European Parliament Approves New Rules for Restricting E Cigarette Use

                                  

The European Parliament has reportedly approved new regulations for subjecting electronic cigarettes to certain restrictions which are currently applicable on other tobacco containing products. In accordance with these new rules, electronic cigarettes have to be made inaccessible to children, the advertising and marketing of these products will be prohibited in Europe, the e-cigarette packages will need safety warnings and they will not contain more than 20 milligrams of nicotine. 

Parliamentarians have revealed to the New York Times that this new decision taken by the European Parliament will affect the makers of electronic cigarettes to a considerable extent. According to them, this new move is likely to be disputed in court.

Source: nation.time.com, Date: 27^th February 2014

Review Finds Licensed Medicines Effective For Smoking Cessation

A latest review of 267 studies involving 101,804 people has led to the conclusion that licensed quit smoking medicines are indeed effective for triggering off smoking cessation.   

 

A group of researchers carried out the review to study the success rates of quit smoking medicines in comparison to placebos. The researchers considered a participant to be successful in smoking cessation if he quit smoking for a period of six months or more.

 

However, as the review came to a close, the researchers discovered that all medications were successful in improving quit smoking chances for smokers. The participants taking varenicline (chantix) or a nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) had twice or three times more chances of quitting.  Smokers opting for a single NRT or administering bupropion, were 80% more likely to quit smoking than those taking placebos.

 

The researchers found out that those smokers who administered only varenicline had 50% more chances of successful smoking cessation in comparison to patients taking any nicotine replacement therapy.  Also, the results were the same when compared to participants taking any combination of two nicotine replacement therapies.  

 

Kate Cahill, the lead researcher, states that the review offers powerful evidence to prove that the main therapies available for smoking cessation, namely, varenicline(chantix), bupropion and nicotine-replacement therapy can help people quit smoking successfully. 

 

The review was published in the Cochrane Library. 

Source:  healthland.time.com,  Date:  31^st May 2013

 

 

New Quit Smoking Initiative Offers Help to Smokers In South Derbyshire

Derbyshire County Stop Smoking Service has joined hands with Sainsbury’s, off Civic Way, to offer help and support to smokers in South Derbyshire who are looking forward to trigger off smoking cessation. Derbyshire County Stop Smoking Service is gearing up to provide quit smoking assistance with the help of its expert stop smoking advisors.

Carol Wynn, an expert quit smoking advisor, discloses that the Derbyshire County stop smoking service operates famous and busy quit smoking clinics in the Swadlincote area of South Derbyshire. The Derbyshire County stop smoking service is a part of Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust.

 

Carol Wynn states that people love coming to the clinics and the Derbyshire County stop smoking service has been very successful in helping them trigger off smoking cessation.  

Source: burtonmail.co.uk, 27^th May 2013

Clinic Located On College Campus Helps Students Stop Smoking

According to a latest revelation, thirteen college students from Dubai Men’s College at the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) have taken help from a quit smoking clinic located on the campus and triggered off smoking cessation successfully.

Health authorities from the UAE are dealing with the increasing use of shisha or dokha, cigarettes or other tobacco products by the young generation.

 

The staff members, students and the team from the clinic have talked to Gulf News about the students` triggering off smoking cessation.

 

Source:  gulfnews.com, date 24^th May 2013

Research Finds Out That Cancer Survivors Are Not Motivated to Quit Smoking

A new research reveals that survivors of cancer are no more inclined to quit smoking than the general people. The research was the first major UK-based study aimed at tracing the prevalence of smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity among cancer patients.

The researchers carried out the study by undertaking a comparison between people who were diagnosed with cancer and those who remained free of cancer for over a period of four years. However, as the study concluded, it was revealed that the people who were afflicted with or survived cancer were less active and their lifestyles were sedentary. The researchers also discovered that the rate of smoking and alcohol intake were significantly reduced in both groups after a while but the diagnosis of cancer did not provide additional motivation for quit smoking. 

 

Professor Jane Wardle, the leading author of the study, states that cancer diagnosis is considered to be a motivating factor for stop smoking or to reduce alcohol consumption, but this study proves something else. He adds that the people who were diagnosed with cancer at the time they were studied by the researchers were no more inclined to stop smoking, drink less or lead a more active life than those who remained free of cancer.   

 

The study was funded by Cancer Research UK and published in the “British Journal of Cancer”.

 

Source: cancerresearchuk.org, Date:  22^nd May 2013

University Health Center Gears Up To Help Students Quit Smoking

The University Health Center at James Madison University (JMU) has launched a Fresh Air initiative program which has plans to help students trigger off smoking cessation. The Fresh Air initiative program is panning to kick-start a support system for students who have decided to stop smoking and need assistance to achieve it.

Paige Hawkins, the program leader of Fresh Air states that the long-term objective is to make Fresh Air a stop smoking program on campus, which can fulfil the requirements of those students who are looking forward to stop smoking.   

 

The Fresh Air program is gearing up to organize focus groups throughout the university campus to help students who are addicted to smoking. The groups will talk about successful methods that can help smokers quit smoking. The feedback received by the groups will be used to execute the program in the future.                                                                                                

Hawkins reveals that the purpose is to inspect the environment at James Madison University and collect feedback from students.  He adds that the students should have that inner drive to change themselves.

Source: breezejmu.org, Date: 25^th April 2013

 

Tobacco Free Florida, A Stop Smoking Program Run by Florida State, Helps People Quit Smoking

According to health officials in Florida, Tobacco Free Florida, a stop smoking program run by the state, has helped 72,000 smokers trigger off smoking cessation. The figures are obtained by taking into account the numbers of Floridians who, under the influence of this program, quit smoking since 2007. The impact of “Tobacco Free Florida” has been instrumental in transforming the State’s attitude towards smoking and saving personal healthcare expenditure worth $4.2 billion. Tobacco Free Florida is the result of consent by voters that ensured funding for this stop smoking program.

Sources reveal that the smallest percentage of adult smokers has been found in the Orange and Lake counties. Phone surveys carried out by the state Department of Health and supervised by the “Centers for Disease Control and Prevention” have found out that by the year 2010, the percentage of adult smokers in the Orange County had reduced from 14.6 percent to 13.3 percent. However, the percentage of adult smokers in Lake County had been decreased from 16.6 percent to 14.7 percent.

 

Tobacco Free Florida's 2012 annual report states that due to the impact of the program, now the State of Florida has 500,000 less smokers who belong to the adult category. The report also reveals that Florida has 70,000 less adolescent smokers and 220,000 fewer kids who have to bear the brunt of secondhand smoke.

 

Brenda Olsen, the chief operating officer of American Lung Association's Southeast area, reveals that the association is very satisfied with the impact of “Tobacco Free Florida's Three Ways to Quit" movement.    

 

Source: articles.orlandosentinel.com, Date: 24^th April 2013

Hypnosis Counseling Center Gets Ready to Offer Quit Smoking Workshop

The Hypnosis Counseling Center is geared up to present special weight loss and quit smoking workshops at the centre located at 28 Mine St., Flemington. This Hypnosis Counseling Center has offices in places such as Frenchtown, Flemington and Bloomfield. The workshops will be held on Saturday, 20^th April.

The quit smoking workshop will start at 9 am and continue till 10 am. Thereafter, the weight loss workshop will begin from 10-11 a.m.

 

According to sources, each workshop lasting for one hour will incorporate discussion, hypnosis exercises and a CD for $18. People are welcome to participate in the workshops on an individual basis or together as a group. The workshops will help in facilitating instant results and ensure success on a long term basis. 

 

Each workshop will be headed by Barry Wolfson, an individual having 26 years of verified success in hypnosis and a master’s degree in counselling. The cost of each workshop is $55. 

 

Source: nj.com, 5^th April 2013

East Dunbartonshire Smokers Advised To Quit Smoking and Save Money for Summer Holiday

According to a latest revelation, smokers located throughout the East Dunbartonshire area have been suggested to quit smoking and save enough money for their summer holiday. As an integral part of the Summer Saver campaign kick-started by Smokeline, a ‘holiday savings calculator’ is made available online to help smokers calculate the amount of money they can save by opting for quit smoking.

 

Smokeline undertook a new survey and found almost one third of smokers stating that they won’t be opting for a summer holiday this time due to the unavailability of sufficient cash. However, according to sources, if all 12,100 smokers living in East Dunbartonshire quit smoking, they will be able to put aside a whopping amount of £5.8million within a period of three months. This amount will be sufficient for setting off on a grand summer holiday.

 

Barrhead Travel is lending support to Smokeline’s Summer Saver campaign by making Quit Guides and posters available at its travel agencies.

 

Michael Matheson, the minister for public health, states that stop smoking is one of the most excellent things for boosting health. According to him, people fail to realize that they can save a huge amount of extra money just by quitting smoking.

 

The minister states that now it is time for people to start considering about their summer holidays or about visiting new places and spending time with friends and family.

 

Source: kirkintilloch-herald.co.uk, Date:  4^th April 2013

 

New Poll Finds That Ban on the Display of Tobacco Products Has Helped Smokers Quit Smoking

According to the results obtained from a recent survey, ban on the display of tobacco products introduced throughout England has helped smokers quit smoking.

The survey of 1000 current as well as 1000 former smokers was authorized by the health insurance company PruHealth. However, as soon as the survey came to a conclusion, it became apparent that the ban had helped 17 percent of smokers reduce smoking.  

Last year, on 6^th April, supermarkets and other stores were banned from exhibiting cigarette packs to the public. The ban was introduced by the ministers throughout England to help in transforming the social customs and attitudes related to smoking. This move was also aimed at safeguarding young people who were made the target of tobacco endorsement. 

More than 25 percent former smokers aged in between 18-24 had stated that hiding the tobacco products had motivated them to stop smoking. Hence, the results obtained from the PruHealth survey have shown that ban on tobacco products indeed works.   

Emma Wrafter, director of The Deborah Hutton Campaign, the youth smoking prevention charity, reveals that tobacco products on display may influence youngsters and their friends to start smoking.

 

Source: london24.com, Date: 5^th April 2013

 

FDA Revises Nicotine Gum Labels with the Aim of Helping Smokers Quit Smoking

According to a statement released by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) in a Federal Register notice, manufacturers of nicotine gum and other nicotine replacement products can now use new labels that will permit smokers to opt for more than one therapy at one time. In accordance with the new FDA labelling regulations, people looking forward to quit smoking can now use GlaxoSmithKline Plc (GSK)’s Nicorette gum and similar other products in combination with other treatments and for longer periods.  

Margaret Hamburg, the Commissioner of FDA, states that the FDA hopes that the newly initiated changes on product labels will allow people to use them successfully for quit smoking. She also adds that this will reduce the rate of tobacco dependence in the country.   

The label changes were demanded by the public health and consumer groups, with the assertion that the current product labels were inadequate and might have disheartened people from purchasing quit smoking products.  

Source: bloomberg.com, Date: 1^st April 2013

 

CDC Releases New Quit Smoking Ads to Help Smokers Trigger Off Smoking Cessation

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a set of anti-smoking advertisements with the aim of motivating smokers for quit smoking. These ads will show real people along with their health complications caused by smoking. Some of these health problems shown on the ads are namely, diabetes causing leg amputation, throat cancer destroying the larynx and serious asthma attack in a teenager who was affected by second hand smoke.

These advertisements are aimed at highlighting the severe side effects of smoking addiction and thereby inspire smokers to stop smoking. Sources reveal that during the next 12 weeks` period, the anti-smoking ads will be aired on the television and movie theatres. These anti-smoking advertisements will also appear in newspapers and magazines as public service announcements.

 

According to Dr. Tom Frieden, the director of CDC, available scientific proof has shown that such public awareness strategies have resulted in a huge increase in the number of smokers who have successfully triggered off smoking cessation.

 

Source: boston.com, Date: 28^th March 2013

 

New Research Finds Out That Smokers Undergoing Hip Replacement Surgery Take Longer To Heal

In a recent study, researchers surveyed patients who were made to undergo total hip replacement surgery and found out that in comparison to non-smokers, current smokers took longer time to heal. The researchers discovered that when contrasted with non-smokers, existing smokers had elevated rates of slackened hip joints, pain and infection.  The post surgery complications faced by the smokers had to be rectified with the help of a second surgery.

The researchers began the study by following 110 smokers and twice non-smokers who had undergone total hip replacement surgery within the period 2007-2009. All patients were aged in between 35- 84 years and the researchers followed them for 2-6 years after they had undergone hip replacement surgery.

During the study, the researchers thoroughly examined as to how each and every patient rated pain, mobility, healing and function on the Harris Hip Score scale. The researchers also observed the rates of x-rays and infection shown by the smokers. It is noteworthy that the hip replacement surgery had to be repeated in 1 percent non-smokers and 8 percent smokers.

 

However, as the study came to a close, the authors concluded that the usage of nicotine and tobacco is responsible for restricting the flow of good blood. According to the study authors, it can further prolong the time required to heal from total hip replacement surgery.

 

He study was introduced at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). The meeting was held in Chicago, IL, on 19^th-23 rd March 2013.

Source: dailyrx.com, Date: 25^th March 2013

Anti-tobacco Campaign Motivates Nunavut Smokers to Quit Smoking

The rate of smoking among the smokers in Nunavut was slightly reduced in between March and November 2012. However, according to the government of Nunavut, the reduction in smoking rates was due to the “Tobacco Has No Place Here” campaign. This five year campaign was kick-started by the government and it is now in the 2^nd year.

The Nunavut government reveals that the decrease in smoking by smokers within March and November 2012 helped in saving more than $750,000. During last February, MLAs from Nunavut endorsed a hike in tobacco taxes in the legislature and it led to an increase in cigarette prices by $1.

 

Sources disclose that Nunavut smokers have also lowered their intake of chewing tobacco by around 800,000 grams. However, as per the disclosure by the government of Nunavut, 2.9-per cent reduction in the number of smokers, stand for more than 24,000 cigarette packs or above 600,000 cigarettes.

 

Keith Peterson, the minister of health and social services, states that lowering of tobacco intake and quit smoking by the people has shown that the tobacco reduction campaign has proved to be a successful one.

 

Source: nunatsiaqonline.ca, Date: 22^nd March 2013

 

 

People Involved In Relationships Wish for Their Partners to Quit Smoking

A new survey reveals that people, who are involved in relationships, want their partners to quit smoking and lose weight, so that they can boost their health. 

 

According to statistics disclosed by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), around 79% people with a smoking addicted partner revealed that they would like their partner to reduce on smoking or stop it completely. In comparison, 59% people revealed that they would like their partners to trigger off weight loss.

Statistics disclose that around 2.3 million people living in the UK are afflicted with heart diseases. In comparison to those who don’t smoke, people who are addicted to smoking, are 60% more at risk of dying from heart ailments. 

 

Data released by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) state that asking the partners of smokers in a clear and straightforward manner was the most effective way to help them alter their behaviour. 

Source: huffingtonpost.co.uk, Date: 26^th March 2013

Study Reveals Weight Gain Resulting From Quit Smoking Does Not Nullify Heart Benefits

A new study concludes that weight gain due to stop smoking will not negate the quit smoking benefits gained by the heart. 

 

The study examined data obtained from 3,251 adult participants. On an average, the participants were 48 years old and did not exhibit any symptom of cardiovascular diseases at the beginning of the study. During the course of the study, it was seen that those who had stopped smoking, gained an average weight of six pounds in the four years after smoking cessation. It was also observed that the participants, who didn’t smoke, gained an average of three-pound weight in the same four years. 

 

A periodic physical assessment of the participants was also carried out and this showed that 631 cases of cardiovascular ailments had evolved within a period of 25-years. However, it was also observed that during that period, the percentage of people addicted to smoking, was reduced from 31 to 13 percent. 

 

The study led to the conclusion that in comparison to the people who continued to smoke cigarettes, those who stopped smoking were able to reduce the risk of cardiovascular ailments. However, the study also revealed that the people, who quit smoking, were able to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, irrespective of the amount of weight gained by them. 

 

The study was published in the 13th March issue of the “Journal of the American Medical Association.”

Source: washingtonpost.com, Date: 26^th March 2013

Doctors Reveal NHS Is Not Taking Adequate Measures to Help Mental Health Patients Stop Smoking

A group of physicians has revealed that the National Health Service (NHS) in England is not taking necessary measures to help people suffering from mental health conditions quit smoking.

 

According to the Royal College of Physicians, people afflicted with mental health disorders such as depression, are twice more likely to take up smoking and become addicted. But even after that, the NHS has not done the sufficient to help them quit smoking.

 

The report, assembled by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, highlights that the rate of smoking among the general public, has been considerably reduced over the last 20 years but there is no change in the lives of people suffering from mental health conditions. According to the report, one-third of all cigarettes in England are smoked by people with mental health disorders.  The report adds that these suffers are eager to quit smoking like anybody else but they don’t have the necessary support for stop smoking. 

 

The report reveals that nicotine replacement treatments and other common quit smoking therapies are effective but people with mental health problems may be in need of higher dosages for smoking cessation.

 

Source: bbc.co.uk, Date: 28^th March 2013

Jakarta Governor Urges Residents to Quit Smoking

According to a latest revelation, Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, the governor of Jakarta, urged residents to stop smoking at an open meeting held on the Jakarta Health Card (KJS) plan at City Hall. The Jakarta governor made an appeal to the citizens, stating that they should adopt a healthy lifestyle by opting for regular exercises, healthy eating and quit smoking.

 

Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Dien Emmawati, the head of Jakarta Health Agency, were available at the meeting to hear public objections about the KJS plan. This plan enables citizens to access third-class healthcare at 92 private and public hospitals for free of cost.

 

In the year 2013 till date, more than 1.9 million people have opted for third-class services at various hospitals located in Jakarta

 

Source: thejakartapost.com, Date: 28^th March 2013

Rise In Cigarette Cost Forces Smokers To Approach Quitline For Help

With a 10 per cent increase in the cost of cigarettes, smokers in New Zealand are increasingly calling up Quitline for assistance.

 

Sources reveal that scores of people in New Zealand have started to quit on a yearly basis and with that the number of smokers is getting reduced. According to a latest data, last year, Quitline, the stop smoking helpline, got 63,000 calls from quit smoking enthusiasts in New Zealand.

 

In the first week of January 2013, above 2000 people have singed up for Quitline that helps people trigger off smoking cessation. However, 75 of these people are from New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty region.  

 

As per the government policy declared in the 2012 budget, on 1^st January, the cost of cigarettes is enhanced by 10 percent. The government is raising tobacco tax every year and providing quit smoking assistance to people. The increase in tax on toabacco products is a part of the government’s plan to reduce the number of smokers.  

Source: http://www.sunlive.co.nz/,Date: 10^th January 2013

Fans Of Justin Bieber Resorts To Self-Harm To Make Him Quit Weed Smoking

According to a latest revelation, fans of the Canadian pop singer Justin Bieber, are reportedly inflicting self-harm to make him stop weed smoking. The "Bieliebers" or the fans of Justin Bieber are hurting themselves and posting pictures of the act on Twitter.  

4Chan, the internet message board community, started distributing the pictures as jokes. Soon after, the hashtags #cuttingforbieber and #cutforbieber became exclusively popular as new trends on Twitter. The pictures highlighted a frightening facet and it was that the Justin Bieber fans are ready to go to any degree to make the singer quit weed smoking.  

Justin Bieber was first found smoking marijuana and the pictures were clicked at a party. Some of these pics showed Justin Bieber grasping at a smouldering blunt at a hotel room located in Newport Beach.  

In the pictures, the fans of Justin Bieber may not be injuring themselves or just forging it but some of the pictures showed that the harm done was real and not fake. 

Source: http://www.allvoices.com, Date:   10^th January 2013