. However, there will be those people who will ignore the facts no matter how many solid smoking statistics are placed in front of them.

Being in Denial Does Not Help

Of course, there will always be those cynics who may not buy into statistics. For many, stoic and dry numbers and figures simply do nothing for them. Part of the reason for this is that such dry material presented in an anti-septic manner is so detached and removed from reality that a person may not take such smoking statistics serious.

This is unfortunate because regardless of what one may think of them if the smoking statistics are empirical then what a person opts to believe or not believe is irrelevant. After all, reality is reality and when one opts to deny reality then one must suffer the consequences of such denial.

In other words, if one wishes to ignore the fact that there is a high risk of heart disease or lung cancer if one opts to smoke cigarettes such blatant ignorance will not provide protection. Instead, it can almost guarantee severe repercussions.

Origins of Statistics

When smoking statistics come from credible sources then they should be taken more serious. If the statistics are coming from the world health organization or the Surgeon General’s office whatever the smoking statistics state should be taken serious. After all, if such statistics where not necessary or important then they would not be issued in the form of a warning to the public health.

Since many of these statistics deal with the connection to coronary artery disease or incidents of cancer, these stats should definitely be adhered to. Of course, no matter how serious or important these statistics are there will still be those who will not listen or take them seriously.

Ultimately, however, it is a person’s own responsibility in regards to safeguarding their own health. If the person refuses to pay attention to reality regardless of what the stats say then the person must accept the fate they are consigning themselves. This is just the way it is.

smoking pipe

2008-07-31T22:59:00.000-07:00

A Few Facts about Smoking Pipes

When we think about pipe smoking, the faces first strike our imagination are the faces we respect for long decades such as Einstein, Sherlock Homes and others. In fact, pipe smoking has a rich cultural value in many countries around the world. Many people, especially beginners, wonder how to and where to start with pipe smoking. Let us explore few facts about smoking pipe in this article.

Pipe smoking is all about ultimate relaxation. Since tobacco smoking was discovered, it has been considered as an ideal pastime for many people, irrespective of gender. Smoking pipe is a combination of art and science. The first and foremost important phase is to pack the pipe with the tobacco of individual preference. The next important step incorporates the lighting phase. If you are a beginner, learning how to smoke using pipe may take some quality time.

Packing a Pipe with Tobacco

The most important of all is to clean the pipe thoroughly so that it becomes free from any ashes from previous smoking. To do the pipe cleaning, you may try running a pipe cleaner via the stem and then blow it out in order to ensure that nothing is blocking the air passage.

The next phase is to prepare the tobacco. Take the amount you would like to smoke. Place it over a white napkin and make the tobacco free from any possible clumps. Now loosely fill the bowel with the tobacco. Remember, you should not press tightly at the time of filling.

Lighting the Pipe

While keeping the pipe in between your lips, apply the light over the tobacco on a circular motion. Make very low puffs on the pipe. It is quite possible to see that the tobacco is swelling up or disentangling in the bowel.

Do not feel confused. This is absolutely natural and the main objective is to burn light. This also aids in removing excess moisture from the tobacco content so that the tobacco becomes prepared for True Light. After this lighting, it may be possible that the tobacco may not be positioned at the same level as it was before.

Now you need to meddle in order to evenly squeeze the tobacco back to the top of the bowl. If you are a beginner, you should put an extra effort at this time, because a majority of beginners make critical mistake at this point. Light up once again and apply it onto the tobacco in a circular fashion. Once again, you need to do low puffs so that the flame may properly stoke up. You can easily analyze your perfection at this point. If you see that the tobacco is not swelling up as before or it is not disentangling in the bowel, it means you have done it perfectly. So relax, take rhythmic puffs, and enjoy the moment.

smoking lung cancer

2008-07-31T22:57:00.001-07:00

The Facts About Smoking Lung Cancer

Smoking and lung cancer are directly related. Smoking lung cancer is ten times more likely to kill an individual than lung cancer in non-smokers. The more cigarettes an individual smokes and the longer he she smokes increases the chances of them developing smoking lung cancer. However, the risk of developing lung cancer can be reduced by quitting smoking.

Types of Lung Cancer

There are two types of lung cancer. Small cell and non-small cell. Small cell lung cancer spreads much quicker than non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer consists of three types. These types are squamous cell carcinoma, ademocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is more likely to be seen in those who smoke cigarettes that are unfiltered and have high levels of tar, while ademocarcinoma is seen more in individuals who smoke filtered low tar cigarettes.

Signs and Symptoms

There are many signs and symptoms of smoking lung cancer. However, lung cancer is usually advanced before the symptoms occur. The symptoms of smoking lung cancer are chronic cough, persistent cough, or coughing up blood. An increase in mucous production may also occur. When breathing, an individual may experience wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Some individuals may also be hoarse, lose his or her appetite, and lose weight. Finally, bronchitis and/or pneumonia may develop.

Diagnosis

Smoking lung cancer is very easy to diagnose by your doctor. First, he or she will get a thorough medical history from the patient. The final diagnosis of smoking lung cancer will be determined by a CT scan.

Treatment

Treatment of smoking lung cancer varies from patient to patient. These types are surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or combination therapy, which is a combination of the other three treatments. However, no matter what treatment is chosen, quitting smoking is a must.

Surgery is only chosen as a treatment when the disease is in a limited number of stages. The location of the tumor can also determine whether or not surgery is an option. If surgery is chosen, the tumor will be removed and part of a lobe, a whole lobe or the entire lung may also be removed.

Radiation therapy is an x-ray that kills cancer cells. It can be used to relieve the pain that the tumor causes. Also, it can decrease or eliminate the tumor altogether. Chemotherapy comes in the form of a pill, injection or catheter. Each form consists of a medication that is used to decrease the size of the tumor or eliminates the cancer.

The best way to prevent smoking lung cancer is to not smoke at all. Decreasing the amount that you smoke or switching to a lower tar cigarette does not reduced your chances of getting lung cancer. It only changes the type of lung cancer that you will get. Therefore, not smoking is your best option for not getting smoking lung cancer.

smoking kills

2008-07-31T22:54:00.000-07:00

The Discovery that Smoking Kills

While it is generally understood these days that smoking kills, there was a time that this was not entirely the case. (Yes, there are those who walk around in denial in the modern era claiming that smoking is harmless but these people are in the minority) In fact, the discovery of the connection between cigarettes and severe health problems was discovered over an extended period of time.

A Tale of the Great War

In the decades after World War One came to a close, many veterans found themselves infirmed in hospitals suffering from an incredibly rare condition. These soldiers were all suffering from lung cancer and the doctors in the hospitals could not understand why. Lung cancer was an extremely rare condition and the frequency of it in the hospitals was shocking.

At first, it was assumed the poison gas used in trench warfare was to blame. However, it was soon discovered that many soldiers who had never come in contact with poison gas had been diagnosed. So, what was the cause of these veterans coming down with lung cancer?

Well, as a way of reducing tension on the battlefield soldiers were often issues cigarettes. As such, many people who never smoked a day in their life had become habitually smokers. This is where the eventual huge outbreak in lung cancer derived from and it was clear to even the most ardent denier that smoking kills.

Public Opinion Falters

As much as one would like to read about how this discovery would lead to the diminishing of smoking the fact of the matter remains that most people were ambivalent to the negative effects of smoking. Yes, people realized it was not a healthy activity, but there did not necessarily believe smoking kills.

Then again, movies, television programs and even the nightly news featured people puffing away on cigarettes. So, how would anyone assume that smoking was dangerous in such a media environment?

In 1969, an incident occurred that would forever change the public’s perception of smoking. This, of course, was the surgeon general’s declaration that smoking kills or, at the very least, was harmful to a person’s health.

This immediately led to the removal of tobacco commercials from radio and TV and got the anti-smoking ball rolling. Of course, it took close to three decades to complete change the public’s opinion that smoking kills, but by today’s standards most people have a very low opinion on any benefits smoking may claim.

Smoking in the work place

2008-07-31T22:53:00.006-07:00

The Facts About Smoking in the Workplace and Creating Policies

Smoking in the workplace is an issue that concerns employees and employers who smoke and who do not smoke. Therefore, most states have created a law often known as the “clean indoor air law,” which restricts workplace smoking. The law varies from state to state. Some states prohibit smoking in all workplace facilities, while other workplace facilities only prohibit smoking in some form or another.

Restrictions on smoking in the workplace may be a designated smoking area for smokers. Other restrictions may prohibit smoking in public workplaces and not in private workplaces. However, restrictions may only occur in workplaces such as restaurant dining areas and hospitals.

To find out what laws apply to your state check with the labor and health department. State laws are not the only government agency mandating smoking in the workplace. City and county governments may also set smoking restrictions within their area call ordinances. To find out what these restrictions are, contact local government offices.

Smoking in the workplace is like any other issue. Management should address this issue accommodating both the smoker and the non-smoker. Creating a policy that will have all employees in mind helps keep everyone happy.

Creating Policy

Creating a policy for smoking in the workplace requires research and co-operation from all involved. The first step is to create a committee or board that determines what the policy should state. The committee or board should include people from management and employees. However, there should be smokers and non-smokers chosen to create the policy.

Creating a questionnaire to distribute to everyone is a good start to finding out everyone’s opinions about smoking in the workplace. The questionnaire results can then be the start to creating a smoking in the workplace policy.

Other topics that should be discussed is the air quality of the building and what designated areas are the most appropriate for smoking. When determining the designated areas, keeping in mind the location of all employees and other workplace areas is an important factor with making the policy decision.

The most important criteria for implementing a smoking in the workplace policy is knowing what state, county, and city laws are on smoking. After a smoking in the workplace policy has been implemented all employees of the workplace need to be informed of the facts.

smoking in public places

2008-07-31T22:53:00.005-07:00

Arguments for Banning Smoking In Public Places

There has been an ongoing debate for years about whether or not to ban smoking in public places. Both sides of the argument have done their best to deliver compelling facts to support their opinions. No one denies that a person should be allowed to smoke if they choose to, but the problem comes when a person's smoking becomes an issue for those around them. The following are some arguments in favor of banning smoking in public places.

Health Reasons

Obviously, smoking is known to be responsible for numerous health problems and diseases in smokers. However, there's more and more information becoming available about the potential dangers of second hand smoke. Second hand smoke refers to what people are exposed to just from being around smokers. This is probably the biggest argument supporting bans on smoking in public places.

Many people are aware of and understand the dangers of smoking, and that is why they choose not to do it. However, when they are forced to be in the presence of a smoker, their bodies are being exposed to the same risks as the smoker himself. Second hand smoke will rob your body of oxygen needed for nearly all of your organs to function properly.

This puts a person at an increased risk of lung cancer, heart disease and other problems, just as if they were smoking themselves. If someone who is already not in good health is exposed to second hand smoke, the results can be potentially fatal.

Smoking in public places has an even worse effect on children, who's organs and tissue are more vulnerable to the effects. Children who are exposed to second hand smoke will experience an increased number of infections of the nose, ear and throat. These children will also have more difficulty recovering from illnesses than they would have otherwise.

Additional Arguments

Aside from the health reasons, smoking in public places also has several other negative effects. Everyone is aware of the unpleasant smell associated with smoking. Imagine being a non-smoker going out to dinner or some other event, only to find that when you get home, your clothes and even your body smell like cigarette smoke. This is highly offensive to people who are non-smokers.

Allowing smoking in public places puts everyone there in a potentially dangerous situation. Risk of injury by fire is greatly increased in places that allow smoking. The environment suffers as well, as no matter what provisions are put in place, cigarette buts always find their way to the ground or floor or whatever the case may be.

Again, no one is saying that a smoker shouldn't be able to smoke if they choose, but a little consideration for the health and well being of others would be nice. If these bans are put in place, there should still be enough opportunities for smokers to enjoy their habit without forcing others to endure the same ill effects they do.

smoking in public

2008-07-31T22:53:00.003-07:00

To Ban or Not to Ban Smoking in Public Places

In recent years a big question has arose for many people, to ban or not to ban smoking in public places. There have also been many answers to this question from both smokers and non-smokers. However, the answer still is gray and teeters back and forth from yes to no.

Making Decisions

Should smoking in public places be banned? One opinion of many is yes, it should, and a majority of these opinions are from non-smokers. The non-smokers are concerned with their health by the effects of what second hand smoke is doing to them.

By banning smoking in public places are the rights of smokers being infringed upon? Yes, because it is their right to smoke if they so choose to do so. However, if banning smoking in public places is not done, does this infringe on the non-smokers? Yes, and this is where the controversy begins.

Is there not a happy medium to make both smokers and non-smokers happy? This has been tried in the past with smoking and non-smoking sections of restaurants. But smoke travels, therefore making a non-smoker a second hand smoker. Restaurants are now non-smoking facilities as are most public places.

Government officials of states, counties and cities are all trying to figure out what is best for both groups. This will hopefully create some middle ground getting the teetering around in the gray area to become more an banned area or a not banned area.

However, business owners have the right to decide whether or not their establishment is smoking or non-smoking. These owners do have to follow the guidelines of their state, county or city on smoking in public places.

Scientific Evidence

There is scientific evidence to answer the question whether or not smoking should be banned in public places. This evidence is as followed. In the 1986 Report of the Surgeon General, as well as other studies, it was thoroughly stated that there are health hazards posed by second hand smoke.

Another report done in 1991 by that National Institute for Occupational Safety, yet again stated that second hand smoke was dangerous and that it could cause cancer. Again, in 1993, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), determined that second hand smoke was a serious health risk.

In 1997 the American Heart Association stated the scientific position on whether smoking in public should be banned or not. They believed that people should be protected from second hand smoke. Therefore, it can be concluded that science points to ban smoking in public places.

smoking facts

2008-07-31T22:53:00.001-07:00

Important Smoking Facts That You Should Know

Smoking is one of the most dangerous habits in the world, one that is unhealthy for everyone regardless of age and gender. When it comes to smoking, there are many smoking facts that you should be aware of. Even if you are not a smoker yourself it is going to be useful to you to know these smoking facts so that you will understand the dangers that are associated with the habit and never start smoking yourself.

One of the most important smoking facts that you should know is that it causes cancer. This is one fact that most people are aware of because it is so often associated with the habit. Not many people are aware however of how many different kinds of cancer smoking is associated with. There is irrefutable evidence that links cigarette smoking and cancer of various sites.

Lung cancer is the cancer that most commonly develops in smokers, and it is a cancer that starts in the body when a group of abnormal cells begins to multiply forming lumps that are better known as tumors. If left untreated lung cancer can become very dangerous, even potentially life threatening, and can even spread to other parts of the body.

Another important smoking fact is that each year the age that kids start smoking is lowering more and more. Kids begin smoking for many reasons, usually to fit into a specific crowd at school or to feel cool. They also enjoy the sensation that smoking gives them, which is largely due to the nicotine contained in tobacco smoke. Smoking facts are important to understand and if you already smoke, these facts are sure to make you want to quit as soon as possible.

Taking the First Step

If you are interested in quitting smoking, the first thing you are going to want to do is make sure you are ready. Most people who are unable to quit smoking have problems doing so because they have tried before and failed. If you have determination and willpower and know that you are ready to take on the task of quitting smoking before actually attempting it you will be much better off.

By realizing the incredible advantages and benefits you will be offering yourself by quitting smoking you are sure to gain some motivation here. Just remember to have patience and know that there are many different stop smoking aids and resources available that you can take advantage of and use to help you through this incredibly difficult process.

smoking dangers

2008-07-31T22:52:00.001-07:00

Smoking Dangers for You And Your Family

There are many smoking dangers that a person must be aware of before they even start to smoke. Not only are these smoking dangers centered on the individual smoking but it can also affect the ones that the smoker is constantly in contact with. Many smokers are not aware that they represent smoking dangers to their family and friends when they smoke in their presence frequently.

Among the many smoking dangers that an individual exposes himself to, are risks of certain cancers ranging from cancer of the mouth to cancer of the lungs. These are slow and painful cancers that can affect you without you even noticing that something is wrong until it is too late. Other smoking dangers for the smoker include bronchitis, emphysema and heart disease. Other respiratory ailments are included in the many smoking dangers that a smoker exposes himself to.

Other smoking dangers are the decrease of blood and oxygen circulation n the body as well as fatigue and difficulty in breathing. These are caused by the decreased inability of the blood to carry oxygen to the various parts of the body.

Elements of Smoking

There are several smoking dangers that are focused on the ingredients of the cigarette you smoke. Tar and nicotine are two of the dangers of smoking that will affect you as you smoke. Nicotine is highly addictive and the smoking dangers associated with it are increased heart rate and raised blood pressure. This heightens the individuals alertness and creates a sense of relaxation that disappears as quickly as the nicotine leaves the blood stream, less than and hour after smoking.

The smoking dangers of tar are associated with lung disease and other respiratory problems. Tar can damaged the tiny hair like structures in our bronchial tubes and diminish their function to trap harmful dirt and particles from entering the lungs. This can cause build up in the air passages and difficulty breathing.

Smoking also affects other people who are constantly around the person smoking. Second hand smoke can cause many respiratory ailments for those who inhale it, especially children. It is loaded with carcinogens and other deadly elements that cam be more dangerous than smoking itself.

Secondhand smoke has been associated with many childhood ailments such as mucus in the respiratory system and an increase of fluid in the ears. Children are mainly affected by secondhand smoke because they are still developing and their rate of breathing is higher than adults.

smoking

2008-07-31T22:51:00.003-07:00

Everything You Need to Know About Smoking

The health risks of tobacco smoking are truly astounding, and everyone, both smokers and non-smokers should be aware of all these risks. Everyone knows that smoking is bad for your health but not many people are aware of exactly why it is so bad for you. Nicotine, arsenic, methane, ammonia, cadmium, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and butane are all dangerous chemicals found in tobacco smoke.

Not only do these chemicals pose serious hazards to your health but smoking also makes you smell bad, gives you yellow stains on your fingers and teeth, lowers your hormone levels, and gives you wrinkles, among other things.

The Danger to Your Lungs

Almost your entire body is affected by smoking but your lungs more than anything are going to be affected. Smoking actually paralyzes the cilia that line your lungs, cilia being the little hair like structures that move back and forth to sweep the particles out of your lungs. As a result smokers are far more prone to respiratory and other infections.

How to Quit

Everyone knows how bad smoking is for them but most people start when they are young either to fit in to a certain crowd or because they like the feeling that it gives them. This good feeling is caused by the nicotine in the cigarettes but there are far more negative effects that you will experience when you smoke.

A lot of teenagers begin smoking, many of them because they think that smoking will help them to lose weight and stay thin. Although smoking is often successful in helping one to lose weight it is a very unhealthy way to do so and then whenever you do finally quit you are going to have even more trouble dealing with your weight than you did before.

If you are interested in quitting, then know that you do not have to go it alone. There are many different resources and stop smoking aids available that you can use to help you through this difficult process. Also remember that you do not have to quit overnight. Quitting this habit can take time, and so you are going to need to have patience and a lot of determination and willpower.

You can do it however, and make sure that you have a good support group around you standing by you and offering you help when you need it. Just remember to stay positive and keep in mind how much you and your family and friends are going to benefit by you quitting.

side effects of smoking

2008-07-31T22:51:00.001-07:00

Side Effects of Smoking That You Might Find Particularly Surprising

Almost everybody knows that smoking can cause heart disease and lung disease along with several other types of cancers. These are the more serious side effects of smoking that should propel smokers to quit smoking. Other side effects of smoking focus mainly on the path of the smoke as smokers inhale it such as the mouth and the lungs.

Lesser Known Side Effects of Smoking

Smoking affects our production of collagen and elastin. Collagen is one of the primary factors for elastic skin and is also a common element in tendons and ligaments. The decrease of collagen production can impair the healing of your tendons and ligaments as well as make them prone to injury. In connection to collagen and elastin, smoking also increases our susceptibility to wrinkles and sagging skin.

Nicotine, one of the main ingredients of cigarettes, can affect the blood vessels by constricting them. One of the side effects of smoking is the limiting of the supply of blood and vital oxygen to our parts of the body and bones. If a smoker breaks a bone, the healing of the bone will take longer because of the decrease of blood and oxygen supply to it.

Studies have also brought to light another side effect of smoking which is connected to age related blindness. Recent studies have shown that age related macular degeneration is most likely to happen to smokers than those who do not smoke. Many of the side effects of smoking are related to the circulatory system and the inability of the veins and blood vessels to supply enough blood all over our body.

Other side effects of smoking are the dulling of our taste buds and the decrease of our sense of smell. Tar, another ingredient in cigarettes and other tobacco products, has the ability to coat out mouth, taste buds and esophagus. Once it coats our taste buds, it lessens the taste buds’ ability to sense taste and flavor. The same side effects of smoking can also be attributed to the dulling of our olfactory nerves which can also affect our perception of food.

Although these side effects of smoking are not life threatening they can still affect your life negatively. There are studies that show a reverse of some of the side effects of smoking when the individual quits smoking. The reversal may take some time but there is improvement especially in the circulatory system.

quit smoking

2008-07-31T22:50:00.004-07:00

Quit Smoking: You Can Do It!

You can quit smoking, even though you may feel frustrated and unsure, especially if you have tried before to no avail. Smoking is an incredibly dangerous habit, one that can actually result in death if continued for an extended period of time.

If you quit smoking then you will have immediate as well as long term benefits, not only for you but for your family and friends as well. Within 12 hours of your last cigarette in fact, your body will begin to heal itself, and this is really quite impressive. This is true however, because the levels of carbon monoxide and nicotine that are in your system will begin to decline rapidly as soon as you have your last smoke, and your heart and lungs will begin to repair themselves as well.

How to Quit Smoking

Although many people think that quitting cold turkey is the worst idea because your body will go through withdrawal, it is actually the most successful method. Most people who quit smoking cold turkey do not begin smoking again later on in the future.

The problem with this method is that most people are simply not able to do it. Especially those people who have been smoking for years will find it incredibly difficult and even seemingly impossible to just quit smoking cold turkey. There are other options available to you here.

There are quite a few successful stop smoking aids that you can use to help you in your quest here. The nicotine patch is one of the most popular options and definitely one of the most successful. Nicotine patches work by providing a certain amount of nicotine to your system over an extended period of time, thereby helping to curb your cravings and deter you from having to smoke.

There are a few different companies that retail the patch, and although there are certainly differences between the various options, the basics tend to remain the same. Most brands of the nicotine patch are available in opaque and clear and are specially formulated with the patented SmartControl technology.

Another effective stop smoking aid that can help you quit smoking for good is the stop smoking gum. Nicorette is the most popular stop smoking gum, and each piece of this gum replaces some of the nicotine that your body and brain are used to getting. The level of nicotine is lower than cigarettes and helps your body to gradually adjust to a decreased amount of nicotine.

people smoking

2008-07-31T22:50:00.003-07:00

What is it That Keeps People Smoking?

There once was a time when smoking was viewed as a glamorous activity. Anyone who has ever watched an old movie has probably noticed that every scene takes place in a smoke filled room. This is because nearly every character you see has a cigarette hanging out of their mouth.

Back then, smoking was associated with being “cool” and sexy. Even women were found to be more attractive when they were smoking. Another reason there were so many people smoking is that there wasn’t as much information about the dangers and risks of smoking as there is today.

In today’s age of information, there seems to be sufficient proof of what smoking can do to your body and to those around you. For some reason, though, there seems to be just as many people smoking as there ever was. It’s interesting, when you examine some of the factors that keep people smoking.

The Inability to Quit

One of the biggest factors that keeps people smoking is the fact that they can’t quit, even if they wanted to. Cigarettes contain a drug called nicotine, which is a highly addictive stimulant that raises your heart rate and pumps adrenaline through your body. It has been said that nicotine can be as addictive as heroine and cocaine.

Just like with these other drugs, people experience withdrawal symptoms when they are no longer putting nicotine into their systems. There’s proof of that in the number of people who have spent years, in some cases, trying to quit.

Advertising

Tobacco companies have some of the most aggressive advertising campaigns out there. The main reason for this is that they have to work hard to replace the thousands of people that die each year from using their products. The bulk of their efforts are aimed at younger people who are image conscious.

They flood these people with images and pictures of attractive and “cool” people smoking. Many young people are drawn in by the idea that smoking will somehow make them popular and attractive. The thing that gives the tobacco companies the upper hand is that all they have to do is get someone to try smoking. Then they can just sit back and let the cigarettes themselves do the rest of the work.

Stress Management and Other Reasons

There are a number of other psychological factors that keep people smoking as well. Many people believe that smoking will help them stay calm in stressful situations. Other people continue to smoke because of routine or boredom. Some people will keep smoking because they’re afraid they will gain weight if they quit.

Some reasons for smoking are social in nature. If someone is in a situation where there are many people smoking, they feel more comfortable if they are smoking as well. Even when it seems like people have every reason to stop, there are several factors that will always keep people smoking, some of which are very difficult to overcome.

kids smoking

2008-07-31T22:50:00.001-07:00

The Early Era of Kids Smoking

Smoking expanded over the early decades of the 20th century mainly due to lax attitudes towards the dangers of smoking. Then again, many people were complete unaware of the dangers and since these dangers were unknown it was assumed that cigarettes were harmless.

Of course, anyone with common sense did not need to know that ingesting smoke into the lungs will have certain problems associated with it, but then there were those who did not know any better. Often, it was children who lacked the sophistication to understand this and this is why many smokers started at a young age. In some instances, tacit approval of kids smoking was sent to children in the early days of tobacco advertising.

A “Classic” Commercial

In the early 1960’s, there was once a sentimental television commercial where a young child is walking along the beach with his grandfather. The grandfather is smoking a cigar and then takes the band off the cigar and presents it to his grandson, who promptly places it on his finger.

The commercial concludes with voice over narration from the child (now an adult) reminiscing that this is how he discovered this particular brand of cigars and how his has an almost sentimental attachment to them. While this may have seemed like a benign commercial when it was first released, in retrospect we can see that such a commercial is harmful as it can directly contribute to kids smoking.

Now, if the aforementioned commercial had the potential to subliminally suggest it was ok to smoke there was another commercial that did much more than suggest. In fact, it may have been the single most devastating (or successful?) cigarette commercial in history to expand kids smoking.

This commercial was the notorious Flintstones’ Winston Cigarette commercial. This commercial had long since been forgotten until worn prints of it started airing on YouTube.com. Basically, it is a simple minded commercial featuring Fred and Barney puffing away and extolling the virtues of Winston Cigarettes. Needless to say, the use of such cartoon characters had a massive effect on kids smoking.

In today’s day and age (actually, it started in the 1970’s) there has been a protracted effort to discourage kids smoking. In fact, this effort has been so protracted that we forget about the era when it was encouraged. Now, in retrospect, we shake our heads at the thorough irresponsibility that advertisers once embodied. Mercifully, that era has been reduced.

hypnosis to stop smoking

2008-07-31T22:49:00.004-07:00

Facts About Using Hypnosis to Stop Smoking

Hypnosis is a method of relaxation. With hypnosis a person will become relaxed while focusing on a problem and a resolution to the problem. Hypnosis to stop smoking will have the mind imagine a life as a non-smoker, allowing the subconscious to think and accept this notion as the reality.

Does it Work?

There are a variety of ways for an individual to stop smoking, but does the method of hypnosis to stop smoking actually work? This method has a successful rate of double the gum and patch quit smoking methods.

However, by using hypnosis to stop smoking and another quit smoking method better results can be achieved. Hypnosis to stop smoking studies have shown that 66% of cases where people have wanted to quit smoking has worked. Unfortunately, this method may not be right for everyone.

Types of Hypnosis

There are two main types of hypnosis to stop smoking. Self-hypnosis and hypnotherapy administered by a certified hypnotherapist. Self-hypnosis is a method where an individual uses techniques to relax on their own by using specific images to quit smoking. However, this method of hypnosis to stop smoking takes longer than hypnosis by a hypnotherapist.

Hypnosis administered by a licensed hypnotherapist helps an individual to quit smoking. With this technique the hypnotherapist will get an individual relaxed by using words and images to get them to quit smoking. Most hypnosis to stop smoking programs only require one hypnosis session. However, some hypnotherapists will recommend more sessions to help defeat the smoking habit.

A third option combines the first two types of hypnosis. Using this method an individual purchases a program to listen to in the privacy of their home. This method is less expensive and gives an individual more flexibility to choose when and how often to use hypnosis to stop smoking.

Benefits

Hypnosis to stop smoking has many benefits. First, hypnosis can motivate and reinforce positive reasons for becoming or being a non-smoker. Second, hypnosis can eliminate the mind and body’s desire for the drug nicotine. The third benefit is hypnosis can prevent or completely rid an individual from having withdrawal symptoms.

Two other benefits with hypnosis is that it offers healthy ways to relax eliminating stress that may have caused the smoking habit in the first place. Hypnosis also encourages success making the individual feel he or she has accomplished a major goal. The method of hypnosis to stop smoking an individual must be open-minded, because quitting is no easy task. Habits die hard, but with hypnosis these smoking habits may be a thing of the past.

how to quit smoking

2008-07-31T22:49:00.003-07:00

Does Anyone Really Know How to Quit Smoking?

Anyone who has ever been a smoker knows how difficult it is to kick the habit. Furthermore, anyone who has successfully quit smoking will probably tell you that it took several attempts. There are innumerable resources and methods available that claim to have the secrets of how to quit smoking, but are any of them for real? Let’s take a look at a few of them and see if we can really figure out how to quit smoking for good.

Cold Turkey

This is one of the most popular methods for how to quit smoking. Basically, it involves just quitting, without any weaning or chemical aids of any kind. Although it is popular, it’s not necessarily the most successful method. Most people who smoke are addicted to the nicotine that is contained in cigarettes.

This is a highly addictive drug, and like any other drug, there are withdrawal symptoms that occur when your body is no longer getting it. When trying to quit “cold turkey”, these symptoms are quite severe, and last about two weeks. The challenge is finding ways to distract yourself from these symptoms when they occur. Many people find this very difficult and eventually give in to their cravings.

Substitution

Some people will tell you that substitution is how to quit smoking. This simply means that they replace smoking with some other activity or behavior. May people have found success by sucking on hard candy or chewing gum when the urge to smoke hits. Sometimes this will help to satisfy the oral fixation by giving your mouth something else to do. Others have substituted certain activities such as exercise in place of smoking. When they crave a cigarette, they simply go for a run or get on an exercise bike.

Patches And Medication

If you’re trying to figure out how to quit smoking, sometimes it’s helpful to consult your doctor. In many cases he or she will be able to prescribe medications that will lessen the effects of the withdrawal symptoms. This method is not always successful, though, as there is also a psychological dependence that comes with smoking, as well as the chemical dependency.

Nicotine patches are also a popular method for quitting smoking. These usually allow you to step down the amount of nicotine that goes into your system after you quit smoking. This will lessen the withdrawal symptoms when the nicotine is stopped for good.

How to quit smoking is a question that has no definite answer. The method that works for one person may be totally wrong for someone else. In the end, it depends on each individual and their specific circumstances that will determine the best option for how to quit smoking.

history of smoking

2008-07-31T22:49:00.001-07:00

A Brief Look at the History of Smoking

The history of smoking and the use of tobacco for chewing initially started around 1000 BC. The Mayans and other early civilizations in Central America are presumed to be the first ones to use the tobacco plant for this express purpose. How and why it was developed for this use is lost in the pages of the history of smoking. The use of tobacco for smoking and chewing eventually spread around the Americas, most significantly in South America and Central America.

Tobacco in Europe

The history of smoking further discloses that in 1493 AD, a certain Rodrigo de Jerez was put in jail for smoking in Spain. Jerez was supposed to be one of the colleagues of Christopher Columbus and undoubtedly he picked up the nasty habit of smoking during one of their explorations. The history of smoking notes that he was thrown in jail for three years for this offense.

In the history of smoking, three people are suspected to have brought tobacco to England. These three were Sir John Hawkins (around 1532-1595), Sir Francis Drake (1541-1596) and Richard Grenville (1542-1591). All three were mariners who traveled the seas and are the most probable to have introduced tobacco to England. In the year 1565, the history of smoking notes that the very first shipment of tobacco has reached Great Britain’s shores.

Throughout the history of smoking, tobacco has been denounced as “an invention of Satan” by King James I and the use of it a deadly sin by a Russian Czar. Other countries threatened death for anyone who smoked tobacco while other punishments were flogging.

In the year 1832, the history of smoking took a turn for paper rolled tobacco. By the early 1900’s, most of Great Britain has accepted smoking and it became a tradition in the form of an after dinner cigar. Before this, there have already been some health issues concerning smoking. The history of smoking once again notes that in the year 1964, smoking was declared to be the cause of most lung cancer.

Since then, there have been many uphill battles regarding the health of smokers and the dangers that smoking represents. There have been numerous studies regarding the harmful effects of smoking both to smokers and non smokers. Countless researches have been done to establish the role of smoking in our health yet cigarettes and other tobacco products are still available. The most that the government can do is slap a warning on the labels of cigarettes and ban the sale of cigarettes to minors.

help quit smoking

2008-07-31T22:48:00.004-07:00

What is Needed to Help Quit Smoking

Smoking is a dangerous addiction that can cause many lethal illnesses. It has been associated with heart disease, lung disease and many other respiratory and circulatory ailments in people. Many smokers would like to quit smoking but since this can be an addiction, there is a degree of dependency which can be difficult to overcome. Many need family and friends support to help quit smoking.

Family and Friends Help Quit Smoking

Many smokers tend to regress when the have tried to quit smoking. Family and friends can help quit smoking by getting the smokers mind off the cigarette and doing activities that enjoyable and fun. It would also help quit smoking if the family and friends of the smoker were to clean out their homes of cigarettes and other tobacco products that may tempt him.

In order to help quit smoking, family members can encourage the smoker when he does well and support him in this endeavor. Long time smokers need a lot of help to quit smoking since they are most likely addicted to it.

It may also be a good thing to learn more about the dangers of smoking. It will help quit smoking if the smoker is made aware of the hazards that he faces if he continues to smoke. Reading about the ways and methods to stop smoking can encourage the smoker to quit and be inspired with success stories.

The smoker may also need some medication to help quit smoking. There are some over the counter nicotine products that can help quit smoking. It would be better if the smoker will consult a medical professional in order to ask which stop smoking medication products will suit him best. Some stop smoking medication products may not be suitable for certain people so it is best to ask a doctor first.

Smokers will also need to be kept active while trying to quit smoking. Getting busy with something or an activity such as exercise can occupy his time and thoughts. Smokers first need to acknowledge that they have a problem and that they need help to quit smoking. The desire to be healthy can be a powerful tool to help quit smoking.

There are many benefits of quitting smoking, Make sure to point this out to whomever you are trying to help stop smoking. These benefits are not only for the smoker himself but also for his family and friends.

health effects of smoking

2008-07-31T22:48:00.003-07:00

The Health Effects of Smoking on the Body

Smoking is one the biggest habits that people do everyday. Therefore, the health effects of smoking are also quite large. Smoking causes the body’s general health to decline and effects almost all of the body’s vital organs. However, the most affected parts of the body include the heart, lungs, and throat.

Heart

Two main health effects of smoking occur in the heart. The first is the increased rate of the heartbeat and the second is a drastic rise in blood pressure. Both of these effects are caused by the nicotine in the cigarette from smoking. The results from both of these cause the heart to work harder. Also, carbon monoxide from the cigarettes takes away the oxygen from the body’s blood. Therefore, this also causes the heart to work harder to provide oxygen for the rest of the body.

The health effects of smoking on the heart are severe, but the major effect caused by smoking is a heart attack with prolonged cigarette smoking. This is caused by the increase of blood cholesterol and by the increase of fibrinogen levels which cause blood clots in the heart. The quicker the blood clots the higher the risk of a heart attack.

With these strains on the heart from the health effects of smoking can also cause a stroke, aneurysm, peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD). Theses health problems occur after many years of smoking.

Lungs

The health effects of smoking can damage the cells in the airways of the lungs. The tar in cigarettes is the reason for this causing the substances from being swept away with the cilia. With this type of damage, cells are produced that grow in an abnormal fashion, which produces lung cancer. Healthy cells try to fight off the abnormal cells but are attacked and destroyed by cigarette smoke.

Throat

The health effects of smoking can also lead to cancer in the throat. People who get oral or throat cancer are most always smokers. Smoking has led to 90% of people with oral or throat cancer. The more cigarettes smoked, the greater the risk of this type of cancer.

Other Health Problems

Other health effects of smoking include eye damage, blood supply to the brain, digestive problems, liver and pancreas cancer, skin and hair issues, and bone and muscle problems. Health effects of smoking are far more severe on that of a younger smoker than an older smoker.

The younger smoke has been exposed to 4000 chemicals at an early age, therefore increasing the chances of health problems in later years. Smoking will reduce the life span of a person up to an entire decade.

hazards of smoking

2008-07-31T22:48:00.001-07:00

The Ever-Increasing Hazards of Smoking

Smoking is the use of a cigarette or tobacco product which entails inhalation of the smoke it produces. Many people are addicted to smoking due to the effects the element Nicotine has on our body. The knowledge of the hazards of smoking are overcome by the intense need or craving to smoke.

It cannot be denied that there are numerous advertising campaigns extolling the hazards of smoking. In spite of these efforts, smoking is still prevalent in many adults and also under age teens. Peer pressure and curiosity play a big role in the introduction of smoking to young adults and children. Many schools have implemented teaching their students the hazards of smoking.

What We Get from Smoking

The hazards of smoking encompass many systems in our body. Among the primary systems affected by the hazards of smoking are the circulatory system and the respiratory system. As the smoker sucks in the smoke from the cigarette, it passes through the mouth and into the lungs.

From the lungs, the element nicotine is distributed along with our blood and oxygen to various parts of the body. Nicotine acts as a constrictor for the blood vessels and veins and decreases their efficacy to bring blood and necessary nourishment and oxygen.

Other hazards of smoking include the risk of suffering from a heart attack, increasing an individual’s susceptibility to heart disease and lung disease. Among the hazards of smoking that affects the lungs are bronchitis, emphysema, asthma and many others. As for the heart, the hazards of smoking present themselves as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, strokes and heart attack.

Among the many hazards of smoking, contracting cancer is among the most dreaded. Lung cancer is foremost in the list of cancers caused by smoking as well as cancer of the mouth, throat, larynx and esophagus. These are actually where the smoke itself passes as the smoker inhales it. The hazards of smoking also include several cancers that develop and attack the pancreas, kidneys, stomach, bladder and other organs.

There are actually so many hazards of smoking and more are found to be connected to smoking as time goes by. One of the most recent is the connection between age related blindness and smoking. These dangers and side effects should be enough to stop smokers from smoking but it seems that it is not so. Many adults are still smoking and children from as young as 12 years old are starting to smoke as well.

harmful effects of smoking

2008-07-31T22:47:00.003-07:00

Second Hand Smoke: One of the Harmful Effects of Smoking

Smoking is has many dangerous side effects. Among the many side effects that smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products have are cancer, heart disease and lung disease. The harmful effects of smoking can be seen commonly in the respiratory and circulatory systems of our body.

Not only is the smoker the only one at risk of the harmful effects of smoking but also those non-smokers who are in close proximity to the smoker. This is because of what some people call second hand smoke or environmental tobacco smoke.

What is Second Hand Smoke?

Second hand smoke is the ambient smoke which is exhaled by smokers and left in the room or atmosphere close to the smoker. Those around the smoker can not help but inhale this. Passive smoking also holds harmful effects of smoking for those who do not smoke.

The harmful effects of smoking through second hand smoke are relatively less than actually smoking a cigarette especially if the exposure is inconsistent and infrequent. The question now is what happens if the smoker frequently smokes indoors where the smoke can be trapped in a room and free to be inhaled by those in the same room?

This scenario happens frequently for those whose family has a smoker who smokes in their presence. The harmful effects of smoking will manifest themselves in the non-smokers due to frequent exposure to second hand smoke.

Children are highly vulnerable to the harmful effects of smoking through second hand smoke. This is because of their still developing bodies and their faster heart rate compared to adults. Many children and adults as well, with smokers in their families, develop cancers and other related diseases such as heart disease and lung disease. Not all the harmful effects of smoking through second hand smoke manifest themselves. This is due mainly to inconsistent exposure to it.

Some work areas discourage smoking during working in enclosed rooms and those areas or rooms that are not well ventilated. Many establishments have realized the harmful effects of smoking via passive smoking and are quite strict in their implementation that smokers use cigarettes and other tobacco products outdoors instead of indoors.

This will lessen the risk of other workers inhaling environmental tobacco smoke.
In spite of the not so great risk of second hand smoke, with the right conditions there is still a risk. Smoking is one of the leading causes of death that can be avoided.

facts about smoking

2008-07-31T22:47:00.001-07:00

Little Known Facts About Smoking

Most people are aware of the fact that smoking is hazardous to your health. There is an abundance of information available about the risks of lung cancer and heart disease associated with smoking. There are, however, many lesser known facts about smoking that you should be aware of.

They include additional dangers to you and those around you, to the many benefits of quitting. Aside from what we already know, there are many other facts about smoking that should be examined.

Health Risks

As stated above, most people are aware of the increased possibility of lung cancer and heart disease, but the potential problems do not end there. As a matter of fact, there are very few parts of your body that are not affected by smoking. In addition to your lungs, smoking can contribute to cancer forming in your throat, mouth, colon, stomach, cervix, and kidneys, just to name a few.

The medical facts about smoking don’t end with cancer and heart disease. A cigarette contains thousands of different chemicals, and hundreds of those are known to be poisonous. These chemicals are absorbed into your mouth, throat, skin and just about every other organ in your body.

Many of the problems associated with smoking stem from your blood and organs not receiving the oxygen they so desperately need to function properly. This lack of oxygen also affects the largest organ of your body, your skin. When your skin doesn’t receive the oxygen it needs, this will cause premature aging. Regular smokers will become wrinkled and unhealthy looking much sooner than non-smokers.

There are many facts about smoking and the effects it has on fertility in women, but men are at risk as well. It may surprise you to know that male smokers are 50% more likely to experience impotence than non-smokers. The facts about smoking around your loved ones are not very promising either.

This is especially true of children, who are much more vulnerable to second hand smoke than adults. If you smoke around your children, they are likely to experience more infections of the ears, nose and throat than they would have otherwise. They will also have a much harder time recovering from illnesses.

Children of smokers have been known to die from common ailments that they would have easily survived otherwise. It is said that around half of all regular smokers will die from an illness related to their habit. Those that do will have their life cut short by anywhere from 8-15 years.

Social and Financial Effects

There are many other facts about smoking that do not necessarily affect your health. Your appearance is also going to be damaged by smoking. In addition to the prematurely aged skin, your eyes, teeth and hair are also going to show the effects of your habit.

Smoking is as expensive as it is dangerous. The average smoker will spend about $3,000 a year on cigarettes. If you take this number and multiply it by, let’s say 20 years, imagine what could have been done with that money. Smokers will also be at a disadvantage in the workplace, as they are more likely to miss work due to illness than non-smokers.

These are just some of the facts about smoking that everyone should be aware of. The good news is, that when and if you stop smoking, the positive results will be almost immediate. Within just a few weeks, you will begin to feel your health improving. You’ll have a whole lot more money in your pocket as well.

effects of Smoking During Pregnancy

2008-07-31T22:46:00.004-07:00

The Many Effects of Smoking During Pregnancy

The effects of smoking during pregnancy are detrimental on both the woman and the child. These range from somewhat mild to very extreme. Also, the effects of smoking during pregnancy does not only effect the baby but has continual effect through childhood and possible adulthood.

Complications in the Mother

The complications that they mother may experience because of the effects of smoking during pregnancy can occur both during pregnancy and delivery. The mother can be hospitalized due to excessive vomiting, develop urinary tract infections, or have a ectopic pregnancy, which is when the fertilized egg does not grow in the correct place.

Also, the placenta can separate from the uterine wall before delivery or there can be too much amniotic fluid. Since the effects of smoking during pregnancy can cause the mother to have a miscarriage or a stillbirth, psychological problems, such as depression, can arise. Finally, death of the mother can occur due to hemorrhage during childbirth.

Complications in the Child

The effects of smoking during pregnancy on a child can be assigned into four categories. The four categories are size, genetic abnormalities, illnesses possibly developed later in childhood, and death.

The size of the newborn is greatly altered due to smoking for two reasons. The first of the two is preterm delivery. Second, the size is altered because rather than nutrients crossing the placenta, chemicals such as nicotine and carbon monoxide reach the baby. Without the nutrients, the baby is often underweight, which increase his or her chances of becoming ill.

The effects of smoking during pregnancy can also cause genetic abnormalities. The abnormalities can be cleft lip and cleft palate. Also, bowel problems can be experienced. Abnormalities can also occur in sensory systems such as the eyes and ears. More severe consequences are also seen. These include spinal cord problems, cerebral palsy, and mental retardation.

Consequences can also develop later in childhood. In early childhood, respiratory problems, such as asthma, can be seen. Also, behavior disorders often times develop in toddlers. Other consequences can be seen in adolescents, which include increased likelihood of smoking themselves. The worst consequence of the effects of smoking during pregnancy is sudden infant death syndrome, which is also known as SIDS.

The effects of smoking during pregnancy is a major issue that women, men, parents, and children have to deal with. These effects not only touch the lives of mothers and the fetus but the newborn baby, toddler, and then the teenager in the future, with possible problems as an adult.

effects of smoking

2008-07-31T22:46:00.003-07:00

Learning About the Harmful Effects of Smoking

Smoking is one of the most dangerous habits you can have and definitely one of the worst things you can do for your health. There are a number of short and long term effects of smoking, all of which should be well understood not only by smokers but by non-smokers as well so that they will understand what the dangers are and be sure never to start smoking.

Short Term

There are many short term and even immediate effects of smoking that a smoker will experience. In fact, just from one cigarette alone, even if it is the person’s very first cigarette, can cause their blood pressure to elevate and their heart rate to quicken.

Their blood flow to body extremities will be decreased and they may also experience dizziness and nausea. Smokers have to deal with a lot of aesthetic issues as well, as they typically experiences reduced fitness, yellow stains on fingers and teeth, and smell like smoke even though they may not be able to smell it themselves.

Long Term

There are also many long term effects of smoking. This includes shortness of breath, increased nervousness and tension, agitation, trouble concentrating, changes to sleep pattern, and various cancers, namely lung cancer. Emphysema, heart attack and coronary disease, cancer of the lung, throat, mouth, bladder, kidney, pancreas, cervix, stomach, all of these are long term effects that many smokers will experience.

Everyone knows how bad smoking is, but it is incredibly addictive and so even people who want to quit find it very difficult to do so. If you are one of these people then you should know that you do not have to go it alone. There are many stop smoking aids available these days that you can use to help you through this, including the stop smoking patch, gum, and pill.

The effects of smoking will vary from person to person but all you need to know is that there are no good effects of smoking. There is nothing positive that can come from smoking and so if you do already smoke you should consider quitting as soon as possible.

Besides the stop smoking aids that you can buy there are also stop smoking courses and classes that you can attend which will be useful to you here, and hypnosis is also a very popular option. Whichever method of treatment you use to help you stop smoking, the main thing is that you are taking steps towards quitting and this is what really matters above all else.

effects of cigarettes smoking

2008-07-31T22:46:00.001-07:00

The Harmful Effects of Cigarette Smoking

Probably there is no one on the face of this earth that does not know about the harmful effects of cigarette smoking; nevertheless smokers are ironically a significant portion of the population around us. When you are smoking cigarettes, it means you are at risk of taking over 4000 harmful chemicals in your body. All the components of cigarette smoking interfere adversely with the normal functioning of the human body. The effects of cigarette smoking are fatal and extensive and our population is actually at risk due to cigarette smoking.

Nicotine

The harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke pass through the body and damages are occurred in different ways. Nicotine, the most common component of cigarette smoking, arrives at the brain region in less than 10 seconds and affects different areas of human body. A breastfeeding woman is at higher risk for cigarette smoking and the effects of cigarette smoking are more dangerous to the infant. Carbon monoxide, originated from cigarette smoking, combines with hemoglobin within the red blood corpuscles which inhibit the process of oxygen transportation throughout the cells.

Carcinogens

Carcinogens, one of the most significant compounds of cigarette smoke, are the cancer causing agents, which can alter or damage the structure of genes which are responsible for growth of the cells. The result is either excessive abnormal production of cells or inhibition of cells. Either of the conditions is harmful and can place the individual towards higher level of susceptibility for developing different types of cancer. The effects of cigarette smoking are also quite profound on the immune system and respiratory system.

However, the damages are not so limited; rather the effects of cigarette smoking are quite vast and deep-rooted. One of the most complex effects of cigarette smoking is the formation of oxidative stress that mutates DNA. It eventually leads to chronic lung injury. However, it is assumed that the oxidative stress is an important symptom related to the aging process, cigarette smoking may accelerate the process. Advanced stages of oxidative stress may lead to the development of various types of cancer, cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Normally, our body produces a certain level of antioxidants which aids in repairing damaged cells, preventing the production of free radicals etc. Cigarette smoking directly interferes with this natural process and aids in the production of free radicals itself. So, prolonged smoking leads to accelerating degree of ageing process. Chronic inflammation can be considered as one of the serious effects of cigarette smoking, which also accelerates the oxidative process.

dangers of smoking

2008-07-31T22:45:00.003-07:00

It is Important to Recognize the Dangers of Smoking

When it comes to the issue of the dangers of smoking, there are many different factors that need to be taken into consideration here. Smoking kills, most people know this, but it can also cause an array of other health conditions as well during the time that you do have left. Even if you do not smoke, it is a good idea to be aware of the dangers of smoking so that you will be sure never to start.

The Danger

There are many dangers of smoking that should be known. The effects of smoking will vary from one person to another, depending on a few factors. Age, gender, a person’s susceptibility to the chemicals in tobacco smoke, and the number of years the person has been smoking, all of these are going to be major factors in terms of how damaging smoking is going to be on someone.

There are certain immediate dangers of smoking including and even smoking just one cigarette raises a person’s blood pressure and heart rate. The brain and nervous system activity is also stimulated immediately and a smoker may also experience dizziness and nausea just from a single cigarette alone.

In terms of more long term dangers of smoking, there are many as well. Smokers have an increased risk of developing a variety of illnesses and health conditions, including respiratory infections such as pneumonia and chronic bronchitis, heart attack and coronary disease, stomach ulcers and coronary disease.

They tend to experience gasping and shortness of breath and have trouble participating in any sort of physical activity. There are also withdrawal symptoms that a smoker will experience if they decrease the amount that they smoke or try to quit smoking altogether. They may begin to feel nervous or tense, agitated, and experience headaches, cravings, coughs, and changes to sleep patterns.

Smoking is a very dangerous and unhealthy habit, one that should be quit as soon as possible. Smoking is dangerous to everyone regardless of their age or sex, and can cause an alarming number of short and long term effects. If you do smoke, you should take every step necessary to quit for once and for all.

Quitting smoking is not only going to benefit you but your family and friends as well because you will not be bringing secondhand smoke around them after you have quit. It may sound difficult but there are many stop smoking aids out there that you can use to help you get through the process.

cigar smoking

2008-07-31T22:45:00.001-07:00

Is Cigar Smoking a Safe Alternative to Cigarettes?

People are trying everything you can imagine to kick the habit of cigarette smoking. They substitute a number of different things to help them quit, such as gum, candy and others. Many people have been able to quite smoking cigarettes by taking up cigar smoking.

For years, people have assumed that smoking cigars is a safer alternative to cigarettes. This isn’t the only reason cigar smoking is gaining in popularity. Just like with cigarettes, years ago, there is an image associated with cigar smoking.

More and more people are smoking cigars today than ever before, especially younger to middle aged men. An increasing number of women are even getting into the act. In some circles, cigar smoking is a type of status symbol.

Whatever the reason, people generally feel like they are not doing as much harm to their bodies with cigars as they would with cigarettes. There is also a belief that cigars are not as addictive as cigarettes. Cigars are typically not inhaled, as cigarettes are, so one would assume that these claims are true. If you look a little deeper, though, there is more to cigar smoking than meets the eye.

Cigar Addiction

Can you be addicted to cigars? The answer may surprise you. Nicotine is the component of cigarette smoke that makes them so highly addictive. Research shows that cigars contain many times the amount of nicotine that is found in cigarettes. Cigars have enough nicotine in them to become addicted from smoking just one a day.

Health Risks

Again, since there is no inhalation, people believe cigar smoking eliminates the risk of certain cancers that are caused by cigarette smoking. It is true that your risk of lung cancer will be reduced, but cigars are associated with different kinds of cancer.

Since the smoke is usually held in the mouth or throat, the risk of oral or throat cancer is greatly increased over that of cigarette smoking. Instead of being sucked into the lungs, all of the nicotine and cancer causing agents are being absorbed into the mouth and throat. Cigar smoking also increases your risk of heart disease.

Another reason people are misled about the dangers of cigar smoking is that the manufacturers are not required to put warnings on the packaging like cigarettes. It’s easy to see why someone would assume they are better off with cigars. However, after you look at the facts, you are in just as much danger, and in some cases more than you would be by smoking cigarettes.

benefits of quitting smoking

2008-07-31T22:44:00.002-07:00

The Many Benefits of Quitting Smoking

There are many benefits of quitting smoking, and many of these occur on the very day that you smoke your last cigarette. Smoking is usually confined to cigarettes and tobacco while others smoke unconventional cigarettes such as pot.

Many people do not understand how they become addicted or chained to smoking and believe that they can quit smoking any time they want to. This is not the case, however, for many people. Many are addicted to nicotine and the craving for it can be as serious as drug addiction.

What You Reap From Quitting Smoking

There are so many benefits of quitting smoking. Among these are decreased pulse rate and decreased blood pressure. You also minimize your risk of having a heart attack when you stop smoking. As weeks of quitting smoking goes by, you might notice that you walk or move better due to increased circulation of your blood and oxygen. The improvement of your lung capacity is one of the benefits of quitting smoking that you will appreciate when you will have no difficulty breathing when you quit.

Other benefits of quitting smoking which you may notice after a few months of doing so are improvements in your cough, less feeling of fatigue, less sinus congestion and not having or less episodes of shortness of breath. These benefits of quitting smoking concentrate more in your respiratory system where smoking hits first.

Long Term Benefits of Quitting Smoking

Basically, the benefits of quitting smoking can be immediately felt and seen within a few months of quitting. The long term benefits of quitting smoking are the decrease of cancer risks in the lungs, the mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, kidney and bladder. The individual’s possible risk of ulcers is also decreased within several years of quitting smoking.

Long term benefits of quitting smoking are also the decrease of your risk of possible death connected to smoking and the decrease of your susceptibility to coronary heart diseases. Your system will basically be as good as those who have never smoked at all within fifteen years of stopping smoking.

These benefits of quitting smoking are very real and so are the dangers that accompany smoking. Smokers must realize that they do not only affect themselves but also their family and friends when they expose them to second hand smoke. Many smokers do not extend their thinking to the aspect that they can be responsible for other people’s health when they smoke.

anti smoking posters

2008-07-31T22:44:00.001-07:00

Perceptions of Anti Smoking Posters

Anti smoking posters are found just about everywhere we look, from classrooms to billboards to city buses we ride on. These posters feature an array of pictures and drawings with the attempt to change the minds and attitudes of both children and adults from smoking or to stop smoking.

These anti smoking posters often dive deep into the emotional and psychological aspects of the human race. One such type of poster is that of a small child on the poster which pulls at the heartstrings of many smokers who have children. These posters are meant to open the eyes of parents.

By using negative messages on anti smoking posters describing cigarettes as dangerous and life threatening the posters make cigarettes seem unattractive. There are also anti smoking posters that take a stand on morals and social values and personal responsibilities are threatened by smoking.

Celebrities

Many celebrities are featured on anti smoking posters. The reason for this is they are well known in society. Celebrities are looked upon as heroes. Women and men alike desire to be like them. Therefore, if the celebrity is not smoking then this may also be appealing to those who want to be just like their favorite celebrity.

Often times anti smoking posters can be made into television commercials. By turning them into television commercials, the amount of people who see them increases exponentially. This makes these anti smoking posters even more effective than before.

These posters are often turned into television commercials often times feature celebrities and pro athletes. However, ordinary kids ranging in age are also sometimes used. The reason behind this is that it works as a reversal of peer pressure. If peers are participating in anti smoking posters and commercials, then they want to join in on the anti smoking craze.

Schools

These posters are displayed in schools to help start children off right by encouraging them not to smoke. Many schools have programs that enforce this non-smoking behavior. Along with these programs many schools have contests so children may participate in creating their anti smoking posters.

Anti smoking posters and posters in general have been wonderful tools in shaping how the public views and believes. Words on a piece of paper or a magazine may be forgotten as time goes on. However, a poster is and will leave a lasting impression in the minds of many. Anti smoking posters are put in locations so the most eyes will see in hopes to change attitudes and beliefs.

Anti-Smoking

2008-07-27T16:51:00.001-07:00

Success and Failure in Anti-Smoking Campaigns

There have been a number of highly publicized anti-smoking campaigns over the years and some have been more successful than others. The reason for this is that if the psychology of the anti-smoking message is poorly constructed then it will not have the desired effect on those who hear it.

Simply throwing out an anti-smoking message does not mean that the message will be effective. There are a number of elements to embody and then there are elements to avoid. Of all the elements to avoid, a top down preachy postulating message will generally be a complete failure.

Avoid Preaching, Avoid Self-Parody

If there ever was any solid advice that could be given towards a successful anti-smoking program it would to avoid being preachy. Yes, there will be those anti-smoking materials that are sincere in their preachy nature but what needs to be understood here is that when a message is overly preachy it borders on parody. This was a common problem found in the mental hygiene films of the 1950’s and 1960’s.

Now, if your goal is to make people take your message serious what would it be if the people watching the message were laughing at it. Instead, the effect of such messages will be the opposite of the desired result. If you are trying to position smoking as dangerous, but do so in a manner that is ridiculous then people (particularly young ones) will assume that smoking is not dangerous and in not something to worry about. Hence, they may even take up the habit of smoking.

Taking a Better Approach

When it comes to presenting a successful message it would be a far better idea to state facts in an understated manner while being creative at the same time. One of the legendary commercials in this manner was the famous "This is your brain on drugs" commercial of the 1980’s.

In terms of anti-smoking commercials, the recent biting public service announcements that attack the duplicity of the cigarette industry have had a devastating effect on the ability of the tobacco companies to effectively target younger customers. Again, it was a mix of facts, creativity and seriousness that made those campaign successful and not self important silliness.

Of course, there is no specific style of public service announcement that will automatically yield success, but there are certain methods that have proven to have been successful in the past. As such, these methods should be maintained.

Adolescent Smoking

2008-07-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

Preventing Adolescent Smoking Among Our Children

Many researches and studies have shown that smoking can kill. It is with this thought that many parents wish their children not to acquire the nasty habit of smoking. Since smoking is an addiction many smokers start their smoking as adolescent smoking. Many factors have been attributed to the increase of adolescent smoking recently.

Factors of Adolescent Smoking

Adolescent smoking is often attributed to peer pressure and bad role models. Many people would agree that these two are among the leading causes of adolescent smoking. Peer pressure can be difficult for young people to handle and they often give in to adolescent smoking just to fit in or to be noticed. Having bad role models to look up to is also one reason why violence is prevalent among young people.

There are several ways to guide your children to avoid adolescent smoking and among these is to be open with your children and encourage them to open up to you the parents. Being able to freely talk to their parents can build confidence in children.

It also lessens the urge to rebel which can be quite strong during the teenage years. Often, it is in the way that parents talk down to their children instead of talking with them that provokes he rebel in them.

Children will also benefit from knowing the awful truth about smoking and the effects that adolescent smoking can have on their future. Talking to them and explaining about the hazards of smoking can open their eyes and make them scared to try adolescent smoking.

It is good to protect them sometimes but there are times that protecting our children would mean they should be aware of the truth. Making them aware that they have a choice to be healthy and not sick due to adolescent smoking can make them resist smoking.

Encouraging sports and other outdoor activities that enable them to be healthy and strong can also curb adolescent smoking among our children. Giving them something to do with their family and close friends will give them little time to try out smoking. It would also be a good idea to support your child and build up her confidence to enable her to stand up to peer pressure.

Adolescent smoking should be discouraged because the younger children and adults have developing bodies which may not develop as well as those who do not smoke. Children are also very susceptible to sicknesses and other ailments that may be caused by smoking.