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Posts Tagged ‘smoking | quit smoking’

Storm Cloud of Stress

by Sara Mendez

There are many things in life worrying about, but stress should not be one of them. Stress is like disease which sucks the fun out of everything. Stress cause sleep deprivation, lose interest in activities you once found entertaining, and stress can also cause your work performance to suffer.

Stress, many people think of this as a “dirty word” and some think of it as an excuse to act poorly. Stress can be caused by many things, financial problems, marital problems or it could be caused from a happy event such as a wedding, children or going on vacation. Stress is about perception. What is stressful for one may not be for another. Many times we blow things out of proportion and therefore causing more un-necessary stress in our lives. Stress does not have to be caused from something bad in ones life. However stress, whether good or bad can lead to other very serious problems.

Stress has been linked to medical problems such as chronic headaches, age acceleration, lower immune system, heart attacks, and stomach problems, just to name a few. Many people under stress are also short tempered, grouchy, anxious and jumpy.

By learning to manage stress, you will find that you look forward to meeting new people, regain your sense of humor and self confidence. You will also find yourself feeling more relaxed, calmer, and have increased energy. You may even allow yourself to enjoy recreational activities and have more independence.

It is time for you to take a look at how stress is affecting your life. You know how your mind and body react to stress. Some have a rapid heart rate, become sweaty, or feel nervous. You know what causes stress in your life, maybe it is your children, money or simply your job.

Some people manage stress through a counselor, medications and others turn to hypnosis. Since there are so many different treatments and options for stress management, it is important to research all aspects of the treatments to decide what is right for you.

Hypnosis allows people to change your response to stress. You will find yourself calmer, rational and more relaxed. Hypnosis can help you in multiple ways, one through body relaxation. You will learn to control how breathing which will instantly create a calming effect on your mind, and it will fight tension which can lead to chronic medical problems. It will also help you to address the behaviors you have while experiencing stress such as anger or frustration and allow you to be calm.

Stress is a part of everyone life in one way or another and chances are, you will always have stress. However stress does not have to rule your life, there are options out there. You must decide how you want to live your life and how you want to feel. How do you want to be seen by others, no one wants to be thought of as a ticking time bomb. The time is now, make a choice.

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Smoking Bans Since 1998

by Sara Mendez

California was the first state in to ban smoking in bars, casinos and restaurants in 1998. In the ten years which have followed, New York, Arizona, Florida, Colorado and now Oregon have joined the trend. In 2001 government officials argued both sides of this heavily debated issue, in the end the bill passed. Two important issues made their way to the front of the debate, establishing a healthy work place and a smoke free environment for non-smokers. By passing the bill Oregon helped look out for the health of all Oregonians.

Through out the 80′s and early 90′s bills were passed all over the country outlawing workplace smoking. However these bills did not include bars, restaurants, bowling alleys or casinos. Lobbyists argued for these workers and brought forward statistics showing the effects of second hand smoke. They did not feel it was fair to offer a smoke free environment for some workers and not others. Many of the workers liked their jobs and wanted to keep them but ultimately did not want to be around smoke but they suffered through. In the end they had to deal with many second hand smoke issues.

Dining out, club hopping, a bowling date, all of these things should be remembered as an experience, not as an experience in a cloud of smoke. In the past restaurant and bar owners offered both a non and smoking section. However after examining the filtration systems in restaurants, health officials reported increased chances of second hand smoke health problems. Smoke does not filter out to the outside because of the ventilation systems in buildings. This makes the smoke stale and thick. Many people avoid places such as these because of this one reason! Then once the health risks are added, no one wants to smell and have cancer at the same time! The only way to insure a healthy environment is to have smoking outside. This has an appeal to non-smokers because not only can they dine and actually smell their dinners but they can also not worry about developing other health risks. For restaurant workers, they are able to also rest easy and know their work environment is not causing them cancer.

Some feel the bill takes the rights away from adults to choose what they do to their own bodies. While this may be true, smokers are also taking the same right away from non-smokers. Oregon compromised by allowing smoking out doors. While not everyone agrees with this compromise, all parties agreed.

Smoking can cause serious health problems but smoking is not like alcohol where it only physically effects the consumer. Smoking can effect those all around it. If exposed to second hand smoke, children and non-smokers can become at risk for those same health problems. Some may feel those who work in bars or bingo halls the non-smoker should know the risks associated with second hand smoke. However, previous bills guaranteed a smoke free environment for all, not everyone but those who work in bars or bowling alleys.

Health and fair working conditions are something Oregon law makers truly believe in. Oregon is taking strong steps toward those who are noncompliant with the new bill. There are fines and other consequences for those found to be in violation of the new law. No one should have to make the choice between having health problems and not simply so they can get a job or eat out.

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Bans on Smoking

by Sara Mendez

Over 50% of states are covered by a smoking ban of some form according to en.wikipedia.org. The ban severity depends on the state. Some states the ban includes hotel rooms and others it includes restaurants and bars while other states smoking isn’t allowed anywhere. Since healthcare costs in America are completely out of control, many feel bans such as these have come at a good time. If anything the laws are only going to get more and more strict.

In 2005 Washington state imposed $100.00 fines for lighting up within 25 feet of restaurants, bars, movie complexes and other public places according to an article in USAToday. California also became the first state to out law smoking on all of its beaches, Indiana will not allow smoking at bus stops or ATMs, and in many states healthcare workers are forbidden to smoke during the work day and must sign a contract agreeing to this rule. Other states have taken their smoking bans to another level, in Iowa even smoking in your car anywhere on the grounds with get you a fine USAToday also reports. These trends have no where to go but up mainly due to people raising awareness among the public.

More and more research has come out about second hand smoke. Often those who are exposed to second hand smoke suffer the same health problems as smokers. Cancer, asthma, and emphysema are some of the more common problems associated with second hand smoke. The public feels an obligation to keep non-smokers healthy. The cost of health care are on the rise because of both obesity related health problems and smoking related health complications. The public has had enough.

Since California has been one of the major players in the smoking ban, they decided to take it one step further. Just when the public thought the ban couldn’t get any tougher, California added the old one two and included a ban on driving while smoking with children in the car. This law passed in 2007 making it one of the most drastic in the nation according to cigarettehouse.net. It outraged smokers who feel smoking in their own car is their business, however California’s govern and its lawmakers felt differently. Children should not be made to be exposed to second hand smoke.

Some feel by imposing smoking bans on the public, law makers are taking away a smokers right to choose what they do to their own body. While this maybe true, children and non-smokers are not given a choice at all when they are being exposed to second hand smoke. Smokers are still able to smoke in their homes and private property. They are only asked to respect the public who does not want to be around smoke.

Fifty years ago smoking in public places and job sites was widely accepted. It was considered a social thing and not thought of as a dirty habit. However after seeing the effects of smoking many have chose to quit. Banning smoking is replacing the smoking socialization factor of fifty years ago, the new trend is healthy and no one should expect this new trend to go anywhere any time soon.

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