Laser Acupuncture to Quit Smoking

As you probably know, smoking is bad for you. Laser acupuncture to quit smoking is a new approach and all the rage.

Laser Acupuncture to Quit Smoking

Medical spokesman of all types and in all places are in agreement that it is a good idea to quit smoking. There is not much debate taking place on this subject. The why is a pretty much settled question now, but the how is still going strong. The methods used for quitting range from the time honored cold turkey method to several alternative medicine choices. Two of the more popular ones are Hypnosis and Laser Acupuncture.

The two are often lumped together by debunkers. They feel that both of the treatments involve nothing more than playing a trick on the mind. It is easy to do a little exploring and find published clinical studies that claim that experiments were done on two groups of subjects. Both groups were told that laser acupuncture to quit smoking was a proven and successful treatment method. Then one group was given stimulation of the actual points thought to promote calming and reduce anxiety. These points would normally be used in the quit smoking process.

The second group of subjects received similar laser acupuncture treatments, but the points selected had no relation to the actual points. The claim is that the rate of success measured by how many of the test group managed to quit smoking was identical for both groups. The implication was that the laser acupuncture treatments merely fooled the subjects and made them “think” they were being helped. This is called the placebo effect.

Another problem that has emerged in the use of laser acupuncture to quit smoking is the profit potential in it. A large sum of money is spent annually on products and services that advertise their ability to help in the struggle to end nicotine addiction. There are going people seeking to capture a share of this windfall by the use of laser acupuncture clinics. The process is safe and non-evasive. The smoker might not be so concerned with the underlying reason why he is being helped.

The true practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine might be able to make use of laser stimulation in his overall plan of treatment. It is a basic tenet of TCM that it is the whole person that is being treated and not just the symptom. This might be a good way to judge a laser acupuncture to quit smoking clinic. If the laser treatment is just given with no examination, no questions, no use of other tools, it most likely is not going to have the success rate you can find under the care of a true practitioner.

About Author

Alien writes for herbal remedies. He also writes for nature cures

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How Your Smoking Affects Your Loved Ones

Your cigarette, cigar or pipe smoking doesn't only have an affect on your health. The U.S. Surgeon General's report "The Health Consequences of Smoking," released in 2004, states it has been proven that smoking (or living with a person who smokes) can cause disease in nearly every organ of the body, in men as well as women. This means that every time you "light up" you are potentially damaging the health of your children, your spouse and your loved ones.



It is a fact that second hand smoke (also known as environmental tobacco smoke or ETS) is a major cause of children's illness. As children have developing lungs and have higher breathing rates than adults they run the greatest risk of health effects. In children under the age of 18 second hand smoke has been linked with pneumonia, lower respiratory tract infections, upper respiratory tract irritation, increased severity of asthma and asthmatic symptoms. It has been associated with sudden infant death syndrome, middle ear infections, upper respiratory tract infections (colds and sore throats) and cancers and leukemia. Japanese researchers just released a study that suggests that second hand smoke may affect childrens gums. 70f the children of smokers had a brownish or black pigmentation of their gums.



Statistics show that approximately 3,000 non-smoking adults die of lung cancer each year as a result of second hand smoke. Second hand smoke has been linked to nasal sinus cancer, cancer of the cervix, breast and bladder. Second hand smoke also causes an increased risk of death from heart disease.



If you must smoke, it is essential that you protect your loved ones, especially children. Don't smoke in your home. If you must smoke, smoke outside. Do not smoke in your car when your children are with you. Make sure that childcare providers and others who work in your home or around your children do not smoke.



There are many publications available to you free online that provide information on environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and it's affects on your family. Visit the US Environmental Protection Agency at http://www.epa.gov/smokefree/publications.html for a free booklet.



The fact is that it's not only your own health at risk when you smoke. You quitting will make your loved ones healthier, and happier too.

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Article courtesy of http://www.stop-smoking-helper.com









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The Effects Of Smoking On Your Appearance

The Surgeon General of the United States has stated "Smoking cessation (stopping smoking) represents the single most important step that smokers can take to enhance the length and quality of their lives." It may also be the most important step that you can take to improve the quality of your appearance. In 1985 the term "smokers face" was added to the medical dictionary. A study done in Norway in 1998 cited that women emphasize the effect of smoking on physical appearance as a general motivation to quit, whereas men mentioned general health benefits.



I have to say truthfully that vanity had something to do with my decision to quit smoking. I had started smoking at the age of 16 when I started dating a smoker. Unfortunately, when the relationship ended the smoking didn't. I was left with a habit that would haunt me.



It was in the late 70's when I worked in a medical office where we administered chemotherapy to cancer patients. I knew more about the health consequences than most people witnessing it first hand on a daily basis. I even had an ashtray at my desk and smoked in the office. Like most smokers I was in a state of denial. I was in my early 20's and felt invincible. I said to myself "it won't happen to me". Besides, I enjoyed my cigarette and cup of coffee in the morning, and nothing could beat relaxing with a cigarette after a good meal. It seemed all my friends smoked too.



I was in my mid-30's when I met a man whose parents were smokers. When I looked at his mother's aged and horribly lined face I thought "Oh my God, that could be me in twenty more years." Seeing her made an impression on me that I'll never forget. She was obviously a long time smoker with the tell-tale vertical lines all around her mouth. She had a grayish tinge to her skin, which was as thin as it could be. She looked a full 10 years older than her true age. Her fingers were actually stained yellow by nicotine. It was a wake up call for me.



There is no denying the negative effects of smoking on your appearance. Smoking dries out the skin. Smoking causes blood vessel constriction of the top layers of skin which reduces the oxygen levels which leads to a dull complexion. Due to this constriction of blood vessels and poor circulation a smokers skin is thinner than a non-smokers skin. It has been shown in studies to be up to 40

hinner. Smoking reduces the level of collagen in the skin which leads to loss of elasticity and the quick formation of lines and wrinkles.



Of course you have everything to gain trying to quit smoking aside from just the improvement in your physical appearance. Another report released by the U.S. Surgeon General in 2004 entitled "The Health Consequences of Smoking," revealed that smoking (or living with a person who smokes) can cause disease in nearly every organ of the body, in men as well as women.



I was lucky that I successfully kicked the habit almost ten years ago. I do have a trace of those tell-tale lip lines and although you may not notice them, I do. I have spent a fortune over the years in skin care products. I'll never have the face I would have had if I had never started smoking. But today I am a much happier and more importantly, a much healthier person for having stopped.



Whatever your reason, vanity or health - just quit!

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Article courtesy of http://www.stop-smoking-questions.com









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The Proven Way to Quit Smoking

This article is dedicated to those who decided to quit smoking once and for all, and now are looking for ways to stop smoking. Here is the original program, that will show you how, following a few steps, you can forget this bad habit and abandon the cigarette.

First of all you need motivation. When you stop smoking it is important to know the reason why it has to be done. In this case the result is not a goal. The reason to change your life can be care about the health of your future children, your family, and other people you love, because they become passive smokers, winning the heart of a person that does not approve smoking is a good reason too. You can find thousands of motives to stop smoking. But don't make a test of your will-power a reason of struggle for the health - that usually leads a person to the beginning of the way. This makes your next try twice harder.

Next step is to put away all things that remind you about smoking. Hide as far as you can or better get rid of all the ashtrays, lighters, smoking boss... (joking). Don't feel sorry for all this stuff, if you are about to quit smoking they won't be necessary anymore. If there are some things that are really precious to you, presents or something else, give them to your friends for storage. And take them back only when you will be ready for that.

People who stopped smoking recommend such a trick as a last cigarette. Before smoking this symbol of new life, you should rinse your mouth with 0,1% solution of silver. The connection of smoke and silver will give detasteble feeling, and this will protect you from nostalgic mood about the last smoked cigarette.

Smoking is mainly a psychological dependence. As soon as you quit smoking a plenty of free time will be at your service. Finally free from the cigarette your hands will not know what to do, so, to prevent the return of old habit you should find them another business. Try a hand trainer, beads of cell phone games. By the way, British scientists found out that the popularity of cell phone games has decreased the quantity of smokers. Researches showed that the game is a way to fight the stress; it is more effective and does no harm to health.

Not only your hands, but also your mouth will have to find a new occupation, when the cigarette is gone. Make a store of gums, even tobacco replacing once. However, a better idea is to use natural (herbal) smoking cessation products like Nicocure.

People that stopped smoking always mention that during first months they felt bad: dizziness, vomiting and total weakness are natural parts of the nicotine withdrawal process. These are the signs of recovery. These symptoms will disappear with the first smoked cigarette, so as the chances to be free from bad habit. Do not give up! Use any kinds of products for people who quit smoking: nicotine or - better - natural plasters, pills, gums, patches, anything, just don't smoke!

So, you've made it, several days without a smoke, but smokers around remind you about the old desire. It is no use to tell how to fight the temptation, the best way is to avoid it.

People, who had passed this way to the end often tell that situations, usually accompanied by smoking, such as stress, parties with smoking friends, were the hardest to cope with. Many people had never passed this barrier. Psychologists explain this as a stereotype of behavior, which stays in the memory of a smoker. In order to fight it link up your imagination. Can you see yourself as a nonsmoking person between smoking friends? Now attune yourself. Change your memories, replace a picture of you smoker on you healthy person. Use the ability to control your desires and emotions given to humans.

In conclusion, I'll remind you what I've mentioned earlier, it is all about reasons and goals. If you stopped smoking and you don't want to go back, remember that the desirable goal is reached, now you receive from life much more then you had before. Be glad, be happy, using your new abilities, and this emotions will help you to keep on going as far as possible from old bad habit.

About Author

Stop-Smoke.org website is a seller of Nicocure - effective quit smoking herbal remedy. You are allowed to distribute this article with an active hyperlink to http://www.stop-smoke.org/ only.



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Chantix Help People Quit Smoking

Chantix helps ease nicotine withdrawal symptoms like all other similar products. The drug also blocks the effects of nicotine if you begin to smoke again. Mostly doctors intend chantix for 12 weeks. If you quit smoking during that period, your doctor may prescription the same chantix for another 12 weeks to enhance long term of result.

In studies, the most common side effects for people who took Chantix were nausea, Changes in dreaming, Gas, constipation, and vomiting. Problem of nausea was the most common side in about 30 percent of patients. Because of good result most people were not bothered enough to stop taking Chantix. In case if you have any side effects with chantix that bother you, be sure to consult your doctor and take proper information. The studies showed chantix is more effective than any other pills helping people quit smoking.

Taking any, other smoking cessation medicine with chantix at the same time has not been studied and is therefore not recommended by any doctor or physician. Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking before taking Chantix.

Chantix is for adults. Do not use if you are under 18 years old. Because it is more common for older to have Kidney problems, be sure you say all your health history to doctor before you start taking Chatix.

Most people get addicted with there smoking habit and it is very difficult for them to come out of it, but if you are a smoker, then quitting is the best thing you can do for yourself to promote good health and happy living. Chantix may provide you another option for qutting your smoking habit.

For more information on Chantix , log on to http://www.benzer11.com/chantix.html

About Author

Olivia Andrews, writing http://www.benzer11.com/chantix.html is a freelance journalist and has written many reviews on subjects such as finance, education, health, entertainment, music, gifts, crafts, travel, apparels, and mobile phones.



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Stop Smoking Now Without Side Effects

Is there an easy way to stop smoking? Unfortunately no. The biggest thing in your favor if you want to stop smoking is a sincere desire to stop, right now, quit smoking, kick the habit once and for all. Like with alcohol addiction, your sincere and real desire to quit smoking is going to be the biggest single factor in your favor, and the best asset in your court to kick the habit.

Perhaps you have already tried to quit smoking and were unsuccessful. By far, the most difficult way to quit is to go cold turkey. Some people can do it this way, but the unfortunate fact is that the ones who are most successful with this approach did so because their doctor told them they were going to die if they did not stop, and putting that fear in them was the catalyst to ensure their success.

But you want to stop smoking before you get to that point, LONG before you get to that point. Let’s assume that you already know the widely publicized dangers of smoking, why it is not good for you, and the innumerable reasons why you should quit. The difficult part of putting all of that knowledge into positive actions.

Everybody is different, and just because a particular method worked for Joe or Sally does not mean anything as far as how well it will work for you. Some people have reported a lot of success with using acupuncture combined with more traditional approaches to stop smoking. This can be particularly effective if you want to quit but simply lack the willpower to make it happen. This approach seems to work best for people who are heavily addicted to the high that nicotine provides, combined with (again) that sincere desire to quit.

Other people have found great success in nicotine gum or the patch. This provides the nicotine high that your body is craving but allows you to reduce the amount of nicotine slowly so that your body can become accustomed to lower amounts of nicotine without getting into the dreaded withdrawal symptoms. The problem with nicotine is that smokers become both physically as well as psychologically addicted to it, and using nicotine gum and the patch can help wean you off nicotine slowly and comfortably.

Others have found that hypnosis can help them kick the habit. The methods of hypnosis to stop smoking are quite varied, but the bottom line is that the suggestion is put into your mind that smoking is bad, disgusting and unattractive, and when you come out of the hypnosis session, your body thinks that your negative view towards tobacco products is entirely self-generated.

There is not a single fool-proof method that is guaranteed to work for all people, simply because everybody is different. But the bottom line is that you already know that you should and need to stop smoking, and the actions required to achieve that goal are entirely in your hands. Take the gift of life seriously and kick the habit today! There are a ton of methods available, but your own desire to quite for good is going to be your best asset to getting there.

About Author

Jon is a computer engineer who maintain a variety of web sites based on his knowledge and experience. For more information about Quitting Smoking, please visit his web site at Stop Smoking Today For Your Health.



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The Patch That Kills Smoking

“I wish I knew how to quit you”
-Brokeback Mountain, 2005

Webster defines “vice” as “an abnormal behavior pattern in a domestic animal detrimental to its health or usefulness.” Evil as it may sound, vice is coupled with another evil, which comes in the form of what we call “withdrawal symptom.” It starts as soon as you stop a vice, therefore making it difficult for you to take control over it.

Smoking, being one of the most widely practiced vices, is one jealous lover... It haunts the smoker, making it almost impossible to part with puffing. The nicotine in it creeps through the bloodstream, much like a poison, controlling and defeating the host.

Nicotine, by the way, is a poisonous alkaloid that is the principal active ingredient in cigarettes. It is addicting, habit forming and is responsible for negative emotions such as depression, anger and lack of concentration.

But the God of the 21st century - technology - has given hope! Recent studies have found ways to neutralize the luring effect of withdrawal symptoms, completing every long-life-and-healthy-living advocate’s fight force against the ill effects of smoking. Every aspiring quitter’s inherent want to stop smoking is now made easier by the wonders of nicotine patches.

I am talking about a skin patch much like a topical sticker, which contains a pad of nicotine. Because the skin is a natural absorbent, once the nicotine patch is applied, the skin absorbs the nicotine from the pad to the bloodstream. Over a period of time, the nicotine patch maintains and ensures the presence of nicotine in the blood, therefore, avoiding the onset of withdrawal symptoms. But nicotine levels are kept low enough so that it won’t substitute cigarette smoking. The patches just supply a minimum amount of the substance in the body to combat the withdrawal symptoms while the person recuperates. It acts as a stop smoking aid that provides a dose of nicotine that’s gradually lowered over a period of a few weeks to eliminate dependency.

In an article written by Jarred Mitchelle in an emagazine, he further pointed out that, “Nicotine patches come packaged under varying trade names - most popular being Habitrol which are predominantly round in shape and are available in varying strengths - twenty one, fourteen or seven milligrams of nicotine per patch and the efficacy period of any particular Habitrol patch being twenty four hours. Conversely Nicoderm CQ patches are rectangular in shape and come in are available in varying strengths of twenty one, fourteen or seven milligrams of nicotine per patch with a efficacy period of twenty four hours which makes the two patches but a variant of identical concepts and the efficacy spectra could well be identical - there being little to choose one over the other.”

But let it be known that these patches are not the absolute treatment. It only aids and lighten up one’s burden during the adjustment period. In the end, it has to work hand in hand with self-help groups, other treatment modalities, professional counseling and most of all, one’s inner desire to break smoking habits.

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Other articles from the same author:

How To Finally Be Nicotine Free




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Can Acupuncture Help you Stop, and Eventually Quit Smoking?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing approach that is almost 3500 years old. It is based on the belief that chi, a vital energy force flows around 12 key channels around the body. Within these channels there are 365 acupuncture points, which can sometimes become ‘blocked’ preventing the smooth flow of the vital energy, resulting in degrading health.



Acupuncture is a highly effective method for treating all manner of addictions including nicotine. The application of acupuncture to help you stop and eventually quit altogether, involves the insertion of very fine needles into special points on the skin. The needles are generally left in the skin for up to 20mins. There is virtually no pain apart from the slight pricking sensation when the needle first goes in. The technique itself results in the release of special chemicals called endorphins which will provide a ‘natural high’ at the end of the treatment.



Following the first treatment, the patient is likely to cough up phlegm during the week after treatment as the body starts to adjust to life without smoking, and the tar and phlegm in the lungs starts to loosen. It is common to schedule a follow up session about 1 week after the first to assess progress, and decide whether further therapy is required. Many heavy smokers have reported success after only 1 or 2 acupuncture sessions.



Acupuncture as a method for quitting smoking is best for those individuals that are heavily addicted to the nicotine, but have clearly made the commitment to quit. This type of therapy will dramatically reduce the side effects of nicotine withdrawal, such as the cravings, depression and anxiety. The body will also start to repair itself, particularly in improving blood circulation and de-congesting the lungs, and the patient will generally feel very positive and optimistic as a result of the release of natural anti-depressants by the brain.



Combining acupuncture with more traditional approaches to quitting smoking can be an effective strategy, especially if you have tried and failed at simply using willpower to quit in the past. If you decide acupuncture to stop smoking is for you, make sure you see a qualified and reputable practitioners.

About Author

Peter Vine is a successful online publisher of Stop-Smoking-Products.com
He provides practical advice and the latest information on all aspects of stop smoking programs, which you can readily research on his website.




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The Psychology Of Quitting Smoking

Many experts believe smoking is only about 10% physical addiction and a whopping 90% psychological addiction. Your body will recover fairly quickly from nicotine withdrawals (the worst symptoms usually abate in three days or less), but your psychological dependency on cigarettes can be much more difficult to defeat.

One way to combat this is to do a bit of self-analysis before giving up cigarettes.

Make a list with two columns. Label column one "Why I Started Smoking" and label column two "Why I Want To Quit Smoking."

In column one, list all the reasons you can remember as to why you started smoking in the first place. Was it peer pressure? Rebellion? Did you think it made you look cool? Did it make you feel like a grown-up? Really try to remember the exact reasons why you started smoking and write them all down.

Now look over that list. Do any of those reasons still apply in your life today? Probably not.

If you're like most people, you will see that your reasons for becoming a smoker are no longer valid, are often just silly, and are easily outweighed by the risks to your health and your family's well-being.

So let's move on to column two... Why do you want to quit smoking?

This one may seem obvious, but it can be a bit tricky. You really need to take some time and think hard about this. Don't just list the obvious health reasons. You've been reading the Surgeon General's warnings for years with little effect, so you need to come up with reasons that truly have meaning for you.

The things most people write down will NOT help you quit smoking...

- I don't want to get lung cancer.

- I don't want to have a heart attack or a stroke.

- I'd like to live long enough to see my grandchildren grow up.

Those are all good reasons to quit smoking, certainly... but they deal in "possibilities" rather than in specifics.

Sure you MIGHT get lung cancer, you MIGHT have a heart attack or a stroke, you MIGHT die young and miss out on seeing your grandchildren grow up...

...or you MIGHT NOT! You're not likely to break a strong psychological addiction based on what MIGHT happen. Your mind will work hard to convince you that it won't happen to you! Instead, list health problems that you are already experiencing.

Your list should point out things in your life that you are actively unhappy about and are STRONGLY MOTIVATED to change. In order to break your psychological addiction, you need an arsenal of new thoughts and desires that are stronger than your desire to smoke!

Here are the types of things you want to put in column two...

Why Do I Want To Quit Smoking?

1. Health Reasons

- I get so out of breath when I exert myself even a little bit. Just vacuuming the house makes me pant and gasp.

- My feet are always cold. This could be due to high blood pressure and poor circulation associated with smoking.

- I have a nasty wet cough and I have to blow my nose way too often. Mucus build-up is the body's reaction to all the toxins and chemicals in cigarette smoke and could be a precursor to serious respiratory disease. Even if I don't get cancer, I don't want to be one of those people who has to tote oxygen bottles around everywhere.

- I'm always tired. Could it be that my body is using up all its energy trying to eliminate the toxins and chemicals from cigarettes?

2. Vanity Reasons

- Smoking causes premature aging and drying of the skin. I don't want to look like a wrinkled up old prune!

- My fingers, fingernails and teeth are all tobacco stained. Disgusting! How embarrassing.

- When I get on the elevator after a smoke break at work, everyone wrinkles their nose and tries to edge away from me because I reek of cigarette smoke. I feel like a pariah. It's embarrassing to always be the big "stinker" on the elevator. I feel like I have no self-control.

- My breath is awful. Kissing me must be like kissing an ashtray. I spend a fortune on breath mints.

3. Financial Reasons

- If I save all the money I used to spend on cigarettes, I'll have enough to take a vacation in Cancun (or some other warm tropical place) every winter!

- I could use the money to pay off my credit cards!

- I could donate money to my favorite charity or sponsor a child. My cigarette money could make the world a better place!

4. Family Reasons

- My family can stop worrying about me.

- My spouse will have to find something new to nag me about. Just kidding, honey!

- My children will be proud of me and (hopefully) they'll never start smoking themselves, having seen firsthand what a nasty destructive habit it is.

5. Cleanliness Reasons

- The walls used to be white. Now they're a nasty dirty-looking brown. I need to repaint... again!

- I stink, my car stinks, my house stinks, everything I own reeks of cigarette smoke. I can't even lend a book to a non-smoking friend because they can't stand the smell of smoke permeating the pages!

Do you see yourself in any of the items listed? You may have many more reasons of your own. Find as many compelling and emotion reasons to quit smoking as you can think of and write them all down.

If you can re-train your mind to think of smoking as a silly and self-destructive thing to do, then you're almost sure to succeed. And if you need something to do with your hands... try knitting!

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This article provided courtsy of http://www.stop-smoking-answers.com









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Why is it Hard to Quit Smoking?

Smoking is emerging to be one of the major causes of death in the modern world. This is attributed to the growing consumers of tobacco. Tobacco is responsible for the death of 1 in 10 adults all over the world, which translates to around 5 million deaths every year. It is because of this fact that cigarette smoking is now a public health priority.

Smoking poses dangers directly and indirectly to the public. An indirect public health concern that cigarettes may pose is accidental fire. As for the health risks in smoking tobacco, the disease mainly strikes the cardiovascular system, resulting to heart attack, respiratory tract diseases, and even cancer.

In spite of these risks, the number of cigarette smokers all other the world has not dropped considerably. Though several smokers claim to have been meaning to quit this habit, they just find it so difficult. The fact is that after smoking for quite sometime, quitting smoking will prove to be very hard, but not impossible.

Why is it hard to quit smoking?

Foremost, this is because the majority of smokers become addicted to the nicotine contained in tobacco products. Nicotine has a deadly addictive power. How? When a person puffs a cigarette, nicotine particles find their way to the lungs through inhalation. From there, nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream just like the oxygen people breathe. It travels with the blood to the brain where it locks onto certain receptor areas. Dopamine is then released into the brain. This is the chemical that makes the smoker feel a euphoric sensation. Smokers find it difficult to quit because they come to be dependent on this good feeling. And in wanting to experience this repeatedly, this leads to dependence – a sign of addiction.

A person who attempts to quit may experience withdrawal symptoms. Topping the bill of withdrawal symptoms is depression. With the absence of the chemical that produces the relaxing feeling, the brain becomes distressed without it. Other withdrawal symptoms from smoking include:

- Headaches, dizziness, and nausea
- Shakes, chills
- Cough, dry throat nasal drip
- Hunger, fatigue
- Constipation, gas or stomach pain
- Insomnia, troubled sleep

Not knowing what to do with their hands is another common complaint among ex-smokers while quitting. Once people get hooked, smoking becomes a big part of their lives. They seem to enjoy holding on a stick of cigarette and puffing on them. And after a long period of lighting up, it becomes a routine. As a fact, humans are creatures of habit. By some force of habit, smokers find themselves reaching for a cigarette and lighting it up automatically without thinking about it.

Certain “triggers” in the environment may also hamper a smoker’s desire to quit. Things may turn on a smoker’s need for a cigarette. These may be feelings, places, and moods. Even the things done routinely may trigger this craving for a smoke.

For those who have been smoking for quite a while already, they may not realize it but they form some emotional attachment to cigarettes. They find the cigarette calming and comforting during those stressful times. Cigarette smoking somehow becomes an extension of their social life, particularly when they are emotionally at the highest or lowest. Giving the smoker a feeling that giving up smoking would seem like giving up a trusted friend.

These are only some of the major reasons why it is hard to quit smoking. But there are also several strategies and quitting techniques that may aid smokers to finally give up on this tenacious habit. Quitting smoking all begins with one’s intention to stop. They must have the will power to overcome the craving for smoke. There are also a lot of quit smoking products in the market. These may also be worth trying. Support groups are proved to be very helpful, too.

Smokers must understand that to quit smoking may take more than one attempt. They must also try several methods before they can finally succeed. Smoking is a stubborn habit because it is closely tied to the acts in the course of people’s everyday lives.
Just pay a serious concern to a few issues.
1. The first thing you must consider is your body; you must take care and keep it healthy.
2. Secondly, decision to kill your enemy who is killing you.
3. Thirdly, cost that smoking has caused for you. You have spent a lot on this poison.
4. Lastly forget the past that will help you in quit smoking. Just remember that nicotine is my enemy and is killing me slowly.

With determination, will power and a strategy, quit smoking is not out of the question.

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Stop Smoking Tips
Fitness Wellness Guide





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7 Proven Ways to Resist the Urge to Smoke

When you decide to stop smoking the most difficult part is to resist the urges. It doesn't matter that each craving lasts only 3-5 minutes. It's still the whole 5 minutes to battle with your willpower! These 7 tips will help you to resist the urge to smoke one urge at a time.


1. Remind Yourself Why You Quit

Every time you experience a craving remind yourself why you quit. It's the excellent idea to take a blank index card and list all the reasons why you decided to quit smoking. List as many as you can, the more the better. If necessary, take the second index card. Carry them with you all the time. Every time you feel the urge to smoke take the index card and slowly read all your reasons why you decided to stop. After you finish reading your urge will pass! (If not, read them one more time or come up with more reasons.)


2. Reward Yourself.

Make it a habit to reward yourself at the end of each nonsmoking week. Think of something you want (it doesn’t have to be something expensive, a nice home made meal or hot bath will work). Take the index card and write down what would you give yourself at the end of the week. When the urge comes take a look at the index card with your reward. Isn't it worth coping for 3 minutes? :)


3. Be prepared for your urges!

Get yourself prepared for the urge to smoke in advance. In most cases something triggers the craving (certain feelings, people, or places). You have to know what triggers the urge.Lets do a really quick exercise. Take a blank piece of paper and divide it into 2 columns. On the one side list your triggers (like “stuck in traffic”, “drinking morning coffee”, “arguing with colleague”...) and in the second column write down the alternative course of action.
For example, instead of smoking while drinking your morning coffee you could read a newspaper. Instead of smoking after the hot argument with your colleague you can take a walk around a block or write down everything you think about this person, then tier this piece of paper in shreds and throw it away. Don't be lazy, write it down! This exercise really works!



4. Call your friend.

This method works great. Call someone who can support you, who can talk with you for a couple of minutes. You can call your nonsmoking friend, or someone who's trying to quit smoking too.



5. Distract yourself with a quick task.

Think of a small task you have to do, something what would take you 5-10 minutes. Make a call, send a fax, make yourself a cup of coffee, water the plant in your office. Anything! Your task is to distract yourself until the urge will pass. (Hint: Try to find activity that makes smoking impossible!)



6. Drink a Glass of Water.

Take a glass of water and drink it with a straw. First of all having something in your mouth to chew on will help, second it will take you a couple of minutes to drink the whole glass and the urge will pass. Plus, don't forget that you're supposed to drink 8 glasses of water every day!



7. Power Tip.

That’s the disgusting one, but it often works. Print a small picture of smoker's lungs (you can find one here: http://www.quitsmokingsupport.com/lungphotos.html ) and
put it somewhere in your wallet. I know the view is not pretty, but something like this can stop you dead on your track from lighting up. Take a look! Really! THIS could be your lungs! You love yourself, and you respect your body. Why harm yourself?

About Author

Arina is the owner of http://www.how-to-quit-smoking.net- the website where you can learn how to Quit Smoking – for life - without patches, pills and gums! Fully guaranteed by one of the most trusted entrepreneurs on the Internet (and a former 39-year smoker who quit by using this very program)!









Source: ArticleTrader.com

Medications that help quitting smoking

Nicotine addiction is a commonly found health hazard found among people across the world. There is a continous rise in the number of people who are chain smokers and every year many people even die due to this addiction.

Each year, millions of people make a promise to them about leaving this addiction but mostly they try and fail due to conventional smoking cessation approaches. These methods include use of nicotine gum, patches, counseling or behaviour modification. Some people even try out methods such as accupuncture needles stuck in their bodies or nicotine averse images being implanted in their minds with unconventional thoughts of conquering their nicotine carvings.

Medications such as Chantix and Zyban also prove to be helpful for smoking cessation. Zyban works better because it holds bupropion that acts as an antidepressant. It boosts up the level of chemical messengers in the brain and therefore there is a nicotine withdrawal symptoms experienced among smokers and a weakened urge to smoke.

Studies show that Zyban used along with a nicotine replacement greatly helps one to quit smoking. If you are suffering from seizures or eating disorder or are heavily alcoholic, then studies have proved that one should not take Zyban. Pregnant women or breast-feeding mothers should also avoid taking Zyban.

Zyban treatment usually starts when the person smokes and withdrawal symptoms are seen within two weeks. This tablet can be swallowed or crushed and chewed but the later could reduce the activity of the medicine or increase its side effects. Taking smoking cessation medicines and their support programs shall make you free of this drug nicotine abuse.

Even though Zyban is an effective FDA approved medicine, it should be taken only after consulting a medical practitioner to avoid any sort of severe side effects.

For more information, visit our website http://www.benzer11.com/zyban.html

About Author

Olivia Andrews, writing for http://www.benzer11.com/zyban.html is a freelance journalist and has written many reviews on subjects such as finance, education, health, entertainment, music, gifts, crafts, travel, apparels and mobile phones.



Source: ArticleTrader.com

Say No to Smoking

Is there any adventure or fun in smoking? Absolutely not! Don’t be fooled by the fun packed advertisements of the cigarette making companies. There is no “taste”, no “fun” and no “adventure” in smoking cigarettes. These are just the slogans of the cigarette making companies which are multiplying their profits at the cost of the precious human lives.

The greedy multi-national multi-billion dollar cigarette manufacturers are killing people quietly without being noticed by anyone. According to the WHO report, every 6.5 seconds a person in the world dies prematurely due to cancer, heart attack, respiratory or some other kind of tobacco related diseases. No doubt, the tobacco is the fourth most common risk factor for diseases worldwide.

If you are a smoker then think seriously for a moment and decide whether you are mentally OK. I very much doubt because you are spending money on the purchase of an item which is not only risking your life by unintentionally inviting numerous diseases to attack your body but also risking the lives of other people who are forced to inhale second hand smoke, which is more dangerous than smoking. If you smoke inside your house then you also risk the life of your spouse and children. Is it a wise decision to keep on smoking?

Say no to smoking, if you want to live a normal healthy life free from diseases. Why not take a bold decision NOW and quit smoking immediately! Are you prepared to do so?


Tobacco use is going to kill nearly 10 million people each year, mostly in their productive middle ages. It is estimated that 75% of these deaths will occur in the developing countries mainly due to the high number of smokers and lack of medical facilities available there.

Due to lack of knowledge and education, the number of smokers in the developing countries and poor households is increasing at an alarming rate. The warning written on the cigarette packets is mostly ignored by the illiterate smokers. It is sad that the average amount spent by poor households on tobacco is nearly the same as the amount spent on education. A recent study in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil has proved that the more people are educated, the less they smoke.

Your health is your best asset. Protect your life from painful tobacco related diseases. Live a healthy and happy life and just say no to smoking.

About Author

Hifzur Rehman is an author and editor of his website http://www.selfimprovement.chwhich is a great source of FREE self-improvement related material, thoroughly scrutinized for its practical value and positive impact on human life. Hifzur Rehman © 2004 – All Rights Reserved.









Source: ArticleTrader.com

Do you wish to quit smoking?

Many times, we often come across people puffing and enjoying smoking cigarette. Do we feel good when the smoke containing chemicals, insecticides, explosives enters our respiratory system? The answer is going to be no. Then what is the reason that the person who smokes relishes each puff?

There are many reasons; a smoker gives, such as having the feeling that he looks cool or smart while smoking or smoking shall help in weight loss. Some people also give the excuse that they are relieved of the stress while smoking.

All these are myths because smoking can only reduce the life span of a person and lead other person inhaling the smoke prone to lung cancer. It is easy to quit smoking if a person wishes to do so.

The best method is to stop smoking with the help of one's own will power. It is possible by working out a planned therapy but if it becomes hard to quit then medications are also available that help in quitting smoking.

Chantix is one such effective smoking cessation pill that helps quitting smoking easily. It works by blocking the brain receptors that help in continued addiction and lessens the cravings to smoke. Chantix has Varenicline (as the tartrate salt) as its main component, which is a white to off white and slightly yellow solid powder soluble in water.

It is an FDA approved medication and works well but could lead to certain side effects such as Nausea, Sleep disorder, Gas sleeplessness, Constipation, Headache, or Loss of taste.

Another effective method to stop smoking is to follow the basic steps:
S=Set a quit date.
T=Tell family, friends, and co-workers that you plan to quit.
A=Anticipate and plan for the challenges you will face while quitting.
R = Remove cigarettes and other tobacco products from your home, car, and work.
T = Talk to your doctor about getting help to quit.

For further queries, visit our website http://www.benzer11.com/chantix.html

About Author

Olivia Andrews, writing for http://www.benzer11.com/chantix.html
is a freelance journalist and has written many reviews on subjects such as finance, education, health, entertainment, music, gifts, crafts, travel, apparels and mobile phones.



Source: ArticleTrader.com

You Have To Prepare Yourself To Be Able Quit Smoking For Good

It is a well known fact that smoking is highly addictive, and many smokers have a very difficult time quitting. Besides the physical component of the addiction, there is also a psychological one: smoking is socially acceptable in many situations, and, of course, entirely legal. For these reasons it can be doubly difficult to quit smoking, especially if you have friends who smoke, or you regularly go to places that you associate with smoking. One of the first things you should so when attempting to quit smoking to adequately prepare yourself. Quitting doesn't begin with merely stopping one day - you should prepare yourself in advance in order to ensure success.

The psychological element of your smoking addiction has a lot to do with daily habits. The reason that smoking can become so difficult to quit is because the act entrenches itself into your daily life and routines, to the point where you give it little thought. Before they start to seriously think about quitting, most smokers will likely agree that smoking is simply something they do - it's not something they are particularly aware of on a day to day level.

So the first thing you should do to prepare yourself to quit smoking is to change your smoking habits: switch the brand of cigarettes you smoke, smoke at times of the day you don't normally, smoke with your other hand. All these things work towards making you more aware of what you are doing when you smoke, and making smoking integrate itself less seamlessly with your other activities.

Another good example of this is to make the following rule for yourself: when you smoke, you are not allowed to do anything else. So for example: no smoking while reading, no smoking while using the computer, etc. Force yourself to do nothing but sit and think about cigarettes when you smoke. This exercise will serve too functions: first of all, it will make you think about smoking much more, and ideally about how you're going to quit smoking; and second, depending on how much you smoke, it will make you aware of the time you waste doing it. For most people, the habit will seem much more severe - and thus there will be much more motivation to stop - when you add up all the minutes spent doing it.

To quit smoking is a serious undertaking, and you want to do everything in your power to ensure a high chance of success. Too many smokers simply try and quit cold turkey, and while this can be effective for some people, for most it doesn't work, and when you fail it will become harder to work up the morale to try again. By thinking of your plan to quit smoking as a long term one, you do yourself a lot of favors. So remember that the act of quitting smoking begins long before you stub out the final cigarette: you should adequately prepare yourself for weeks beforehand by making abrupt changes in your smoking habits.

About the Author

By Abbas Abedi-To make your break from the smoking habit easier visit my blog Stop Smoking Hypnosis

Article Source: OnlineEarnings Article Board

Have You Heard Of These Free Stop Smoking Aids?

According to most pharmacists, there are not too many free stop-smoking aids available, except through private philanthropist groups or the medical companies themselves. Counselors, private doctors and clinics sometimes give away free samples on a temporary basis to needy clients if they are available at the time, but usually they are not available on a steady enough basis, depending on the drug.

One example is the Pfizer Company who has just released a new drug similar to the stop smoking drug Zyban by Glaxo, called "Chantix", and has donated more medicines to patients than any other pharmaceutical company there was last year. However, all low-income and elderly patients who are under Medicare Part D are unable to get any free medications through any of the drug companies' tax-deductible charities, known as patient-assistance programs.

The three companies who are still giving free medication needy people with no insurance coverage or are not signed up through Medicare Part D are: Pfizer Inc.; Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.; and Merck & Co. Inc. The Bristol-Myers Squibb donated over $500 million worth of drugs to 1 million people in 2005.

A private company organized and ran by volunteers, called the Medical Discounts International (MDI), has a list of basic requirements that are needed for medical assistance. Last year alone they helped more than 7.6 million patients fill more than 11 million prescriptions, costing approximately $2.3 billion dollars. The basic requirements are:

* The applicant is required to be a US citizen
* There are no insurance coverage for outpatient prescription drugs
* There needs to be a physician to sign a form or call the drug company on behalf of the applicant
* The applicant does not qualify for a government or third party program which provides for prescription drugs
* The income level is considered a hardship level, requiring the applicant to purchase the drugs at a retail rate
* Income requirements:
o Less than $1,500 per month per individual, or $2,000 per month per family
o Each medication requires an income criteria that varies from below poverty to $60,000 (the higher income levels are MS, AIDS, transplant or cancer patients) who require very expensive drugs and medical maintenance

Other methods than can be utilized for the smokers to help with withdrawal is to learn how to cope with no medical help. The smokers can use other help area to learn the different ways available to stop smoking. One of the alternative methods is to join Smokers Anonymous. This is a self-help groups where smokers, who have given up smoking, advise and support those who want to give up smoking. These groups hold regular sessions, which can be very useful for a smoker who is facing withdrawal symptoms and finds other avenues blocked. The smoker can also turn to a family member or a friend, and ask for emotional or physical support. No monetary value can be attached to such support because it is genuine. The family member wants to help the smoker give up smoking, and is willing to spend hours with the smoker, or financially assist them in purchasing patches, gum, or other smoking aids.

The smoker can also pick up a simple hobby like gardening or building scrapbooks from newspapers clippings. These will keep him occupied and reduce the urge to smoke. The smoker must learn to fill up hours with meaningful and engrossing activity. This can only happen if the smoker picks up an activity in which he is genuinely interested. Another option is to bring discipline to his life, by drinking a glass of water or fruit juice whenever there is an urge to smoke. Another natural way to fight the urge to smoke is to learn the depp breathing techniques, learning to relax by taking a few deep breaths. Regular exercises also help. Ultimately, a healthy body leads to a healthy mind, and gives the smoker the strength to give up smoking.

About the Author

Check out http://www.my-stop-smoking-zone.com/ for more articles on stop smoking tips and smoking facts.

Article Source: OnlineEarnings Article Board

Choosing A Stop Smoking Program and Clinic

The problems that can appear when you give up smoking are described for the smoker to understand in a stop smoking program, and it also tells you how to cope with them. Because giving up smoking requires support and encouragement, the program provides it, and that way helps you a lot.

Therapy, both individually or in groups are included in the best smoking programs, because the therapy is decided on the basis on an individuals health, which in many cases, may vary, so, the smoker is required to undergo a full medical check up.

During a period of 2 weeks, trained counselors conduct a number of sessions, with duration of about 20 - 30 minutes. The duration of the program or the sessions can be modified depending most on the participating group.

Nicotine Anonymous is a group that runs stop smoking programs. To give the best help, the programs are led by people who have considerable experience in this area. Nicotine Anonymous works on the same principles as Alcoholics Anonymous and smokers can attend its meeting without paying anything. Such programs are sponsored by the American Cancer Society, Health Department and The American Lung Association.

To avoid programs that are not ethical, or programs that use only pills as a method of treatment it is important to do some research. Also, surely must be shunned the programs that refuse to disclose the details of, for example the chemicals used in the injections (or pills), as well as programs that promise instant results for high fees.

Because it takes time and patience to give up smoking, it is important to join a program that is well planned, and is willing to help you on a long-term basis.

Stop Smoking Clinic: A stop smoking clinic helps the smoker by advising him on how to give up. Being stuffed by both counselors and therapists helps the smoker, in his several counseling sessions (either one to one, or in groups), twice or thrice a week, by letting him interact with the counselor at any point of time.

In any stage counseling proves useful, but, in the beginning, when all smokers experience great withdrawal symptoms like emotional distress or abnormal weight, proves to be even more useful, because it provides the emotional support that the smoker desperately needs.

Several clinics help the smokers by putting them under different therapies, based on the smokers likes and dislikes, that help effectively control the withdrawal symptoms. Based on those likes, and dislikes, they are advised to use either nicotine patch, nicotine inhaler or nicotine gum or tablets.

Also, a part of the program is taken by regular exercise, because the exercises make the smoker feel healthy, and reduce his urge for a smoke. A good advice given by the clinics is that the smoker to pick a simple new hobby or interest to keep him busy, and taking his mind of the smoking thing.

Because the risk of going back to smoking again exists even if the smokers have finished the program, the clinics stay in touch with the smokers. The patients receive pamphlets by mail, which provide useful information, or are asked to attend seminars. For many reasons, people consider this phase of treatment more important than the actual quitting.

Because the clinics have trained counselors and mix therapy with counseling, most of them enjoy a high success rate.

About the Author

George Wood is a successful webmaster of many popular sites including plastic surgery and blog site. If you want to read more about stop smoking, click over to George stop smoking site.

Article Source: OnlineEarnings Article Board

Stop Smoking Gum Can Reduce Your Urge To Smoke

Today there are over 35 million people trying to stop smoking, with less than 5% of them succeeding - all due to the driving force of nicotine addiction in the cigarettes. One major type of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to help stop smoking is a nicotine gum that provides small doses of nicotine to the system, preventing nicotine withdrawal. Stop smoking gum is like any other chewing gum but is made with the nicotine-containing compound, nicotine polacrilex. It is made to release nicotine into the blood stream when placed in the mouth, between the cheek and gums.

Because the gum is part of NCT, it should be taken under medical supervision, not used as a chewing gum. This is important because the strength of the gum is predetermined, and excessive amounts of nicotine should not be taken unnecessarily. Nicotine gum is chewed with a "chew and park" method where you should chew it awhile, breaking the compound down in the gum, then parking it between the cheek and gum in order to release the nicotine into the system. If this method is not done, then the nicotine will be released into the saliva in the mouth. The nicotine will be swallowed, causing pain in the stomach with the nicotine craving still there.

The gum can be purchased as a 2 mg gum or a 4 mg gum, according to the physician's orders. It has a slight peppery taste, an indicator that it is "parking time" for the gum; when the gum begins to loose this peppery taste, begin chewing again. This chewing and parking should be done intermittently every half hour or so. A smoker is able to chew 15 to 25 pieces of gum in a 24-hour period, most effective when no food is in the system about fifteen minutes before using the gum.

The main difference between the gum and the cigarette, is that cigarette smoke will pass into the blood through the lung linings - the nicotine from the gum will take several minutes to pass into the brain through the lining of the inside mouth. This "nicotine hit" was purposely made to be less intensive than with the cigarette, assisting only in the pain of withdrawal, making it less stressful to stop smoking, not to enhance its act. The gum should be taken only when the urge to smoke is the highest, not when you begin to have an urge to smoke. It instantly releases a low quantity of nicotine, and produces the effects of pleasure and well being similar to smoking a cigarette.

People who suffer from hypertension and heart ailments should take the gum only under medical supervision, as stated earlier. The gum is very safe and can be used by people of all age groups. Minor side effects like mouth sores or indigestion are sometimes associated with the gum but it depends on the individual. As a precautionary measure, cigarettes must not be used with the gum since the nicotine levels in the blood will increase, which is harmful to the body.

About the Author

Check out http://www.my-stop-smoking-zone.com/ for more articles on zyban and Quiting smoking.

Article Source: OnlineEarnings Article Board

Your Smoking Addiction can be Un-hooked and Un-trapped

Hooked, trapped, desperate - Oh these words are so heart wringing. Are those that utter these soul-searing cries being tied up by their thumbs? Or have they fallen down an old mine shaft?

Well, umm, no, they have... well they have made a decision to become hooked, trapped and desperate.

See the news blog tumbling out... Scottish smokers, hooked on their smoking addiction have vowed to fight the smoking bans.

Read the Press Release from the pharmaceutical company announcing... Smokers trapped by their smoking addiction are offered a new drug.

Hear the media babbling... Britney Spears' husband is desperate to quit smoking for the sake of their children.

I bet if you are a smoker, you don't really use these strong words... more like, "I'd really like to quit, but I enjoy smoking, or, I've tried to quit but it's too hard, or, I want to quit, but I'm so addicted I don't think I can, or, I'm too scared, what if... " and so on.

But are smokers totally at the mercy of their habit and spinelessly despairing of escaping its bonds? Would they describe their smoking addiction like that? Trapped? Trapped by a chemical and emotional fix? They're not trapped by their decision, that's for sure, because we all have the ability to make our own decisions, yes or no as we wish.

A person makes a decision to try smoking. For some that leads to more decisions to reach out and take more cigarettes maybe a week or so later. Then some more, then pretty soon as the nicotine gets its grips into the brain's receptors, the person finds it becomes harder and harder not to go out of his or her way to acquire cigarettes to smoke... and hey presto, because of their decisions, they are now supposedly a hooked, trapped smoker, and if they want to quit, they are desperate.

But it still comes down to a decision to smoke. Every time a smoker lights up it is a decision they have made. A simple, personal decision, along with 1000's of other decisions each day that make up that person's character, lifestyle, mood, health and future.

A daily decision to get out of bed is made.

A decision not to have another helping of food is made.

You decide to clean the house, take the dog out in the rain, stack the dishes, and sort out your accounts for tax.

You don't dwell on how you'll miss lingering in your warm bed, or how you'll suffer without more food, or how unpleasant it will be to walk the dog in the rain, do the dishes, tax etc.

No, with unpleasant decisions you simply do what needs to be done because the consequences not to would be worse.

Some people make daily major decisions, sacrificing a lot because of a goal worth aiming for, such as a champion swimmer rising at 5am to practice 2 hrs before breakfast. Thus it is with smoking, or exercise, or getting out of bed in the morning. It's a matter of making the decision and focusing on the outcome.

You know it's absolutely pointless to try to worm your way out of getting out of bed. Who would you worm to anyway! But the point is it's automatic, although for some people it's an effort, to get up in the morning, but it has to be done. Has to... and your decision is made, because the day beckons and there's a whole lot of living to do.

You're in charge of your decisions. You are not trapped; your brain and body are resisting, but no-one is tying you to your bed, so up you get... no-one is forcing you to have your smoking addiction, although your brain and body crave a smoke, so decide to get help to control it and focus on something better.

It's your decision and the consequences are not that crash hot if you don't make the right decisions.

About the Author

Megan Carter's website, is right up-to-date with information to make quitting smoking a breeze. Find more articles and information at The Ultimate Quit Smoking Guide

Article Source: OnlineEarnings Article Board

Stop Smoking Herbs - Have You Tried Natural Herbs To Quit Smoking?

To stop smoking is hard, and most smokers cannot quit - and if they do - it is only for a short time. More and more people are getting into the natural way of doing things anymore, and using herbs to stop smoking is a very popular method for smokers today. Those who have been able to quit smoking with using herbs as a preventive, swear by them as a successful aid.

They help in combating the withdrawal symptoms that every smoker faces when he tries to give up smoking. Among other things, the herbal cures lead to positive mood swings and reduce the urge to light another cigarette.

One of the natural substances that can be used by people when they want to quit smoking is Lobelia, or Indian tobacco, an old and controversial herb that has recently become popular to smokers who want to quit the habit and cannot. Used for centuries as an expectorant that cleans the lungs, it was used for asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, or pleurisy.

Many uses are connected with Lobelia - relaxants, antispasmodics, diaphoretics, reducing inflammations and pain, poultices, hyperactivity, easing muscle tension or convulsions - which go back in history until its recent popularity today. Many believe it makes the taste of regular tobacco "repulsive" while other naturalists use it to clam the nerves and relax the body muscles, easing mild depression.

Lately, current evidence suggests the herb Lobelia can produce similar effects on the human body as nicotine, yet is not addictive and helps eliminate the desire to smoke. There is trouble when it is overused, such as vomiting, drowsiness, weak pulse, and respiratory failure.

Another herb is the Mimosa tea ("mimosa hostilis"), a perennial evergreen shrub that is native to northeastern Brazil and also found in southern Mexico. The root bark is the choice part of the plant, traditionally used in the preparation of a psychoactive sacramental beverage.

Giving up smoking may make you feel anxious, or give you a headache but a strong cup of Mimosa tea can boost your mood and help you calm down. It is not addictive and is recommended for use instead of anti-depressant medicines. Similarly, the traditional Chinese CaoSu herb diminishes the desire to smoke.

Smoking non-tobacco cigarettes look like regular cigarettes and are available in many flavors like burnt sienna and menthol. They offer the same sensation while smoking as regular cigarettes but are healthier because they don't contain nicotine or tar. However, you must consult your doctor before taking these or any herbal medicines, because many of them may contain substances similar to drugs.

You must also eat lots of raw or lightly steamed fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking lots of water, fruit juice, herbal tea, etc, to flush out the nicotine. Try taking hot baths, whirlpool baths, and saunas. These make you feel better, and reduce the urge to smoke.

Another way to fight the craving for nicotine is to chew on a large flavored toothpick, or squirt juice into your mouth. Similarly, drinking herbal tea, which is made from five different herbs, can help you to fight the urge to smoke.

About the Author

Check out http://www.my-stop-smoking-zone.com/ for more articles on side affects Of zyban and nicotine patch.

Article Source: OnlineEarnings Article Board

Steps to quit smoking

Cigarette smoking's is assosiated with a long list of debilitating conditions that have been well-documented, with heart disease and stroke, cancer, and chronic bronchitis and other respiratory diseases primarily amongst them. While group health plans routinely cover the cost of treatment for these smoking-related illnesses, however, that is not the rule for programs to help smokers quit.

If you too feel that you are in this vicious circle and need to leave the habit then it could be easily done by following the simple easy steps:

1. You should think about cutting down or quitting smoking
It can be easily done if you talk to others about smoking and observe that how a non smoker reacts to a smoker at the same time look at the negative steps of smoking. You can even smoke before the mirror to watch what exactly goes on while you smoke.

2. Gather more information about quitting
You can ask ex smokers how they managed to leave the habit or tell your friend that you wish to opt healthy alternatives to smoke. Whenever you feel the urge to smoke, wait for a moment before lighting up, again experience the urge fully and think different ways to respond to this situation. You can even reward yourself when you feel that you are aware about your smoking habits.

3. Try to modify your smoking risks such as switch brands or cut down
You can start a smoking journal and then record when you smoke more or less than usual. At the same time you can try certain stress reduction techniques and adopt more healthier activity that is in compatiable with smoking such as swimming, dancing etc. You can even switch to a low brand and then reward yourself for each risk modification.

4. You should decide to quit
You need to keep a track of the number of cigarettes you smoke every day , again stop buying cartons and make it one at a time. Try to identify what are your top smoking triggers. Brushing your teeth many times a day shall help and then list the reasons that you want to quit. Switching brands each week with lower brands each time will help. Postpone every third cigarette you smoke.

5. Set a quitting date
Decide yourself that you have to quit and therefore sit at non smoking sections of restaurants and airplanes. Prepare a minimum of three responses to your top cigarette triggers. Try to cut back upon alcoholic beverages and also set up a health bank.

6. Try to remain far away from cigarettes for about 24 hours
Schedule healthful activities such as walking, fishing. You can also indulge yourself in different activities such as brushing your teeth or sending your favourite clothes for washing meaning thereby keeping yourself busy and diverted from smoking. Do remember to discard all your ashtrays.

7. Make sure you complete one year as a non smoker
Reward yourslef on a daily basis such as massages, hot baths and then avoid smoking or drinking places and observe how better does your food tastes.

These are some of the ways that could help you out in quitting smoking but again many people face trouble in getting rid of this drug abuse. To this, there are certain smoking cessation medicines that work in a way to help the person quit smoking.

For more information, visit our website http://www.benzer11.com/zyban.html to know more about approved medicines and treatments.

About Author

Olivia Andrews, writing for http://www.benzer11.com/zyban.html is a freelance journalist and has written many reviews on subjects such as finance, education, health, entertainment, music, gifts, crafts, travel, apparels and mobile phones.



Source: ArticleTrader.com

You Can Stop Smoking

The facts are clear. There is nothing worse you could do to adversely affect your health. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death. Women are three times more likely to develop lung cancer then men. Cancer has now replaced heart disease as the number one killer of Americans aged 85 and younger. 1/3 of all cancer deaths are related to smoking.

Although there has been a huge decrease in the number of smokers between 1965 and 2000, 22f American adults still continue to smoke. The good news is that surveys have shown that 70f active smokers want to quit.

When you quit smoking the benefits are immediate. Blood cells that transport carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke begin to transport healthy oxygen. Even though quitting doesn't completely eliminate the risk of developing lung cancer, the risk of lung cancer starts to decline. One year after quitting smoking your chances of having a heart attack drops by half. The risk of lung cancer continues to decline and drop dramatically five to ten years after quitting. So we know that quitting is essential to enjoying a long and healthy life. The question is how do you pick the right way to stop smoking for you?

The first thing you need to know is that most smokers quit unsuccessfully several times before they quit for good. You will most likely not be successful your first time around - but you must still try! Each time you attempt to quit you come closer to finally quitting for good.

There are many organizations available to help you take control of your health and quit smoking. Most smokers find a greater success rate in groups. Organizations such as SmokEnders have community based seminars and will come to the workplace to counsel smokers. SmokEnders is a gradual stop smoking program that says it's success is based on treating the physical and the psychological aspects of smoking. They offer unlimited toll-free phone counseling.

Some people prefer to try to stop cold turkey. They stop smoking completely with little or no reduction in the number of cigarettes they smoke beforehand. As with any smoker who quits, those who quit cold turkey will experience the withdrawal symptoms of irritability, increased appetite and restlessness. For someone trying to stop smoking cold turkey help can be obtained using medications such as Zyban which lessens withdrawal symptoms. Zyban can only be obtained with a prescription.

Some smokers obtain relief from smoking withdrawal with a nicotine replacement commonly known as a nicotine patch. Patches are used for up to eight weeks. Nicotine patches are available over the counter. It is suggested that you talk to your doctor before trying any over the counter nicotine replacement therapy.

The American Cancer Society and American Lung Association have free information available. The federal government also has free information for smokers available at http://www.smokefree.gov.

About Author

Article courtesy of http://stop-smoking-4ever.com




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A Short Guide to Stop Smoking

If you are a long-time smoker and wish to stop smoking, the following guidelines may be of use in quitting the habit. Smoking has long-term health hazards, as reported in news clips and reports. The habit however is a personal decision, and it all depends on how determined a person is, and what level of abstinence can be practiced in order to stop smoking.

People take to smoking for various reasons. It could be the sheer charm of smoking, joining a group, beating stress, soothing and calming nerves, and so on. The reasons for quitting are commonly health related.

There does not seem to be a trick in quitting a habit. It is easy to fall back and start all over again. Perhaps a slow and steady approach can do the trick when more severe methods have failed.


Here are a few words to guide and reaffirm your determination to quit smoking if you wish to do so:
1. If you keep failing, have faith in yourself. You can do it, if others have done it before.
2. It is important to remind yourself of the reasons you want to quit smoking. Write them down and read them regularly.
3. Seek help from others around, the ones you trust, in talking to you about quitting. When others persuade us, it may work better for some.
4. There are medical substitutes available that help people climb down on the amounts.
5. Setting a deadline by the end of which one must quit can help in some cases.
6. Find out which plan works best for you – an immediate stop, a gradual pulling out, or some combination.
7. Knowing and talking to people who have quit smoking can boost your morale.
8. Smoking could be related to poor health and regimen. Change your regimen and see if it can substitute for the need to smoke.
9. Visualize the lifestyle of a non-smoker, and find out why it is positive and good. This will increase the attraction toward the goal.

For more information on quitting smoking, visit: stop smoking

About Author

The author is a freelance writer and associated with http://www.stop-smoking-guide.info



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Tips To Help Ease Your Struggle To Stop Smoking

Smoking cigarettes or using tobacco is a self destructive and a suicidal behavior. If you are a smoker, then you already know this simple fact. But just knowing and being able to do something about it are often two different things.

You are probably aware that millions and millions of people die from tobacco related disease each and every year. But knowing this has not caused more than a minor movement away from use of the deadly plant by the general public. In fact, children all over the world are being led into the same destructive path as their elders. At their young age, they started smoking their first cigarettes, and quickly became addicted to a daily habit.

The huge problem with smoking cigarettes is in the seemingly unbreakable habit of using them. Habits are built - or assembled if you will - over a period of time and are created by repetitious behavior. Without the habit, which creates the craving, tobacco has no power of its own. It is as harmless and of no consequence as any simple garden weed. It is that internal unintentional perception about the drug that makes it dangerous.

Removing this kind of habit from a human being is not so simple. It requires a complete program of steps, taken one at a time with care and commitment. With this type of program, ending the smoking habit will feel more natural and is actually easier, even less painful than starting it. The first place to start is with these simple questions: Do you really want to quit smoking? Are you ready to do it now? If your answer to either question is "no," you will probably be unable to quit at all.

Here are some simple but effective quit smoking tips:

Tip 1: Think of yourself as a non-smoker.

One of the best ways to think like a non-smoker one is to picture yourself in your day to day routine without cigarettes. When people ask you for a cigarette, you tell them that you don't smoke. When you eat in a restaurant, you choose the non-smoking section. You stop taking breaks at work to smoke. Conceptualizing yourself as someone who doesn’t smoke will help you make that vision a reality. It may sound silly, but positive thinking of very specific activities in your life can help you achieve your goals.

Tip 2: Drink more water.

Water can be very instrumental in ending your smoking habit. Water flushes out the body and any toxins quickly. Some people feel bloated for the first couple of days of drinking extra water, but you will quickly enjoy its benefits. Drinking extra water will cause you to urinate more often, thus eliminating the toxins caused by smoking more quickly, reducing the urge to smoke. On top of that, you will feel healthier and more energetic.

Tip 3: Quit smoking with a buddy.

Encourage someone who always talks about quitting smoke to join you. It is much easier to give up a bad habit if you have a friend with whom to share sympathy and helpful tips. This "quit" buddy can help share your struggles because they know exactly what you’re going through.

Tip 4: Enlist support from others in your life.

Don’t try to quit smoking alone! It is best to let everyone know that you are quitting. Tell your best friend. Tell your girlfriend or boyfriend. Tell your mom. Make sure you let everyone know when you will be quitting so that you have people to hold you responsible if you are tempted to start again.

Tip 5: Count the days when you stop smoking.

Count the days you are smoke free. You can compare the number of days you last smoked to the present day. Make a point to always know how long you’ve quit smoking. Counting the days of not smoking will help convince you that you have quit for good. Most people will lose their cravings for cigarettes after about 3 days. If you are counting the days right from the start, then you will know when you can look forward to it becoming easier. In the beginning, it may seem like they will last forever. But after a few days, you'll find that they continue to lessen and that it will get easier.

Tip 6: Be kind to yourself.

It isn't easy to quit smoking, so be sure to reward yourself for your progress. Take yourself out to your favorite restaurant Buy yourself some flowers. You'll find that you can now enjoy their scent for the first time in years!

About Author

If you have decided to quit smoking, but need help, be sure to visit Lisa Corwin's Finish Smoking site for more tips: http://www.finish-smoking.com




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Stop Smoking: Directions on How to Stop Smoking

Stop Smoking: how to quit smoking

So you want to quit smoking do you?

It has been estimated that the average smoker has wasted over $400,000 in tobacco purchases and medical expenses by the age of 35.

So imagine what you could do if you did stop smoking!

How do you quit? You put your mind to it and you do it.

You do not have to pay lots of money for hypnosis or for acupuncture or even some expensive nicotine patch. Just let your friends know that you are now serious about kicking the habit of smoking and get started on a free program.

U.S. Surgeon General has reported that nicotine is just as addictive as heroin and
Cocaine!

So you will want to take this seriously, because it is NOT going to get any easier to quit if you procrastinate this.

Those once smoking a pack or more a day, who have given up smoking for at least one year, have a death rate less than half that of those who have continued smoking. - American Cancer Society

One of the first people that I helped to quit smoking, always said that she really wanted to quit smoking. But when I asked her, she would say that she wanted to start her program once she had finished her current new pack of cigarettes. I asked her how much the pack cost her, and then offered to give her that amount of money to buy the pack from her. I bought her cigarette pack from her, and then I crushed the pack into pieces over the trash can.

Even if you do not care about your health, others do, and by you smoking, there is a danger of second hand smoke for others. And the worse part of it is that those that look up to you, may soon be copying your dirty habit. I have worked with lots of people who I have helped to stop smoking, who had been smoking for many years. It is not easy, but I know that it is possible.

You will want to remove all the things from your surroundings that make you crave tobacco. This means that you will need to get rid of the smells from your car, your clothes, your carpet and entire home. That could mean that you need to stay away from your favorite porch chair for a while, if that is where you do most of your smoking. Get rid of all of your ash trays. Stay away from the places where you normally buy the cigarettes.

Some people like to get candies to put into their mouth, for whenever they feel the urge to smoke. It is recommended that you use cinnamon flavor, since that helps control the urge. Before you start, get some cinnamon flavored candies and cinnamon flavored mouth wash. Orange juice, or even better, grapefruit juice, has shown to be especially helpful, due to the high vitamin C content. Have the juice available in your refrigerator and wherever you go. Get some healthy munchies. For example, maybe put a bag of those mini carrots in your refrigerator.

Stay away from high fat foods, coffee, and alcohol, while you are trying to quit. By doing this, you will be fighting some of the natural triggers that have stopped you from quitting smoking in the past.

A free program that has been used by over 20 million people, is the Five-Day Plan to Quit Smoking, put together by two Christians in 1964. And it is still being used today! The plan has been recognized by the World Health Organization, the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association, and the American Heart Association. This plan was put together by J.Wayne McFarland, M.D. and Elman J. Folkenberg. There are some places that will charge you to do this plan, with personal assistance, but you can download a find a free copy on the internet and do it on your own at no cost too.

The plan takes you through a five day long, step-by-step program to easily change your daily habits and achieve your goals to quit smoking. Through psychological motivations and physical changes (such as slight dietary modifications), the Five-Day Plan works to break your nicotine cravings and smoking routine.

About Author

Spencer Hunt is a glyconutrients distributor
who recommends a low glycemic diet and all 8 glyconutrients. He helps people to buy discount glyconutrients products in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and other places. http://www.ifoundhealth.com



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The First Important Step To Stop Smoking Is Planning

Millions of people smoke, and to many, particularly those that have been smoking for some time, the prospect of quitting seems daunting. An addiction to nicotine is a serious one, and is multifaceted: there is a physical component, in that your body craves the nicotine the cigarettes contain, and a psychological one, in that many habits and situations become associated with cigarettes for the smoker. For these reasons it is important that you come up with a plan of attack in order to quit smoking: although the cold-turkey technique works for some people, the vast majority of smokers will have success only with a more comprehensive plan.

When you first consider the prospect of quitting smoking, it's probably going to seem far fetched, but keep in mind that thousands of people - people that are no different from you - quit smoking every year. If they can do it, there's no reason that you can't. Many smokers also feel that after a certain age it is "too-late" to quit smoking. Simply put, this isn't true, and should not be used as an excuse to avoid an attempt to quit smoking: the health benefits of quitting smoking begin the very day you stop.

Before you actually have your last cigarette, begin to build up your willpower. Your willpower is going to be your most important tool in quitting, and it's very unlikely that you will be successful without it. Spend some time thinking of the reasons you want to quit smoking. Learn about the health benefits of quitting, for both yourself and the people around you. Do some math and come up with some figures for the amount of money you'll save by not buying cigarettes, and think of something you'll use that money for.

Once you've built up your willpower, it's time to have your last cigarette. To keep your spirits up, understand that the human body is incredibly resilient, and your health will improve as soon as you stop smoking - literally. 8 hours after your last cigarette, carbon monoxide levels and oxygen levels in your blood stream will return to normal. At 24 hours after your last cigarette, you statistically reduce your chance of a heart attack. Only 48 hours after your last cigarette, your sense of taste and smell will improve as your nerve endings start growing.

As you continue to stay smoke free, think of the longer-term benefits to quitting in order to keep your willpower up: even after 2 weeks your lung power will begin to increase, and continue to do so over time. Other aspects of your health will continue to improve in various ways. The ultimate motivator should be the knowledge that 15 years after quitting, your risk of death is almost the same as someone who has never smoked - a remarkable fact that illustrates our the human body's surprising ability to restore itself.

By coming up with a concrete plan to quit smoking you will greatly increase your chances of success. Crucial is understanding the important role that your willpower will play in the process, and planning to build up this willpower weeks before you attempt to quit. Once you've stopped you have to keep the strength of this willpower up, and to do so, remind yourself of the health benefits you will be privy to immediately after butting out that last cigarette.

About the Author

By Abbas Abedi-To make your break from the smoking habit easier visit my blog Stop Smoking Hypnosis

Article Source: OnlineEarnings Article Board

Stop Smoking Programs - What Should I Look For When Picking A Quit Smoking Program?

When you are considering a program to quit smoking, it is important to understand some of the methods in which it touches base on, helping you understand the problems that you will face when you give up smoking and how to cope with them.

Not only is your own will and determination important, but the caring and support of those around you when things get rough. Some of the best stop-smoking programs include counseling, both individually or in groups, and therapy.

The therapy is different from counseling as it is in reference to the individual and how they are responding to quitting smoking. It is decided on the basis of an individual's health, for which a smoker is required to undergo a full medical check up.

Most of these stop-smoking programs are normally spread over a period of 2 weeks. During this period, trained counselors conduct anywhere from four to seven sessions, the duration of which ranges from 20 to 30 minutes. The duration of the total program or the sessions can be modified based on the needs of the participating group and the individual involved. The programs are invariably led by people who have had considerable experience in assisting people give up smoking.

One excellent group that runs such programs is Nicotine Anonymous, which works on the same principles as Alcoholics Anonymous. Like AA, smokers can attend all meetings free of cost and have a continuous support group on a weekly basis. The American Lung Association, Health Department, and American Cancer Society also sponsor such free programs and support groups for smokers who are trying to quit smoking.

There are so many programs to choose from in regard to quitting smoking, it is best to research how legitimate they are before joining. It is never easy to quit anything, but smoking seems to be one of the worst. Looking around at all the programs, realize what you will be up against - being honest with yourself - while also looking at the options should be carefully done before beginning.

It is pretty hard to be objective about an addictive drug that is present in the body about three or four days after quitting the nicotine, but to be truthful and honest about what is going to happen and what it will take to successfully quit is what it takes.

However, before joining any such program, you need to do some research. You must avoid programs that are not ethical, or programs that use injections or pills as the only method of treatment. The programs that refuse to disclose details of the chemicals used in injections must surely be shunned. So should be those programs that charge high fees or promise instant results.

And most of all, you must remember that it takes time and patience to give up smoking. Most smokers have been at it for quite awhile, and won't be able to quit overnight. But once you do, food will taste better and your sense of smell will be back to normal. Shortness of breath will be gone, and you will return to better health. Join a program that is well planned and willing to help you on a long-term basis for a major future goal.

About the Author

Check out http://www.my-stop-smoking-zone.com/ for more articles on nicorette gum and stop smoking products.

Article Source: OnlineEarnings Article Board

Stop Smoking Tips - Is There One That Works?

There are many stop smoking techniques that make the withdrawals of nicotine less painful and stressful, with each one varying upon the individuals and how bad the addiction is. The techniques will not break the smoking habit - only you can - but it will make it easier.

Quitting smoking will be more successful if you make the decision to quit smoking yourself with sheer will and determination. The American Heart and Lung Association has a 24-hour hotline for all kinds of help and support for quitting smoking, along with free quit smoking sessions.

To quit smoking requires changing your behavior, according to the Stages of Change Model. In the pre-contemplation stage, the smoker is not thinking seriously about quitting but just "pondering" it sporadically while in the contemplation stage, the smoker is considering quitting more seriously, but is not ready to make the attempt at that time.

In the preparation stage, the smoker is serious about quitting, thinks about developing a plan, and possibly even has a date in mind. The action stage is exactly what it says; you are going into action to quit smoking for a period of 6 months when the smoker is quitting is known as the action stage. The maintenance stage is the period of 6 months to 5 years after quitting. The ex-smoker is aware of the danger of starting to smoke again and takes steps to avoid it. If you want to quit smoking, you need to have a plan and decide on a date when you want to quit. You can pick a date at random, or a birthday or anniversary.

A lot of heavy smokers will quit abruptly by going cold turkey while others some do it in stages by progressively reducing the number of cigarettes they smoke everyday. You can prepare for the big day by telling everyone about your intention and making a plan about nicotine replacement therapy, support groups, classes, etc. and have an actual date in mind to quit.

On the day when you quit smoking, keep yourself active and busy and drink lots of water and juices. Dispose off all your cigarettes, ashtrays, lighters, etc., and avoid alcohol and situations where you may be tempted to smoke, such as bars or restaurants where you have always smoked.

This will be a difficult phase so it would be a good idea to begin some form of therapy or counseling sessions, beginning some sort of nicotine replacement therapy, if needed. There are many forms of NRT, such as gum, patches, shots, natural, diet, and many new developing methods.

Deep breathing and oral substitutes like carrot sticks, raw vegetables, sunflower seeds, sugarless gum, or hard candy can be useful. If you feel an uncontrollable urge to smoke, abstain for at least 10 minutes and don't give in. This may allow you to regain control of yourself. This will happen for weeks to maybe months and needing to develop a plan of attack immediately is worth it.

Find out what works in the body the best, as you will use it to fight strong urges to smoke, months, or even years after you quit. Even if you do revert to smoking, don't lose heart. Jump back on the bandwagon, learning from your experiences and prepare to make a stronger attempt the next time.

About the Author

Check out http://www.my-stop-smoking-zone.com/ for more articles on nicorete and stop smoking guaranteed.

Article Source: OnlineEarnings Article Board