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Many of us have the habit of surfing the web each day just to read news, articles, and stories. Some are even subscribing to blog sites to receive daily updates and information. Because of its growing popularity, many health groups and associations are making use of blogs to disseminate information to the general public on how to live a healthy lifestyle.

Quitting smoking is not easy but it’s not impossible. With the right information and motivation from others, every smoker can succeed to bust off this destructive habit. Read on to know the top 10 smoking blogs that you can get useful information from:

1. iquit-smoking (iquit-smoking.com/quit-smoking-blog)
This is a collection of posts written by Matt who has successfully quit smoking and now wants to help you quit. Matt will inspire many others who want to finally stop smoking but can’t.

2. Quit Smoking for Good (smokersblog.org)
We all know that smoking is bad for our health but despite the fact that it is, many of us can’t quit. This blog contains loads of articles about cigarette smoking and how it can be stopped. You’ll find informative posts and inspiring stories. If there are people who can give you the best advice on quitting smoking, they would be those who experienced the same.

3. Smoking Cessation (quitsmoking.about.com)
About.com is a very popular website that presents reliable articles on different niches. The Smoking Cessation presents comprehensive information about smoking. Other than the personal stories, you will see blogs that are posted by general practitioners, counselors, and experts in the field. If you want to know the medical and alternative ways of quitting smoking, you may want to take a look at this blog site.

4. Ciggy Free (ciggyfree.com)
When you’re ready to stop, this blog is all about helping you quit the old bad habit. It’s like Daily Mail that focuses on current news about cigarette smoking. Here, you’ll find a collection of highly informative articles featuring new studies and research.

5. Quit Cigs 4 Free (quitcigs4free.com)
This blog gives you access to free and unlimited resources and tips on quitting smoking. Smokers have different ways on kicking the bad habit. Some are able to stop smoking by simply throwing their cigarettes while others would still need to undergo NRT and all other expensive treatments.

6. Quit Smoking Place (QuitSmokingPlace.com)
Another great place to go for quit smoking blogs is the Quit Smoking Place, where you can read news and information on the consequences of smoking and the benefits you can get from quitting smoking.

7. Stop Smoking Now for Life (stop-smoking-now-for-life.com)
When you stop smoking, you want it to be for good. This blog site provides regular posts to encourage smokers to quit and help people who wanted to give up smoking for life. Readers are free to submit their comments too.

8. Quitsmoking-blog.com (quitsmoking-blog.com)
This website has a lot of updated blogs and articles. You can also request for a regular subscription through your email address. Just like some of the blogs mentioned here, it presents a combination of stories and news on quitting smoking.

9. Quit Guide (quitguide.com)
This blog gives a bunch of information on varying methods of quitting smoking. It has different blog categories including teens, adults, pregnancy smoking, and so on. To subscribe blogs, there’s no need to provide your email address. You just have to copy and paste the URL to your RSS feeder.

10. Quit Smoking Timeline (quitting-smoking-timeline.com)
Quitting smoking is more than a personal choice. For you to succeed, you really need help from other people – friends, family, and all others who have experienced the same situation. This blog site doesn’t only give you helpful information on quitting smoking. It also guides you on the step by step process involved in quitting.

If you or someone you know is going through the same difficulty of quitting smoking, you can always find a reason to pursue just by reading blogs. Information is the key towards a healthier and happier life.

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When you smoke, the first organ-system that is most severely affected is your respiratory system and particularly your lungs. Every time you smoke, your lungs become black with tar. Studies show that after 3 years of continuous smoking, you increase your risk of lung cancer by 99.9%!
The good news is that…Well, it isn’t too late to quit smoking, and if you do your lungs will be restored. Read on to know the magnificent changes that occur in your lungs after quitting smoking.

1. Your lung condition improves.
The positive effects of quitting smoking take place hours after you stop. Your blood pressure goes back to normal and the flow of oxygen is regulated. Three months after you quit smoking, the condition of your lungs will improve. The risk of infections will also decrease.

2. Your lungs will clear out excess mucus.
Within 24 hours, your lungs will be 100% free from carbon monoxide. Did you know that carbon monoxide is the very same gas that is pumped out by your car exhaust? That’s true! And the moment it is eliminated from the lungs, excess mucus or any smoking debris will be washed out. You will not anymore experience the smoking cough.

3. New cells will develop in the linings of the lungs.
Cigarette smoke contains thousands of harmful chemicals that destroy healthy cells. In three months of quitting smoking, new cells will form, restoring your lungs back to its original condition.

4. Cilia are restored.
Cilia are the tiny protrusions in your lungs that screen out all toxins and other substances that may damage your lungs. Cilia are the first that get destroyed when you smoke. But after 72 hours, these hair-like filters will start repairing and growing themselves and will continue to protect your lungs.

5. Your lung function improves.
After 9 months of quitting smoking, your lung function improves by 5%. According to the John Hopkins University, the lung function of people suffering from pulmonary disease improves when they stop smoking. The symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath will be reduced if not alleviated.

6. The risk of oral and tuberculosis cancer is reduced.
After five years of quitting smoking, smokers become less prone to some types of cancer concerning the lungs and other respiratory diseases. The risk of tuberculosis and oral cancer is also reduced. Such risk continues to decline if smokers will continue quitting.

7. The risk of lung cancer is reduced by 50%.
Within ten years of not smoking, the risk of lung cancer is cut by 50%. If you are a mild smoker, your lungs would have less damage so even within just a few months or years after you quit smoking, the risk of developing lung cancer will be greatly reduced.

8. It rejuvenates.
Did you know that the lungs are the only organs in the body that regenerate? Continuous smoking cessation coupled with proper diet and exercise will restore your lungs to normal.

9. Damaged tissues is be repaired.
Years after quitting smoking, the damaged tissues caused by the chemicals coming from the cigarette smoke will be repaired. As a result, the capacity of your lungs will get better.

10. You and your lung chances of staying healthy and living longer increase.
In fifteen years, your risk of lung cancer drops to one-half that of continuing smokers. And your risk of coronary artery disease is now similar to that of people who have never smoked.

BONUS:
11. Better than Viagra.
Your aerobic and exercise capacity improves and you'll feel 'frisky' like a young kid again. Lungs play a vital role in your body. They deserve your care and love too. It’s not yet too late.

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During the first few days after quitting your body will go through changes as it adjusts to the absence of nicotine and other toxins.  Reactions vary, being very mild for some people and more distracting for others.  Following are common symptoms and how to deal with them:

Fatigue—Nicotine is a stimulant so people often feel drowsy when it is first taken away.  Allow yourself to get extra sleep, even take naps if possible, as your body adjusts.  Taking walks or other light aerobic activities also keep your energy level up.

Headaches and Dizziness—Dizziness comes with increased levels of oxygen in the brain.  Oxygen is good, but it takes a period of time for you to adjust.  Headaches and dizziness is also associated with a greater sensitivity to caffeine when you’ve quit smoking.  Try to cut back on caffeine and experiment with relaxing herbal teas.

Insomnia—sometimes people have difficulty sleeping—this will pass.

Irritability, Nervousness, Difficulty Concentrating—These normal reactions will pass as your body adjusts to the absence of nicotine.  If you let families and friends know, they will be forgiving if you let your irritability overflow.

Coughing—As your lungs start to clear out you may find that you are coughing more than usual.

Sore throat—In the absence of the numbing effect of smoke, you may become more aware of how your throat has been irritated.

Constipation—Drink plenty of fluids, eat foods with fiber (try a Bran cereal), eat fresh fruits and vegetables, and make sure you have daily physical activity.

Positive Physical Changes After You Quit

This is the exciting part.  After you quit your body gets much healthier in a matter of weeks!

Here is a play-by-play account of what happens:

20 to 30 minutes after your last cigarette: blood pressure and heart rate drop to normal levels.

8 hours after:  carbon monoxide levels in the blood go down and oxygen levels go up.

24 hours after:  your risk of heart attack and stroke decreases significantly.

48 hours after:  senses of taste and smell start improving.

72 hours after:  breathing becomes easier.

2 weeks to 9 months:  coughing decreases, sinus congestion decreases, physical activities such as walking are easier, lungs are working better.

1 year:  risk of heart disease drops significantly.

5 years:  risk of mouth, throat and esophageal cancer decreases significantly.

5 to 15 years:   stroke risk decreases significantly.

10 years: risk of lung cancer reduces significantly.

15 years: risk of heart disease and risk of death is almost at the same level as for those who haven’t smoked.

It’s amazing how the body can restore itself.  These are the significant health rewards for relieving your body of nicotine exposure.

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Choose a day that will allow you to cope with withdrawal symptoms such as irritability and restlessness.  Plan for a stress-free day, yet have activities lined up that will keep you distracted—perhaps an outing with family or friends; a massage; or a spa day.  A long weekend or a short vacation time might be perfect timing, or if your workplace is smoke-free, being busy at work may be best for you.

Preparations for the Quit Date

Now you have a quit date you have work to do!

• If you haven’t already, look at your smoking patterns, identify triggering situations and how you will cope without smoking.  If you have tried to quit before, pay special attention to the challenges you encountered.

• Talk to friends and family and enlist their support.  You might also seek out a smoking cessation helpline for back-up during your early days of quitting.

• Have special treats on hand such as your favorite fruits, sunflower seeds, vegetables and other low-calorie snacks; plan to drink lots of water and other beverages with no caffeine and low sugar content.

• Have a supply of  sugarless gum.

• If you smoke more than a pack a day, you may want to consider aids such as nicotine gum or patches.  I would suggest talking with your doctor about how to best use these aids and gradually wean yourself off them.

Your Last Smoke

Once your quit day is chosen, the previous day will include your “last smoke”.  Take the opportunity to consciously smoke the last one and throw away all lighters, cigarettes, and ashtrays. Remember to empty handbags and pockets.  If you are so inclined, you can make the process into a ritual, reaffirming to yourself what you are moving away from and what you are bringing into your life.  Promise yourself that you will do your best to never smoke again…not even a puff.

General Tips for Your First Weeks of Quitting

• Remember you are detoxifying.  Notice positive changes as the nicotine leaves your body.  Notice how smoking urges do not last long and get shorter over time.
• Drink plenty of fluids (avoiding sugar, caffeine and alcohol).
• Get lots of rest.
• Take walks
• Enjoy showers and baths.
• Avoid places where you will be exposed to smoke.
• Reward yourself regularly—go to a movie, go shopping, do things you enjoy.
• Congratulate yourself repeatedly.

photo credit: zdaz14

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Even in tiny amounts the presence of secondhand smoke nullifies all efforts of creating a healthy environment for the mother and  her baby. A healthy environment is necessary for a healthy pregnancy. Proper diet and exercise are not enough to make sure that the mother and her child are safeguarded from possible risks and complications brought about by pregnancy.

Don't Be Average
A typical house environment is already prone to harmful chemicals coming from the house itself, from the furniture, air freshener, appliances, and so on. If secondhand smoke is present in your environment then you’re feeding your child more toxic wastes and chemicals. If you expose yourself to cigarette smoke coming from other people, both you and your baby are suffering the consequences. This is the reason why pregnant women are highly discouraged to smoke and encouraged to stay away from people who smoke. If your partner or any member of your family smokes at home, you should tell them about your condition and how it can affect your child. As much as possible, you must stay away from these people.

CDC advise on Secondhand Smoke During Pregnancy
According to the Center for Disease Control, women who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to deliver babies with low birth weight. The risk is 20% higher than the risk to women who don’t smoke or don’t get exposed to passive smoking. Moms who are exposed to passive smoking run the risk of developing respiratory infections such as bronchitis which is dangerous in pregnancy since it can lead to pneumonia and death. Another risk associated to secondhand smoke is the poor development of the child’s immunity to fight diseases. Babies born by mothers who have been exposed to secondhand smoke have an increased chance of dying from SIDS or sudden infant death syndrome.

Effects of Secondhand Smoke on Mother and Child
These lethal effects of smoking to the unborn can be attributed to the toxin consumption of the baby. It is said that when a pregnant woman smokes, her baby smokes also. This is not a cliché or a catchy marketing phrase. This is absolutely true. Basically, everything the mother takes goes through the umbilical cord and into the placental region where the baby’s being developed. And even if the mother doesn’t smoke but she’s exposed to passive smoking, she takes in harmful chemicals that are passed along to the fetus.

The possible health side effects on babies exposed to passive smoking are actually higher than with babies whose mothers actively smoked during pregnant. So it is important that you make every effort to keep yourself in a healthy and smoke-free environment. Your pregnancy may call for so many dos and don’ts and ask that you religiously observe them. While it can be challenging to do so, there’s a great reward that is waiting in the end – a normal, risk-free delivery, of YOUR healthy baby!
photo credit: olga.palma

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Zyban was the first non-nicotine drug to be used to help people stop smoking. This drug contains chemical derivatives of a stimulant drug known as amphetamine and is also used as a drug to treat depression.

It is said that cigarette smoking causes one out of six deaths by making smokers susceptible to many illnesses. This is why a lot of research and development goes into making medicines that can help smokers stop smoking and stop their addiction. Smoking kills more people than:

1. HIV (AIDS),
2. drug abuse,
3. car accidents, and
4. homicides.

There are currently three types of medicines used to stop smoking:

1. nicotine replacements meds,
2. Zyban, and
3. Chantix.

Since nicotine replacements still contain nicotine, those who want to avoid nicotine are left with only two choices: Zyban and Chantix.

Zyban (ZYBAN)
Zyban binds to certain receptors in the brain known as dopamine receptors and inhibits the reuptake of a stimulating brain chemicals known as norepinephrine. It also blocks nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, the receptors to which the nicotine from cigarette smoke binds.

However, some dangerous side effects of Zyban are

1. seizures,
2. confusion,
3. chest pains,
4. muscle and joint pains and
5. irregular heartbeats.

With these unpleasant side effects in mind, scientists began to look to discover other drug to stop smoking that did not have these side effects. Chantix is an example of such a drug. Chantix works by binding to the nicotine receptors in the brain to relieve the craving and withdrawal symptoms one feels when one stops smoking.

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Tobacco cessation at any point during pregnancy can yield important health benefits for the mother and the baby. -U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)

Whenever a person smokes, only 15% of the harmful chemicals are inhaled by that person. 85% of it goes to the air, affecting other people. According to studies, a person who spends two hours in a room where someone is smoking inhales smoke which is equivalent to 4 sticks of cigarettes! That’s about one cigarette every half an hour.

If you’re pregnant, you don’t want to expose yourself to secondhand smoke as it will directly affect your baby. Whatever health risk you might get out of smoking, your child also gets the same. The only difference is that your baby doesn’t have enough immunity to fight the harmful chemicals that can cause varying diseases including brain defects, cancer, respiratory infections, and heart problems.
photo credit: CarbonNYC

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Socrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira (1954 – 2011)

Just learned of a great childhood hero who died relatively young at age 57. Socrates a charismatic and talented brazilian futbol player was also known to be an unwavering cigarette user.
I am a little late in learning the news of his passing but no less moved by his loss and what he represented in the futbol world.

Adeus, doutor!

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What Steve Jobs is saying here? He wants you to know that all it takes sometimes is the willingness to ask for help. But a lot of us don't want to risk even that much. What is the worst that could happen? That the help you asked is refused and you continue to smoke. So what?
Keep asking until you get the help you need. Don't be afraid and take the chance.

Don't forget to subscribe by email here and never miss an update.
Email me any time with comments, questions, or suggestions at: drantoniohowell [at] drantoniohowell.com

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There are plenty of evidences that smoking can be bad for your health. Majority of the chemicals found in cigarette smoke are toxic. Each year, there are over 3,000 people who die from passive smoking alone. On a larger scale, millions of people all over the world die because of cigarette smoking. If you are pregnant or you’re planning to have a child, you should take this opportunity to quit smoking. This way, you can prevent any possible effects of smoking to your child.

How smoking affects the life of the unborn has been the focus of many studies for the past years. While there’s still a lack of scientific evidences that measure how much exactly is the effect of smoking to the baby, experts have pointed out several scenarios that may happen to the unborn children whenever their mothers smoke. These include physical defects, underdeveloped organs, and a wide variety of illnesses that can sometimes result to infant death.

Low Birth Weight
According to research, one pack of cigarettes can reduce your baby’s weight by half a pound. Just imagine how much will your child weigh if you smoke an average of 20 cigarettes (one pack) a day all through your pregnancy. The reason behind the low birth weight is the insufficiency of oxygen, nutrients, and minerals that the unborn needs to survive. Every time you smoke, a large amount of nicotine is carried by your blood to all parts of your body including the umbilical cord, the tube that is connected to your child. The umbilical cord serves as the life support of the baby. It’s like a dextrose that carries the oxygen and nutrients to the child. But when you smoke, nicotine creates a spasm on your umbilical cord, making it hard for the blood to enter the placenta. This condition leads to the deprivation of the food and oxygen to the unborn. Babies who are born with weight less than 5.5lbs are considered at low birth weight.

Increased Chance of Cancer and Tumors
In an in-depth report made by Daily Mail, it was revealed that active smoking can increase the possibility of the unborn having cancer or tumors later in life. The harmful chemicals found in tobacco can adversely affect cell growth and may cause cell mutations and cell abnormalities. As this happens, the unborn becomes susceptible to any kind of cancer. In a study made by a group of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, it was found that the cell mutation that is caused by cigarette smoke creates oncogene – a gene that actually transforms healthy cells to cancerous tumors. According to the research head Dr Stephen Grant, the occurrence of oncogene doesn’t just happen with active smoking but with passive smoking as well.

Vascular Disease
Infants that are born by women who smoke have an increased chance of developing heart diseases and related complications. Nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, and all other chemicals that are brought by the cigarette smoke can cause huge damage on the placenta, causing it to separate from the uterus lining. This condition will make it much harder for the mother to transport oxygen and food to her baby. Many studies found that smoking makes the placenta look much older than it normally would. This causes great distress to the unborn which leads to heart problems. The mother may also experience vaginal bleeding, premature birth, and some other complications.

It’s not too late to Quit!
If you’re a smoker and you’re carrying a child inside your womb at this very moment, it’s never too late to quit. Hope this information will make you understand how important it is to get the monkey off your back. When you feel like you can’t quit smoking, just think of your child. For sure, he or she doesn’t want to smoke this early. Every unborn child is gifted with the instinct of survival. They may not have the intelligence yet to determine which is wrong from right. But they definitely know one thing – they want to live. Just like you.

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Embarrasment is not enough of a word to describe what I feel about this ad. But don't let our mistake be yours too. Well all make mistakes and have to live with the consequences of them. But you do not need to shoulder our mistake anymore. I am here to un-officially let you know that the views shared on this 1950s advertisement is no longer shared by the medical establishment. We the medical establishment would like you to avoid, no run like hell away from cigarettes. Thank you.

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So, what are the advantages of Chantix over Zyban? Here are 19 reasons that explain why Chantix is better than Zyban:

1. Chantix is Highly Selective for Nicotine Receptors

Chantix is a medication that is known to partially block a certain subtype of the nicotine acetylcholine receptor known by the name alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is a type of protein receptor in the brain that induces feelings of pleasure. Chantix generates chemicals that create a sensation of pleasure like the sensation created by smoking. However, it selectively binds to the receptor and is able to block off the receptor. As a result, when you take Chantix while smoking, you do not experience these pleasurable sensations, which make you abhor smoking even more.

2. Chantix Reduces Craving

In a study by West et al, Chantix was proven more effective than Zyban in reducing craving for smoke. The fact that Chantix reduced craving in smokers who did not completely abstain from smoking suggests that it may be of benefit in helping smokers reduce consumption before quitting. 1

3. Chantix Reduces Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms

Because of a high attraction to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, Chantix mimics the effect of nicotine and diminishes craving and withdrawal symptoms. While doing this, it also blocks nicotine from binding and reduces the rewarding the effect of cigarettes.

It is said that the most difficult time for a smoker who is trying to quit is the first few weeks after quitting. He or she has to deal with nicotine withdrawal symptoms such as headache, anxiety, nausea and a craving for more tobacco. By blocking nicotine from binding to its receptors, Chantix reduces and eliminates the need for a certain level of nicotine at all times.

4. Chantix is Effective

Five studies have measured the efficacy of Chantix versus Zyban or placebo. In these studies about 20% of patients who take Chantix did not smoke for one year after treatment compared with about 10% of patients who took placebo and 14.6 % of patients who took Zyban. These studies reflect that Chantix was effective in stopping smokers from smoking compared to Zyban. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

5. Chantix is Safe

According to an article by Love et al, which appeared on the 2007 issue of the American Family Physician, there were studies that involved more that 4,500 patients noting the safety of Chantix. In these studies, there were no reports of misuse or abuse and there were not serious safety issues. There were no reported drug interactions, although the dose has to be reduced in those with impaired kidney function. 7

6. Chantix is Tolerable

It is said that Chantix has no serious side effects. The most common side effect encountered with studies is nausea. Nausea occurs in about 30% of patients who are already taking the maintenance dose. Other side effects were found to appear in only slightly more than 10% of patients and include headache, difficulty in sleeping, abnormal dreams, and flatulence. Chantix is deemed tolerable as compared to placebo because discontinuation due to side effects was seen in only 12% of the patient population.

7. Chantix Leads to Easy Dosage Titration

Chantix is easy to take, at a dosage of twice daily after a meal. Initially, doctors can start with 0.5 mg once daily for one week before the quit date, which may later on be increased to 0.5 mg twice daily after 3 days. During the second week, the dose may then be increased to 1 mg twice daily for 12 weeks. This is an easier and more effective regimen compared to Zyban dosage titration. This makes compliance easier for the patient.

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8. Chantix Helps People Quit Alcohol

Chantix also helps heavy drinks quit alcohol along with smoking! Sounds too good to be true, isn’t it? The basic mechanism of Chantix is that it binds to the receptors of the brain’s pleasure centers. Alcohol also acts on the same pleasure zones of the brain. It was hypothesized that Chantix could do the same with alcohol and would make people stop taking too much alcohol. A study done in rats revealed that Chantix affected the way rats drank alcohol. Chantix led to less alcohol consumption in rats and even when they stopped taking Chantix, the rats resumed drinking but did not resort to binges.

Chantix works by latching onto the same receptors in the brain that nicotine binds to when inhaled in cigarette smoke, an action that leads to the release of dopamine in the brain's pleasure centers.

9. Chantix Benefits Patients with COPD

We know that smoking is a risk factor for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. This is a condition wherein there is a long-lasting obstruction of the airways that occurs with other lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

One clinical trial evaluated the efficacy of Chantix in patients with mild to moderate COPD. This trial found out that Chantix was effective in making COPD patients quit smoking. There were no adverse events noted. This trial hypothesized that Chantix can help those COPD stop smoking and thus leads to a better quality of life in these patients, since smoking is the number one risk factor in developing COPD and its resultant complications. 8

10. Chantix Benefits Patients with Heart Disease

Smoking is also one risk factor for heart disease and increases the death rates related to this condition. In one European study by Wilson et al, Chantix was shown to be effective in making patients with heart disease cease smoking. If this always the case, then there would be greater risk reductions in deaths from heart disease. The risk for heart disease events while using Chantix is small as compared to its benefits. One should always consult the doctor when one has heart problems and other medical conditions. 9

11. Chantix Improves Blood Vessel Problems

It is said that smoking contributes to blood vessel problems because it leads to arterial stiffness, thus causing high blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attacks, and other dangerous consequences. One study found out that Chantix significantly decreased central blood pressure, and pressure in the blood vessels. This has led the researchers to think that Chantix can help improve arterial stiffness and decrease blood pressure. 10

12. Chantix Benefits Smokers with Schizophrenia

Smoking rates are higher in patients with schizophrenia, a form of mental disorder, and other psychiatric problems. This can create many health problems for them. It is said that Chantix can help in reducing cognitive problems in people with schizophrenia. One trial studies 120 people with schizophrenia who were given antipsychotic medications and Chantix. Their findings suggest that Chantix with antipsychotics are beneficial in reducing cognitive problems in patients with schizophrenia. 11

Another study combined cognitive behavioral therapy with Chantix in making people with schizophrenia stop smoking. Their findings revealed that the patients who exhibit less flat affects are more likely to succeed in abstaining from smoking. 12

13. Chantix is Safe to Use in HIV Infected Smokers

Do you know that Chantix can be used in HIV patients who smoke? It is said that a person who has a depressed immune system who smokes is more prone to other infections and other life-threatening medical conditions.

One clinical trial studied the effect of Chantix on HIV patients who smoke. The study found out that Chantix appears safe and effective in this group of people. These patients should have regular blood chemistry testing every now and then to ensure that there will be no changes in liver and kidney function. 13

14. Chantix Helps Treat Substance Abuse in Smokers

People who use illegal drugs are also heavy smokers. There was one study done by Plebani, et al that studied the effects of Chantix on concomitant cocaine use and smoking. This study found out that Chantix decreases cocaine use and reward along with smoking. Who knows, Chantix may be the next substance-abuse tool! 14

15. Chantix Has Some Benefit in Movement Disorders

It is not only in smoking cessation that Chantix shows promise. It also shows promise in movement disorders. One study evaluated the effect of Chantix on ataxia and imbalance. It studied Chantix use in two people with spinocerebellar ataxia, a disorder in movement. These two patients experienced marked improvement in their symptoms after taking Chantix. 15

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16. Chantix Improves Mood during Smoking Withdrawal

Smoking withdrawal often affects a person’s mood because of the low levels of nicotine to stimulate the nicotine receptors in the brain. A study by Patterson et al showed that Chantix reduced withdrawal symptoms, smoking urges and negative affect during smoking abstinence. There was also improvement in memory, facial expression, and attention to details. 16

17. Chantix Offers No risk of Convulsive Fits

The nice thing about Chantix is that there were very few to none reports of epileptic fits and seizures during use. On the other hand, Zyban has a huge potential to cause seizures so that intake with other medications that can predispose to seizures should not be given.

18. Chantix Can Be Used as Combination Therapy

Previously there was no study or guideline recommending the use of Zyban with other medicines or quit smoking aids. However, with the discovery of Chantix, there are now many trials advocating the use of Chantix with Zyban and other anti-smoking aids. These studies even progressed long term and efficacy was increased, with minimal side effects. 17, 18

19. Chantix is Cost Effective

It is said that a one-month supply of Chantix will only cost approximately $120 for the maintenance dose. This is less than the cost of Zyban (Wellbutrin) SR ($150). Patients who smoke one pack per day will spend an average of $130 per month on cigarettes.
One study utilizing Finnish smokers commented that Chantix resulted in cost savings of 15 million and 43 million Euros (€) compared with Zyban and smoking cessation without medications, respectively. Chantix was more effective and cost effective than its competitors. 19
Don’t forget to subscribe by email here and never miss an update.
Email me any time with comments, questions, or suggestions at: drantoniohowell [at] drantoniohowell.com.

References:
1. West R, Baker CL, Cappelleri JC, Bushmakin AG. Effect of Chantix and Zyban SR on craving, nicotine withdrawal symptoms, and rewarding effects of smoking during a quit attempt. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2008 Apr;197(3):371-7.
2. Oncken C, Gonzales D, Nides M, Rennard S, Watsky E, Billing CB, et al. Efficacy and safety of the novel selective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist, Chantix, for smoking cessation. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:1571–7.
3. Tonstad S, Tonnesen P, Hajek P, Williams KE, Billing CB, Reeves KR, for the Chantix Phase 3 Study Group. Effect of maintenance therapy with Chantix on smoking cessation: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2006;296:64–71.
4. Gonzales D, Rennard SI, Nides M, Oncken C, Azoulay S, Billing CB, et al., for the Chantix Phase 3 Study Group. Chantix, an alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist, vs. sustained-release Zyban and placebo for smoking cessation: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2006;296:47–55.
5. Jorenby DE, Hays JT, Rigotti NA, Azoulay SA, Watsky EJ, Williams KE, et al., for the Chantix Phase 3 Study Group. Efficacy of Chantix, an alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist, vs. placebo or sustained-release Zyban for smoking cessation: a randomized controlled trial [Published correction appears in JAMA 2006;296:1355]. JAMA. 2006;296:56–63.
6. Nides M, Oncken C, Gonzales D, Rennard S, Watsky EJ, Anziano R, et al. Smoking cessation with Chantix, a selective alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptor partial agonist: results from a 7-week, randomized, placebo- and Zyban-controlled trial with 1-year follow-up. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:1561–8.
7. Love B, Merz T. Chantix (Chantix) for Smoking Cessation. Am Fam Physician. 2007 Jul 15;76(2):279-280.
8. Tashkin DP, Rennard S, Hays JT, Ma W, Lawrence D, Lee TC. Effects of Chantix on smoking cessation in patients with mild to moderate COPD: a randomized controlled trial. Chest. 2011 Mar; 139(3):591-9.
9. Wilson K, Hettle R, Marbaix S, Cerezo SD, Ines M, Santoni L, Annemans L, Prignot J, Lopez de Sa E. An economic evaluation based on a randomized placebo-controlled trial of Chantix in smokers with cardiovascular disease: results for Belgium, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil. 2011 Aug 12.
10. Takami T, Saito Y. Effects of smoking cessation on central blood pressure and arterial stiffness. Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2011;7:633-8.
11. Shim JC, Jung DU, Jung SS, Seo YS, Cho DM, Lee JH, Lee SW, Kong BG, Kang JW, Oh MK, Kim SD, McMahon RP, Kelly DL. Adjunctive Chantix Treatment with Antipsychotic Medications for Cognitive Impairments in People with Schizophrenia: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2011 Nov 2.
12. Dutra SJ, Stoeckel LE, Carlini SV, Pizzagalli DA, Evins AE. Chantix as a smoking cessation aid in schizophrenia: effects on smoking behavior and reward sensitivity. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2012 Jan;219(1):25-34.
13. Cui Q, Robinson L, Elston D, Smaill F, Cohen J, Quan C, McFarland N, Thabane L, McIvor A, Zeidler J, Smieja M. Safety and Tolerability of Chantix Tartrate (Champix(®)/Chantix(®)) for Smoking Cessation in HIV-Infected Subjects: A Pilot Open-Label Study. AIDS Patient Care STDS. 2012 Jan;26(1):12-9.
14. Plebani JG, Lynch KG, Yu Q, Pettinati HM, O'Brien CP, Kampman KM. Results of an initial clinical trial of Chantix for the treatment of cocaine dependence. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2011 Sep 16.
15. Zesiewicz TA, Sullivan KL. Treatment of ataxia and imbalance with Chantix (chantix): report of 2 patients with spinocerebellar ataxia (types 3 and 14). Clin Neuropharmacol. 2008 Nov-Dec;31(6):363-5.
16. Patterson F, Jepson C, Strasser AA, Loughead J, Perkins KA, Gur RC, Frey JM, Siegel S, Lerman C. Chantix improves mood and cognition during smoking abstinence. Biol Psychiatry. 2009 Jan 15;65(2):144-9.
17. Ebbert JO, Hays JT, Hurt RD. Combination pharmacotherapy for stopping smoking: What advantages does it offer? Drugs. 2010;70(6):643–650.
18. Ebbert JO, Croghan IT, Sood A, Schroeder DR, Hays JT, Hurt RD. Chantix and Zyban sustained-release combination therapy for smoking cessation. Nicotine Tob Res. 2009;11(3):234–239.
19. Lindena K, Jormanainenb V, Linnac M, Sintonend H, Wilsone K, et al. Cost effectiveness of Chantix versus Zyban and unaided cessation for smoking cessation in a cohort of Finnish adult smokers. Current Medical research and Opinion. March 2010 : 26, 3: 549-560

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Please read all the way down to see what I think of this article.

Stop Smoking – Choose an Alternative Method

Stop Smoking – Choose an Alternative Method

By Dr. Mark Clayson

Are you ready to stop cigarette smoking? Terrific. There can be tons of different ways to stop smoking cigarettes. One of them is to go it alone and end up cold turkey. Fundamentally you only decide to stop and not use any additional aids to assist you with the process. This particular method may work, but it usually ends up failing for many individuals.

The additional choice is to use stop smoking aids as an alternate choice to cigarettes. You will discover two common approaches of doing it. One, is to you use nicotine gum and the additional way is to use nicotine patches. These solutions do work, but there is a downside. You're still putting nicotine in your system.

But there is a much better choice!
One can find tablets and sprays you may use that replace the nicotine with a normal solution that fundamentally makes your human body think it's getting nicotine whenever it's really not. The reason these work well is because they assist you come off cigarettes without all of the withdrawals, and at the same time, you're not putting nicotine in your system. It's literally the perfect solution.

Now not all stop cigarette smoking solutions may do this sort of thing and not all of them are that great. You should ensure that you do your own research before deciding. But, as an alternative to other methods, they may work for you. Ask questions to ensure that you are sure of any harmful effects and always consult a physician for advice if in any doubt.

Visit Health, Disease, Prevention for more health related information

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Mark_Clayson

http://EzineArticles.com/?Stop-Smoking—Choose-an-Alternative-Method&id=4150984

Are you serious Dr. Clayson?

This is without a doubt the worst quit smoking advice I have read in years.

It is because of bad advice like this that most people have such a hard time quitting smoking. This advice is ridiculous. The author starts out talking about quitting cold turkey and then advises against it because "it usually ends up failing". What a motivator this guy is.

Then he begins to talk about the nicotine gum or the patch. But then dismisses this because at the end these methods end up "putting nicotine in your system". So why even suggest it then?

Finally he arrives at the best way to quit using "solutions". Magic "solutions" that trick the body into thinking it is getting nicotine. What are these magic solutions I wonder?

Then he ends with the whopper: "Now not all stop cigarette smoking solutions may do this sort of thing and not all of them are that great. You should ensure that you do your own research before deciding."

Not only did he not tell you what this "solution" is. He now ask you to investigate it for yourself.

The sad thing is that the author of this drivel is supposed to be a doctor. (SMH in shame).

If you want real advise on how to quit smoking you need not look anywhere else. I provide you with excellent quit smoking information and do it in way that you can use and be ultimately successful in applying. So bookmark this page, subscribe to the RSS feed and keep coming for more.

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Smoking during pregnancy can affect the life of the unborn in many different ways. The complications may range from physical to mental or behavioral problems. The long term effects of smoking to the baby’s health may not be diagnosed until after a certain period of time. Sometimes, the symptoms occur during childhood and in early adulthood.

Babies who have been exposed to cigarette smoke are more prone to bullying, disobedience, cheating, and lying. This is according to WebMD, an American company that provides scientific information and services online.

The Long Term Effects of Maternal Smoking
Most of the long term consequences of smoking during pregnancy rest on the cognitive and behavioral disorders that the child may develop overtime. A very recent study indicated that mothers who smoke while pregnant have babies that are more likely to develop mental or psychological disorders. Two studies were made in Britain and in Brazil wherein over 5,000 moms were observed. Both of the results showed that the smoke coming from the cigarettes contain harmful substances that can significantly alter the brain structure of the child. These changes in the brain can be linked to mental disorders that may begin later in the life of the baby.

There are some other researches that linked maternal smoking to children’s behavioral disorders. The only problem with these studies is that there are more factors to be considered other than smoking. They include the environment of the child and their genetic composition. Nonetheless, there is no doubt that in one way or another, and no matter how insignificant it may seem, maternal smoking has something to do with the mental and behavioral health of a child.

Maternal Smoking and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD)
A study made by professional researchers from the University of Alabama revealed that smoking during pregnancy can trigger the occurrence of ADHD among children. To come up with the results, the researchers studied children who have hyperactivity disorders. It was found that majority of these children have moms who smoke. They also admitted that they even smoked while they were pregnant.

The culprit behind this alarming problem is the nicotine which is mainly found in tobaccos. This toxic substance alters the brain function by preventing the stem cells in the hippocampus (the area in the brain that is responsible for memory and learning) to reproduce. The interference of nicotine with the fetal brain development can damage the cognitive function of the child. Aside from ADHD, this condition can cause related illnesses such as mental retardation, learning difficulties or low IQ, and inclination to drug abuse.

Will you risk your child?
Pregnancy marks the start of your motherhood. This is perhaps the most critical stage in your life as a woman. What makes it even more complicated is the fact that there’s another life inside you who is struggling to survive and experience the world outside.

While quitting smoking can be an entirely difficult task, you don’t want your child to suffer from the consequences it brings all through their life. Maternal smoking will bring no positive effects to your baby. Therefore, it’s really a waste of time and money to smoke. Just like all parents in the world right now, you must be dreaming for your child’s bright future. Make this dream come true by securing the health of your baby all through the way.
photo credit: mdanys

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Despite the alarming side effects of smoking, millions of people can’t live a day without it. Tobacco is sold everywhere and you need no prescription for it. Same with alcohol, tobacco is perhaps the most abused drugs in the world. Even though numerous health groups, public and private organizations in the country are very active on pushing a smoke-free world, the number of smokers increases each day. Smoking bans have been implemented in public places but people just can’t give it up. Even if taking just one cigarette puts their life at risk.

What about Smoking?
Everybody knows that smoking is bad for our health. It’s on the cigarette packaging. But the problem with those warning signs is that they’re too short to make people understand the severe effects of smoking. As to what extent is cigarette harmful, only a few people dare to know. Aside from being addictive, cigarette or tobacco smoking is a societal expression. For teenagers, this is a symbol of being cool and ‘in’. For adults, smoking is one way to break free from a very stressful world. But the very substance that makes it addictive is a type of carcinogen or a substance that causes cancer. You know what it is – nicotine. But if you think that it only nicotine that is found on tobacco, you’re way too wrong! There are over 4,000 substances that make up one cigarette stick. And all of them are all dangerous to your health.

There’s no wonder why smoking has been one of the long-time causes of not just in America but in most parts of the world. In fact, one in every 5 people dies from smoking in the US. This accounts for 400,000 deaths. In UK, there are 100,000 people who also die from the same cause each year. And in China, there are about 3,000 who die each day.

Smoking during Pregnancy
If adult people die because of the harmful effects of smoking, what can a tiny fetus do to stay away from the hazards that tobacco brings? Smoking during pregnancy is one way of killing the baby. Some women may tell you that nothing happened to their kids when they smoked while pregnant. But majority of those who smoke while pregnant have experienced the stern effects of cigarette to their health and to their babies. Some women experience hard labor, premature deliveries, and miscarriages. Others had some complications. There are moms who were able to deliver normally but the defects are seen on their child. Usually, babies born by moms who smoke are smaller in size which shows how weak their body is to fight foreign substances that cause varying diseases. These children may also have smaller organs which lead to abnormalities.

Maternal Smoking and Premature Babies
You might wonder – what’s wrong with premature babies? Aren’t small babies easier to deliver? In some way it is. But being born ahead of expected schedule can mean that the baby has not fully developed yet. The nine months of pregnancy is the timeframe that is necessary for the baby to build up its organs to make it in the outside world without the support of the placenta and umbilical cord. Premature babies may or may not survive their conditions. Most babies die after several days from the day they were born. This is because they are prone to infections, and undeveloped heart and lungs makes it very difficult for them to breathe. Those babies who survive have higher risk of suffering from blindness, mental and developmental problems, and acquiring serious health problems later in life such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer.

Smoking is dangerous to your health, so goes the old saying. It is and always will. Quit now before anything happens to your baby. You don’t want to regret in the end when you can no longer do anything to save your child. photo credit: Fairrington

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Drug interaction studies were performed with varenicline and digoxin, warfarin, transdermal nicotine, bupropion, cimetidine and metformin. No clinically meaningful pharmacokinetic drugdrug interactions have been identified.

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CARDIAC DISORDERS.
Infrequent:

1. Angina pectoris, (chest pain)
2. Arrhythmia, (irregular heartbeats)
3. Bradycardia, (slow heart beats)
4. Ventricular extrasystoles, (extra heartbeats)
5. Myocardial infarction, (heart attacks)
6. Palpitations, (sensation of your heartbeating )
7. Tachycardia. (rapid heartbeat).

Rare:

1. Atrial fibrillation,
2. Cardiac flutter,
3. Coronary artery disease,
4. Cor pulmonale,
5. Acute coronary syndrome.

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Not One Puff Ever = N.O.P.E.

I was tempted to just leave that definition so that the full importance of it could sink in to you the reader. But, I couldn't help it I had to say some more.

Imagine you spent a week and finally overcame all the early obstacles of quitting smoking. A week turns into a month. And before you know it you have three months nicotine free under your belt. The suddenly out of nowhere an idea begins to form in your brain. A dangerous and completely stupid idea but it happens to all of us. You begin to believe that you have mastered smoking and that you can prevent being addicted to it. There actually people who smoke everyday that actually believe they can put it down anytime. The problem is that they never do.

So this idea that you are somehow immune from getting hooked on cigarette grows. And all of a sudden you want to prove to yourself that you can do this and you want to take just one puff. You reason what can one puff do after you have quit for six months.

But the opposite is true. One puff will  actually bring you down. So never, ever, ever take that one puff….NEVER EVER. N.O.P.E.

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Open letter to smokers,

If you knew that everything was going to end in less than one year. Would you even waste 5 minutes smoking?
This is a real question. If you are a smoker I am really wanting to know your response. If you know you only had a year to live would you still smoke? Please write your comments below. Thank you.

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Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world. -Archimedes

A stick on the ground is just a piece of wood. But if you pick it up it instantly becomes something else: A tool.
A tool is something you use to make things happen. You tie a string on the end and put a hook in it and you can fish and feed yourself and your family. Put a sharp edge on one end and you have a spear to hunt. You can twirl it, throw it and bend it, whatever you heart desires. You decide what you want the tool to do.

Mankind has used tools to create works of art: Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa with a paintbrush (a stick with a brush at the end), write plays: Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet with a pen (a stick that he dipped in ink), to move objects or build skyscrappers. A tool allows you to do so many wonderful things fast and efficiently.

Think of a problem and there is always a tool for that.

If you want to fix a problem choose the right tool and you will get the job done. You nail a nail with a hammer not a shovel. And you dig a hole with a shovel and not a pen. Pick the right stick for your job.

If you want to quit smoking I suggest you find your stick to help you do it. Your stick could take the form of a pill (Chantix or Zyban), a nicotine patch, a blog or a book.

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What pushes your buttons and makes you want to scream at the top of your lungs?
Close your eyes and bring to memory all the things that piss you off. Go on..take your time. I will wait…Okay, you are back. The list you just identified are your life stressors. The most important part in dealing with stress is identifying the cause. Now all you need is to come-up with ways to deal with them that don't involve smoking. Here is a partial list to get you started:

1. A problem shared is a problem halved.
2. Adopt a positive outlook.
3. Always have a plan "B"
4. Always make copies of important papers
5. Anticipate your needs
6. Ask for help
7. Avoid the situation(s) that make your problem(s) worse
8. Be in control of what you CAN control
9. Be positive
10. Be proactive
11. Be responsible for your feelings
12. Become a better listener
13. Believe in yourself
14. Break large tasks into bite size portions
15. Concentrating on the tasks that will make a real difference to your work.
16. Connect with people
17. Constantly challenge yourself
18. Develop your sense of humor
19. Do it today
20. Do not do something unhealthy to help you cope
21. Do volunteer work
22. Don't rely on your memory – write it down
23. Exercise every day
24. Find support from others
25. Focus on quality work rather than quantity.
26. Freely praise other people
27. Get enough sleep
28. Get to work early
29. Go to a ball game and scream
30. Have a support network of people, places and things
31. Have goals for yourself
32. Have some "me time"
33. Hum
34. If you're stressed identify the cause.
35. Ignore the things you cannot control
36. Keep a journal
37. Know and believe there’s always a solution
38. Know your limitations and let others know them, too
39. Learn and apply the 80/20 rule
40. Learn the words to a new song
41. Learn to meet your own needs
42. Learn to whistle a tune
43. Look at challenges differently
44. Look for a silver lining
45. Maintain your weight
46. Pay attention
47. Physical activity can get you in the right state of mind to be able to find a solution.
48. Play with a toddler
49. Practice breathing slowly
50. Practice grace under pressure
51. Put air freshener in your car
52. Quit trying to fix other people
53. Recognize the importance of unconditional love
54. Remember that stress is an attitude
55. Remember you always have options
56. Remove clutter from your life
57. Repeat 20 times a day “It can be done.”
58. Repeat this 10 times everyday "No matter how difficult a problem may appear to be, there’s always a solution."
59. Schedule play time into every day
60. Smile
61. Stand up and stretch
62. Stay active.
63. Stop saying negative things to yourself
64. Stretch your limits a little each day
65. Strive for Excellence NOT perfection
66. Take a bubble bath
67. Take charge of your life
68. Take control be a part of the solution that satisfies you and not someone else.
69. Take time to smell the flowers
70. Talk less and listen more
71. Talk things through with a friend
72. The more you give the happier you feel.
73. Visualize yourself winning
74. Watch less TV
75. Work smarter, not harder
76. Write a note to a far away friend
77. Write down three things at the end of every day which went well or for which you're grateful.

The key is to find a way to deal with stress that does NOT involve either a)hurting yourself or b)smoking again. The solution to your problem involves the application of one or more of the above suggestions. It is up to you to tailor the solution to fit your particular situation. Now get to work.
photo credit: Wiertz Sébastien

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How soon after tonsillectomy, is it safe to smoke?

Never actually.

Did you really expect a different answer from me?
Would you be surprised to know that a group of doctors (with too much time on their hands) at Madigan Army Medical Center looked back into the charts of 1,036 patients who had undergone a tonsillectomy[1]. And surprisingly found that if the patients were divided into two groups (smokers and non-smokers) that the rate of post-surgical bleeding almost doubled in the patients who smoked (10.2% versus 5.4% respectively).

How does smoking affect wound healing?

Oxygen is vital to your wound healing. Smoking causes blood vessels to shrink in diameter starving the wound of all the oxygen, nutrients, and healing factors the wound needs to heal. Oxygen also floods the blood of carbon monoxide further depriving the healing tissue of much needed oxygen. The critical lack of O2 kills the newly formed scar tissue causing a breakdown of the wound and hence bleeding. At the very least smoking causes wounds to heal more slowly and causes a weaker (more likely to split) thinner scar.

How long does it take a wound to heal completely?

A takes about three months for a wound to heal to about 50% of the normal tensile strength (the strength of the tissue before the wound) and after about a year it reaches 80% tensile strength. The wound is always weaker than the surrounding intact skin, the wound is the skin's weakest link.

SOURCE: 1. The Effects of Smoking on the Rate of Postoperative Hemorrhage After Tonsillectomy and Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty http://archotol.ama-assn.org/cgi/reprint/134/8/811.pdf

photo credit: rossination

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The smiling man on the right is Allen Carr. My personal hero. Why? Because he did in 1983 what the medical establishment and society in general could not do. He helped people to quit smoking. And when I say, he helped people he did it at least ten times better than anybody else around did. Moreover, he accomplished this feat with what would seem the least likely way. By having, people just read a book. No drugs, no needles, no lasers. He just convinced people to quit smoking by reading his book.

By any measure, this was an amazing feat. And to add to the unlikeliness was the fact that Mr. Carr had no medical training. He was actually an accountant.

What Mr. Carr knew to do was to smoke because he smoked from the age of 15 and by the time, he quit at age 48 he had a 5-packs a day habit. Not many people can say they smoked that much.

In 1983, Mr. Carr was able to quit and quit instantly. His method consisted in changing the way smokers thought about their smoking habit. And by doing just that, he made it easier for thousands if not millions of people to quit smoking.

His book is called "The Easy Way to Stop Smoking" and Amazon.com sells it. Mr. Carr opened quit smoking clinics all over the world and claims to have a 95% success rate in getting people to quit smoking.

I cannot verify that claim but I can count. There are about 25 books to quit smoking listed by Amazon.com. This includes one book written by PhDs and endorsed by the American Lung Association. Allen Carr's book is at the top of the list. In other words, his book is in the top 5% of quit smoking books at Amazon.com.

In addition, his book has over 700 reviews (792 reviews to be exact). Besides the fact that his book has so many reviews 743 reviewers gave the book a 4 star, or 5 stars out of 5 stars rating, which adds up to 743 out of 792 or 95% of the reviewers.

Unfortunately, the 33years of smoking caught-up to him and Mr. Carr died of lung cancer in 2006 at the age of 72. An excerpt from the dailymail.co.uk on the announcement of Mr. Carr's passing reads as follow.

Friends said it seemed probable that the years he spent curing smokers in smoke-filled sessions at his clinics must have contributed to the illness.
Mr Carr had said: "Given that I am informed that I have cured at least 10 million smokers on a conservative estimation, even if that is the case, it's a price worth paying.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-419368/Stop-smoking-guru-Allen-Carr-dies-lung-cancer.html#ixzz1gD55YOyl

One book that I would recommend to a dying family member who desperately needed to quit smoking would be Allen's Carr The Easy Way to Stop Smoking.

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In the US alone, there are more than 800,000 women who smoke during pregnancy. Across the globe, one in every ten pregnant women smokes. According to studies, the old advocacy of ‘Quit for Baby’ has been a very simple approach to encourage pregnant women to quit from this addictive substance. Experts agree that women should seek medical care to ensure that their babies will come out strong and healthy.

There are hundreds of reasons why you should quit smoking during pregnancy. But they can be summed up to 10 major reasons. Here they are:

1.      Women who smoke have higher chance of miscarriage.

The most common cause of miscarriage is chromosomal abnormalities. The negative effects of smoking are tied up to miscarriage as it provokes the breakdown of the chromosomes. The harmful chemicals that compose the cigarette smoke can extremely cause genetic damages in the fetus. Aside from this, smoking can also change the uterus lining, making it hard for the fertilized egg to grow and develop. While smoking is not a direct cause of miscarriage and stillbirth, it can be a triggering factor.

2.      Smoking can increase the chance of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)

Until now, there are no pertinent scientific studies that comprehensively explain the real cause of SIDS. This normally happens when the baby is sleeping. But according to research, babies born to moms who smoke, drink, and use drugs have high risk of dying due to SIDS.

3.      Women who smoke may suffer from complications during pregnancy and labor.

Because cigarette is a source of toxins, the immune system of the mother is affected every time she smokes. Complications include bleeding, severe pain during labor, untimely detachment of the placenta from the mother’s womb and membrane ruptures (premature breaking of water). When not given immediate medical attention, this can lead to miscarriage.

4.      Smokers are more likely to deliver undersized babies.

Women who smoke during pregnancy deliver smaller babies as compared to those who don’t smoke by 200g. Small babies can mean that some if not most of their organs have not yet developed properly.

5.      Women who smoke may suffer from ectopic pregnancy

One in every 50 women suffers from ectopic pregnancy. This condition happens when the fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus. The baby may develop in the fallopian tube, somewhere near the ovary, or in the woman’s cervix.

6.      Women who smoke may deliver premature baby

The human body has its own ways of defending itself from harmful chemicals. During pregnancy, preterm labor may happen as a result of the body’s defenses against smoking. Because the baby has not yet fully developed when born, there’s a big possibility that he or she may suffer from severe illnesses that can result to death.

7.      Babies born of smokers are more likely to have colic.

Just like SIDS, colic remains to be a wonder for many scientists. When the baby goes through a period of tantrums and crying, it is said that they have colic. A Danish research suggests that prenatal smoking aggravates the possibility of colic in babies.

8.      Babies whose mothers smoke while pregnant are more likely to develop respiratory diseases.

Two of the most common illnesses that happen to children are asthma and bronchitis. Every year, thousands of children are admitted to the hospital because of respiratory diseases and majority of them acquired the disease from passive smoking.

9.      Children of smoking moms may suffer from learning and behavioral problems

The toxic substances that the mother takes in every time she smokes are being passed to her baby. As a result, these chemicals create temporary and permanent changes on the baby’s brain. This can eventually lead to mental problems that include slow learning, poor performance in school, and behavioral disorders. It may also cause mental retardation.

10.   Babies born to women who smoke are generally UNHEALTHY.

Babies of women who smoke have weaker immune system and are likely to be born with defects such as cleft palate and other forms of abnormalities.

Will you still smoke? Hope not. Because every time you do, a defenseless life suffers.

More Quit Smoking Post:

• Babies Sleep Safest On Their Backs.
• Secondhand Smoke: How to Create a Healthy Environment for a Healthy Pregnancy?
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Smoking
• Smoking is an Independent Risk Factor for Severe Anxiety
• Quit Smoking & Get Busy Living [VIDEO 5min 55secs]

1. Dizziness or Lightheadedness.
2. Blurred Vision.
3. Abnormal Dreams or Vivid Dreams.
4. Headaches.
5. Redness, Itching, Swelling or Burning at the Application Site.
6. Nervousness.
7. Sweating.
8. Trouble Sleeping.
9. Fast Or Irregular Heartbeat.
10. Nausea.
11. Stomach Pain Or Vomiting.
12. Severe Allergic Reactions (Rash; Hives; Itching; Difficulty Breathing; Tightness In The Chest; Swelling Of The Mouth, Face, Lips, Or Tongue) – If a severe allergic reaction occurs seek medical care immediately as this is a medical emergency.

photo credit: Complicated

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• Top 10 Quit Smoking Blogs (besides mine
• How to Choose Your Quit Date
• Don't Listen To Them: Doctors Agree on Smoking Cessation
• 19 Reasons Why Chantix is More Effective Than Zyban for Smoking Cessation
• Chantix drug interaction with Coumadin or Warfarin?

That is so 2007…I used to think that way back then. But not anymore. As a matter of fact it seems that Chantix is as safe as any other prescription smoking cessation treatment.
Back in 2006 and 2007 there were some well publicized death attributed to Chantix. (Rightly or wrongly so I cannot tell). But after all the media blitz and hoopla died down the evidence points at Chantix not just being twice as effective as nicotine replacement therapies but pretty darn safe too.

Source: Cahill K, Stead LF, Lancaster T. Nicotine receptor partial agonists for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD006103. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006103.pub5

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• Information YOU Should Know To Get The Best Results While Trying To Quit Smoking Using Chantix (Varenicline)

Now….Create a vision of how your life will be better when you quit.

It doesn’t matter where you are in the quitting process. Start dreaming.
Your goals are what will propel you forward and keep you on track.

Create a vision of how your life will be better when you quit.
For example:
* My children are healthy, free of respiratory problems and
infections—they may smoke when they grow up, but I’ll know that I
showed them that it is possible to quit.
* I have more energy and money—I’m taking (fill-in-the-blank)
lessons—something I’ve always wanted to do.
* I am enjoying my job more now— I can focus on the task at hand
rather than worrying about getting out for a cigarette break.
* I feel more eligible for a promotion, now I have the cigarette
“monkey” off my back.

Now it’s your turn. Close your eyes and see your life without
cigarettes—-what is happening?

Go on do it.
photo credit: mariachily

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• Did You Know That Secondhand Smoke Is More Harmful To Your Baby than to You?

Outcast: Noun -A person who has been rejected by society or a social group.

The weather is starting to get cold here in Texas. In addition, I am starting to see smokers huddling-up on the side of the building with big coats and jiggling up and down to keep warm as the sneak a smoke around the hospital. There are designated areas to smoke but nobody uses designated areas to smoke anyway. Smokers like to their own thing and will never stand to be told where they can and cannot smoke. No way!

But, back to my point. This is the time of the year you probably are really wishing you didn't smoke anymore. Because let's face it smokers are an outcast in society now a days. Therefore, many people work very hard to hide the fact that they smoke. Moreover, it gets old after a while.

If you really want to quit smoking here is a useful exercise. Start writing down all the things you have to do to hide your smoking habits from friends and family. Also try to describe how cold and annoying it is to have to go out in the cold to smoke. Take five minutes to do this and then keep the list in a safe place so that you can retrieve it later. This is all ammunition that you can use later on to propel you to quit when you decide that it is finally your time to quit.

I realize that I just gave you homework (as if you didn't have enough to do). But if you are reading this blog you then you are probably thinking of quitting smoking and this little exercise will pay dividends for you. So go ahead and get started.

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One day in my office was talking to a patient (whom I will refer to as BOB) about smoking. BOB was ready for me because he gave the calmest and collected defense to smoking that I had ever heard. His argument was that he chose to smoke because it added value to his life. Smoking a cigar or a good cigarette made his life more enjoyable. And, if that meant he won't live to be 100 so what? Who wants to live to be a hundred any way? You are old and cannot take care of yourself anyway.
I was taken aback by the coldness and straight forwardness of his response. So much so that I was silent. I did not have a response. After all, I live in America the land of the free. Moreover, I believe in freedom. Freedom to live your life as you want. So if you wanted to live the life of Henry David Thoreau and lock yourself in a cabin somewhere and smoke. Who am I to say no?
Nevertheless, I also believe that life is too precious to throw away to cancer and disease. And, everyday above ground is blessing from above. If you do not hold life – YOUR life in that same regard the something is wrong with you.
Life is such a wonderful thing to have. Do not throw it away to cancer. So people like BOB are wrong. Dead wrong. I am not wasting my time arguing with people who do not appreciate life. But, to people like you who do know the value of life I offer this video I found on YOUTUBE about a Canadian man named Terry Fox. We should all experience a life as rich as his.

More Quit Smoking Post:

• Quit Smoking & Get Busy Living [VIDEO 5min 55secs]
• How Not To Quit Smoking?
• 10 Reasons Why Pregnant Women Should Quit Smoking
• Chantix Or Varenicline Is Unsuitable For First-Line Use In Smoking Cessation?
• Imagine A Life Without Cigarettes