Electronic Cigarettes and FDA

FDA scientists reported that they have tested 19 different varieties of e-cigs, out of which half contain forms of nitrosamine. This is a known carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) in humans. Most of the products which proclaimed that they don’t contain any traces of nicotine had low nicotine levels.

Smokeless Cigarettes – Other Side of the Story

According to the FDA officials, the quality control standards which are implemented to manufacture these e-cigs are either nonexistent or inconsistent. The e-cig brands which were tested by the FDA authorities included Njoy ciggies and Smoking Everywhere. On the contrary, the Electronic Cigarette Association claimed that the FDA’s testing procedure was actually too narrow to reach reliable and valid conclusions.

Meanwhile, the e-cig company, Njoy, claimed that it products were perfect substitutes for smokers. They reportedly said that their products have been marketed since April 2007 sans any adverse health effects.

Smokeless Cigarettes and FDA – The Final Battle

Advocates of public health have said that such products are aimed at youngsters. Also, these products act like a “gateway” to regular tobacco smoking. These products are available in different flavors including mint, bubblegum and chocolate. As these e-cigs are not covered by the federal tobacco laws, these are more easier for them to buy.

Medical Use of Marijuana

Marinol also has THC

According to U.S. law, marijuana is a Schedule I drug. This classification means it has no medicinal value and there is plenty of scope for abuse. Yet, there is a medication called Marinol which contains a synthetic type of THC, which is an important ingredient in marijuana. Marinol is used to stimulate appetite in AIDS patients and to treat nausea caused by chemotherapy.

Cannabinoids can Relieve Pain

Scientific research reveals that cannabinoids found in marijuana have pain relieving properties. Studies also show that medical marijuana has a good safety profile. However, smoking any substance can harm your health. Therefore, many companies are developing other methods to administer marijuana. Thus, patients may be able to consume medical marijuana by placing it under their tongue or by inhaling a fine mist.

History of Medical Marijuana

Chinese medicine has been using medical marijuana since 2700 BC. In the U.S., medicinal marijuana was widely used until about 1900 AD. But, in 1937, a US federal law prohibited medical marijuana. Today, using or even possessing even a small amount of marijuana can result in a jail term.

Evidence for Medical Marijuana

In a 1999 report, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) listed a few conditions that can be treated by cannabinoids. These include appetite control, nausea, multiple sclerosis, cancer pain, post operative pain, spinal cord injury, acute pain and neuropathic pain. The report also revealed that marijuana is a promising source for making medications that can relieve pain.

Compared with codeine, cannabinoids are more capable of giving pain relief, says the IOM. It cites a study in which it was found that 10 mg of THC was as effective as 60 mg of codeine in providing pain relief. Both drugs had similar side effects, but the THC had more sedative qualities compared to codeine. Patients who took the THC also reported less anxiety and a higher sense of well-being.

The IOM also reported that when cannabinoids were combined with an opioid, the opioid worked better. This finding can help reduce the dependence on addictive narcotics to relieve pain. The IOM opines that as opioids have not proved to be effective enough to relieve pain, new medicines need to be welcomed.

Side Effects of Medical Marijuana

There are few side effects of using medical marijuana. And these side effects are much less harmful than those of narcotic painkillers. Dizziness is a common side effect. Besides, the user may be become addicted to marijuana.

Smoking Women Worldwide

The survey by the Tobacco Atlas, which is published by the World Lung Foundation and the American Cancer Society, reveals that there are about 250 million women around the world who smoke daily. Out of these, 22% live in industrialized nations, while nine percent live in middle and low resource countries.

Smoking Women in India The tobacco industry is well aware of the magnitude of this women’s market for cigarettes. It seduces women to smoke by using images of sexual allure, sophistication, slimness, emancipation and vitality. Indian health experts aver that these findings are bad news for India. They say though the percentage of smoking women in India is not high, the total number is very large. More than men, women smokers may be more affected because they bear children.

Pregnant Smoking Women Research reveals that tobacco consumption by pregnant women could reduce the birth weight of the newborn baby, lead to premature birth and increase the chances of stillbirths. Besides, pregnant women who smoke face heightened risks of anemia.

Tobacco-related Deaths Indian health experts say the government should focus on anti-smoking campaigns to inform women. They say the tobacco industry is strongly targeting college going women. Tobacco Atlas reveals that tobacco kills about six million people annually. More than 33% of these deaths are because of cancer. Besides, tobacco related diseases cost about $500 billion each year for worldwide economies. About 25% of smokers suffer illnesses and even die during their working years. This leads to income loss that devastates communities and families. In 2010, 72% of tobacco-related deaths would occur in middle- and low- income nations. By 2030, 83% of such deaths would be in these lesser income countries. The Tobacco Atlas also reveals that tobacco use would cause about 2.1 million cancer deaths annually by the year 2015.

Passive Smoking

Passive smoking, also called second hand smoking is the inhalation of cigarette smoke indirectly by a non-smoker. This can be an exposure in smoking zones, a non smoker surrounded by smokers or in any other public places. This can be as dangerous as active smoking.  Exhalation of the smoke contributes to environmental tobacco smoke. Exposure to this smoke can lead to many life threatening diseases like brain tumor and cancer. It even increases the risk of throat, nose and ear infections n a person.

Respiratory Health Effects of Passive Smoking

Lungs are major organs of respiratory system and in every breath; lungs inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Lungs consist of a complex system that includes trachea, pharynx, bronchi and nasal; cavity. Exposure to harmful smoke can lead to degeneration of these organs and increases the risk of fatal conditions like asthma, pneumonia, cancer, tuberculosis and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). This combined effect harms the respiratory system, causing various health effects. They include:

Throat Inflammation – Cigarette smoke leads to respiratory tract infections, both in the nasal and tracheal region. This is accompanied by pain in the throat region, cough and pain while swallowing.

Chronic Bronchitis – It is a less severe form on COPD. The cigarette smoke affects the airways leading to mucus production, wheezing and cough.

Damage to Throat – The chemicals present in the smoke damages the pharynx, leading to clogging in the throat. This therefore leads to huskiness in voice, difficulty in breathing and pain while swallowing. In serious cases, there will be formation of pus in the throat accompanied by high fever.

These are the respiratory health effects of passive smoking and will get severe on prolonged exposures. And these problems will get worse if you already have those conditions. though there are medications to treat these respiratory illnesses, however continuous exposure can leave you vulnerable to these conditions.

How to quit smoking in holiday season?

One of the most difficult situations to be in when you are quitting or have just quit is to be on a holiday. When you plan a vacation, there are a lot of things that have to be taken care of – food, accommodation, travel itinerary, transportation, and many others. This can take a toll on those who are planning the trip so that the others going can have a good time. If you have just quit, have to plan a trip and take care of all these arrangements, it can become quite a task.

Things to take care of when quitting and going on a vacation

• Make sure that you do not over-exert yourself as this could leave you very tired as the body is already coping up with quitting.
• Relax and take it easy on yourself.
• If possible, leave the planning to someone else.
• Make sure you follow a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins and drink plenty of water.
• Make sure that you get the required hours of sleep so that you are fresh and your body and mind, relaxed.
• Plan an exercise routine for yourself, even if it is just taking a morning or evening walk, climbing stairs or even walking around shopping.
• Remember that you are not the only one holidaying just after you quit. There are many others like you. Treat the vacation as a reward for quitting.
• Make sure that you follow your cessation schedule even on your holiday.
• Make sure that you take time out and practice breathing exercises daily to help you breathe better and let your lungs get healthy.
• Do not over-burden yourself with too many activities. Take time out for yourself, to relax and just let go of all stress and tension.
• Holidaying can also be a test of your will power to stay away from cigarettes. Do not let parties or other activities dampen your resolve to quit and stay quit for good.

It is important that you keep these things in mind as it will help you quit smoking, stay quit and not let it pull you down. Enjoy your holiday while making yourself healthier and gifting yourself a better, healthier life.

Effects of smoking in public places

There is greater awareness among the general public about the ill effects of smoking, tobacco and cigarettes. Because of this, more and more cities around the world are implementing bans on smoking in public. This, along with restrictions on sale of tobacco and cigarettes. The main reason for this is secondhand smoke.

Individuals who are exposed to secondhand smoke are called passive smokers. This is because they inhale cigarette smoke without actually smoking it themselves.

Many more people are now aware of what ETS can do to them. They know that they can suffer from a number of health problems even without being smokers, just by being exposed to this secondhand smoke. It contains more than six hundred different types of chemicals, almost all toxic. Some of them are proven to be carcinogenic while some others are even radioactive.

Some effects of secondhand smoke

• Lung cancer
• Heart diseases, increased risk of strokes, heart attacks
• Hardening of walls of blood vessels
• Irritation in eyes, nose and ears
• Breathlessness and asthma

These are just some of the risks passive smokers are exposed to. ETS puts everyone at grave risk of contracting a number of serious and sometimes life-threatening illnesses. This is why there are many who support the ban on smoking in public places.

The Five D’s of Smoking Cessation

These five D’s are a handy tool that helps you to respond to the urge of smoking in a most healthy manner. They include:

Delay – Delay until the cravings to smoke passes away. Many times, the urge to smoke will come and go within 3 – 5 minute time span so it is easier to manage the urge and delay.

Distract – Distract yourselves. Move your attention away from the anticipation of smoking by working on some puzzles or going for a walk around. Distraction is another best way to stop the mindset from the thoughts of smoking.

Drink Water – Drinking water is also another best method to strike the cravings to smoke. Moreover, it hydrates our body by keeping us better and healthy.

Deep Breaths – Taking deep breaths keeps you relaxed and lets off the stress on smoking cessation. Close your eyes and take slow breathes for three counts and likewise exhale with three counts. Repeat until you feel your body getting away from the tension it is holding.

Discuss – Discuss the feelings running in your mind with the one close to you or with those who had quit smoking. This is much better way of smoking cessation for a person to get connected with those who walk in the right path and hearing from those who have navigated smoking cessation.

When you are ready to quit smoking, use this Five D’s of smoking cessation to keep cravings of smoke at bay. Extract knowledge and be aware of what to expect when you take up nicotine withdrawal.

Reasons to Quit Smoking

• Risk of cancer – Lung cancer is the number one killer in women every year when compared with breast cancer in the United States.
• Money – Here is a surprising fact: smoking a pack every day can cost you $1,000 a year.
• Bad breath – Once you quit smoking, you will not have the offensive breath odor. Others do smell it.
• Stained fingers and teeth
• Sore throat and cough
• Breathing problems
• Fatigue
• Wrinkles – You are at risk of having wrinkles very soon when compared with nonsmokers.
• Arguments with your parents and friends who ask you to quit smoking.
• Cardiovascular diseases including strokes and heart attacks.
• Risk of gum disease
• Offensive odor in your car, skin, hair and clothes.
• Cigarette burns in your car or house.
• Risk of secondhand smoke to your loved ones (also your pets).

Here are the most obvious reasons to quit smoking.

Debunking the Myth about Light Cigarettes

As per the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, any tobacco manufacturer can’t use words or terms like “mild”, “low” or “light” on their cigarettes or any other tobacco products until and unless the FDA has allowed them – the truth is that it has not happened yet. Tobacco companies are now denied to use these specific words on their products as they can be highly misleading and tend to make their consumers believe that they are less harmful and safe to use.

Till date, retailers are allowed to sell leftover products with the banned words till their stocks are over. According to Dr. Corinne Husten, a senior medical adviser on tobacco issues at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these terms “mild”, “low” and “light” inaccurately characterizes the fags available in the market. By prohibiting such words will definitely help to kill the myth that low-tar cigarettes are comparatively less harmful when compared with regular cigarettes.

Dr. Husten says that these terms are misleading and they convey the message that they are safe to use. However, many studies have clearly shown that the smoker actually gets as much tar and nicotine from these varieties as ‘regular’ tobacco cigarettes.

I hope this article might have answered what are light cigarettes and how are they different from regular tobacco cigarettes. You must know that all these terms are misleading. It is best advised to stay away from smoking any type of cigarette and if you are an active smoker – quit smoking right away!

What are Menthol Cigarettes?

This is a type of cigarette that contains menthol as the primary ingredient. This compound affects the nerves of your skin, which becomes sensitive to cold. But, there is no marked drop in the actual body temperature. The menthol used in these fags is extracted from mint leaves. Hence, you tend to get a pleasant and cool sensation in the lips and mouth. This sensation is even experienced when one smokes this fag. The taste of menthol is not artificial, but completely natural.

When it comes to the creation of these fags, they have been in existence in the U.S prior to them being marketed and advertised. The first menthol fag was designed by Spud Brand in 1924, although it was not introduced into the market until the late 1920s. When these fags were finally introduced, these were marketed with an interesting phrase – “Menthol Cooled”. At that time, this new discovery was incredible and unbelievable as nothing came close to it.

Since then several companies have marketed menthol brands of fags. These include:
• Camel Menthol
• Marlboro Menthol
• Newport
• Salem
• Kool

We all know that companies which manufacture fags try their level best to look for novel ways to attract consumers to use their products. For instance, Camel introduced a new line of menthol fags in August 2008 – Camel menthol Crush & Reg. If you want to smoke a menthol fag, then you simply have to press a blue ball (contains menthol). Hence, a classic, regular cigarette can be converted into a menthol fag immediately.

I hope now you came to know what are menthol cigarettes. However, you must always remember that smoking is harmful and menthol cigarettes are no exception. They are equally harmful as regular cigarettes. The best advice is to stay away from smoking any type of tobacco products. Don’t smoke!