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Quiz: Smoking in the US

FitSugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:00:00 -0800

I can rant about smoking cigarettes until I am blue in the face. It can lead to asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer; you all know that. Unfortunately even with that knowledge, many Americans continue to puff away. Take this quiz on recent stats about smoking in the US, and see if things are getting better or worse.

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Spooky News on Smoke, Booze, Blood, and Bones

FitSugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 03:00:00 -0700

You all know that I am a firm believer in moderation, but I do also know that everyone occasionally takes moderation in moderation and has a wild night. Once again, I nominate myself to play the role of party-pooper and tell you social smoking and binge drinking are really bad for you, and not just for your brain cells and lungs. Partying too hard and smoking socially can harm your bones and your blood.

Simply put, binge drinking makes for brittle bones. Alcohol interferes with the body's calcium supply, and in cases of excessive drinking, can create alcohol-induced bone loss. Add to the brittle bones the higher incidence of falling when inebriated and your chances for breaking a bone increase. New research from Loyola's Alcohol Research Program shows the exposure to alcohol disrupts the way genes work to maintain "bone integrity." This happens with prolonged drinking, but also in shorter, three-day bouts of "binge drinking," which was defined as four drinks in two hours for women and five drinks in the same time period for men.

To see what smoking socially does to you, just

Another Reason to Quit Smoking: Sleep

FitSugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:00:00 -0800

If you're still smoking and looking for more reasons to quit . . .

New research has found that smokers are four times more likely to feel tired when they wake up and they spend less time in deep sleep than nonsmokers do. Why you ask? Well researches think smokers experience nicotine withdrawal each night, which disturbs the smoker's sleep. I don't know about you, but I value my sleep far too much. So take this as just another friendly reminder to try to quit smoking if you haven't already started.

Source

Another Reason Not to Smoke: Quitting Is Hard

FitSugar — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:30:00 -0800

Even though we like to scoff at celebrities and say they have everything so much easier than we do, quitting smoking is rough no matter who you are. Katherine Heigl, well-known as a heavy smoker, recently talked to the Washington Post about her troubles with quitting. And guess what? It's not easy even for her. Here are highlights:

"It's so stupid. I started when I was like 22 or 23, and I had my first cigarette at a bar one night, and I was like mmm. I'll try this. I can have just one. I am not gonna get addicted. Then you start bumming. I'm bumming. I don't buy my own packs. I'm not addicted."

"Then you go through something that is hard or difficult or stressful and you buy your first pack and it's all over, and now it's all about how you're going to quit," she says. "I've tried everything."

"I've tried Wellbutrin," a drug also used to treat depression, "which made me really happy while I smoked. Tried the patch. Tried gum. I hate the gum. It burns my mouth. I think I have to quit the old-fashioned way."

So there you have it. Obviously it's best not even to start in the first place, but if you're struggling with quitting, you're certainly not alone. Here's hoping that Katherine, and all smokers, finally nip it in the butt.

Pacific Coast News

Turn On or Turn Off? Guys That Smoke

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 14:58:53 -0800

Turn On or Turn Off? Guys That Smoke I've never been all that into smoking. Not only is it addictive, hard to quit, unhealthy and proven to cause conditions such as lung cancer and asthma, I can't stand a smoker's stale breath. Who wants to kiss that? That's why I think it's such a turn off to see a guy light up a cigarette. That's just my opinion though. What do you think about guys who smoke?

Would You Vote for a Smoker for President?

FitSugar — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 03:00:00 -0700

I have been following Barack Obama's quest to quit smoking and so far, so good (apparently Nicorette is working for him). While I am sure his decision to quit had a lot to do with his health, I am also sure there was a good portion of the decision that came from wanting to improve his image for the elections in 2008.This got me to thinking—would you vote for a smoker for President?Source

Would You Vote for a Smoker for President?

Yes

Other—tell us below

Hookahs vs. Cigarettes

FitSugar — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 02:00:00 -0700

A new coffee shop opened up near where I live, and they serve more than lattes and peppermint tea. When you walk by, you can see tables outside with people puffing on hookahs. This whole hookah bar/parlor scene has found its way into American culture, and its popularity raises an important question. Is it safe?

When you smoke from a hookah, you inhale flavored tobacco from a hose that is attached to an ornate pipe, which is usually made out of glass or clay. There's water in the bottom, which filters the smoke leading people to believe hookahs are safer than smoking cigarettes, but they're terribly mistaken.

The problem is that hookah users tend to inhale far more smoke than cigarette smokers. More smoke means higher levels of nicotine, carbon monoxide, and other nasty chemicals. In a study published by the World Health Organization, they found that an average cigarette smoker took 8 to 12 puffs, and inhaled 0.5 to 0.6 liters of smoke over five to seven minutes. A hookah smoker may take anywhere from 20 to 200 puffs in one night, and each puff equals about one liter of smoke each. That means one hookah smoking session could equate to smoking 40 to 400 cigarettes. Yikes!

Here's the deal. Smoking flavored tobacco from a hookah is not any healthier than smoking regular cigarettes, and could actually be worse since you're inhaling more smoke, nicotine, and other chemicals. So don't get hooked on the hookah scene.

Source

Teenage Girls Smoke to Lose Weight

FitSugar — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Every time I see a teen smoking, it alarms me. I always wonder if they have heard the news that smoking is not cool, is bad for your health, and can in fact kill you.

I was even more alarmed to read that new research has found that girls are starting to smoke in the hope of losing weight. The theory is that smoking distracts people from eating and helps curb appetites, and it's possible that the increase in teenage girls smoking is linked to high obesity rates so girls are turning to tobacco to lose weight.

Yet, another reason I despise those Camel No. 9 cigarettes, since they are marketed towards exactly those young girls and being advertised in magazines they read. It's sad that big tobacco still preys on the young ladies they already have a lot to deal with growing up as it is.

Since the media is clearly not going to help, we need to teach them ourselves. So if you have a teenage daughter yourself, talk to her about her weight issues. Let her know that smoking is not the way to lose a few extra pounds, and explain to her the importance of eating healthy and exercising.

Source

Indoor Smokeless Cigarettes?

FitSugar — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 14:30:00 -0700

Smoking, thank goodness, is banned in most public places because secondhand smoke is a known health hazard. So crowds of smokers hang out on the streets puffing away since they are banned from doing so indoors. Well, what if cigarettes were smokeless? One UK nightclub, celebrity hangout Chinawhite, in London's Soho district, is trying out these new smokeless cigarettes. Made in China, the manufacturer says the invention has no harmful side-effects because there is no smoke or tar.

How does it work? This six-inch white plastic stick uses a battery-powered atomizer to create realistic puffs of "smoke," while the tip glows red when you suck. It gives a smoker the smoking experience and the nicotine high without the use of tobacco. Each cigarette contains one filter, which provides enough nicotine for 350 puffs, or about 30 cigarettes.

The thing is though, it may be cutting down on secondhand smoke, but the smoker is still getting the nicotine. There's some talk that these e-cigs may even give the user more nicotine than an average cigarette. They're also a lot more expensive, around $208 for the starter kit, and you have to continue to buy replacement cartridges.

What do you think about these smokeless cigarettes? Since they create no smoke, do you think they should be allowed in places such as restaurants, bars, buses, meetings, public buildings, and airplanes?

Source

Fittingly Mad: Camel Ads in GLAMOUR?!

FitSugar — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 02:30:00 -0700

In case there were still a few souls left on the planet who haven't yet heard that smoking cigarettes causes lung cancer and other serious health risks, Glamour magazine is reaching out to them with Camel cigarette ads. Yup. I found one in the November issue. WTF?!

I wanted to give Glamour the benefit of the doubt, so I perused through previous issues. I was pissed to find another Camel ad in the September issue and an ad for Pall Mall cigarettes in the July issue! I thought maybe it was a fashion mag thing, because I found them in Nylon too, but I didn't find any in Cosmo or Allure.

I know these mags gets oodles of money for ads, but they should really get their message straight. On one page they're encouraging you to treat depression with exercise, and then a couple of pages later, they're saying to light up a ciggie.

I'm so glad that cigarette ads are banned from TV, and I'm looking forward to the day when they are ditched altogether. At least mags are required to plaster the Surgeon General's warning that says, "Quitting smoking now greatly reduces serious risks to your health." Duh. I wish it would say something more like, "Smoking kills, so don't start."

What do you guys think about cigarette ads? Have you seen many of them? Do they tick you off or do you think people are smart enough to know the dangers of smoking, so the ads don't matter?

Skulls Make Cigs Uncool, But on Shirts They're Cool

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 15:45:00 -0700

It has been reported that Chinese cigarette packs will have skulls, blackened teeth or diseased lungs printed on them in the latest effort to curb smoking. The US might be moving this way too when it comes to warning labels. Hopefully these scary images will ward off troubled teens from smoking.

In other news, have you seen all the cool new clothing with skulls on them lately? I'm definitely getting this bad ass shirt ($92.00) from Ed Hardy. Oh, and we all loved that skull yoga tank that I posted about a few weeks ago. Skulls are definitely all the rage these days.

I'm just saying...

Source

Another Reason Not to Smoke: Dementia

FitSugar — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 02:00:00 -0700

There are so many reasons to quit smoking and now here's a new one to add to the mountain of evidence urging you to kick the habit in the butt (sorry, but I had to give in to that pun).

A recent study concluded that smokers are putting themselves at risk for dementia. Participants who were smokers during the study were 50 percent more likely to develop dementia than people who had never smoked or were former smokers (that means giving up tobacco right now can significantly reduce your chances of developing dementia).

Dementia is linked to cerebrovascular disease and guess what? Smoking contributes to the risk of developing cerebrovascular disease. Another way smoking can contribute to dementia is by oxidative stress, which by damaging blood vessel cells can lead to hardening of the arteries. Smokers have higher rates of greater oxidative stress when compared to nonsmokers, and increased oxidative stress has been linked to developing Alzheimer's.

Looking to quit (I hope you are)? Then here are some tips on quitting and staying smoke free!

Source

Camel No. 9: What's Your Opinion?

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 07:30:00 -0700

I am totally amazed that while all the positive developments in banning smoking in restaurants, bars, entire cities and even entire states are moving forward, something so entirely counterproductive in these efforts slips through the cracks. Introducing Camel No. 9, a new cigarette marketed towards women. Though it's meant to mimic Chanel No. 19 and Love Potion No. 9, I can't imagine these cigarettes will make you smell good or fall in love. But hey, who am I to judge?There have been Camel No. 9 parties promoting the launch of the cigarette. Ladies only nights are being held in bars across the country, offering women facials, manicures, makeup and hair styling; all to be enjoyed while smoking a free pack of Camel No. 9s. You'll even get a goody bags full of treats like chocolates and coupons for drinks and the spa treatments oh, and possibly cancer. Am I missing something here? Smoking and spa treatments never went hand in hand in my book. Did I mention that lung cancer is the leading cancer killer among women? Personally, I think Camel No. 9 is a monstrosity and I can only hope they pull them from the shelves before my own daughters are teenagers, but what do you think about it all?

Camel No. 9: What's Your Opinion?

A great idea - Can't wait to see if Camel No. 9 is hosting a party in my city!

A horrible idea - I'm absolutely disgusted.

Undecided - Why should cigarette companies be scolded for doing what other major companies already do?

Other. Tell us below!

Congratulations NYC: Smoking Down 19%

FitSugar — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Quitting smoking is something I can wholeheartedly support, and if you can break the habit in the big apple you can break it anywhere. My clumsy changes to the classic lyrics really don't do justice to the excitement I feel about the drop in the amount of smokers living in NYC.

Maybe it seems a little weird to get so excited over this but a 19% decrease in adult smokers is huge. It means there are 240,000 less smokers living in NYC. If you project the numbers a little further you come up with this statistic - since a third of all smokers die from smoking related illnesses, 80,000 lives have been saved.

Increase in taxes on cigarettes on both the state and city level made the price of cigarettes very expensive and smoking was banned in virtually all indoor workplaces, including restaurants and bars in 2003. The one, two punch of exorbitant price and nowhere to light up really helped some folks stamp out a bad habit. It took a while but the measures really paid off.

If you are contemplating quitting smoking set a "quit date" and read these posts about reasons to quit and ways to stop the nicotine cravings.

Cool or NOT Cool?

FitSugar — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 02:30:00 -0700

I recently took a trip to Canada to see the Body Worlds exhibit (a MUST see by the way), and happened to notice that they have these really bold messages on their cigarette packs. I've never seen anything like them! They're really graphic warnings meant to discourage people from smoking, and get this - they're government-funded!These warnings aren't just on one brand of cigarettes - they're on EVERY brand. The government is hoping to encourage smokers to quit smoking. Here are some of the warnings:

Cool or NOT Cool?

Cool! I support anything that increases a smoker's awareness to the harmful effects of smoking!

Not Cool! These warnings don't belong on cigarette packs - they're disturbing and obnoxious!

Other - tell me below.

Today Is International NO Tobacco Day

FitSugar — Thu, 31 May 2007 11:00:00 -0700

Today is International NO Tobacco Day, sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO). The theme this year is Smoke Free Environments.

Here is what WHO has to day about tobacco and second hand smoke.

Tobacco is the second major cause of death in the world. It is well known that half the people who smoke regularly today – about 650 million people – will eventually be killed by tobacco. Equally alarming is the fact that hundreds of thousands of people who have never smoked die each year from diseases caused by breathing second-hand tobacco smoke.

In attempts to protect non-smokers WHO is making strong recommendations that all indoor public places and workplaces become 100% smoke-free as soon as possible. Since there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke, let's hope every country takes these recommendations seriously and acts now.

Fit's Tip: If you are considering quitting tobacco I think today is the perfect day to start. Check out these tips from the
American Cancer Society - they will definitely help the process!!!

Another Reason to Quit Smoking: Depression

FitSugar — Wed, 30 May 2007 02:00:00 -0700

There are so many horrible things that can come from smoking cigarettes that it is really insane that cigarettes are still around.

Yet another study, this one from The University of Helsinki, has found another negative side effect of smoking cigarettes. Finnish researchers found that smokers may have a higher risk of depression than those who have never smoked. As if cancer, wrinkles, heart disease, breathing problems, stained teeth, etc... weren't reason enough to give it up, now you can add depression to the list.

Smoking is gross and dangerous to everyone. So if you still smoke, do yourself and those who love you, a favor and quit already.

Light Cigarettes: Still Really BAD for You

FitSugar — Wed, 23 May 2007 14:30:00 -0700

I have heard the query recently - "Are light cigarettes better for me?" Interesting question, but I'm fairly certain we all know the answer to that one.

NO - "Light" or "Low-tar" cigarettes are NOT better for you because they are still cigarettes, and they still contain nicotine, carbon monoxide, tar, and other toxic chemicals. Inhaling these poisonous toxins causes emphysema, and many kinds of cancer including lung, bladder, kidney, cervix, throat, mouth, esophagus, pancreas and stomach and some types of leukemia (cancer of the blood). Smoking also causes wrinkles, makes your breath stink, stains your teeth and causes asthma and other respiratory problems. "Light" cigarettes are no different.

Here's the proof: A recent study performed in Turkey tested 62 adults in their 20s - 20 who smoked regular cigarettes, 20 who used light cigarettes and 22 who’d never smoked.

The researchers tested the participants coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR), a measure of how well blood flow speeds up to aid the heart when it’s under increased demands. CFVR reflects the overall functioning of the network of small blood vessels that feed the heart.

Even before the test began, the researchers found that smokers already have poorer CFVR levels than non-smokers. After smoking a few cigarettes, their CFVR levels decreased even more.

What was the study's conclusion? The decrease in CFVR was virtually the same whether the cigarettes were "Light" or "Regular."

Fit's Tips: If you smoke and you're looking to quit, here are some tips for dealing with the cravings. You can also call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or go to www.smokefree.gov for more info on how to quit. Quitting smoking is way too hard to do alone, so you my want to think about joining a support group.

Source

Stained Teeth? Coffee Is Not the Only Culprit

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 11:00:00 -0700

We all want our teeth to be bright and white. There are so many whitening products and toothpastes on the shelves at my local drugstore. Dentists, for a pretty penny, professionally bleach stained and colored teeth.

There's nothing wrong with wanting to have pearly whites, but these products can make your teeth sensitive to cold and hot temperatures. Which can be surprisingly painful, so why not prevent the stains before they start?

If you're concerned about your teeth becoming stained, try to avoid these as much as possible:

Coffee, tea, cola, and red wine - consider cutting back if it's not possible to ditch these altogether, and brush your teeth immediately after you drink them.
Smoking - Don't you have enough reasons to quit?
Certain fruits and veggies - apples and potatoes can stain your teeth, so brush after eating them. Teeth, like people, are unique and not everyone's teeth will react the same way to the same foods.
Minerals in the water you drink can also discolor your teeth. Some cities add fluoride to the water supply - excessive fluoride from water or mouthwashes can also cause discoloration.

Fit's Tips: Anything that can stain your carpet can stain your teeth - so brushing after each meal and snack can help prevent stains. Keep toothpaste and a toothbrush in your desk drawer at work, so you can brush after your morning coffe.

Also, make sure to floss your teeth daily and get your teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months. It's good to know that some of these stains can be gently scraped off by your dentist.

Source

Should Smoking be Banned in Cars?

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 08:45:00 -0700

New Delhi has become the first city worldwide to ban smoking while driving. The latest smoking ban in New Delhi was among a number of new laws introduced to fight bad driving habits in the city. Drivers caught smoking will be fined $32 up to five times before having their licenses revoked. The same rule will apply to anyone using his or her cell phone while driving.I always find it interesting when smoking is banned for reasons other than the fact that it is straight-up bad for you. Forget how bad it makes your driving skills; shouldn't smoking be banned because it in itself can kill you? Despite the irony of the ban, smoking bans do help everyone breathe better. So what do you think -- Should smoking be banned in cars in the United States too?

Should Smoking be Banned in Cars?

Yes!

No!

Undecided.

Other. Tell us below!

France To Ban Smoking in Public Places

FitSugar — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:30:00 -0800

France is a little behind on the whole smoking is deadly issue but you've got to hand it to them with their newest step towards health.

Starting tomorrow, Feb. 1, France will be implementing a new law banning smoking in schools, airports, hotels, offices and other public spaces. This ban will be followed by phase two in France's war on tobacco, that will prohibit smoking in cafes, restaurants and clubs on January 1, 2008.

It's about time! Over 30% of the French population smokes (but almost 49% of those are aged 18 to 25). That is more than in any European country except Greece, where it's 42% [gasp].

In other smoking news, the EU is considering proposing a total smoking ban in public places for all 27 member countries.

Yet Another Reason Not to Smoke

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:30:00 -0800

Ever feel like big tobacco is lying to you about what is really in those cigarettes? Well that is because they are.

It is being reported that U.S. tobacco companies increased the level of addictive nicotine in their cigarettes by 11 percent from 1998 to 2005. A study done by Harvard School of Public Health claims that:

...tobacco companies accomplished the increase not only be intensifying the concentration of nicotine in the tobacco but also by modifying several design features of cigarettes to increase the number of puffs per cigarette taken by smokers.

These findings definitely make you wonder if the tobacco industry has changed at all (in terms of getting people addicted) since signing the Master Settlement Agreement of 1998 with the State Attorneys General. Who, by the way, is not going to be happy with these findings.

So don't smoke and if you do, try and quit. By getting people more and more addicted, the tobacco industry is only looking out for themselves.

Thank You For Not Smoking In The Car With Your Kid

FitSugar — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 07:35:00 -0800

It is being reported that The Bangor City Council (in Maine) approved a measure on January 8, 2007 that prohibits people from smoking in vehicles when children are present. The violation will be considered a primary offense, which means police can pull over vehicles if they see somebody smoking with anybody under 18 in the vehicle.

It grosses me out that people even smoke with kids in the car in the first place, so this ban definitely gets my vote. It's frightening that there was enough of a problem that passing a law was necessary to protect children's health.

Quit Smoking With a Hand Gel

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 03:00:00 -0800

A new hand gel is starting to appear on drugstore shelves promising to satisfy users' tobacco cravings for up to four hours.

Walgreens is now stocking its more than 5,500 stores with packets of Nicogel ($5.99 for a box of 10 doses) which is a quick-evaporating gel made with tobacco extracts. Each serving of Nicogel contains about a tenth of the tobacco you'll find in a typical cigarette.

This is great for people trying to quit smoking but I wonder if it will lead to a world of newly addicted hand gel users?

Cover Your Children's Eyes

FitSugar — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 02:00:00 -0800

Imagine this, you're watching a movie with your child (niece or nephew) and a fairly risky scene comes on so you cover his or her eyes until the characters are done with their sex and onto their cigarettes. Seems normal, right?

Researchers are reporting that each year in the United States, some 1.4 million children under age 18 start smoking, and half of these start as a direct result of tobacco advertising, which includes the portrayal of tobacco use in films, TV or videos.

Exposure to positive images of smoking increased the odds that children would smoke by about 90%. Children that were exposed to tobacco ads and positive images of smoking were about 50% more likely to want to smoke in the future. In addition, tobacco marketing and media increased the chances that children who already smoked would become heavier smokers by 42%.

So you may want to start adding smoking to the list of things you cover your child's eyes for in movies.

Looking to Quit, Just Cut Back

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 14:00:00 -0800

Trying to quit smoking but cold turkey is just not working for you? Remember how Sarah Jessica Parker's character had such a hard time quitting cold turkey on Sex and the City?

New research from the University of Vermont shows that simply cutting back on smoking may lead to unexpected quitting.

Researchers found that:

In 16 of the 19 studies reviewed, smoking reduction in people who did not want to quit led to an increase in the percentage of them who did quit. In most of the studies, smoking reduction was accompanied by the use of nicotine replacement products.

Interestingly enough, cutting back is an acceptable method of quitting in Europe, but has not been acceptable in the United States until now. So if you smoke, and haven't been able to quit, try cutting back, it could work for you. The health benefits of quitting are amazing!

Fit's Tip: If you smoke, you should know that cutting back does not reduce smoking-related health risks -- and cutting back should only be a step toward quitting.

Anything in Moderation?

FitSugar — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 03:30:00 -0800

I was talking to a friend the other day and she lit up a cigarette. I said "I guess you didn't get the memo. Smoking is still bad for you."

She said, "I know. I know. But I asked my doctor, and he said, 'Anything in moderation is OK.'"

What? Yeah, I can see getting drunk once in a while, or consuming an entire pint of Ben and Jerry's at one sitting being OK, but smoking in moderation? I don't know about that one.

According to the ACSH (American Council on Science and Health), cigarette smoking is a lot different from let's say, eating candy. People can consume a king size Snickers bar here and there without hurting themselves. There is no such thing as "smoking in moderation." Any amount of smoking is bad for you.

Fit's Tip: Looking to kick the habit? Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or go to www.smokefree.gov for info. Quitting smoking is way too hard to do it alone, so think about joining a support group.