Stop Smoking - Smoking and Cancer

by Ralph Ferriss

There is strong evidence that suggests that people who smoke cigarettes on a regular basis for a long period of time are at an extremely high risk of developing larynx and lung cancer. Researchers are still trying to figure out exactly how it is that smoking causes these types of cancer, as it is not yet understood clearly.

Normal cells that experience damage are able to repair themselves on their own. Sometimes cells are completely removed and then are replaced by the body’s lymph system. This process can start to go wrong, however.

Sometimes new cells begin to grow into odd, unnatural shapes and as a result do not carry out their normal tasks properly. When this unnatural growth becomes a big enough problem that the body cannot handle it, it has officially become cancer.

Many of the substances that are found in cigarette smoke have been proven to be carcinogenic.

When the paper in a cigarette burns, it releases tar. Each cigarette tends to contain between 10 and 14 milligrams of tar. This tar collects in the tiny air filled sacs of the lungs, called alveoli, where oxygen is usually transferred into the blood. The presence of tar in the alveoli irritates the cells and eventually leads to their unnatural growth.

Other compounds, called nitrosamines, are present in varying amounts. They’re known to be carcinogenic from hundreds of clinical studies on small mammals. NNK is present in a very low concentration: 56.53 nanograms per cigarette. Other nitrosamines, like NNN and NAT, are present in roughly similar amounts.

A few dozen nanograms (one billionth of a gram - 1 g = 0.0353 oz) may sound like a small amount. But sometimes small amounts can have a large effect. Dog’s noses, for example, are so sensitive they can detect a few molecules of certain substances. Some systems in humans are equally sensitive to certain chemicals. Add to that the fact that many of the compounds and their effects are cumulative and the case begins to look very strong.

No study has found any link between cancer and consuming one or two cigarettes per day. But such smokers are extremely rare and the odds of them catching some other serious disease are so much higher it may be masked. A smoker who consumes a pack a day for 20 years has 2-4 times the chances of getting lung cancer than a non-smoker.

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This post was written by Ralph Ferriss on January 5, 2009

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About

This blog is dedicated to my mother 72 years old mother who recovered from a stroke and decided that enough is enough. I will quit smoking now she said with an iron will inspite the fact that she’s been addicted to cigarettes for 50 years and smoked 2-3 packets a day. I never thought it was possible for her to quit but she proved me wrong.

Now she’s been clean for months and and it makes me so happy every time I talk to her and hear that she’s still a non-smoker. I was always trying to get her to quit even when I was a little kid I used to throw her packets of cigarettes away but all my efforts led to failure.

My name is Patrick G. Moore and I want to help You get rid of the addiction. In this blog I research and review the best quit smoking ways and products in my quest to get as many people smokefree out there.

Feel free to e-mail me any experience about a product or method you tried and want to share. If you want to have your own column in this blog writing about any topics around quit smoking please let me know as I might take you up on it.
For anyone that want to write a story about their quit smoking experience, please share it with us.

To a healtier life,

Patrick G. Moore
I-will-Quit-Smoking.com

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This post was written by Quit Smoking Now on January 4, 2009

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Is There a Free Stop Smoking Aid?

by Louise Servage

So we have all heard of the stop smoking aids that are used to help us kick the habit, but when you are strapped for cash, people need to know about a free stop smoking aid? Everyone should be made aware that there is in fact an option of a free stop smoking aid, you just need to be shown where to look.

The Internet

There is no secret free stop smoking aids can be found online its easy and fast. In just minutes you should be able to find a free stop smoking aid as well as some of the most recommended options out there. An Internet connection offers a wealth of information with great tips and advice that will help you towards successfully quitting smoking.

You need to find one and then try it then try another then try again never give up. Remember you can get a trial version of many of the paid ones. But the theroy is you need to keep trying never give up your life depends on it.

Remember that sometimes times a free stop smoking aid may not be as effective as one that is paid for. Many free versions are very mild and sometimes only offer results to a select few people.

So if you want to have the best chances of success here, you are going to want to opt for a stop smoking aid that you have to pay for.

When giving up smoking no matter what option you choose the best thing to remember is that you need to start now. the sooner you stop this terrible habit the better for you. Smoking is so bad that it is amazing people start knowing the consequences.

Long term effects are devastating, and even just by smoking a couple of years, it can take a decade off your life span.

Give a free stop smoking aid ago but if you don’t get a result give a paid option ago, you should never give up and keep going till you find a solution that provides you the help to quit you need.

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This post was written by Louise Servage on December 26, 2008

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Effective Stop Smoking Aids

by Al Cecil

Giving up smoking is notoriously difficult to do, so many people use stop smoking aids to try to make it a little bit easier. Many of these aids are available, including nicotine patches, nicotine gum, nicotine inhalers, pills, and homeopathic remedies.

The most widely known and perhaps most popular of the various stop smoking aids is the nicotine patch. It is available over the counter in the pharmacy. Designed to deliver a dose of nicotine via a patch, it is intended to lessen withdrawal symptoms while the individual tries to stop smoking.

Many smokers suffer from withdrawal symptoms when they are quitting smoking. These symptoms may include things like headaches, cravings, tiredness, short tempers, and increased anxiety. Using a patch can help alleviate these symptoms, especially in controlling cravings. Nicotine patches can be used to deliver nicotine doses to those trying to stop smoking. To be effective, they must be used every day for about ninety days. Approximately twenty percent of dedicated quitters can stop smoking with the aid of a nicotine patch. Nicotine patches can cause skin irritation and difficulty sleeping. It is recommended that those trying to stop smoking also start therapy along with a nicotine patch to improve their odds of success.

A popular and well known stop smoking aid is the pill, otherwise known as bupropion or Zyban. This prescription drug and antidepressant pill is actually for those individuals who are depressed. However, it has been proven that this pill also helps smokers trying to quit smoking by suppressing symptoms of withdrawal. In fact, some studies show that Zyban is twice as effective as a nicotine patch. In any case, it is easy to use and non-addictive. Side effects of Zyban include trouble sleeping and a dry mouth. It is certainly worth a try.

Nicotine inhalers and nicotine gum are examples of other stop smoking aids. Nicotine gum assists people in their quest to quit by keeping their mouths busy and delivering small doses of nicotine to ward off intense cravings. Some people are hesitant to quit smoking because of the possibility of large weight gain. In such cases nicotine gum is the most useful option as helps ward off cravings without weight gain. Nicotine gum is chewed like other gums and may be used for about 12 weeks to wean off nicotine addiction.

The nicotine inhaler is a stop smoking aid that lets people take a dose of nicotine whenever they feel the need. This mimics the effects of smoking and makes the transition between smoking and not smoking a little bit easier for quitters. There are side effects, though, including throat and mouth irritation.

It is important to remember, however, that stop smoking aids can only work when individuals want them to work. That is, individuals must be fully dedicated to quitting smoking. This inner drive and motivation is the only way smokers will be able to quit smoking. Though stop smoking aids such as nicotine patches, nicotine pills, nicotine gum, and nicotine inhalers can help smokers quit, nothing can help them quit permanently except willpower.

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This post was written by Pam Johnson on December 26, 2008

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Stop Smoking - Smoking and Heart Disease

by Ralph Ferriss

Heart disease is very serious and over and over we hear how smoking can cause it. But how? How can smoking lead to heart disease? In fact, what exactly is heart disease?

Heart disease is when one of your major arteries that lead from your heart and carry needed oxygen to the blood becomes partially blocked. If the blockage worsens it can lead to a heart attack or a coronary meaning your coronary artery is blocked and the flow in that artery stops. That is why another term for heart disease is coronary artery disease.

Smoking makes a person’s chances of having coronary artery disease or heart disease much greater for a variety of reasons.

Carbon monoxide is present in cigarette smoke. It binds with hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that helps transport oxygen throughout the body, including the heart. Reducing the oxygen to the heart ups the odds of heart disease.

Cigarettes also contain nicotine which works against the heart because it robs the blood of oxygen that the heart needs. It also makes the blood clot easier which increases your risk of a heart attack.

But even more subtle, yet still dangerous, effects are produced by nicotine. One of the most serious, long term, is that it encourages the growth of fatty deposits on the arteries, constricting blood flow and hardening the blood vessel.

Arthrosclerosis is a condition where good cholesterol called HDL (high density lipoprotein) is decreased in the blood which allows for fat deposits to form on the arteries. Smoking greatly encourages and feeds this condition.

Reducing the diameter of the artery increases blood pressure. That makes it more likely that any weakness present in the artery wall, something termed an aneurysm, will lead to a rupture. That leads to oxygen starvation to the brain, resulting in a stroke. That’s why one so often sees ‘raises the risk of heart disease and stroke’ discussed in the same sentence.

When your arteries become hard they are not able to perform their tasks without extreme stress.

Blood will not flow properly through arteries if there are holes in your arteries. Also, if your blood does not continue to flow freely through your arteries the results are always damaging but can be deadly. Every living tissue in your body is depending on the blood it needs survive and that blood is delivered through the arteries of your heart.

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This post was written by Ralph Ferriss on December 14, 2008

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Why People Can’t Quit Smoking

by John K Lam

People always think that smoking was a cool and fashionable thing to do, however smoking is anything but cool nowadays. Unfortunately it isn’t so easy to quit and although many smokers would like to give it up, the reality is that more is involved than simply deciding not to take it anymore. The main reason why people can’t quit smoking is that cigarettes contain nicotine which is very hard to live without it once it’s in their system.

With people trying to beat their nicotine addiction, the quit-smoking industry gets wealthier every day. Although these companies have the best of intentions and know how hard it is to quit smoking, so they provide products that can assist. However the prices could be lower and governments could consider subsidizing them to make it easier for smokers to kick the habit.

Pharmacies devote whole sections of their stores to products which can help customers who want to stop smoking. Some even hire part time consultants who can assist customers in their plight. Other companies offer talk therapy, 12-step programs and hypnosis and all of these can be of benefit to various people.

The reality that trying to quit smoking is an expensive proposition makes it difficult for many people. Since the cost of cigarettes continues to inflate out of proportion, it’s cheaper to smoke than to try to quit. What smokers need to remember is that once the smoking habit is gone from their lives, they will save a huge amount of money on cigarettes and return to a normal life without any smoking burden.

The social factor is another reason why people can’t quit smoking. Unless a person surrounds him or herself with other non-smokers, it can be a challenge to not light up when others are. Attending parties, meeting for coffee and any number of other instances are made more challenging when one’s friends or associates smoke. One will offer a cigarette and it can be hard to refuse.

Some countries are becoming strict on public smoking. Many Asian airports now forbid smoking except for in specially designated rooms. In most parts of Australia, it is not possible to smoke in shopping malls, workplaces and even nightclubs, restaurants and bars! Gone are the days of smoking and non-smoking tables in restaurants; the only place to smoke now is in an area outside located beyond ten meters from the dining area.

Measures like these make it become easier to quit smoking but ultimately, it’s up to the individual to take whatever actions they can to beat the habit.

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Stop Smoking Is Good For Your Health

by John K Lam

Quit Smoking - Is it too hard?

If you are a smoker and have ever attempted to quit smoking, you may be aware of the difficulties that are faced once you have quit. It is truth that quitting can be tough; however the task will be easier by the use of effective medications such as Chantix.

As you know the cigarette is made with nicotine. It can create a short term feelings of elation and pleasure in the brain. As the body begins to crave nicotine, the smoker becomes addicted to the nicotine. The more you smoke the more your body craves this chemical which produces these feelings of pleasure and elation.

This addiction as evidenced above is generally the main reason why smokers are unable to quit or find it more difficult to kick the habit. It is however possible to make use of anti-smoking medication coupled with strong discipline, dedication and behavioral support to overcome your addiction and ultimately quit smoking.

What steps can be taken to overcome smoking?

If you really want to quit smoking, you have to make a few personal changes, be dedicated and committed to your efforts to beat your habit. You should devise a positive regime that is suitable for you and attainable goals which are within you’re the scope of achievement. Anti-smoking drugs is very effective and alleviate the stresses and strains of quitting, however smokers need to understand that the quitting process also requires a certain degree of ‘mind over matter’.

What needs to be remembered is that quitting smoking is a lengthy process and often involves undoing years of abuse and addiction. Giving up is not something that is going to happen overnight. As a smoker, you need to find a means of quitting that is comfortable and suitable to your individual needs. If you have made the decision to quit then you have already taken the first major step towards kicking your box of smokes to the curb. If the urges and cravings become too intense, you can try to chat with a friend, having a glass of water or chewing some gum.

These tactics are by no means going to make you quit but are definitely going to make the experience far more bearable and possibly help you resist the temptations and urges to light up. Try to avoid overly stressful situations by take up yoga, jogging, go for a relaxing walk or take up meditation.

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The Easy Way to Quit Smoking Naturally

by John K Lam

Stop smoking herb rather than cigarettes is a fairly healthy natural way to quit smoking cigarettes.

Nowadays there are lots of different quit smoking aids in the market and it is quite difficult to choose one to help you get through your struggle. Many people have trying all sorts of methods from laser smoking cessation treatments to acupuncture cessation smoking methods. They might also try purchasing quit smoking antidepressant prescriptions or a kit smoking stop product.

Nicotine replacement methods are also available like the patch or nicotine gum. However most of these people still find that they miss the actual physical act of smoking. Because of this, stop smoking herbs are an excellent way to wean yourself off of nicotine by replacing your cigarettes with a healthy alternative.

It has been a long time that herbs are used to treat all sorts of discomforts such as anxiety, insomnia, fatigue and headaches. Even some reputable botanical authorities have classified herbs as they having certain known properties.

Herbal alternatives for instance are herbs that generally alter an existing condition in the body. It does this by strengthening or stimulating various systems and eliminating waste from the bloodstream.

Herbal carminatives help relieve intestinal gas and indigestion. They are often antispasmodic and can help in bouts of anxiety and mood swings. Carminatives are often used in combination with nerviness and sedatives which are herbs that help suppress or moderate nervous tension and anxiety.

Another herbal classification is the cardiovascular tonics. These are the herbs that strengthen the physical integrity of the heart and blood vessels, moderate blood pressure and increase circulation.

Though there is no magic cure for nicotine cravings, stop smoking herbs is one of the best quit smoking ways available. The hardest part of beating the smoking habit is breaking your associations between nicotine and your daily activities. Herbal cigarettes help you accomplish this by replacing the nicotine with non-addictive herbs. That way, you can still smoke when you normally smoke, but you will slowly break the nicotine habit.

If you are trying the smoking herbs quit smoking methods, you might still have trouble with the normal nicotine withdrawal symptoms. These often include headaches, fatigue, irritability and moodiness. If you find yourself struggling with these symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately.

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What Happens With Stop Smoking Program

by Roy Thompson

Before quitting smoking and deciding between stop smoking programs, quitters should first identify why they want to stop smoking. This helps them keep their goals in mind. Then, they should set a date at which they want to quit smoking. For example, smokers can stop smoking on the weekend if they are used to smoking during the week, or on a weekday if they are used to smoking during the weekend on their time off.

A person trying to quit smoking normally faces many challenges. One of the things to consider is what to do if a spouse continues to smoke while you are trying to quit. You must think about how to manage situations when you would normally smoke. Don’t be hesitant to tell your family and friends about your plans to quit smoking so that they can encourage your efforts.

When an individual decides to quit, they should research nicotine medication. Nicotine medication provides smokers with an alternative source of nicotine with a much less concentration of nicotine than cigarettes. This can help smokers quit smoking with fewer problems. The American Lung Association has also recommended that smokers quit smoking with the help of nicotine medication. However, smokers must usually get this medication with a doctor’s prescription. They should also research all their options before choosing between, for example, a nicotine patch and nicotine gum.

Once you stop smoking, it is normal to go through a period of nicotine withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal include headaches, increased appetite and cravings, anxiety, and nervousness. Be aware that these are all normal parts of withdrawal and are usually addressed with whatever stop smoking program you select.

Nicotine medication such as nicotine gum or nicotine patches should help with these problems. However, under no circumstances should a smoker attempting to quit smoking have even just one more cigarette. They should stay away from cigarettes, using their friends and family as moral support.

Many people who try to quit smoking make two or three attempts and if they are not successful tend to get discouraged. Though quitting smoking is not easy and may require more effort on your part, it doesn’t necessarily mean that if you can’t quit initially you can’t quit at all. One needs to be dedicated and focused towards quitting smoking. Trying different stop smoking programs each time is a good idea. For example, if you tried quitting the first time using nicotine gum, then the second time you should try the patch. Being dedicated to quitting and having a real desire to quit is the most important factor, though.

If you plan on quitting smoking, recognize that the road ahead is not an easy path. However, a strong focus and one hundred percent determination and dedication along with a good stop smoking plan can help you reach your goal. Usually the stop smoking programs with the most success rates include nicotine; for example, in gum or patch form. While quitting may not be easy, if you stick to your plan you can and will succeed.

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This post was written by Mike Plesha on December 2, 2008

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Learn About Quit Smoking Side Effects

by James Grey

You can quit smoking with the right information and become smoke free. Every time that I had quit smoking it had taking a lot of effort. In all those times that I had tried to quit before, it did teach me what helps and destroys my efforts. So, if you fail in stopping the smoking, you could also cut back on how many you have. There is no doubt on the benefits for yourself and the loved ones in your life. Check with your health provider for workshops for extra help in being smoke free. With the right approach; the cravings will be easy to over come. Do not fall into the trap believing that quit smoking is too hard to do.

The last time I quit smoking I did join one of those support groups for quit smoking tip. It was pure torture to fight the craving to smoke, so I needed the help. I was hoping this was going to be the last time I smoked. A overwhelming ride of feelings in the mind to put that cigarette in my mouth. Advice from the smoking support group helped a great deal. No secrets in stopping smoking at all, just focus is all you need. Remember your mind will come up with reasons to smoke, don’t be fooled into it.

Arm yourself with the information of why you smoke and understand the effects it has on you. Change your behavior, plan it out ahead of time and like do not hang out with your smoking co-workers and friends. Treat the tobacco like a dependence problem because it is. Face these challenges if you truly want to quit smoking.

Smoking two packs of cigarettes a day was to much for me to quit cold turkey. One of the most known stop smoking idea that people know, not for me with no plan, I don’t think so. Climbing the wall themselves was not for me, in the cold turkey plan.

Trying to quit smoking with products that ease your cravings and withdraw symptoms helps some but not others. Some say that people who use a nicotine patch are less likely to fall back into smoking again. Even if you slip up and have a cigarette, do not give in and start smoking again, just move on with your efforts. Do not think about your past failures just keep trying and you will succeed.

Work your self up to the date that you’re going to stop smoking. It will be unpleasant at first but, so what. People you know can give you support when you start. Many smokers fail a few times first.

Some smoking aids do contain nicotine; other products are coming on the market all the time that do not contain nicotine. Doctors may use drugs like bupropion, chantix and fluoxetine. Chantix is pfizer’s drug, fluoxetine may be for depression in smokers and there is nicotine free bupropion. Doctors will use what works best.

When your body is kicking the nicotine it will give quit smoking side effects “withdraw symptoms” like a mild cold or irritability and fatigue. These symptoms will be the strongest in the first 48 hours and in the first week and ease up in the second week. Remember it is temporary and will go away. If you understand this it will be easy to know what going on in your body and when it will go away.

If you need an incentive to quit smoking think about how much money your can save in a year if you are not buying smokes. After a year buy your self something special. One other incentive would be no more negative attitudes from the non smokers at work. You will no longer have to stand 15 feet away from the door of a building because you will not be smoking anymore. No anti-smoking law to deal with, make all the laws they want, raise taxes on the cigarettes. I have always said if they would outlaw cigarettes, it would put all the drug dealers out of business.

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This post was written by James Richardson on December 2, 2008

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