Smoking Addiction – Stopping
The consequences of a smoking addiction -- from the health affects to the hardships on a smoker’s loved ones -- are strong reasons to quit. From the first moment a smoker rejects a cigarette, health benefits accrue. The question is this: how does one conquer a smoking addiction? If an addicted smoker quits cold turkey, he or she may experience powerful withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are physical and mental changes following interruption or termination of drug use. When a drug that the body has grown accustomed to is no longer ingested, the body enters a period of re-adjustment. If an addicted smoker is unaware of this re-adjustment time, he or she will have a harder time overcoming the addiction. Therefore, an addicted smoker should not attempt to quit in ignorance. He must know what to expect.
Many people experience symptoms like irritability, aggression, depressions, restlessness, poor concentration, increased appetite, light-headedness, waking at night, and cravings. These symptoms generally last between 2 and 4 weeks, but an increased appetite continues for several weeks.
A well-thought plan to overcome a smoking addiction is vital for success. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
* Nicotine replacement therapy methods such as chewing gum, skin patches, tablets, nasal sprays, or inhalers ease withdrawal symptoms such as cravings and mood changes. Studies show that these methods can almost double the chances of breaking a smoking addiction.
* Bupropion (tradename Zyban), which does not contain nicotine, can help an addicted smoker resist the urge to smoke.
* Accountability lends support. Do not try conquering your smoking addiction on your own.
* Pinpoint habits or locations that are associated with smoking and change the routine.
* Keep an accessible list of reasons for freedom from a smoking addiction which can be read when tempted to restart.
* Don’t give up. Full victory may come after a relapse. Try again, bearing in mind what might have triggered the setback.
* Remember, God can help.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Frankie Question 3
The dangers of and effects of secondary smoke have been widely publicized. It is now well known that victims of secondary smoke exposure are much more likely to develop smoke related illnesses including lung cancer, asthma and other cancers in the body. Secondary smoke has also been linked to lesser chronic lung problems like chronic bronchitis and pneumonia, heart disease, eye and nose irritation and sinus cancer. Although it is not clear what amount of second hand smoke must be inhaled in order to spark these illnesses, the link between a number of medical conditions and second hand smoke is clear.
People affected by second hand smoke are inhaling not only the smoke that is emitted to the air from the lit cigarette, but also the smoke being exhaled from the smoker themselves. They are inhaling and being exposed to many of the same carcinogenic chemicals as the smoker and can therefore develop similar health problems. If a person is forced into second hand smoke exposure, they may have a case against the workplace, person or organization that has forced this dangerous smoke upon them.
For instance, in some cases, workers have been forced into environments with smokers, although they are not smokers themselves. Flight attendants and wait staff are both good examples of employees who have been exposed to second hand smoke simply because of their profession. Today there has been a major movement to make these work environments safer for employees, now that the dangers of second hand smoke are known.
In some cases, employees exposed to long term second hand smoke have been able to sue their employers for creating and exposing them to a dangerous and unhealthy work environment. Just this year in fact, a lawsuit pending in Georgia was settled, to the benefit of the plaintiff, in regards to this issue. The man, a worker for the railroad, was consistently exposed to cigarette smoke in bunkhouses where smoking was permitted. He developed lung cancer and died and his widow pursued the claim. Although the case did not make it to court, the settlement did favor the plaintiff – an indication of where the case might have gone had it been completed.
There are also a number of class action lawsuits, brought by flight attendants, against various airlines for providing a dangerous work environment when smoking was allowed on flights. Specifically, in one case, a group of Northwest flight attendants banded together and brought a class action lawsuit against Northwest Airlines because they were exposed to secondhand smoke on long flights to Asia long after smoking was banned on domestic flights in the US.
If you feel you have been forced to endure second hand smoke and secondary smoke exposure and that it was beyond your control to leave the situation, you should consider contacting an experienced tobacco lawsuit attorney. Depending on your case, and any applied statutes of limitations, you might have a claim for compensatory damages. Tobacco lawsuits can be hard to win, but if you have been injured because of tobacco or cigarettes, and specifically secondary smoke exposure, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible.
* 1 day ago
People affected by second hand smoke are inhaling not only the smoke that is emitted to the air from the lit cigarette, but also the smoke being exhaled from the smoker themselves. They are inhaling and being exposed to many of the same carcinogenic chemicals as the smoker and can therefore develop similar health problems. If a person is forced into second hand smoke exposure, they may have a case against the workplace, person or organization that has forced this dangerous smoke upon them.
For instance, in some cases, workers have been forced into environments with smokers, although they are not smokers themselves. Flight attendants and wait staff are both good examples of employees who have been exposed to second hand smoke simply because of their profession. Today there has been a major movement to make these work environments safer for employees, now that the dangers of second hand smoke are known.
In some cases, employees exposed to long term second hand smoke have been able to sue their employers for creating and exposing them to a dangerous and unhealthy work environment. Just this year in fact, a lawsuit pending in Georgia was settled, to the benefit of the plaintiff, in regards to this issue. The man, a worker for the railroad, was consistently exposed to cigarette smoke in bunkhouses where smoking was permitted. He developed lung cancer and died and his widow pursued the claim. Although the case did not make it to court, the settlement did favor the plaintiff – an indication of where the case might have gone had it been completed.
There are also a number of class action lawsuits, brought by flight attendants, against various airlines for providing a dangerous work environment when smoking was allowed on flights. Specifically, in one case, a group of Northwest flight attendants banded together and brought a class action lawsuit against Northwest Airlines because they were exposed to secondhand smoke on long flights to Asia long after smoking was banned on domestic flights in the US.
If you feel you have been forced to endure second hand smoke and secondary smoke exposure and that it was beyond your control to leave the situation, you should consider contacting an experienced tobacco lawsuit attorney. Depending on your case, and any applied statutes of limitations, you might have a claim for compensatory damages. Tobacco lawsuits can be hard to win, but if you have been injured because of tobacco or cigarettes, and specifically secondary smoke exposure, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible.
* 1 day ago
Frankie Question 2
Smoking Damages Other Systems
Smoking adversely affects the reproductive system, especially in women. Many female smokers experience irregular or absent periods. Fertility is compromised, and menopause occurs one to two years earlier. The risk of cervical cancer is increased. For women over 35 taking oral contraceptives, there is a significantly increased risk of stroke or heart attack if they are smokers. Men, experience lower sperm count, more abnormal sperm with decreased motility. There is also an effect on the man’s level of sex hormones. Decrease circulations also predisposes male smokers to impotence as a result of overall compromised circulation and damage to the blood vessels in the penis. .
Smoker’s immune systems are impaired, leaving the smoker vulnerable to a host of minor infections. A smoker needs more time to recover from infections than a non-smoker. Coupled with diminished circulation, a smoker’s risk of infection from minor cuts or abrasions to the arms or legs skyrockets.
Cigarette smoking decreases bone density, promoting osteoporosis. Skin becomes dry and loses it’s elasticity as a result of poor circulation. Premature wrinkling is common. Irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines is frequently seen, including painful ulceration of the entire GI tract.
Even more serious are the risks to an unborn child if the mother smokes. Miscarriage is more common in women who smoke. Infants of smoking mothers are at increased risk of low birth weight, prematurity, cleft lip and palate, infections and SIDS.
Smoking adversely affects the reproductive system, especially in women. Many female smokers experience irregular or absent periods. Fertility is compromised, and menopause occurs one to two years earlier. The risk of cervical cancer is increased. For women over 35 taking oral contraceptives, there is a significantly increased risk of stroke or heart attack if they are smokers. Men, experience lower sperm count, more abnormal sperm with decreased motility. There is also an effect on the man’s level of sex hormones. Decrease circulations also predisposes male smokers to impotence as a result of overall compromised circulation and damage to the blood vessels in the penis. .
Smoker’s immune systems are impaired, leaving the smoker vulnerable to a host of minor infections. A smoker needs more time to recover from infections than a non-smoker. Coupled with diminished circulation, a smoker’s risk of infection from minor cuts or abrasions to the arms or legs skyrockets.
Cigarette smoking decreases bone density, promoting osteoporosis. Skin becomes dry and loses it’s elasticity as a result of poor circulation. Premature wrinkling is common. Irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines is frequently seen, including painful ulceration of the entire GI tract.
Even more serious are the risks to an unborn child if the mother smokes. Miscarriage is more common in women who smoke. Infants of smoking mothers are at increased risk of low birth weight, prematurity, cleft lip and palate, infections and SIDS.
Frankie Question 1
How Smoking Effects Your Health
Although the negative health effects of cigarette smoking cannot be debated, it remains the single most common cause of preventable deaths. Each year, over 430,000 people die as a result of a smoking related disease. Yet, over 50 million continue to smoke, including over 3 million teens. An estimated three thousand teenagers begin to smoke each day, and one thousand of them will eventually die as a result. According to the American Lung Association, cigarette smoking leads to 87% of lung cancers, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Healthcare and lost productivity costs of $97.2 billion dollars per years arise from smoking related illnesses. Cigarettes contain over 19 known cancer-causing chemicals in addition to nicotine.
Quitting is a frustrating and difficult proposition for these people who despite the knowledge that they are seriously harming their bodies. Addiction to nicotine causes very uncomfortable symptoms of with drawl. Irritation, agitation and anxiety as well as loss of concentration, sleep disturbances, headaches, coughing and cravings.
Smoking cigarettes is so compelling because of the effects of nicotine. A stimulant, nicotine causes a temporary increase in alertness and a calm feeling. And it can be incredibly addictive. Some studies have found nicotine to be more highly addictive that cocaine or heroin. Additionally, it suppresses the appetite and smokers tend to keep weight off.
How Smoking Harms Your Body
Here’s why cigarette smoke causes so much damage to our bodies. While nicotine itself isn't thought to be carcinogenic, the highly addictive drug is toxic and potentially lethal in large doses. Long-term smokers have a much higher risk of developing a host of life threatening diseases. Just about any cancer you can think of, including cancer of the lung, mouth, nose, voice box, lip, tongue, nasal sinus, esophagus, throat, pancreas, bone marrow, kidney, cervix, liver, bladder and stomach can result from smoking.
Heart and lungs are most damaged by smoking
Lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, are largely due to smoking. Heart disease, which includes coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke are far more common in smokers. One of the effects of nicotine is constricting the blood vessels, which in turn causes high blood pressure. Another effect is raising your heart rate, which adds extra stress on your heart.
Not only does smoking affect the heart, but every part of your circulatory system. Your blood becomes thicker and stickier, further taxing the heart. The lining of the blood vessels is damaged, allowing fat deposits to adhere, and is most likely a significant cause of arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.
As a result, diminished circulation to the feet and hands leads to painful neuropathy, and impaired ability to fight local infections. This can lead to gangrene and sometimes requires amputation.
Although the negative health effects of cigarette smoking cannot be debated, it remains the single most common cause of preventable deaths. Each year, over 430,000 people die as a result of a smoking related disease. Yet, over 50 million continue to smoke, including over 3 million teens. An estimated three thousand teenagers begin to smoke each day, and one thousand of them will eventually die as a result. According to the American Lung Association, cigarette smoking leads to 87% of lung cancers, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Healthcare and lost productivity costs of $97.2 billion dollars per years arise from smoking related illnesses. Cigarettes contain over 19 known cancer-causing chemicals in addition to nicotine.
Quitting is a frustrating and difficult proposition for these people who despite the knowledge that they are seriously harming their bodies. Addiction to nicotine causes very uncomfortable symptoms of with drawl. Irritation, agitation and anxiety as well as loss of concentration, sleep disturbances, headaches, coughing and cravings.
Smoking cigarettes is so compelling because of the effects of nicotine. A stimulant, nicotine causes a temporary increase in alertness and a calm feeling. And it can be incredibly addictive. Some studies have found nicotine to be more highly addictive that cocaine or heroin. Additionally, it suppresses the appetite and smokers tend to keep weight off.
How Smoking Harms Your Body
Here’s why cigarette smoke causes so much damage to our bodies. While nicotine itself isn't thought to be carcinogenic, the highly addictive drug is toxic and potentially lethal in large doses. Long-term smokers have a much higher risk of developing a host of life threatening diseases. Just about any cancer you can think of, including cancer of the lung, mouth, nose, voice box, lip, tongue, nasal sinus, esophagus, throat, pancreas, bone marrow, kidney, cervix, liver, bladder and stomach can result from smoking.
Heart and lungs are most damaged by smoking
Lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, are largely due to smoking. Heart disease, which includes coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke are far more common in smokers. One of the effects of nicotine is constricting the blood vessels, which in turn causes high blood pressure. Another effect is raising your heart rate, which adds extra stress on your heart.
Not only does smoking affect the heart, but every part of your circulatory system. Your blood becomes thicker and stickier, further taxing the heart. The lining of the blood vessels is damaged, allowing fat deposits to adhere, and is most likely a significant cause of arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.
As a result, diminished circulation to the feet and hands leads to painful neuropathy, and impaired ability to fight local infections. This can lead to gangrene and sometimes requires amputation.
Azmer Question 5
Anti-Smoking Campaign at Malaysian?
As a smoker, I have always thought about the damages done by smoking . Even as a smoker, I too support the government's move to discourage smoking among Malaysians.
As a smoker, I perfectly understand how smokers feel and think. The act of imposing higher Tax on ciggarettes can be considered as nonsense. I feel like smokers everywhere are being exploited by this act. Do you know how addicts feel? The ever increasing cost of ciggarettes is not going to stop their smoking habits. People will continue to smoke anyway. This upsets me most because Middle and low income families will be greatly affected, especially if their breadwinner is a smoke addict who will not stop at anything just for another puff.
The way 'they' think : "People are going to smoke anyway, why not make an extra profit out of it, plus, we can cover it up as an anti-smoking campaign". Thus my opinion that smokers are being exploited.
This is my single opinion on the act of increasing the tax imposed on ciggarettes. However, I think if the government is really serious about stopping Malaysians from smoking, they should make smoking illegal. Don't worry, Malaysians won't die if they don't smoke. But, they will if they have to cope with the price of today's ciggarettes.
Making smoking illegal would be an extreme step to take. I for one, haven't been able to completely analyse the consequenses if this step is taken. Hmm... Riots? Nah.. Unemplyoment? I'm sure there are many other better jobs than working in a ciggarette factory. Plus, it is not entirely impossible to provide an alternative industry for these guys.
If smoking is BAD, then why can't we make it illegal? Just as we did to other drugs. If not, let's not make anymore profits out of it. Agree?
Remember, I am a smoker. The Price is Ridiculously-Ridiculous. Guess I won't stop smoking till it's illegal, because I am a smoker, not a criminal. ^_^
As a smoker, I have always thought about the damages done by smoking . Even as a smoker, I too support the government's move to discourage smoking among Malaysians.
As a smoker, I perfectly understand how smokers feel and think. The act of imposing higher Tax on ciggarettes can be considered as nonsense. I feel like smokers everywhere are being exploited by this act. Do you know how addicts feel? The ever increasing cost of ciggarettes is not going to stop their smoking habits. People will continue to smoke anyway. This upsets me most because Middle and low income families will be greatly affected, especially if their breadwinner is a smoke addict who will not stop at anything just for another puff.
The way 'they' think : "People are going to smoke anyway, why not make an extra profit out of it, plus, we can cover it up as an anti-smoking campaign". Thus my opinion that smokers are being exploited.
This is my single opinion on the act of increasing the tax imposed on ciggarettes. However, I think if the government is really serious about stopping Malaysians from smoking, they should make smoking illegal. Don't worry, Malaysians won't die if they don't smoke. But, they will if they have to cope with the price of today's ciggarettes.
Making smoking illegal would be an extreme step to take. I for one, haven't been able to completely analyse the consequenses if this step is taken. Hmm... Riots? Nah.. Unemplyoment? I'm sure there are many other better jobs than working in a ciggarette factory. Plus, it is not entirely impossible to provide an alternative industry for these guys.
If smoking is BAD, then why can't we make it illegal? Just as we did to other drugs. If not, let's not make anymore profits out of it. Agree?
Remember, I am a smoker. The Price is Ridiculously-Ridiculous. Guess I won't stop smoking till it's illegal, because I am a smoker, not a criminal. ^_^
ADAM QUESTION 3
Effects on the baby when mother smokes
Smoking has been shown to cause low birthweight in babies. Some experts believe that since smoking constricts blood vessels, it can decrease the amount of oxygen getting to the baby. Women who smoke also increase their risk of miscarriage, placental abruption and pre-term birth.
Smoking during pregnancy pre-disposes the baby to SIDS. In fact, if the mother smokes, she increases her baby's risk of SIDS by three times. Smoking can also cause respiratory problems such as asthma, which can affect the baby even if the mother quits smoking after her baby is born.
What if the mother lives with a smoker?
Secondary smoke can also be a factor if you live with or spend a lot of time with someone who smokes. Risks from secondary smoke include increasing the chance of having a low birthweight baby. Research also shows that secondary smoke doubles the baby's risk of SIDS.
A smoking environment leads to more health problems for the child. Children who live in a smoking environment suffer from more illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia as well as chronic respiratory problems such as asmtha. If either of the parents smoke, it greatly increases the chances that the child will become a smoker when they are older. Obviously the risk of lung cancer is also higher in families who are affected by secondary smoke.
What should mothers do to prevent effects of secondary smoking?
As inconvenient as it might be for a heavy smoker, mothers should be adamant about protecting their baby from the effects of secondary smoking in the home. Smoking should not be allowed in the home at all or in the presence of infants or children. Mother should request to be seated in non-smoking areas in restaurants. If other patrons violate the non-smoking section, speak up politely and ask the server to be seated elsewhere or to ask the other patron to refrain from smoking in the non-smoking section.
There are fewer more important priorities than the health of our unborn babies and long-term health of our children.
Are you affected by secondary smoke? What have you done to manage it? Tell us.
For more about other substances to avoid, see the complete series.
Smoking has been shown to cause low birthweight in babies. Some experts believe that since smoking constricts blood vessels, it can decrease the amount of oxygen getting to the baby. Women who smoke also increase their risk of miscarriage, placental abruption and pre-term birth.
Smoking during pregnancy pre-disposes the baby to SIDS. In fact, if the mother smokes, she increases her baby's risk of SIDS by three times. Smoking can also cause respiratory problems such as asthma, which can affect the baby even if the mother quits smoking after her baby is born.
What if the mother lives with a smoker?
Secondary smoke can also be a factor if you live with or spend a lot of time with someone who smokes. Risks from secondary smoke include increasing the chance of having a low birthweight baby. Research also shows that secondary smoke doubles the baby's risk of SIDS.
A smoking environment leads to more health problems for the child. Children who live in a smoking environment suffer from more illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia as well as chronic respiratory problems such as asmtha. If either of the parents smoke, it greatly increases the chances that the child will become a smoker when they are older. Obviously the risk of lung cancer is also higher in families who are affected by secondary smoke.
What should mothers do to prevent effects of secondary smoking?
As inconvenient as it might be for a heavy smoker, mothers should be adamant about protecting their baby from the effects of secondary smoking in the home. Smoking should not be allowed in the home at all or in the presence of infants or children. Mother should request to be seated in non-smoking areas in restaurants. If other patrons violate the non-smoking section, speak up politely and ask the server to be seated elsewhere or to ask the other patron to refrain from smoking in the non-smoking section.
There are fewer more important priorities than the health of our unborn babies and long-term health of our children.
Are you affected by secondary smoke? What have you done to manage it? Tell us.
For more about other substances to avoid, see the complete series.
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