Wearing Talbot's Dress, Kate Spade Necklace, Coach Sandals and Black Straw Hat
Wearing Talbot’s Dress, Kate Spade Necklace, Coach Sandals and Black Straw Hat

Wow! Did you know it’s been 49 years since the surgeon general officially declared smoking tobacco hazardous to your health?  So, I was surprised by an article in the New York Times titled “Smoking is Cool Again.”   When did it become cool to smoke again? Is the electronic cigarette contributing to this coolness?

Short - and long - Term effects of smoking cigarettes
Short – and long – Term effects of smoking cigarettes

Thanks to some hard work on the part of the Surgeon General, concerned legislators and citizens, and of course, New York City Mayor Bloomberg, cigarettes have all but been eliminated from public life.  As a result of a smoking bans everywhere, from restaurants and bars to city parks, those looking to take a puff are left to do so huddled together far from the front door or any entrances.

We all know of the health effects of cigarette smoking and second-hand smoke. You have to admire and thank New York City Mayor Bloomberg public health missions; over the course of a decade he has championed the right against one’s right to enjoy a meal without the effects of ingesting cigarette smoke while they eat.  In 2002, New York, the first major city to ban smoking in bars and restaurants.  Many other major and minor cities have adopted similar policies to ban smoking in public places.  Fast forward to 2013, where legislation is being considered for banning smoking on beaches and parks.

Is Cigarette Smoking Really Addictive?

Yes.

According  to the American Cancer Society, the nicotine in cigarette smoke causes an addiction to smoking.  Nicotine is an addictive drug – just like heroin and cocaine – for three main reasons.

  1. When taken in small amounts, nicotine creates pleasant feelings that make the smoker want to smoke more.
  2. Smokers usually become dependent on nicotine and suffer withdrawal symptoms when they stop smoking.  These symptoms include nervousness, headaches, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.
  3. Because nicotine affects the chemistry of the brain and central nervous system, it can affect mood and nature of the smoker.
The Ugly Truth ABout Smoking
The Ugly Truth ABout Smoking

Women and Smoking:

Smoking causes ages skin with wrinkles, yellowing of teeth and fingers.
Smoking ages skin with wrinkles, yellowing of teeth and fingers.

 

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Smoking Cessation Products/Programs/Free Stop Smoking Apps:
Nicoderm Patch
Nicorette Gum
Chantix
Habitrol
One Step
Hypnosis
http://www.health.state.pa.us/tobacco
http://www.1800quitnow.com (free coach)
http://www.smokefree.gov
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/tobacco
http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco
Free Stop Smoking Apps:
Quit It Lite
Butt Out Lite
QuitNow!
Stop Smoking!
Smoke Free

No butts about it, smoking is dangerous to your health! Stop Smoking Start Repairing!
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