Posts tagged ‘StopSmoking’

Second Hand Smoke Affects your Pets

The life you save may be your pet’s!

There’s always been lots of information about second hand smoke and people but did you know there is considerable research proving secondhand smoke is harmful for pets too?

Think about this everytime you light up in your house with Fido on your lap, or when you’re taking Spot to his favorite park.

The American Lung Association of New Hampshire provides some stunning facts on why you should consider your pets when you smoke around them.

DOGS

• Dogs that inhale secondhand smoke are three times more likely to develop lung or nasal cancer than dogs living in smoke-free homes.
• Dogs can experience allergic reactions to secondhand smoke. Common symptoms of this allergic reaction are the scratching, biting, and chewing of their skin. Owners often confuse this reaction with fleas or food allergies.
• Cigarette butts can also be deadly. Two butts, if eaten by a puppy, can cause death in a relatively short period of time.

BIRDS

• Birds can react badly to secondhand smoke and may develop eye problems, as well as other respiratory problems like coughing and wheezing.
• Birds that sit on a smoker’s hand can experience contact dermatitis from the nicotine that remains on the smoker’s hand. This can cause them to pull out their feathers.

CATS

• Cats exposed to secondhand smoke in the home have a higher rate of an oral cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, which may be due to the way cats groom themselves. When cats groom themselves they eat the poisons from secondhand smoke that have settled on their fur.
• Cats exposed to secondhand smoke have a higher rate of feline lymphoma, a deadly form of cancer, than cats not exposed to secondhand smoke.
• Cats can develop respiratory problems, lung inflammation, and asthma as a result of secondhand smoke. There are 4,000 chemicals in secondhand smoke, and 43 are known to cause cancer.

Other dangerous issues can occur……

By ingestion of cigarette or cigar butts which contain toxins. Death- From 1-5 cigarettes and from 1/3-1 cigar can be fatal if ingested.
By drinking water that contains cigar or cigarette butts (which can have high concentrations of nicotine)
By ingestion of nicotine replacement gum and patches.


Think again of the health effects:

Breathing problems in dogs and asthmatic-like symptoms in cats
Salivation
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Cardiac abnormalities
Respiratory difficulties and respiratory paralysis
Feline lymphoma in cats
Lung cancer in dogs
Nasal cancer in dogs

Prevention:
As in the case of children and others in the home, don’t smoke.
If you must smoke take it outside- Don’t expose others to your smoke
Don’t allow others to smoke around your pets.
Keep ashtrays clean- Don’t leave butts in them for pets to find.
Dispose of nicotine gum and patches in receptacles that can’t be accessed by pets.
Consider quitting- The health effects of your smoking on pets is just one more good reason to quit.

If you can’t or won’t quit, consider a safer alternative……electric cigarettes. Products like Green Smoke are devices shaped like a cigarette but they contain a battery, water and nicotine. You’ll still get your nicotine fix but you and the people and pets around you won’t be inhaling the 4000 toxic chemicals that cause major health issues every day.

Stop Smoking Device and Advice provides articles, information and tips to help you quit smoking.

Electric cigarette reviews, alternative nicotine delivery, safer smoking advice.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/quit-smoking-articles/second-hand-smoke-affects-your-pets-1402595.html

Stop Smoking Cold Turkey – Should You Try?

I have rarely met a smoker who has not tried to stop smoking cold turkey. As an ex smoker myself, I know how many times I tried this method and failed. The truth is only 10 percent of smokers who try any mehtod are successful on their first attempt .Why is it so difficult to stop smoking cold turkey compared to other ways? 

First you need to understand exactly why nicotine is so addictive in the first place. When you inhale, the nicotine from your cigarette causes receptors in your brain to release several chemicals, including dopamine which causes many of the good feeling you get when you smoke. Then when you quit your smokes, the lower levels of the same chemicals cause the miserable symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. These symptoms can begin as soon as four to six hours after your last cigarette and stay with you for a month or more.

 The withdrawal symptoms vary with each smoker but can include: 

            Overwhelming cravings to smoke
            Insomnia
            Tiredness
            Headache
            Cough
            Sore throat
            Tightness in the chest
            Dry Mouth 

So although they are temporary, you can see why such physical reactions could make you extremely uncomfortable. The more uncomfortable you are, the faster you will reach for a cigarette to relieve yourself of the unpleasantness of withdrawal. It can become a vicious circle. 

When I finally won my battle over nicotine addiction, it was with the help of a nicotine replacement aid. These aids work by giving you nicotine without having to smoke. You will be 50% to 100% more likely to quit using a nicotine replacement aid.

The aids come in different forms according to your individual lifestyle. You can choose from gum, patches, inhalers, lozenges, and sprays. New and improved products have hit the market since I quit but with a little research you can find the perfect aid for you. 

Arm yourself first with the nicotine replacement aid of your choice and then meet your challenge head on! I did it and I know you can too! The challenge to quit smoking is monumental. While every smoker would like to quit smoking cold turkey, it is certainly not the proven way to go nor is it the easiest.

Learn more about Stop Smoking Cold Turkey and take advantage of this exciting free trial offer for a Stop Smoking Aid

that will help you win your battle over nicotine!Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/quit-smoking-articles/stop-smoking-cold-turkey-should-you-try-1404820.html

3 Methods to Quit Smoking

Are you looking for the best methods to quit smoking and beat your nicotine addiction? If you are, that is great! The battle to overcome nicotine addiction can be won with the right tools! Let me give you a review of three methods to quit smoking to get you started. 

Method # 1–Prescription Drugs 

There are two proven drugs on the market today that qualify as treatments for smoking cessation. The first, Bupropion, also known as Zyban, is an antidepressant that helps reduce the desire to smoke. The second, Varenicline, also known as Chantix, acts on nicotine receptors in the brain to reduce withdrawal symptoms and decrease the pleasurable effect of cigarettes. Both have side effects but your physician can go over those with you and help you choose the one best suited for you. 

Method # 2–Counseling and Support Groups

Behavioral therapy is an excellent aide to help you win your fight to quit. Simply being with and talking to others, who are going through the exact process you are, can help to heighten your motivation and keep you focused on your goal. Also, if you join an on line group too, you will have 24 hour access to the support you need!

Method # 3–Nicotine Replacement Therapy 

This proven, effective method will help you with the withdrawal symptoms of smoking. Your cravings will be reduce by using the various aids to give your body nicotine but without the toxic gases and carcinogens found in cigarette smoke. NRT aids are available as patches, gums, inhalers, lozenges and sprays. Actually, this method combined with behavioral therapy make a great defense against the urge to smoke. Research and find the aid that will fit into your lifestyle the best. 

Arm yourself with whatever tools you need to win your fight to quit smoking. As an ex smoker, I can tell you it will be a tough battle but it is a battle that can be won. Freedom from smoking is a victory you deserve.You can do it! Choose one or two of the methods to quit smoking and conquer your nicotine addiction once and for all!

Learn more about Methods to Quit Smoking and take advantage of an exciting free trial offer for a Stop Smoking Aid!

Arm yourself to win your battle!Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/quit-smoking-articles/3-methods-to-quit-smoking-1400495.html

Stop Smoking By Hypnosis

If you could stop smoking by hypnosis, would it be a dream come true? Most smokers dream of the day they will be able to painlessly overcome their addiction and throw away their cigarettes for good! Can a dream become an actuality? Is there a painless way to quit smoking? If there is an answer to that question, it would have to be hypnosis. Let us examine how to stop smoking by hypnosis and see how it works. 

While you are in a hypnotic state you can receive suggestions aimed at decreasing your perception of pain and increase your ability to cope with it. You might also receive suggestions focusing on decreasing your cravings. 

If you are open to hypnosis, suggestions such as these can be extremely helpful in your attempt to quit smoking. Cravings to smoke can be overwhelming and most smokers usually give in and light up “just one more” cigarette. Hypnosis can help you deal with withdrawal symptoms. Even though withdrawal is only a short phase, it can be a very uncomfortable phase. 

Hypnosis is a trance-like state of mind. Usually it is achieved with the help of a hypnotherapist. When you are hypnotized your attention is more focused, you are deeply relaxed, calm and open to suggestions. It can help you gain control over your behavior. As an ex smoker, I know gaining control is vital. Smokers are usually controlled by their cigarettes and not the other way around. 

Most hypnotherapists hold sessions lasting from 30 to 60 minutes. The number of those sessions can range from one to several. You usually bring yourself out of hypnosis at the end of a session and you can resume your everyday duties immediately after a session. 

Be very careful when choosing a hypnosis therapist. The practice of hypnosis is not regulated in most states. Ask your potential hypnotherapist about their training and licensing. Find out where they went to school and how long they have been in practice. Getting a recommendation from someone you trust would be very helpful.

Often time’s hypnosis can be used in conjunction with other nicotine replacement therapy aids. These aids can be found in the form of a patch, inhaler, lozenge or sprays. The aids can also lessen your need for nicotine and have been proven effective. 

Whatever method you choose, remember in order to quit you must be motivated and determined. Arm yourself with one or more ways to beat your addiction. Quitting the nicotine habit will be the most rewarding fight you have ever won. It’s worth the battle and I know you can win! Do not give up! If you find you cannot stop smoking by hypnosis, then move on to the next method!

Learn more about Stop Smoking By Hypnosis and take advantage of an exciting free trial offer for a Stop Smoking Aid!

Arm yourself to win your battle over nicotine!Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/quit-smoking-articles/stop-smoking-by-hypnosis-1400580.html

Stop Smoking Side Effects – How to Beat Them

Every smoker who contemplates quitting worries about the stop smoking side effects and earnestly wishes they could be avoided. Unfortunately, since there are so many and varied effects it would be impossible to promise they could all be avoided. The good news, however, is they can be lessened and yes, some can be completely out of the picture. Here is how! 

Perhaps the fear of weight gain is the most worrisome side effect of all. On average a person who quits smoking will gain ten pounds. This is one effect that can be completely avoided with a little planning ahead. Before setting your quit date, start eating healthier and rev up your exercise plan. Drop a few pounds before you quit and you will be ahead of the game! Keep your exercise programs working for you. After you do quit your smokes, you will enjoy working out even more since you are going to physically feel so much better. 

Exercise will also help reduce your cravings to smoke and work off any nervous energy or irritability you may feel. 

When you smoke, you are not only taking in nicotine but also thousands of other chemicals in your cigarette smoke. The stress caused by cutting off that supply can cause tiredness. Try to get as much rest as possible. It is okay to nap during this time. Think of it as therapy! 

The exact opposite may also happen. You may find yourself wide awake and unable to sleep. In this case, try taking long walks a few hours before bedtime. 

A good multivitamin can help offset some of your withdrawal symptoms. Consider adding one to your daily routine at least for the first few weeks. 

Remember, today’s market is a treasure trove of nicotine replacement aids. You can find one that will work for you in the form of gum, patch, lozenges, inhalers or sprays.  They have been proven to work so research and find the one that will help you break your nicotine addiction and ease the stop smoking side effects. The withdrawal period when your quit smoking is temporary so get all the help you can. 

It truly is a wonderful life when you break free of your smoking habit. You are going to look better and feel better. Arm yourself with the aid that will help you beat the stop smoking side effects and finally overcome your nicotine addiction!  

Learn more about Stop Smoking Side Effects and take advantage of this exciting free trial offer for a Stop Smoking Aid!

Get all the help you need to beat your nicotine addiction!Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/quit-smoking-articles/stop-smoking-side-effects-how-to-beat-them-1400634.html

Side Effects of Stop Smoking – Tips to Recognize Them

When I finally licked my smoking habit fifteen years ago, I had so many symptoms of the side effects of stop smoking that I began to believe I might actually be sick! If you have made up your mind to quit, let me give you a few tips to help you get through your withdrawal period. It’s a short phase, but it can be tough! 

Wonderfully pleasant people can turn into cranky, irritable and moody folks shortly after their last cigarette. Why? It is because their body is craving nicotine. Take a brisk walk or a hot relaxing bath instead of giving in and lighting up. This symptom will usually last 2 to 4 weeks. 

Hunger pains will attack you all hours of the day. Since your mouth isn’t busy smoking you get the urge to eat. Your brain no longer knows if it should crave nicotine or food. Try to eat healthier than you did when you smoked. Try crunchy raw vegetable snacks to keep your mouth busy. Again, this symptom should pass in 2 to 4 weeks. 

You may develop coughing, post nasal drip or dry throat. Actually, these can be good signs. When you cough a lot and bring up phlegm your lungs are trying to clear themselves. It is good to cough up as much as you can. Hopefully, this symptom will only last a few days.

 You could develop some dizziness because your body is now getting more oxygen. It just needs a little time to figure out what is going on. Again, this is a good thing and should pass in 1 or 2 days. Meanwhile, when you get up from sitting or lying down, just do it slowly. 

The absolute worst symptom of all will be your craving for another cigarette. Nicotine is highly addictive and your brain will not give up begging for it! This symptom will be strongest in the first few days. Unfortunately, the cravings could continue for months or years but they will not be as strong. This side effect needs to be fought with every available resource. First, try waiting it out. It will pass in a few minutes. Also try drinking water, take a walk, or find an online quit smoking support group. A nicotine replacement product would work for this symptom too. You can find one in the form of gum, lozenge, patch, inhaler or spray.  

Now you know some of the symptoms of the side effects of stop smoking and what to expect. Freeing yourself of a nicotine addiction may require a great battle but it is a battle that can be won! Arm yourself with the resources that will make you victorious. You can do it! The side effects of stop smoking will not be stronger than you are!

Learn more about the Side Effects of Stop Smoking! Take advantage of this exciting free trial offer for a Stop Smoking Aid

that will help you win your battle over nicotine addiction!Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/quit-smoking-articles/side-effects-of-stop-smoking-tips-to-recognize-them-1400684.html

Avoiding Stop Smoking Weight Gain

Although most smokers are well aware of the dangers of inhaling nicotine all day long for years and years, they are still hesitant to quit for fear of gaining a few pounds! That rationale hardly makes sense but as an ex smoker I can understand this train of thought. Some smokers use this reasoning as an excuse not to quit. They are the ones who are not ready for the challenge. However, if you are one of the committed ones and are ready to meet your nicotine addiction head on, I can give you a few tips on how to avoid the stop smoking weight gain. 

The simple fact is smokers who finally succeed in quitting average a weight gain of ten pounds. The reasons for this gain are also simple. 

If you are accustomed to having a cigarette in hand and in your mouth, you’re going to try to find a substitute. Also, since you are able to smell and taste better without the cigarettes, food will be your first, handiest, and tastiest resort. In addition, nicotine increases the metabolic rate so when you stop smoking, your metabolic rate goes down. Ending result? The additional ten pounds! 

Recognizing the facts about weight gain is the first step. Now let’s look at how to avoid it. 

Studies have proven that people who exercise while quitting smoking have a much lower weight gain and are twice as likely to stick with their stop smoking program than those who don’t. After you quit smoking, you will feel better and will probably look forward to adding exercise to your daily routine. 

Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fiber. Include whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Keep a food journal. 

Keep your mouth busy with hard sugar-free candies or gum. Carrot sticks are a great way to occupy your hands and your mouth.

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. It will help your cravings to smoke as well as boost your metabolism. 

Allow time for a food craving to pass just as you would a cigarette craving. 

The whole process of quitting smoking is a challenge. Being aware of all the obstacles ahead of you will make the going easier. Follow the steps above and you will be able to quit without the stop smoking weight gain. Stay focused and determined. Recognize the obstacles and prepare yourself to overcome them! You can do! I’m betting on you!

 

 

 

Learn more about Stop Smoking Weight Gain! Take advantage of this exciting free trial offer for a smoke aid that will help ease your withdrawal symptoms Click Here!

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Here’s What Happens When You Stop Smoking

If you are preparing to quit smoking, it is best to be aware ahead of time of the withdrawal symptoms that you will experience. It is also helpful to know the benefits of quitting and how your body will begin to mend after you do. So let’s start examining what happens when you stop smoking. 

As an ex smoker, I can tell you the nicotine withdrawal symptoms are the toughest part of the quit smoking challenge. Always bear in mind though that they are just a temporary phase. 

As you quit, you are going to be hit by overwhelming urges to smoke. Some of these cravings are natural and others are promoted by your triggers. Triggers are moments or actions that you associate with smoking. Perhaps you always smoked when you had a beer. The beer will be your trigger to light up. It is essential you recognize what your triggers are and learn to avoid them. If avoiding them is impossible, then substitute a new reaction to them. 

Tiredness and insomnia are other symptoms that can get the best of you. Combine these with a sore throat, coughing, irritability or chest tightness and you are looking at a very uncomfortable person. It is almost more than a person can handle. 

Let me suggest now that you find a nicotine replacement aide to help you ease these symptoms so you can better carry on with your challenge. You can find these aides in the form of a nicotine patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler and even prescription medicine. When I quit, the spray aide worked for me but each person is different. Research and find the one that will give you the relief you need. 

Literally within minutes of quitting nicotine, your heart rate and blood pressure drops. Twelve hours after quitting, your circulation improves and your lungs start to work better. Shortness of breath and coughing decrease one to nine months after quitting. Every month and every year your body will continue to repair itself from the effects of smoking. Your reward for a few weeks of harsh symptoms? A lifetime of better health! You are even going to look better! 

Recognize what happens when you quit smoking. Equip yourself to meet the challenge. Face your battle head on and enjoy the freedom of being smoke free! It’s a wonderful reward. You can do it!

Learn more about What Happens When You Stop Smoking! Take advantage of this exciting free trial offer for a smoke aid that will help ease your withdrawal symptoms Click Here!

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4 Highly Rated Stop Smoking Aides

If you are a smoker hoping to finally kick your nicotine addiction, I have good news for you! There are numerous products on the market today specifically aimed at helping you reach your goal of becoming smoke free. In fact, there are so many it can be overwhelming. To get you started on the path to finding the perfect aide for; you I will list 4 of the top rated stop smoking aides. 

1. Prescription Drugs

Zyban and Chantix are two popular prescription drugs. Check with your doctor to see if either one could be an option for you. 

2. Hypnosis

The method of hypnosis is not for everyone but those who are receptive to it usually experience good results. There are different varieties of hypnosis so again, I suggest you check with your physician to get a recommendation for a qualified hypnotherapist. 

3. Support Groups

Finding a support system can be extremely beneficial. Connect with others who are going through the same process and share invaluable tips on how to make quitting easier. This can be a traditional support group with appointed meetings or find an online forum. 

4. Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Researching and choosing a nicotine replacement therapy aide can easily be done on line. The aides are available as a patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler or spray. When I quit, I was helped with a spray. It’s an individual choice though so find the one that best fits your lifestyle. 

You can also try a combination of the above stop smoking aides. For instance, use the patch or spray and join a support group too. 

 Remember, beating your nicotine addiction is hard work but with a little help from a stop smoking aide, it can be done! Focus on your goal of being smoke free and do whatever it takes to reach that goal. You can do it!

Learn more about Stop Smoking Aides! Take advantage of this exciting free trial offer for a smoke aid that will help you beat your nicotine addiction Click Here!

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/quit-smoking-articles/4-highly-rated-stop-smoking-aides-1388783.html

5 Reasons to Stop Smoking

I am going to give you 5 reasons to stop smoking. As an ex smoker, I know that sometimes a simple nudge in the right direction can be all the incentive we need to finally quit smoking. My nudge came 15 years ago when my daughter told me I would not be allowed to hold my first grandbaby if I still smoked. I quit the same day she made that statement. I admit it was rough and I needed help to do it but it can be done! I sincerely hope when you read my reasons to stop smoking you will find one that gives you the incentive to quit. 

1. Health

Within twenty minutes of taking your last puff on a cigarette, your body will begin healing itself from the damages of smoking. It is a great feeling to wake up every morning knowing you are healthier than you were the day before.           

2. Cost

Depending on where you live, the average cost of a pack of cigarettes is $4.50 to $5.00. However, nicotine addiction is costly in more ways than just the initial purchase. Smoking could also cost you a job since many companies are turning smokers away. There is also the additional expensive of trying to keep your home, car and clothing from smelling like an ashtray. 

3. Self Esteem

Today’s smokers are made to feel like second class citizens. Your self esteem takes a beating when others look down on because of your addiction. 

4. Sex

Smoking may have been sexy back in the day of Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn but we all know that no longer holds true. 

4. Freedom

What a wonderful life when you no longer have to worry about being chained to a pack of cigarettes. Never again to worry if a restaurant has a smoking section or whether or not your friends will let you smoke in their homes. Go to work and forget about how many puffs you can get in on a fifteen minute break. Never again search the sofa cushions for enough change to get a pack. Walk or run without feeling like your lungs are going to explode! Enter into any social situation and know you look and smell great! 

We know it is not easy to break a nicotine addiction but it can be done. When I quit I used a nicotine replacement aid. It worked for me and one can work for you. Find your reasons to stop smoking and then arm yourself with whatever aid you need to help you reach your goal!

Discover your Reasons to Stop Smoking!

Take advantage of this free trial offer of a Stop Smoking Aid that will fit your lifestyle!Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/quit-smoking-articles/5-reasons-to-stop-smoking-1394250.html