INCLUDE_DATA

Posts Tagged ‘Health & Fitness’

The Common Elements Behind Lung Cancer

by Douglas Grahame

The most prevalent symptoms of lung cancer are persistent coughing, worsening of a pre-existing chronic cough and presence of blood in sputum, unexplained loss of weight, chest pains and difficulties in breathing. These symptoms will vary depending on the location of the patient and the rate at which the tumor spreads. The sad reality is that one cannot identify any early signs or warnings of lung cancer easily.

There are two types of cancer of the lungs: primary lung cancer and Mesothelioma, which is also referred to as secondary lung cancer. Primary lung cancer is usually starts in the lungs. Mesothelioma on the other hand results when the cancer starts in another part or other parts of the body and slowly spreads to the lungs.

Cancer of lungs is categorized into two; that is Mesothelioma and primary lung cancer. Primary lung cancer is that which begins inside the lungs and Mesothelioma, which is also called secondary cancer is usually as a result of another cancer which affected a different part of the body and has now spread into the lungs. The known causes of lung cancer include smoking, viruses, asbestos, radon gas and other genetic risks.

Smoking: Cigarette smoking is by far the major leading cause to lung cancer with over 80% of lung cancer related deaths in the developed world being as a result of cigarette smoking. There are even greater chances of one developing lung cancer if he/ she takes on smoking at a younger age. Non-smokers can also find themselves developing cancer through exposure from the presence of one smoking close to them. Therefore in smoking pipes and cigars, cannabis or as a passive smoker you are likely to develop lung cancer.

Radon Gas Fumes: Radon is a gas that occurs naturally and it passes to building foundations from the soil. If you are exposed to this gas, its concentration varies locally, consider the type of rocks and soil of a given area.

Asbestos: People who have a long contact with asbestos are likely to develop lung cancer especially if they couple it with the smoking of cigarettes. The two combinations are fatal as they increase the chances of developing cancer. Heavy exposure to asbestos lone can also result to lung cancer.

Viruses: In early times, viruses where thought to only cause lung cancer in animal. However, recent studies show that they can cause cancer I humans too. These viruses include JC virus, simian, papillomavirus and others.

Prevention measures such as avoidance of tobacco are cost-effective and better ways of avoiding lung cancer.

About the Author:

Popularity: 13% [?]

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ways to stop Smoking

by Douglas Grahame

It is said that a large number of smokers have once or in a few occasions tried to stop smoking. Getting addicted to nicotine is a new thing in the world today. It has also been noted that most people who claim to have stopped smoking go back to the same habit after some time. There are few people who will smoke publicly while the majority tends to hide it for fear of what friends and family will think.

For one to comfortably be in a position to rate themselves as being out of the habit, they should be in a three month sober state away from cigarettes. The truth still stands that once you decide to quit smoking, then it should stand out as being a life time commitment. With lung cancer being a major development due to smoking, it has led to thousands of deaths over the past years and so take this in mind as you decide to quit forever.

The first thing is to find a reason for stopping smoking. You may not go far without a good reason. You may consider some of the reasons like health hazards it poses, the fear of addition, falling pregnant or any other viable reason. Once you know why you need to quit smoking, then it will be easy to fight the urge of lighting one more stick. You will then need to identify the reason why you smoke. Among the common ones if stress, anxiety, bored and influence from other smokers. You will have to decide the ways to avoid falling into such situations which may make you want to puff off. Find better things to do in such occasions so as to keep your mind occupied.

At this point it is time to get rid of all tobacco products and accessories that may be lying around in your home, place of work or car. Not having these things near you reduces the urge to smoke. The type of friend and/or family that you hand out with may also be a factor to consider. You may want to stay away from smokers and find someone who also wants to kick the habit so that you may provide support for each other.

Counseling from a professional may also bear fruit for you will be advised on better ways to fight your urge for cigarettes and the changes that may take place body wise once you quit. Try and exercise so as to reduce on the stress and anxiety. These exercise programs will keep you occupied at the same time ensuring you keep fit after the unhealthy indulgence in smoking.

About the Author:

Popularity: 13% [?]

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Cold-Turkey Method To Live A Smoke-Free Life

by Philip Davis

People are fast realizing the health risks of smoking, and are choosing to kick the nicotine habit in favor of a healthier, smoke-free life. However, stopping smoking isn’t as easy as it sounds, and people generally abide by two widely accepted methods. The first is cutting down gradually – setting a date by which one will stop smoking, and working towards it by steadily cutting down, and the other is the cold-turkey method. The latter means that one will stop smoking in one day, abruptly, and never again touch another cigarette. Many people, however, lack the strength or the self-control to try this, but we give you some tips to help you on your way to achieving the cold-turkey method.

Firstly, and this is the most obvious rule: once you’ve made up your mind to stop smoking forever, abide by it. Resist the urge to take that puff. Remember, just one puff of the cigarette, and you’re back to square one, and all your effort is down the drain. You see, nicotine affects your brain, and grows millions of nicotine receptors in almost eleven different regions. Despite your mind’s nicotine induced dopamine/adrenaline intoxication being an alert high, your chemical dependency on the substance is very real. Don’t fool yourself by saying you’ll “take just one little puff” – the words don’t exist. Tell yourself that you want to stop smoking, and just do it!

You should be prepared to experience a strong sense of emotional loss. Your addiction to nicotine is, after all, intense and repetitive – over the years your body has been conditioned to depend on it. You will have to face emotional turmoil in phases like denial (feeling like you don’t need to stop smoking in the first place), anger (at yourself and everyone around you), bargaining (telling yourself you’ll take just one puff and stay absolutely nicotine-free the rest of the week), depression (feeling low and generally down-in-the-dumps), acceptance (of the fact that you must stop smoking), and complacency. Remember that this emotional journey is necessary, and a healthy part of recovery.

Don’t skip meals, and we suggest that for the first three days, you drink lots of acidic fruit juice. Cranberry juice can help to accelerate the 72 hours needed to remove the alkaloi nicotine from your body, plus it also helps stabilize blood sugars. Regular exercise will repair the damage done to your system through smoking. It’s helpful to get a buddy with whom you can stop smoking, to get the support from one who has already kicked the habit.

Also, perhaps your body is conditioned to crave nicotine at certain places, or events, or times. For instance, a trip to the bar may make you want to light up. Avoid such triggers that can cause you to go backward in your efforts to stop smoking. Remember to practice deep breathing, and reward yourself for little milestones. If it’s been a month since you quit smoking, go to a restaurant for a meal, and stay in the non-smoking section.

About the Author:

Popularity: 13% [?]

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Archives