Tuesday, September 29, 2009

10 ways to Snuff Out Smoking

10 ways to Snuff Out Smoking
By: P. Gunasegaram
p.guna@thestar.com.my


Everybody, including tobacco companies, is now agreed that smoking is detrimental to good health. You only have to look at the cigarette packets to know this.

But nicotine is a powerful addictive drug. If you get hooked, it is very tough to give it up.

The best cure is prevention — stop people from taking up the smoking habit in the first place. That means the target must be the young — discourage them by all means fair from picking up the habit in the first place.

This does not mean that the effort to encourage smokers to give up should be stopped altogether. Many people have given up smoking, and others need to be encouraged in this.

Smoking, after all, is the number one cause of preventable disease. It raises the possibility of getting cancer, it exacerbates all manner of respiratory ailments and directly contributes to others, and it increases the incidence of heart disease.

We need guts and gumption to deal with this. Here are 10 ways to show we have it.

1. Increase cigarette prices. This, done by raising taxes, is probably the most effective way of discouraging the habit, short of banning it outright. But the problem is that it encourages the sale of contraband cigarettes on which tax has not been paid.

Thus, increasing cigarette prices must be accompanied by vigorous attempts to stamp out the sale of illegal cigarettes. Which leads us to the next point.

2. Check sales of contraband cigarettes. Not only does this require that Customs officers work tirelessly and without favour but it also requires the clear identification of cigarettes on which duty has not been paid.

It also requires strict monitoring of international and local cigarette companies to ensure that their output does not get to smugglers.

If this is successful on a global basis, then no cigarette company can sell to a smuggler and the supply source will be throttled. One simple way of doing this is in Point 3.

3. Specify the region of sale on the pack. All cigarettes sold in Malaysia should have a clear label saying that the cigarettes are for sale only in Malaysia. Any cigarette that does not have this marking on the pack should be considered contraband and heavy penalties should be levied on those selling such cigarettes.

This is simple and effective in fighting contraband sales, but cigarettes sold in Malaysia don’t carry such a statement.

4. Restrict outlets that sell cigarettes. Considering the harm that cigarettes do, the outlets which sell cigarettes should be severely limited. Right now cigarettes are available just about everywhere — corner shops, convenience stores, grocers, supermarkets, five-foot ways, stalls, etc.

The Government should license the sale of cigarettes to a limited number of outlets, much like they do for liquor, so that you need a cigarette licence to sell cigarettes. This will be a powerful tool to limit cigarette distribution.

5. Enforce laws against cigarette smoking. There are already many laws against cigarette smoking but these are not sufficiently enforced. People still smoke while driving, on buses, in eating places and so on.

And many places still sell cigarettes loose, encouraging the young to experiment with smoking cheaply. The laws must be enforced strictly if they are to work.

6. Do away with smoking areas in restaurants. It is a great annoyance to non-smokers that some of the best seats often seem to be in the smoking sections – those with a view and facing open areas.

Often these areas are not sealed off from the non-smoking areas but are contiguous with them. With enough smokers, there will still be smoke in the restaurant.

The best thing to do is to do away with smoking areas in restaurants altogether. That means smokers will have to get up, leave the premises and smoke in an open area.

7. Ban smoking in all public places, including pubs. A source of constant irritation is that there is just about no pub or nightclub that one can go to without being inundated with smoke which gets into your nose, eyes, hair and even clothes. When you leave these places you almost smell like an ashtray.

There should be a strict ban on smoking in all public spaces, including pubs and nightclubs.

8. Educate the public. Public education is a continuous process, and including proper education about smoking and its dangers in the school curriculum is a very good idea.

What the authorities should also be thinking about is to reinforce this periodically by appropriate programmes, advertising and plain talk. Sometimes, shock-effect advertisements may not have the intended results because the public may perceive them to be stretching the truth.

9. Move tobacco farmers to alternative employment. Tobacco farming has been encouraged by tobacco companies so as to strengthen their argument that the contribution of tobacco to the national economy is significant.

It is better to move tobacco farmers to alternative, more socially accepted occupations so that they are not used to promote tobacco consumption.

10. Adhere to international codes, rules and regulations. The world at large has recognised the dangers of smoking. Most countries in the world are signatories to the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control which sets out measures that can be taken to discourage smoking.

By adhering to provisions of the code, Malaysia can move forward in the fight against smoking, which statistics show is becoming an increasingly serious problem here.

A phased series of actions based on these lines will go a long way towards checking smoking among our children and discouraging smokers from, well, smoking, thereby reducing the incidence of smoking overall.

It is important not to pull punches because of the cost it might inflict on the tobacco industry. The economic damage that smoking causes through health and productivity costs is far more than the benefits the industry contributes.

> Managing editor P. Gunasegaram knows how addictive cigarettes are — sometimes he still pines for a puff.

Source: Views, The Star, September 25, 2009

Saturday, January 3, 2009

The quit smoking cold turkey method

The quit smoking cold turkey method

The quit smoking cold turkey solution is very popular and though it has a bizarre name it the solution that very influential people adopt. The method is very straight, without any preparation just stop smoking, after this quit smoking cold turkey decision is taken what it matters is that the mind be stronger than the desire to smoke. The more enduring you are the bigger chance of success. The quit smoking cold turkey name refers to something done without preparation, just like a cold turkey, since with the quit smoking cold turkey method, there is no gradual dicrease in the level of nicotine. Studies showed that this solution works and helps many smokers determined enough to succeed.

The quit smoking cold turkey solution is the most popular quiting method because almost any smoker that tried to escape from addiction has turned to it. Though it is easy to try, the difficult part comes in terms of success, which is why many people appeal to drugs and other alternative methods that help them quit. To improve the success rate for the quit smoking cold turkey method the following guide lines must be respected. Understand that in the first days following the quit smoking cold turkey decision you will feel very irritated and tired, the good part is that after several days the severe irritability will pass. Drink a lot of water, this will help your body flush toxins. Take a chewing gum or candy whenever you fill the need for a cigarette, take a walk or do some exercises whenever you feel the craving. All this are small tips that can help you succeed in using the quit smoking cold turkey method.

Calling a friend when you feel like smoking is another suggestion that can help the quit smoking cold turkey method, if you don't have a friend that can really help, you may attend some groups of ex-smokers, they will give you all the needed advice and will support you in overcoming all the encountered difficulties. The quit smoking cold turkey method is free and this is why so many try it, but the fact is that people associate this drastic solution with a superhuman determination and self control. Those who succeeded in quiting using the quit smoking cold turkey technique are powerful people that always succeed in what they set as a goal, for them failure isn't an option.

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Which is the best stop smoking product?

Which is the best stop smoking product?

A stop smoking product is a nicotine replacer, this medication does help a lot, in fact studies showed that using a stop smoking product will double your odds to quit smoking. Almost all the stop smoking products are over the counter and don't require a prescription but it is advisable to ask for the doctor's opinion or at least read the cautions on the label.

One of the most appreciated stop smoking product is the nicotine patch, it slowly releases an amount of nicotine into your body on a longer interval of time. There are patches designed for any kind of smoker so finding the right option is relatively easy in terms of choosing a stop smoking product. The bad thing with patches is that they can cause itching and irritations, they also may give insomnia or other sleep problems. To avoid night anxiety most patients remove the patch.

Another stop smoking product is the nicotine gum, it is usually made of “polacrilex”; this stop smoking product has the advantage of keeping your mouth busy while supplying the needed amount of nicotine into your blood. Nicotine gum is recommended by most doctors as a three-month treatment, and it has the normal side effects associated with stop smoking products.

Then come the nicotine lozenges, they are much like a candy and each one melts in about 20 – 30 minutes. This stop smoking product is discreet and may be acquired without any medical prescription. As side effects associated with this stop smoking product we could mention nausea, hiccups and heartburns as the most commonly encountered. A general warning for both nicotine gum and nicotine lozenges is that they can get fixed on dental works so don't use these products if you have dental problems.

Another appreciated stop smoking product is the nicotine inhaler, the good thing with this solution is that it can be used only when needed and it keeps both your mouth and hands busy. Don't try inhaling the vapors into the lungs as they are absorbed rapidly in your mouth and throat. This stop smoking product can cause throat and mouth irritations or even coughing.

The nicotine nasal spray is another highly popular stop smoking product as nicotine is very quickly absorbed by the body, this alternative works faster than any other. Nasal, sinus and throat problems can appear so use this product carefully. If you need more help with your quit-smoking programs visit www.quit-smoking-expert.com. The greatest stop smoking product is the one that suits you best, if you feel comfortable using a product and you actually see results in a short period of time then keep using it and get a healthier life style.

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Stop smoking naturally

Stop Smoking Naturally

No drugs, no patches, gum or other nicotine-based products, then how can one stop smoking naturally? Many scientists point out that those who take the challenge to stop smoking naturally actually get into the toughest experience of their lives. There are two ways to do so. You can either cut off cigarettes now and for good or you can lower the nicotine intake according to a pre-established plan. Let's have a closer look at these two stop smoking naturally ways and see how efficient they prove. Those who want to stop smoking naturally are usually against other substitutes or are simply unwilling to expose themselves to other symptoms such as dizziness, sleep disorders or headaches that are often associated with them. For the cold turkey stop smoking naturally solution, chances of success are lower and you'll see why.

First of all, if you want to stop smoking naturally and gradually it is good to make a plan and stick to it by all means. By this I mean that you'll have to constantly reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke a day. In order to stop smoking naturally, you'll have to support your body by other means, compensating for the absence of nicotine. For instance, reduce stress, and you won't feel the urge to smoke so much. You can stop smoking naturally by increasing the amount of sweet fruit you eat a day, since less nicotine means less sugar in the blood. The fructose you'll get from the diet should compensate, without exposing you to overweight risks. Then you may also support the stop smoking naturally determination by plenty of physical exercises and good body hydration, since thus you eliminate toxins from the system.

In case you choose to stop smoking naturally but abruptly, you'd better be ready for some rough times lying ahead. Unless you master yourself very well and stick to the decision not to smoke, you may not succeed. However, statistics show that this way to stop smoking naturally is highly traumatic for the body since the nicotine withdrawal brings a whole range of cravings. The battle to stop smoking naturally will get you through anxiety, depression, increased stress, headaches, sweating, low energy levels, irritability and so on. You may ease the cravings when you try to stop smoking naturally, by hydration, alternative relaxation methods, lots of physical exercises and even counseling. Good luck!

Stop smoking help

Stop smoking help

If you want to quit and you've promised yourself so many times that this is the last cigarette you'll ever smoke, but every time you fail again and again, it's time to ask for some stop smoking help. This method you are trying is called “Cold Turkey” and as the name suggest it means quitting suddenly and never returning to this habit without any stop smoking help. Though it may seem brave to do something like this very few succeed. Without stop smoking help very few smokers would quit smoking for good since they are facing the craving problems. The mortality factor is huge among smokers, 4 million people die every year from smoking-caused diseases. Though the number may seem terrifying think that over a million succeed each year in quitting, so if you try and turn to a stop smoking help program you can also be a winner.

Maybe you've tried quitting before and failed, for some unknown reason you didn't find the right stop smoking help. The main idea is not to give up. Most of the ex-smokers tried several times before managing to quit for good. Using stop smoking help and advice you increase significantly your chances of success. When talking with ex-smokers you can regain confidence and find support in difficult moments so don't hesitate to open to suggestions. Statistics report that a person that tried several times before to quit smoking and didn't succeed has a higher chance to make it next time with the correct stop smoking help. Pregnant women need all the stop smoking help they can get as the baby's health is at stake also. A high percentage of the children that are exposed to second hand smoke suffer from asthma or other respiratory disorders so if you ever think about quitting now is the best time.

Stop smoking help programs show many people where to start, and how to deal with cravings and stick to a cigarette-free lifestyle. Lots of stop smoking help is necessary to make a plan first, because the “Cold Turkey” method is too difficult for heavy smokers. To get professional stop smoking help find a specialist that can guide you with competent advice or you may get involved in some stop smoking help classes where ex-smokers come and try to assist any way they can. As most experts say the best stop smoking help comes from an ex-smoker so if you have a family member or a friend that quit smoking long time ago it is a good idea to spend as much time with him or her as possible.

The best quit smoking product

The best quit smoking product

Every smoker who wants to escape from this bad habit is searching for the best quit smoking product that will help. The “cold turkey” method is the most simple way to quit smoking, you simply stop smoking and face on your own all the side effects that will come. This solution is straight through and only the most convinced persons prove successful. For those smokers who find it too difficult to fight this battle on their own a large variety of quit smoking products exist. Finding the appropriate quit smoking product in each case isn't easy, each person must try each alternative until it finds the one that fits him or her best. Once you have decided over a quit smoking product you've just increased significantly your chances of getting healthier and living a better life.

Each quit smoking product has advantages and disadvantages, so think twice before choosing a treatment. You should decide to get help from your non-smoking friends and family because especially the first days are extremely difficult. Learn all you can about quit smoking products and see which one suits you best. Nicotine replacement therapy is one of the most appreciated ways of fighting smoking. It includes several quit smoking products like nicotine gum, nicotine patch or lozenges. This method has the advantage of replacing the nicotine from your body thus removing the side effects, in time, quit smoking products will help you reduce and finally eliminate the nicotine dose without any unpleasant symptoms that are usually associated with nicotine absence.

Natural quit smoking products exist and usually contain a mixture of plats that help detoxification of the body while preventing withdrawal symptoms. Zyban and Wellbutrin are quit smoking products that can solve your problem in a couple of months. These pills can be bought from any drug store but you will need a prescription from the doctor. There are also many quit smoking products more affordable but with a doubtful rate of success, they are based on self suggestion and other psychological methods that fight smoking. Don't choose any quit smoking product easily since you have to check the tolerance of your body system to any of the stimuli in the content of the quit smoking product. Otherwise you risk to alleviate withdrawal symptoms but not be able to get proper rest at night because of a simple nicotine patch for instance. Take good care!

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Laser treatment to quit smoking

Laser treatment to quit smoking

The laser treatment to quit smoking is one of the latest weapons against smoking, it uses a cold laser that is focused on several points on your body. It is related closely to acupuncture but it is a lot safer and with better results. The laser treatment to quit smoking has been successfully used all over the world, and in countries like England, Europe and Canada it has a history of 20 years. One of the best parts about this treatment is that it doesn't hurt at all, you will feel relaxed and comfortable. Many patients that accept laser treatment to quit smoking also think about the gaining weight problem. When nicotine leaves your body several changes occur that may cause extra weight accumulation. This side effect appears rarely and can be avoided easily with a proper diet and supplements.

Insurances don't cover laser treatment to quit smoking so make your budget plan before choosing this option. Results can't been assured by any quit smoking alternative because two factors are included in the laser treatment to quit smoking: the physical and psychological one. The physical problem can be eliminated 100% but you may still feel like smoking. A laser treatment to quit smoking won't change your diet to keep you from putting on weight, you will simply guided towards a change according to your life style and eating habits. Theoretically there are no side effects to laser treatment to quit smoking but there are some people that can't use it. The laser treatment to quit smoking is not recommended in cases of epilepsy, blood disorders, pregnancy, cancer or during chemotherapy or radiation therapy. If you are not sure of what anti-smoking treatment to use take a look on the Internet, and this site is a good start www.quit-smoking-expert.com .

Laser treatment to quit smoking needs no previous preparations, but it is advisable to drink several glasses of water or natural juice and have some minerals and vitamins tablets to help your body recover. Supplements are needed because nicotine draws vitamins from the body when eliminated, this isn't a rule but it can prevent health problems. Laser treatment to quit smoking has a very good success rate and more than 64% succeeded in getting rid of the addiction. One of the most important factors that influence success or failure is personal determination in winning this battle against smoking. Laser treatment to quit smoking might not be enough if you don't change your life style, therefore try avoiding any events that might cause a relapse. If you decide to use a laser treatment to quit smoking and you will notice a good change in all the aspects of your life.