[MERGED]Hazards of Smoking - It Can Harm You and Your Loved Ones

[batang uliran]

Well here are the health consequences of smoking (supported by studies):

1. Coronary artery disease leading to heart attack.
2. Stroke.
3. Abdominal aortic aneurysm.
4. Peripheral vascular disease - insufficient blood supply to the legs especially with exertion causing pain.
5. Thromboangiitis obliterans - may lead to limb amputation (and I'm sure Ira has seen some of these patients at PGH!).
6. Lung cancer - smoking responsible for 87% of lung cancers.
7. Cancer of the head and neck.
8. Cancer of the esophagus.
9. Cancer of the bladder.
10. Cancer of the kidneys.
11. Cancer of the pancreas.
12. Cancer of the stomach.
13. Cancer of the cervix.
14. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema - destroyed lungs leading to shortness of breath and sometimes requiring one to be on oxygen all the time.
15. Increased risk of pneumothorax - disruption of the lining of the lung which may require placement of a draining tube to re-expand your lung!
16. Chronic laryngitis.
17. Stomach ulcers.
18. Delayed and difficulty in conceiving children.
19. Low birth weight babies.
20. Increased risk of spontaneous abortion.
21. Increased risk of fetal demise including neonatal death (sudden infant death syndrome).
22. Long term impairment of a child's physical and intellectual development - puedeng ma-jologs ang anak mo!

Other facts:

1. Tobacco is responsible for more deaths PER YEAR in the US than ALL US military fatalities in WW1, WW2 and Vietnam COMBINED!
2. Tobacco is responsible for: 21% of deaths due to heart disease, 18% of deaths due to stroke, and 30% of deaths due to cancer. And importantly for your loved ones, about 30% of lung cancer in non-smokers is DUE TO SECONDHAND SMOKE!
3. Someone smoking at least a pack a day has 25 TIMES the risk of having lung cancer than a nonsmoker.

For those of you who smoke, just wanted you all to know clearly what you are in store for. Let me add that if you hapen to get any of these cancers, they usually present at a stage where they are INCURABLE! And if you will note, those who inhale your smoke are more likely not only to get lung cancer but to get other thing like asthma attacks if they are so predisposed! So STOP NOW!!

[grumpy]

turning into quite the evangelist, aren't we? first globe, then smoking. hmmm . . .

[Zen]

*shudder*

[Kamatayan]

Just curious, has anyone sued someone for the effects of second hand smoke ???

[batang uliran]

There may have been cases brought up but it is very difficult to prove in court a direct cause and effect relationship because cancers can also arise spontaneously. Besides, many of those victimized are close family members who are exposed daily to secondhand smoke and they probably won't sue.

[harley quinn]

BU: Isn't there a big anti-smoking campaign there in the United States at present? Apparently, the cigarette companies have to pay billions of dollars to settle class action suits against them. Was just curious---are there any statistics that show the incidence of smoking actually dropping in the US and rising in developing countries like ours? It's not inconceivable that these cigarette giants are dumping their products on us to keep their stockholders happy. They shouldn't lose too much money even if all of America quits smoking, as long as rapidly growing populations like ours embrace smoking.

[batang uliran]

You are right about the trend being a slow decline in the US and continued increase in developing countries. In the US not only are there restrictions on advertising (eg. can't advertise on TV unlike in the Philippines) but now the tobacco companies have to pay to inform people about the hazards of smoking and it has become more and more difficult to smoke - all domestic flights are now smoke free as are many buildings and public areas. Unfortunately in the Philippines, tobacco companies continue to advertise with few limits and smoking areas are still plentiful.

[nix]

I heard that 25 Jumbo Jets full of people die every day from smoking related problems.

[ann]

batang uliran: anti-smoking advocates should fight fire with fire [burning down the house!] ... smoking ads appeal to the vanity & make it appear like smokers r suave, rugged, or sophisticated ...

the death threat is not scary ... & pics of deformed lungs have no bearing on attractiveness to the opposite [or same, if that's the lifestyle of choice] sex ... those things will not stop a smoker from burning sticks ...

what served as factor [at least partially] to make me quit was my vanity ... i lost my singing voice so i couldn't show off ... & i noticed that the smell stuck to my hair, my clothes, my skin, my stuff & i didn't like it ... how much more the ppl around me? ... besides, smoking accelerates the development of wrinkles around the lips & the eyes ...

[batang uliran]

I guess all that suave and sophistication has a price - the icon the Marlboro Man who started this kind of image promotion by cigarette companies recently died of lung cancer.

And in my line of work, I see many, many people who die because of smoking related complications. So these problems may not be feared by some and may ignored by others but they certainly are real. And the mentality is - "it won't happen tom" but guess what, it can!

[This message has been edited by batang uliran (edited 12-02-1999).]

[jocynne]

I agree with what you are all saying regarding the hazzards of smoking and that it causes more harm than good. I know that and fully agree. Pero try to understand this, (and I am not saying this to justify the fact that I smoke myself!!!) how can you quit when the nicotine is so stuck in your entire system?! Especially for chain smokers (though I don't belong to that category, thank you!!!), the nicotine is so much a part of their system that to take it off, the body will suffer withdrawal thus making the person who is quitting go through that very hard phase in his or her life.
I think what is important for them (well, maybe including myself) is support from the people around them and means to take the habit off the person whether pharmacologically or from some other means!!!
And that the person himself should be disciplined enough and convinced enough that he or she has to stop smoking. I know I do want to stop smoking but right now... sorry but I don't have the will to quit yet... maybe unless something new comes up. As for the need for me to quit, I know I should. I know the hazzards and consequences but, like I said, sometimes the support from others and other means more effective to remove the addictive nicotine from the system is needed. You may ban these people from smoking in public places, raise the prices of these cigarettes to the sky and all other things but until you have the nicotine off the system, these people will always find a way to be able to light the cigarette and smoke. I should know, I do that when the situation is called for.

[batang uliran]

No one said it would be easy. The quit rate for smokers remains dismally low but there is a new drug in ht emarket and that is zyban which has almost doubled successful quit rates compared to programs that use some form of nicotine replacement.

But isn't a week of discomfort and difficulty (because that's more or less the period you should experience actual physical nicotine withdrawal) worth avoiding all these smoking complications? We go through hardships and difficulties for whort periods of time in exchange for rewards down the road - so why is this so much more difficult? Social support is important but in the end, it is up TO YOU THE SMOKER to decide if you want to quit or not.

[green grin]

i'm doing it cold turkey (this time).

i want to stay smoke-free but unaware of the withdrawal symptoms. doks, what can i expect these next few days and what can i do to prevent the craving? need your prayers on this too.

THNX!!!

[clone]

Green Grin:

Congratulations on your very wise decision to stop smoking. I hope you don't falter. It is difficult, almost nerve-wracking during the first month. But it gets easier to resist the temptation to light up after that.

You mentioned prayer. That is one very powerful way to get through. If you are religious, use your love of God on your side. How? Each time you feel like reaching for a cigarette, stop and make your self-denial an offering to God.

Take it one day at a time. For each day that you go smoke-free, reward yourself with some small token, like buying a car magazine (or whatever interests you).

Get a support group to help you reinforce your decision. Avoid friends who enjoy tempting you (just to see if you will break) until you develop enough will power to just say no.

Read up and inform yourself of the negative aspects of smoking. To help you get started, here are some statistics in the U.S.A. (You may try to find out what it is in your location).

*Tobacco use is responsible for 35% of all cancer-related deaths and is the chief avoidable cause of illness in the U.S.

*Tobacco use causes moe deaths anually then alcohol, heroin, cocaine, suicide, homicide, automobile accidents, fires and AIDS combined.

*In 1999, it was estimated that 158,000 Americans would die of lung cancer, and an estimated 171,600 more will be diagnosed with the disease.

*Lung cancer kills more women each year than breast cancer.

Source: The University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

[This message has been edited by clone (edited 01-27-2000).]

[Ira]

Usually, nicotine dependence develops when a smoker uses 20-30 cigarettes a day. It's reinforced syempre by psychosocial factors like peers, events, etc.

Nicotine withdrawal syndrome develops in 90-120 minutes after the last cigarette smokes and peaks (it's at its worst) in the first 24 hours after cessation. It lasts for several weeks or months in some persons. The major symptom is an intense craving for a cigarette, associated with tension and irritability. You'll also feel generally frustrated or angry, restless, anxious, distracted, and drowsy (but you can't sleep). Increased appetite and weight gain occur in most persons after they stop smoking.

[Lo Lo]

Isa pang napakasamang epekto ng sigarilyo ay yung impaysema. My first cousin died from it pero bago siya nalagutan ng hininga ay naubos na ang kanyang hininga. Ni hindi siya makalakad ng tatlong metro bago maging short of breath. Para daw siyang nalulunod at hirap na hirap sumagap ng hangin. O di pag inisip mo ito, mawawalan ka na ng ganang humitit.

Yun lang.

[green grin]

clone: thanks for the tips. i printed your post. and tama ka sa spiritual aspect: whenever i feel an attack coming i just call on him to take away the urge.

ira: it's been 24 hours (from 20 or so ciggies a day to zero) and i haven't killed anyone yet. thanks for warning me about the wonderful array of emotions i'll be feeling in rapid succession for the next few weeks.

lolo: sobra mo naman akong tinakot. pero dapat lang para hindi na ko mag re-smoke. salamat sa iyo. (ilan na apo mo?)

[clone]

Green Grin:

You're welcome. Good luck!

[green grin]

day 2:

decided to keep a diary for the next 21 days. might be some help ro would-be quitters.

haven't smoked for 42 hours. met today with 2 smoker friends but i didn't get tempted at all, a good sign. whenever they'd light up i'd tell myself that they look uncool.

going out tonight and this will be a bigger test. i'm limiting the circle to those who don't smoke. but let's see if i could drink without smoking.

someone advised me that to get rid of old habits, it would help if you re-arranged the furniture in the room where the old habits are frequently done. i'm sleeping in the closet now while my clothes are on the bed. but i still haven't smoked. praying helps too - a lot!

[Lo Lo]

Magaling yang naisip mo G G. Hinahangad ko ang iyong pagtatagumpay. Isa pang pwede mong gawin ay ngumuya ka ng Chicklet tuwing naiisip mong magsigarilyo.

G G, iisa pa lang ang apo ko.

[green grin]

day 2 cont'd:

yep, i can drink alcoholic beverages without smoking. in fact i got another bright idea tonight - give up alcoholic beverages!

i still have this automatic reaction to reach out for a cigarette so i have to remind myself that i've stopped smoking. tips sa mga gustong tumigil mag-yosi - throw away ALL your lighters and ashtrays along with the cigarettes para walang reminder of that habit.

lolo, thanks for the chiclet tip pero baka tumaba ako, eh, o mabulok ang ngipin ko. but kung maging desperate, sige, better tumaba than have emphysema.

(one grandchild? you're a young lolo)

[clone]

Green Grin:

Great going. I'm rooting for you...not as in root canal, ok? I mention it only in relation to your reply to LoLo about getting dental cavities.

I don't know where you are located, but there is now available sugar-free chewing gum, such as Dentyne, which has also been documented to prevent cavities since it stimulates the flow of saliva, preventing bacteria from attacking the dental enamel.

Stay the course, amigo!

[green grin]

day 3:

survived another night out without nicotine. it helps that my new "special friend" (uuuy!) can't stand the smell of cigarettes. but i'm doing this really for me than for her.

thanks for the rootin', clone. i make a conscious effort to eat the same amount of food if not less.

tama ba that people who stop smoking compensate by eating that's why they gain weight? i don't really need a replacement thingy on my mouth.

[Ira]

Yes. Try carrying sugarless bubblegum instead, so when you start craving, just pop one in your mouth.

[Lo Lo]

Mabuti at hindi pa bumabalik ang paninigarilyo mo, Green Grin. Ilang taon ka na bang nagi-smoke? Sana nga ay di ka magka impaysima. Sobrang grabe niyan.

Tama yung payo sa iyo ni Ira at Clone na sugarless gum.

[green grin]

day 5:

s***! nag-stumble ako!

today was pretty stressful, but that's no excuse.

for those wanting to quit like me, don't let this be a stumbling block. try harder. i'm picking myself up and will fight this thing til i'm good and totally smokeless. (the sugarless gum is starting to sound real good)

lolo - i've been smoking for the better part of the 90's. it's hard to quit but i know i can (and i want to) succeed. my new mantra is...

I AM A QUITTER!


[This message has been edited by green grin (edited 01-31-2000).]

[batang uliran]

Actually, Zyban (generic wellbutrin) is the best thing to come along in years for those trying to quit smoking. You take it for 2 to 3 months, and quit smoking 1 to 2 weeks after you start taking it. It acts on the brain to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and is much more effective than either the nicotine patch or gum. Of course it works best once you have resolved to quit. And you'll need a doctor to properly go over the whole thing with you and to prescribe the medicine.

[aris]

green grin: hello I am a quitter myself...4th month...it helps if you want to impress someone na you quit na...hehhehe...sort of inspiration...be sure lang na she/he will appreciate it...kasi kung di...back to square 1 ka and yosi uli....never experienced withdrawal symptoms though...bad thing ngayon is i developed tonsilitis...i dont know if it is related at all...but noticed when i quit smoking, after a month i developed tonsilitis...and it keeps coming back...in th span of four months...it happened thrice already...so i stocked up with antibiotics and lozenges...aheheheheheh.....eniways...hope my tip helps...babay

[Lo Lo]

Mahirap matanggal ang bisyo kung matagal na ngunit 'di naman imposible. Pag nadapa ka di bumangon ka ulit. Ganoon ang dapat mong gawin. Hindi ka dapat sumuko.

[green grin]

day 6:

malapit na akong mag one week anniversary. i'm still hanging in there.

thanks for the tip and inspiration, aris, aabot din ako ng four months (with God's help). thanks din, lolo, for your encouragement and wisdom. your apo is right - you are " c o o l ".

docs, may relation ba yung tonsilitis sa pag-quit mag-yosi?

(i didn't see her today so the urge to light up was really strong. nakaubos tuloy ako ng dalawang pack ng . . . bubble gum.)

[Ira]

No connection. Aris unfortunately just developed chronic tonsillitis after quitting smoking.

[green grin]

thanks, doc ira. that's good to know.

(sabay wipe ng brow)

doc batang uliran: sorry, i missed replying to your post. thanks for the tip on the wonderful new advances in medication. i'll try to do this drug-free first. kung di kaya, i'll inquire more about your Rx.

[This message has been edited by green grin (edited 02-01-2000).]

[Lo Lo]

Okey lang yan. Sasabihin ko sa apo ko na dalawa na kayong nagsabi na ako ay "cool"
ha ha ha.. :D

[green grin]

day 8:

still holding on. i notice though that i've been feeling weak since yesterday. a doctor friend opined that it might just be the flu virus. honestly, i'm struggling with this now. i really need your prayers, guys. thanks.

[[L]es]

Did you know that more people die due to car accidents yearly than smoking related diseases ?
http://www.geocities.com/him_voxdei/image/boom.gif http://www.geocities.com/him_voxdei/image/boom.gif http://www.geocities.com/him_voxdei/image/boom.gif http://www.geocities.com/him_voxdei/image/boom.gif

[Misa Hayase]

Hmm... batang uliran...you forgot to add:
1)oral cancers like squamous cell carcinoma
2)makes periodontal disease even worse, if you have it
3)nicotine stains on teeth...mahirap tanggalin!

[Swiftsure]

batang uliran: Is Zyban available here? If so, how much does it retail for? Any side effects? Thanks a lot in advance!

[savage-]

http://www.pinoyexchange.com/smokin.gif http://www.pinoyexchange.com/smokin.gif http://www.pinoyexchange.com/smokin.gif http://www.pinoyexchange.com/smokin.gif http://www.pinoyexchange.com/smokin.gif http://www.pinoyexchange.com/smokin.gif http://www.pinoyexchange.com/smokin.gif http://www.pinoyexchange.com/smokin.gif http://www.pinoyexchange.com/smokin.gif http://www.pinoyexchange.com/smokin.gif

[:Þ]

Just a simple question..

How come most people criticize smokers more than they criticize alcoholics? More people die from Alcohol related issues than smoking related issues and it's a fact. Just a question.

Thanks for your care :)
I will still smoke.

[batang uliran]

More dying from alcohol? Can you cite your facts? Don't forget that many deaths from heart attacks and stroke are attributable to smoking - lung cancer is not the only way one can die of smoking.

[:Þ]

I'm not a medical expert, but isn't it Heart Diseases come from alcohol abuse too?

Anyways, just to cite some facts.. I just read it somewhere in a newspaper column. It was saying that 'Alcohol related' Fatalities
are NOW greater than those of Tobacco-related fatalities. Should be a fact. The media wouldn't release anything that's false to the public :)

And to match your list of 'smoking hazards',
here's my list of 'Alcohol hazards':

1. DUI. Freeway accidents. Smoking doesn't kill people in the freeway ;) DUI does.
2. Impairment of your senses.
3. Cirrhosis
4. cancer of the mouth
5. cancer of the throat
6. cancer of the esophagus
7. cancer of the stomach
8. cancer of the liver
9. gastrointestinal disorders
10. heart disease
11. high blood pressure
12. ulcer
13. impotence
14. bone deterioration
15. aggression
16. anxiety
17. depression
18. coronary heart disease
---------------------------------------- http://www.studyweb.com/links/3951.html
----------------------------------------
19. suicide
20. homicide
21. complicates pregnancies
22. "Unintentional injuries, suicides, and homicides account for 80% to 90% of deaths in adolescents. The leading cause of death among Americans 15 to 24 years of age is alcohol-related motor vehicle injuries" http://www.aap.org/policy/00695.html

10 Leading Causes of Death... http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/osp/leadcaus/ustable.htm
Most of these cases includes, but not limited to: Inintentional Accidents, heart Diseases, suicide, homicide..etc. Mostly Alcohol Related :)

---------------------
I'm not trying to disagree with you, batang uliran, In fact, I firmly believe that smoking poses a health threat to smokers.
My only point is - that people shouldn't just focus on smoking issues. Try to focus on alcohol related issues too. Oftentimes, you will see banners everywhere saying how smoking is so bad blah blah... hey, how about Alcohol? Isn't it bad too?

Most people got themselves into believing that smoking is worse than Alcohol.... when it's NOT.

Peace ALL!

[KuyaDanny]

For the past eleven years, I have been sharing an office (room) with four smokers. Two months ago they decided to declare the entire office a no-smoking zone. They now go outside to smoke. How nice of them.

I've noticed that since then:

1) my throat does not feel dry at the end of the day;
2) my eyes no longer itch in the evenings; and
3) I sleep better at night.

Not to mention that my clothes don't smell like smoke when I go home.

If these "improvements" can happen to a non-smoker like me, I wonder what effects quitting can have on smokers... ;)

[millethsky]

Smoking is very often the main cause of cancer.* It kills us silently and drains money from us quietly. There're 4,000 harmful chemicals (though in diluted form) in one stick of cigarette. Taking one puff is 600 times worse than inhaling the exhaust fumes from vehicles. http://www.pinoyexchange.com/smokin.gif

[XTCboi]

i heard that smoking causes blackened lips.. is there any truth to this? and if it does.. will ur lip color return to its normal shade if u stop? jes wonderin hehe

[RöttenMind]

ganun? :eek:

oh well.. http://www.pinoyexchange.com/smokin.gif

:D

[*happy*phantom*]

There are so many other ways to be cool. Thank you, batang uliran for giving me more than enough reason not to touch the stuff.

[:Þ]

Congratulations to me, actually.. I have stopped smoking for almost 3 weeks now, and I noticed that it made the situation worse.

When I was still smoking, everything felt alright.. not after I stopped. Right now I'm experiencing painful chest, painful back, shortness of breathing space, coughing, etc.
My plan is to completely end my smoking habit - and I'm firm about that. But it seems like my 'smokeless' life is worse than my 'smoking' life.. so should I go back?

As much as possible I don't want to start smoking again, and I don't crave for it anymore. BTW, I've been smoking for almost 8 years.

Thanks in Advance. Pls. help!

[Ira]

If it will make you feel better, your craving and symptoms will lessen as time passes. If you find that you cannot tolerate the symptoms you're experiencing, my advice would be to consult a physician who can help you go through quitting easier. There are several effective medications out in the market to help ease these physical and psychological withdrawals, like Zyban, nicotine patches, nasal sprays, and gums. I'm sure you don't want to go back to smoking after you've invested 3 weeks of your life to smokeless living, di ba? :)

Good luck!

[:Þ]

Thanks, Ira. Thanks din kay Batang Uliran for the influence. I've researched about Lung Cancer, Emphysema, etc. and they left me in shock. I havn't smoked in 3 weeks now and I feel happy. :)

One of my co-workers told me that this is normal. This is the stage of what they call "Withrawal Period" wherein I will experience suffering and pain.. but will cease eventually. I'm ready to face a new life. :)

BTW, just curious, is there any doctor who smokes even though they're aware of its hazards? Is there any?

Thanks again, Ira.

[Ira]

Originally posted by :Þ:
BTW, just curious, is there any doctor who smokes even though they're aware of its hazards? Is there any?

Naku, super dami, especially in the surgical fields. http://www.pinoyexchange.com/lol.gif They just manage to hide it well, since doctors like to scold patients to stop smoking. :D

Thanks again, Ira.

You're welcome. :)

[virtualara]

Congrats to you, :Þ !!! I respect a man who can kick the habit so effectively.

[*happy*phantom*]

Continue smoke-free living!

[batang uliran]

Stay strong! This far out, all the symptoms you feel are symptoms of psychological withdrawal - the actual nicotine withdrawal symptoms are far gone. In this light, zyban would be the most helpful but it is best started during the last week of one's smoking.

[ann]

:Þ: congratulations! for the next few wks, u'll feel a lot of weird things happening to ur body -- ur system is getting rid of toxins kasi so expect to expel "ash-tinged" phlegm as well ... at least, that's how it happened with me ... i've been clear of the addiction for almost 2 yrs & it's been great! try taking up more physical activities [a sport, join a health club, dance, life weights, anything!] to reinforce ur determination ... and ... good luck! it's a long, uphill climb *pant, pant* :D

btw, abt docs who smoke, my uncle [a surgeon, u're right, Doc Ira!] even calls it "oxygen", as in "mag-oxygen muna tayo" when we're trapped in a no-smoking area & need to go out to smoke ... ;)

[Calypso]

Congratulations yet again, :Þ!! I hope things continue going well for you! :)

How're the withdrawal symptoms coming along?

[tokfu]

eh ano naman ang best way para matulungan mo ang isang smoker?kasi marami akong ka kilala na smokers eh...palagi ko silang tinatakot pero ndi parin *** tumitigil.....

[kahumbu]

Originally posted by :Þ
I'm not a medical expert...

Most people got themselves into believing that smoking is worse than Alcohol.... when it's NOT.



Yes, you are not a medical expert.

Alcohol in minimal to moderate amounts (2 glasses of wine or 1-2 bottles of beer per day) is considered beneficial. It helps in cholesterol metabolism and lowers blood cholesterol levels, thus, decreases the risk of heart diseases.

Smoking is the only identified practice/lifestyle choice/habit/addiction that leads directly to cancer. It is not a risk factor. Massive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for heart diseases, liver diseases and liver cancer.

1 bottle of beer/day is beneficial, 1 cigarette stick/day is harmful. 1 pack/day for 1 year (1 pack year) can produce irreversible changes to your lungs. 15 pack years gives you 80-90% chance of getting cancer.

You all want to know what benefit we can get from smoking? It is that if we do not smoke, we can automatically cross out one kind of cancer, specifically small cell carcinoma of the lung, from the list of cancers that we can get.

PEACE!

[silver surfer]

Please don't justify your smoking habit. If you got hooked, then no one else can help you. For the life of me I can never see any good element that smoking can give to you, except that you look "cool", it's a temporary relief, etc. Other than that, it's all a downside.

My grandfather died of smoking and it was a tragedy to the family. We spent tons of money for his breathing apparatus, for his operation, he never looked much worse and it was breaking our hearts to see him suffer. None of us smoke anymore.

I don't think you have to cite any other vices like alcohol. At least alcohol does not affect second hand like smoking does. It's up to the person to want to drink and that's their problem just like smoking is your problem.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by :?
I'm not a medical expert, but isn't it Heart Diseases come from alcohol abuse too?

Anyways, just to cite some facts.. I just read it somewhere in a newspaper column.

Most people got themselves into believing that smoking is worse than Alcohol.... when it's NOT.

[Wicca]

What are the symtpoms of cigarette smoking withdrawal? 'Cause I'm trying to quit smoking and I've been getting frequent headaches & I've become a bit irritable & sleepy

What can I do about this?

[batang uliran]

The symptoms of smoking cessation are mostly due to nicotine withdrawal. They include - headache, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, fatigue, drowsiness, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, depression, and craving for food and tobacco. So everything you listed falls nicely into this list.

The measures taken to combat these things center on both the use of medicines and behavioral therapies. Medicines include various nicotine replacement devices - patch and gum and zyban/wellbutrin which is an anti-depressant but at lower doses has been found to help alleviate many of the discomforts associated with withdrawal. Behavioral therapies really start with the exercise of self-control, constant reminders from your physician's office including discussions of the problems you are experiencing, exploration of alternative activities to smoking and many others.

[FineST]

sa una lang yan, ako nga eh, nagkasakit ako when i tried to stop smoking.

[Saikee]

Originally posted by :Þ
Congratulations to me, actually.. I have stopped smoking for almost 3 weeks now, and I noticed that it made the situation worse.

When I was still smoking, everything felt alright.. not after I stopped. Right now I'm experiencing painful chest, painful back, shortness of breathing space, coughing, etc.
My plan is to completely end my smoking habit - and I'm firm about that. But it seems like my 'smokeless' life is worse than my 'smoking' life.. so should I go back?

As much as possible I don't want to start smoking again, and I don't crave for it anymore. BTW, I've been smoking for almost 8 years.

Thanks in Advance. Pls. help!

hey, don't sweat it. of course you'll naturally feel like crap after u quit. you'll feel like that cuz you've been a smoker for a very long time, and your body has already incorporated it into your daily routine.

remember though, that your body doesn't want to be poisoned. see the withdrawal section on the site i gave.

withdrawal WILL PASS.. believe me. its been 2 months now, and the worst is over for me. but don't get me wrong though.. the cravings still come every so often. it'll take discipline too.

[Saikee]

Originally posted by green grin
day 2 cont'd:

yep, i can drink alcoholic beverages without smoking. in fact i got another bright idea tonight - give up alcoholic beverages!

i still have this automatic reaction to reach out for a cigarette so i have to remind myself that i've stopped smoking. tips sa mga gustong tumigil mag-yosi - throw away ALL your lighters and ashtrays along with the cigarettes para walang reminder of that habit.

lolo, thanks for the chiclet tip pero baka tumaba ako, eh, o mabulok ang ngipin ko. but kung maging desperate, sige, better tumaba than have emphysema.

(one grandchild? you're a young lolo)

yup! you know what, when i quit smoking, i also stopped drinking alcohol, coffee, softdrinks, and eating bad food.

kaya nga this mad cow thing isn't really affecting me kasi i've really toned off on pork and beef.

keep positive. kaya mo yan

[Saikee]

Originally posted by harley quinn
BU: Isn't there a big anti-smoking campaign there in the United States at present? Apparently, the cigarette companies have to pay billions of dollars to settle class action suits against them. Was just curious---are there any statistics that show the incidence of smoking actually dropping in the US and rising in developing countries like ours? It's not inconceivable that these cigarette giants are dumping their products on us to keep their stockholders happy. They shouldn't lose too much money even if all of America quits smoking, as long as rapidly growing populations like ours embrace smoking.

yes there is. they call it the "american smoke-out" or something like that...

i wish we had something like that here too...

we should try to control, or even stop the cigarettes while its still early. at least we filipinos aren't as bad off as the chinese, japanese and koreans in terms of the addiction to cigarettes.

[Saikee]

Originally posted by jocynne
I agree with what you are all saying regarding the hazzards of smoking and that it causes more harm than good. I know that and fully agree. Pero try to understand this, (and I am not saying this to justify the fact that I smoke myself!!!) how can you quit when the nicotine is so stuck in your entire system?! Especially for chain smokers (though I don't belong to that category, thank you!!!), the nicotine is so much a part of their system that to take it off, the body will suffer withdrawal thus making the person who is quitting go through that very hard phase in his or her life.
I think what is important for them (well, maybe including myself) is support from the people around them and means to take the habit off the person whether pharmacologically or from some other means!!!
And that the person himself should be disciplined enough and convinced enough that he or she has to stop smoking. I know I do want to stop smoking but right now... sorry but I don't have the will to quit yet... maybe unless something new comes up. As for the need for me to quit, I know I should. I know the hazzards and consequences but, like I said, sometimes the support from others and other means more effective to remove the addictive nicotine from the system is needed. You may ban these people from smoking in public places, raise the prices of these cigarettes to the sky and all other things but until you have the nicotine off the system, these people will always find a way to be able to light the cigarette and smoke. I should know, I do that when the situation is called for.

i agree to what you said.
however, remember that when quitting smoking, the final and most important decision all boils down to the smoker who wants to quit.
as u said, you can do all sorts of things to curb, stop, ban or cease smoking. but in the end, it all boils down to the smoker who wants to quit.

[ilpadrino]

Are there other ways to make quitting easier?

[Saikee]

Originally posted by batang uliran
No one said it would be easy. The quit rate for smokers remains dismally low but there is a new drug in ht emarket and that is zyban which has almost doubled successful quit rates compared to programs that use some form of nicotine replacement.

But isn't a week of discomfort and difficulty (because that's more or less the period you should experience actual physical nicotine withdrawal) worth avoiding all these smoking complications? We go through hardships and difficulties for whort periods of time in exchange for rewards down the road - so why is this so much more difficult? Social support is important but in the end, it is up TO YOU THE SMOKER to decide if you want to quit or not.

Zyban is a quit smoking tool that works very well. However, it will only address the "chemical-addiction" aspect of smoking. Smoking is not only a chemical addiction, but it is also a habitual form of addiction as well.

e.g. To fulfil the addiction aspect of smoking, a smoker will only need 4-5 cigs a day -- 1 at mid morning, 1 at lunch, 1 mid afternoon, 1 evening. Smoking at these times would fulfil the addiction. However, any smoke about 5 cigs is not chemically induced, but rather induced by habit. So if a person smokes 15-20 sticks a day, 10-15 of those cigs would not be chemically induced, but rather habitually induced.

That's why simply taking Zyban, the patch, gum or some other tool isn't going to stop you from smoking. It will help curb the cravings, but you will still have to deal with the habitually formed urges to smoke. Zyban and other tools will not be able to help in these cases.

[Saikee]

Originally posted by Swiftsure
batang uliran: Is Zyban available here? If so, how much does it retail for? Any side effects? Thanks a lot in advance!

Yes, its available here. I believe Glaxco Wellcome sells that here.. you might wanna check them on where they sell them.

[f0r5aK3n]

belatboy: did you start smoking again?? or are you holding pretty well??? :)

[Sophocles^]

You can do it green grin! I'm glad that you're hangin' in there. I will keep myself posted on what's happening with you and your fight against smoking. :D

[batang uliran]

I hope Green Grin has remained smoke free!

[brownpau]

Ditto! How's the non-smoking endeavor going, gg?

[Sophocles^]

i hope you're still holding on green grin.

[green grin]

day 412:

awww....thanks for the concern, folks.

this thread's over a year old and the battle's been won. :) with god, anything is possible.

[:Þ]

green grin: I have stopped smoking since last year - EFFECTIVELY, COLD, FROZEN TURKEY and it made a day and night difference! Everytime you feel some urge to smoke, just remember these pictures below.. see the black thing? Ugly, isn't it? :D


Lung of a Non-Smoker:
http://www.natmedmuse.afip.org/explore/anatifacts/imgz/a7_lung_health_left.gif

Lung of a SMOKER:
http://library.thinkquest.org/3230/images/lung1.jpg

[green grin]

thanks, belatboy.

not only have you curtailed my urge to smoke, you've also ruined my appetite - forever.

[:Þ]

you gotta be kidding. :p those are just pictures.

[arf]

I'm a social smoker and all my life, I've only puffed less than 10 sticks.

Before, I'm the "hithit-buga" type and it's only lately(2 sticks) that I actually inhale the smoke.

What are the immediate effect of smoking? After consuming 1 stick, I found myself quite light-headed. Is this normal? Not that I'm planning to become a chain smoker or something. Just want to be informed! :D

[Saikee]

Originally posted by arf
I'm a social smoker and all my life, I've only puffed less than 10 sticks.

Before, I'm the "hithit-buga" type and it's only lately(2 sticks) that I actually inhale the smoke.

What are the immediate effect of smoking? After consuming 1 stick, I found myself quite light-headed. Is this normal? Not that I'm planning to become a chain smoker or something. Just want to be informed! :D

Well, the reason you get light headed is because your brain is being affected by the chemicals that you just inhaled.

Think of what would happen if you inhaled lots of smoke from the exhaust of cars, or if you inhaled fumes from biohazard fumes from a chemical plant. Naturally you'd get dizzy, and feel sick, light headed and "strange"/ not yourself.

Smoking does this to you. It gives you this headrush that is a small and lesser version of what would happen when your body and brain is poisoned by toxic air.

[arf]

Oh, ok. So I guess that's pretty normal.

I thought nicotine is supposed to be a stimulant? I felt pretty drowsy after wards.

[Saikee]

Originally posted by arf
Oh, ok. So I guess that's pretty normal.

I thought nicotine is supposed to be a stimulant? I felt pretty drowsy after wards.

well... i think it would stimulate many things in your body, like make ur heart beat faster, pump blood faster, get a certain "high" like drugs or something...

feeling drowsy is the "high" i think... i think drowsy would mean dizzy for you, nahihilo, weak, etc. that's the "high" actually. smokers don't feel the dizziness and the bad feelings that come with smoking kasi their bodies have been numbed by the many times they've smoked.

being dizzy n all that is a reminder that your body doesn't want to be polluted.

[isle of view]

too much smoking (like a chain smoker), can it cause heart attack?

[Saikee]

Originally posted by isle of view
too much smoking (like a chain smoker), can it cause heart attack?

of course it can

[Ghene]

Congratulations green grin! this is the first time is saw this thread. very good! i think i'll send this to my smoker friends. i really think it's uncool to smoke. and since they're my friends, i want to live as long as they can :)

[green grin]

thanks, ghene. and good luck on your crusade. :)

[terry ilaes]

if the cigarette packages in pinas come withgraphic warnings such as belatboy's.

here what i have to deal with before taking a puff.

"A Complete Transformation...

In December 2000, new health warnings will begin appearing on cigarette packages. All Canadian tobacco companies, including Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited, will be changing their current packaging to comply with Federal government regulations outlined in Bill C-71. This document has been designed to answer questions you may have regarding these changes.

Many of the questions laid out in this document will not only address the new health warnings, but also the new health information and the listing of new emissions, defined by the Tobacco Product Information Regulations and the Tobacco Reporting Regulations. The implementation of all of these changes has created a transformed package, however the product itself has not changed. The purpose of this document is to provide you with more information about the government regulations that have produced many of the changes that lie ahead.






--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Health Warnings

Who is responsible for the new packaging?

Federal government regulations set out the requirements for the new packaging.
Manufacturers are required to comply with the Regulations, pending the outcome of the legal proceedings taken.
Why are you putting these new warnings on your packages?

We are putting new health warnings on our packages in order to comply with Federal government regulations.
16 different health warnings, each with full-colour image and text, will be equally distributed among different brands and types of packages.
Regulations require that the new health warnings occupy the top 50% of the front and back of the package (parallel to the top edge of the package). Health warnings will also appear on cartons and kits.
4 different bilingual health warnings will be equally distributed among brands of pipe tobacco and cigars. The health warning will occupy one full side of the pouch or box.
How come the brand I usually smoke has the new warnings, while other brands do not?

In accordance with Federal government regulations all brands will have the new health warnings, but they will not change at the same time.
Cigarette brands with more than 2% of the market share will be manufactured with the new health warnings by December 23, 2000.
Cigarette brands representing each 2% or less of market share will be manufactured with the new health warnings by June 26, 2001.
All other tobacco products will be manufactured with the new health warnings by June 26, 2001.
What are the brands involved?

According to government regulations all brands are involved, but cigarette brands exceeding 2% of market share will be manufactured with the new health warnings by December 23, 2000.
They include: Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited
du Maurier Regular Player's Regular Matinée Extra Mild King Size
du Maurier King Size Player's Light Regular
du Maurier Light Regular Player's Light King Size
du Maurier Light King Size Player's Extra Light Regular
du Maurier Extra Light King Size


Are the new warnings only required on cigarette packages?

No. Regulations require that new health warnings be on all tobacco products.
Cigarette brands exceeding 2% of the market share will be manufactured with the new health warnings by December 23, 2000.
All other tobacco products, such as cigarette tobacco, tobacco sticks, pipe tobacco, and cigars as well as cigarette brands with 2% or less of market share will be manufactured with new warnings by June 26, 2001.
16 different health warnings will be equally displayed among brands.
4 different bilingual health warnings will appear on pipe tobacco and cigars.
Is there any way that I can buy cigarette packages without the pictures?

All tobacco products sold in Canada or any tobacco products imported into Canada will display pictures or graphics, as required under Canadian law.
Can Imperial Tobacco choose which warnings go on which brands?

No. In complying with Regulations, all 16 health warnings must be displayed equally among each brand." -mperialtobaccocanada.com


the one with the smile was definitely disgusting. finally, one of the previous cigarettes i bought had ad warning people about cigarettes causing sterility... it had a cigarette that look like a ***** in need of viagra. definitely disturbing. damn! is this true? well, the federal government issued it so i guess it has to be.

[SteadyBoy2k]

I need to QUIT!!! Pls. doc how do i quit?! I'm really having a hard time because i've tried quitting a number of times already and feeling ko i might be one of those people who say "i quit on quitting".
People who have kicked this disgusting habit pls. tell me your experiences so i can follow in your footsteps.

I admit it .. ADDIK AKO SA YOSI! and i want to quit for myself!
There that's step one :(

[SteadyBoy2k]

I think i should do what green_grin did.. make a diary..
Pls pray for me or wish me luck.


1st night - will start as soon as i finish this pack.. DAMN! :(

[foxxxy]

I just also quit 2 weeks ago.
It was the most difficult thing I did in my whole life (no exaggeration)
I've had urges and I'd smoke at least a stick per day
just to keep me sane. But eventually when I have no
cigarettes at home and I'm not surrounded by smokers
I survive. Make sure you throw away all your lighters and
keep your ash trays where you couldn't find them.
I wish you all the luck... if I can... you also can ;)
Its for our own good naman right? :)
Kaya mo yan SteadyBoy2k!

[ladyspy]

I used to be a heavy smoker too. A month ago, I decided to quit smoking and look after myself. At first ang hirap talaga, kapag may tension...trigger na agad yon. My body craved the nicotine so much that I felt weak and for several days, palagi na lang akong may migraine. Now ...one month had already passed and I still have not gone back to smoking. I feel better now ....kaya lang heto medyo tumataba...Good luck to all the quitters here!:cool:

[pinkrose]

hi! :redgrin: question: green grin, and the others who replied, gano kalakas ba kayo mag yosi dati? kasi bf ko YOSI ADDICT! how should he go about trying to quit? kasi at least half a pack a day sya eh. minsan a pack a day. :bah: ang lakas nya talaga mag yosi. iniisip ko nga kung may pag asa pa sya mag quit eh. g@go talaga yon, sa ginagawa niyang yan siguradong mauunahan nya ko mamatay :bah:

[SteadyBoy2k]

Day 1: Im doing pretty well... had really strong cravings earlier.. also right now that's why im PEXing..
I bought Double mint gum and mentos... i wish i could have gotten something with a fruity flavor... I also ate alot today... i just had 2 dinner meals.. it's 9:35 pm.. i wna smoke because i am stressed that the dog got out and i can't find it.. ayt i'll sleep early to avoid anymore cravings.. God this is hard.. tom will be harder as usual.. wish me luck

[SteadyBoy2k]

Within 20 Minutes...


Blood pressures drops
Pulse rate drops to normal
Body temperature of hand and feet increases to normal
Within 8 hours...



Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal
Oxygen level in blood increases to normal
Within 24 hours...



Chance of heart attack decreases
Within 48 hours...



Nerve endings start regrowing
Ability to smell and taste is enhanced
Within 2 weeks to 3 months...



Circulation improves
Walking becomes easier
Lung function increases up to 30%
Within 1 to 9 months...



Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease
Cilia regrow in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean lungs and reduce infection
Body's overall energy increases
Within 1 year...



Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker
Within 5 years...



Stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5-15 years after quitting
Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus is half that of a smoker
Within 10 years...


Lung cancer death rate about half that of a continuing smoker's
Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, bladder, kidney and pancreas decreases
Within 15 years...



Risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmokers

[BoMbAsTiC]

uminom ka nalang, yon ang d'best na solusyon

[Saikee]

SteadyBoy2k - hang in there :) about a little over a year ago, i was in the same frustrating, exhasperating situation you are currently in. i can't count how many time's i've failed my quit attempts; how many times ive hated myself for being so "weak" and all that.

but after countless "failures" and frustrations, i finally managed somehow. it was a lot of hard work, that's for sure. but finally, i can now say that i have been smoke free for a little over a year. and that's after being a pack a day smoker for over 12 years!

quitting smoking isn't impossible. its not easy, but its very doable and manageable. never tell yourself that you can't quit, because anyone can. i guess its just that some people don't want to quit bad enough. so keep that NEED to quit always with you, and it'll go a long way.

[SteadyBoy2k]

thanks for the inspiration saikee... :)

Day3: Cravings are still bad... i hate these withrawal symptoms.. sometimes i feel that m lungs are getting weaker than stronger... last night i had super intense craving.. i even looked for butts to smoke.. good thing i threw it all away.. yuck.. noticable changes.. breathing is easier.. di na mabigat paghuminga ka nang malalim..

Doc, question: Will my teeth/gums/lips go back to normal color if i stop smoking?

I smoke not less than 10 a day..

[Saikee]

Originally posted by SteadyBoy2k
thanks for the inspiration saikee... :)

Day3: Cravings are still bad... i hate these withrawal symptoms.. sometimes i feel that m lungs are getting weaker than stronger... last night i had super intense craving.. i even looked for butts to smoke.. good thing i threw it all away.. yuck.. noticable changes.. breathing is easier.. di na mabigat paghuminga ka nang malalim..

Doc, question: Will my teeth/gums/lips go back to normal color if i stop smoking?

I smoke not less than 10 a day..

withdrawal sucks huh? but that's life... btw, you can go into several quitsmoking sites like www.quitsmoking.com for instance. marami silang helpful resources dun; tons of knowledge and tips for quitting and staying quit.

and yes, your gums will go back to normal color a few months after you stop.

[foxxxy]

2 weeks without any nicotine in my body! woo hoo!
Ang sarap ng feeling. I can sleep earlier, appetite
increased, I breathe easier, lesser expense pa, and
most of all my room doesn't smell like a bar or a disco. :D

All of my friends smoke and I'm proud to say I don't
get any cravings or urge to even light one. Bigla na
lang siyang nawala I dunno why ang galing nga eh.
If you always think you need to quit, think harder and
just fight it. Its really for your own good naman eh. :)

[Saikee]

Originally posted by foxxxy
2 weeks without any nicotine in my body! woo hoo!
Ang sarap ng feeling. I can sleep earlier, appetite
increased, I breathe easier, lesser expense pa, and
most of all my room doesn't smell like a bar or a disco. :D

All of my friends smoke and I'm proud to say I don't
get any cravings or urge to even light one. Bigla na
lang siyang nawala I dunno why ang galing nga eh.
If you always think you need to quit, think harder and
just fight it. Its really for your own good naman eh. :)

i congratulate you. hehe :D

no really, congratulations. 2 weeks is terrific. at least hellweek would be over... right? well, sure hope so. they say kasi hell week varies from person to person. some people go through hell during the first weeks; others during the first month or so. i went through the most difficult time of my quit after about 2 months of staying quit.

CONGRATULATIONS! Don't celebrate your success by lighting up! I know it sounds stup!d to do, but you never know... Good luck! :)

[foxxxy]

thank you so much Saikee! ;)
First week was hell week nga
but after awhile I got used to it.
Don't worry i'll be celebrating my success
by stuffing food on my mouth :lol:
I just gained a few more pounds! :mecry:

[Saikee]

Originally posted by foxxxy
thank you so much Saikee! ;)
First week was hell week nga
but after awhile I got used to it.
Don't worry i'll be celebrating my success
by stuffing food on my mouth :lol:
I just gained a few more pounds! :mecry:

try surfing around the internet for resources about quitting smoking. that's one technique i used - i got as much knowledge as i could about quitting and staying quick. information is power :)

btw, check out www.quitsmokingph.cjb.net daming resources dun for ppl trying to quit.

[bluesprite]

Is there an effective way to quit smoking? Are nicotine patches safe?
Been trying to quit for almost a year na rin to no avail. Hirap eh. :depressed:

[froshie1]

hehe i dunno if there's a proven way to quit. anyway, have you tried looking at the pictures of lungs that got cancer?

[beefnmushroom]

hindi umuubra ang ganun. i have 2 friends whose fathers died of lung problems directly caused by smoking. nakita nila live, hindi lang sa pictures, yung severely damaged lungs. tumigil lang sila sa pagyosi for 3 to 5 days, tapos balik sa 1.5 packs a day sila.

kailangan ng mas malalim na dahilan kung bakit magku-quit ang isang smoker. tulad ng kumpare ko na nagquit nung nabuntis ang misis niya. wala daw sa technique yun, nagdesisyon lang siya na tumigil, at pinanindigan niya.

pero hanga ako kay bluesprite dahil nag-eexert siya ng effort magquit. sa ibang thread kasi proud na proud pa yung mga tao na naninigarilyo sila.

[Dunedain]

Is there an effective way to quit smoking? Are nicotine patches safe?
Been trying to quit for almost a year na rin to no avail. Hirap eh. :depressed:

Honestly? Plain will power. Patches still offer small traces of nicotine but it's just all personal will or decision. I've surprised a lot of folks when I just quit cold turkey. Whenever I have a crave, I just drink a cold glass of ice water... ...and eBay. :glee:

[angelise]

Honestly? Plain will power.

This is true. If you have decided to quit smoking, then, you will quit smoking. Patches, pills will not work if you don't have that determination to quit smoking.

In the past, one drug company had this good drug called Zyban, which even had this counselling on the side for those people who would want to quit. Guess what? Zyban was eventually being given for free til their stocks run out. Eventually, the company pulled it out from the market (here in the Philippines).

[skibunny]

1. Just like others have mentioned on this thread, you need to have the desire to quit for good.

2. Break the habit of (the action of) smoking & the actual physical addiction by using a nicotine path or pill or cold turkey.

[uanisco]

ah... for me there's no ways to stop smoking.. because i believe that ang pag- stop ng smoking ay depende sa pipol na nag-iismoke..gets.. the change must come from within..

kung gusto mo nang mag-quit sa smoking eh di pigilan mo sarili mo.. wag kang dumipende sa iba.. isipin mo na lang yung magiging risk someday pag matanda ka na...

[bluesprite]

thanks for all the inputs. i have tried through sheer will power. tinapon ko lahat ng yosi ko sa bag (kahit madami pa sya) pati na rin lahat ng lighters ko. kaso, pag stressed ako sa office, and when i'm working overnight di ko mapigilan. lalo na pag nangigigil ako sa boss ko (sa asar, hehe).
siguro nga kailangan ko na lang dagdagan ang willpower ko, sabay dasal.

[zetia]

if u want to quit smoking u should do it gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. thats the way,, hindi biglaan.. then use candy or gum as your alternative. ehe. good luck.. :)

[kreuk]

tumingin ka ng specimen of lungs from a smoker. maghanap ka ng picture sa internet. that should make u stop smoking cold turkey. i will tell u, mas mukhang presentable pa ang isaw and at and pork barbeque.

[my_identity]

It's never too late right?

Anyway, here's the story. My father has been a chain smoker for 35 years or so. Tobacco was their family business when he was still a kid. Now, from 2 packs a day, he decreased it to just 4 sticks a day. He's been doing this for months. But as it is, we think he's experiencing withdrawal symptoms. He said that when he was still smoking 2 packs a day, he was energetic, happy, etc. and he feels no sort of these symptoms he's feeling now. He said that he now feels oftenly so enervated and lonely at times. He felt worse.

He actually smoked a lot when we were at those stressful problematic times, a financial crisis way back. Now that everything's ok, all our debts were paid and we're already financially stable again, he still feels some emptiness he can't quite connect to any event. And he also experiences these fits of cough, though it's no longer dry for mucus comes out. I also noticed his breathing at night. Before it was short and fast even while he's asleep. Now the opposite could be observed. It is no longer short but instead full, I hope you get what I mean by full breaths.

He only smokes during the afternoon (5 sticks yet he only puffs it to half then he throws it). He experiences irritability, difficulty in concentrating, constipation and a host of other withdrawal symptoms we've read.

Anyway, he said he'll take it slowly, not abruptly. By next year, he signed a contract to never puff a smoke again.

I hope this sort of withdrawal process is fine. I mean it's really hard for him, being a smoker for 35 years. Is it ok to do it this way? And can those who suddenly cut their cigarrette usage also experience withdrawal symptoms?

Thanks. I really love my father and I want him to quit!

[my_identity]

By the way, he has an increased appetite too and nagmukha s'yang malaman, kasi dati sobrang payat n'ya. Lagi s'yang magana kumain. He also drinks plenty of water, as in sobrang plenty. :D

...and it's good that no one else smokes here in our house.

[my_identity]

And BTW, he said that he really wants to quit. He even cusses the cigarette when he's alone like, "PI kang sigarilyo ka." He hates it but as a nicotine addict, he can't yet remove it completely. What do I need to do to convince him na talagang mag-quit? Baka kasi di n'ya tuparin ang contract n'ya. I'm sure he'll experience more symptoms pag totally na s'yang nag-quit. At pag naiisip n'ya 'yon, parang di n'ya daw kaya. What can I do?

[council]

nicotine addict?

Nicorette (Oral)

This Medication is Used For Treatment:
Nicotine Polacrilex (NIK-o-teen pol-a-KRYE-lex) Helps you quit smoking. Provides your body with nicotine to replace cigarettes.

Classification
NICOTINE POLACRILEX (By mouth)

Brandnames
Nicorette, Equate Nicotine

Do Not Use This Medication:
You should not use this gum if you have had an allergic reaction to nicotine.

How You Should Use This Medication:
Gum
Your doctor will tell you how much of this gum to use and how often. Do not use more gum or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This gum comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
If you are using this gum without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label. Choose the package of gum that matches the number of cigarettes you usually smoke in one day.
Do not chew Nicorette® like you would regular gum. Begin by taking a few bites until you feel tingling or a peppery taste. This means the nicotine is being released.
As soon as the tingling starts, move the piece of Nicorette® to the side of your mouth, between your gum and your cheek. Leave the gum there until the tingling goes away.
Slowly start to chew the gum again until the tingling returns. Then move the gum to the side of your mouth again.
Keep repeating this cycle of slowly chewing, then moving the gum to the side of your mouth. When you chew the gum and the tingling or peppery taste doesn't come back, then you are finished with that piece of gum. This usually takes about 30 minutes.
When you first start using Nicorette® gum, chew at least the smallest suggested number of pieces each day. This is important to keep cravings and withdrawal symptoms under control.
If you still feel a craving to smoke even after chewing a piece of gum, you may use a second piece. Use only two pieces, and then wait until your next scheduled time for gum.
Keep using this gum for the full treatment time. Do not use more than 24 pieces of gum in one day. Do not chew two pieces of gum at one time.


What to Avoid when Using this Medication:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using insulin, asthma medicine (such as theophylline, albuterol, Serevent®), or medicine for depression (such as amitriptyline). Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use regularly. Your doses may need to be changed when you quit smoking.
Do not smoke cigarettes or use any other kind of nicotine at all during the time you are using Nicorette®. This includes chewing tobacco, nicotine spray, or nicotine patches.
Do not drink cola, coffee, orange juice, or other acidic drinks.


How to Store this Medication:
Store Nicorette (Oral) at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Keep Nicorette (Oral) and all medications out of the reach of children.

Warnings:
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should only use this medicine if your doctor tells you to. Smoking can seriously harm your child. Try to stop smoking without using medicine. This medicine is believed to be safer than smoking. However, the risks to your child from this medicine are not fully known.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, a stomach ulcer, or diabetes.
You will probably still want to smoke sometimes. Have a plan for coping with situations where you may be tempted. This gum is only part of a complete program to quit smoking.
Stop using Nicorette® at the end of week 12. If you still feel the need to smoke after you have finished the Nicorette® program, talk to your doctor.


Side Effects:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, sweating If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild nausea, heartburn, hiccups
Loose fillings, caps, or other problems with your teeth
Mouth, tooth, or jaw pain

[my_identity]

^Edi gano'n pa din 'yon? I mean nicotine has bad effects, so if we would replace cigar nicotine with another form of nicotine, hindi ba parang pareho lang? :p

[council]

it's a withdrawal aid.
it's very rare to find someone who can quit cold turkey.
i suggest you consult a specialist on it first.

[tunasashimi]

go to www.whyquit.com. It helped me. The best way to quit is cold turkey.

[Xandman]

just ask your dad, if he wants to lose one of you guys because of smokings effects.

my cousin quit smoking when his wife told him, one day his one of his children will die because of his bad habits. children after all follow after their parents' examples.

[swordmancarl]

Hi to all forumer..

Ginawa ko itong thread na to sa mga gusto ng mag quit sa treamendous habbit of cigarrettes..

Im a smokers and im 23 years old.. I decided to quit smoke para ma feel ko ang benefits of smoke quiter.

Sana mag bigay tayu ng mga tips how to quit smoke effectively para sa mga taong gustong mag quit..


I know malaking katatawanan ito sa karamihan pero mas maganda kung eto na ang maging choice mo na mag quit sa smoke..


feel the fresh of life... Lets start to be well being...

Sana supportahan natin 2..

chain smokers and partial quiter are welcome.:lol:

[narutrix]

i can relate to this thread *okay*

[swordmancarl]

thanks for appreciating my threads naruthrix... gusto ko lang i promote ang non smoker thread na to to help those people hook up in smoke...

sana may sumoporta pa...*okay*

Bad thing is masyado nang malala ang smoking habbit sa bansa lalo na sa mga kabataan...

mag popost ako ** ng mga info.. about the symtoms and general thought of smoking behavior.. sana maraming tumulong..

fight smoking habbit.. Cigarette is a toxic.. *okay*

[swordmancarl]

Some reason why are some people smoke:

1.being a very busy person i want to smoke..

2.For casual and social purposes..

3. Proven of manhood and IN daw sa society..

Effect:
1.insomia. not get enought sleep because of tobaco effects.

2.thin body or di normal na panganga tawan..

3.undesirable odor and bad breath.

4.emotional stress..

5.chances of being sickness..

6.nervousness.. pagkabalisa




share kayu ng mga experience nyo..

[2424]

i officailly quit smoking

reason?my asthma came back last 2003 because of heavy smoking. eversince that day, i stopped smoking and jogged everyday, then started working out. it feels great. i feel more healthy now. my asthma had disappeared since then.

my reasons for stopping the habbit of smoking
1. bad breath (mas gusto ng girls ang mabango ang hininga, hindi amoy usok)
2. bad health (hinihingal agad)
3. my asthma came back
4. my lips was turning black
5. my voice was affected, i cant sing well at the videoke
6. my body looks like a mess
7. I had trouble breathing
8. my **** cannot stand that tall

benefits to me
1. my skin is better now and i looked younger now, compared to smoker myself years ago.
2. my lips regained its natural color
3. i can sing well in the bathroom and videoke more better.
4. ive gained more muscles now
5. I can breath the freshness of the air aound us.
6. my **** stands more errect and became bigger(due to improved blood curculation)

[swordmancarl]

Can you catch the non-smoking habbit
How to handle the withdrawal effects
. . .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's how to handle the withdrawal effects

GIVING Up smoking isn't an event. It's a process involving a number of reactions over a period of time. While some of these reactions are psychological or emotional, others are physical symptoms of withdrawal from a powerful drug, nicotine.

The severity of physical withdrawal symptoms depends on the degree to which a smoker is addicted. Dr Karl-Olov Fagerstrom, a psychologist at Uppsala University in Sweden, has found that one of the best indicators of levels of addiction was how soon smokers took their first cigarette of the day. Those who lit up before their feet hit the floor would experience the severest withdrawal effects. Among these effects are irritability, anxiety, difficulty in concentrating, restlessness and headaches.

Many withdrawal effects are paradoxical. The day's first dose of nicotine stimulates the brain and central nervous system, while later doses can be sedative. This might explain why those who give up smoking often suffer two kinds of sleep disturbance. Daytime drowsiness is a common complaint. Yet at night, people who have recently stopped smoking may suffer from insomnia. While awake, they seem to miss nicotine's kick: at night. They find they need its tranquillising effect.

Similarly, the day's first nicotine doses stimulate the intestines, while later doses slow down digestion. Addiction to a drug with such potential for behaviour control and such see-saw intestinal effects may explain why many who give up cigarettes experience increased craving for sweet or fatty foods, accompanied by nausea, constipation and diarrhoea.

Craving for tobacco-the most frequent and -severe withdrawal symptom-usually reaches its peak within the first 24 hours and tapers down over a seven-day period. Then it begins to rise again and persists for up to eight weeks in most smokers. In fact, it has been seen to recur occasionally as long as nine years after giving up smoking.

Though recurrent, the tobacco craving usually lasts in its most intense form for only three to five minutes. It is least insistent in the morning, and reaches its peak in the evening. According to one study, it disappears most rapidly in smokers who immediately give up altogether. Those who merely cut down suffer most, for they feed their habit just enough to whet its appetite.

All addictions have emotional, psychological and social aspects as well as physical effects. Giving up cigarettes not only interrupts the flow of a drug demanded by the body, but also cuts out of the smoker's life a habit deeply rooted in daily activities-eating, drinking, working, driving, watching television.

How have several million smokers succeeded in giving up such a pervasive habit? By studying the successes and failures of 183 men and women who stopped smoking, one research team has learnt that the most dangerous threats to abstinence are: drinking alcohol, particularly in the company of people who are smoking; relaxing after the evening meal; pressure or frustration at work; periods of boredom or depression. The investigators set up four basic strategies for coping with these high-risk situations:

Avoidance. During the first few weeks after giving up, it is wise to stay away from parties and other smoking-conducive situations. To eliminate the temptation to smoke after a meal, leave the table immediately after eating.

Escape. Take a break from a stressful meeting. Move away from smokers at a party. Don't have a drink. Since tobacco craving comes in bursts, escaping it for just a few minutes can prevent relapse.

Distraction. When the suddenly craving ex-smoker has no chance of escape-driving a car, for example-he needs to focus his mind on-, something besides the temptation. One ex-smoker found that humming worked. Others think about something pleasant: a holiday or a treat.

Delay. If you get a craving, wait five minutes and then decide whether to have a cigarette. It's easier to say no for a few minutes than for ever.

These strategies provide an immediate "first line" against relapse. But the ex-smoker also needs defence in depth, especially to cope with those negative emotions-frustration, anxiety, depression-that are likely to trigger smoking. Here are a few "second line" techniques that have been employed successfully:

Imaging. Some find it helpful to conjure up images of smoke blackened lungs. Others do better with positive images of their non-smoking selves as healthy, active, easy-breathing individuals.

Interior dialogue. When temptation strikes, try to identify the source of stress by asking: "What's going on in this situation? What do 1 really want out of it?" Rather than thinking things through, many smokers simply reach out automatically for the solace of a cigarette when they encounter stress.

Substitution. Some find relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation helpful. For others the answer is increased activity: jogging, gardening, golf. Munching low-calorie foods-celery, carrots, sunflower seeds-can help too.

Tests have shown that buffered nicotine, taken orally in tiny doses equal to what is inhaled while smoking, can help many people give up. Your doctor can write a private prescription for chewing-gum containing such doses. It costs about £7 for enough to last a 20-a-day smoker for ten days.

Managing failure. Sadly, many ex-smokers give in to temptation at some point and, taking a single lapse to mean total defeat, resume smoking steadily. The difference between those who eventually succeed in giving up permanently and those who don't is their ability to manage failure. If you slip, emphasise to yourself the number of cigarettes you haven't smoked. Then ask this key question: "Am 1 going to let one small slip wipe out that long, hard-won record?"

THERE i sn't just one reason for smoking, and there isn't just one way to stop. But application of these basic principles can make it possible to create a whole new habit - not smoking. Try it.

hope this will help!!:)

[reydat]

Congratulations, 2424! :) How did you do it? Your method might help the other smokers quit the habit.

Cheers! :)

reydat
i officailly quit smoking

reason?my asthma came back last 2003 because of heavy smoking. eversince that day, i stopped smoking and jogged everyday, then started working out. it feels great. i feel more healthy now. my asthma had disappeared since then.

my reasons for stopping the habbit of smoking
1. bad breath (mas gusto ng girls ang mabango ang hininga, hindi amoy usok)
2. bad health (hinihingal agad)
3. my asthma came back
4. my lips was turning black
5. my voice was affected, i cant sing well at the videoke
6. my body looks like a mess
7. I had trouble breathing
8. my **** cannot stand that tall

benefits to me
1. my skin is better now and i looked younger now, compared to smoker myself years ago.
2. my lips regained its natural color
3. i can sing well in the bathroom and videoke more better.
4. ive gained more muscles now
5. I can breath the freshness of the air aound us.
6. my **** stands more errect and became bigger(due to improved blood curculation)

[swordmancarl]

reydat. thanks sa linkss na binigay mo...


2424 well done..

[Mhixxgirl]

hi there... I started smoking when I was 19 years old. I just decided to totally quit smoking 7 weeks ago. But actually, I 've been in and out of the smoker's arena. everytime I get pregnant, obviously I had to stop to protect my baby. but then months after giving birth, I'd go back and start lighting up cig sticks again. Something that I really thought would help me relax. It was just recently that I started to feel the difference in my body. I mean i get sick easily, down with cough and colds. And it takes weeks to recover.
So then, after realizing that smoking is probably what's causing my immune system to fail, i decided to finally become a "quitter". Well, so far so good! My officemates who I used to go out on cigarrete breaks started teasing me, even practically dragging me out of the office and blow their holy smokes at me... but I stood by my goal. NO MORE CIGARETTES FOR LIFE!
Siguro magtataka kayo what's the difference between my decision on not smoking now and the time that I was not smoking for more than 2 years due to pregnancy and childbirth. Kasi yung una kelangan kung gawin kasi may ibang maapektuhan, ang baby ko. Ngayon sarili ko na talaga iniisip ko. Ang hirap din sa totoo lang, coz I find it harder to resist smoking when I'm alone and working at home in my office, rather than seeing my friends smoke in front of me. Kasi siempre pag may ibang taong alam na nag quit na ako tapos biglang bumigay naman, nakakahiya. Pero siempre kapag ako na lang mag-isa wala namang nakakakita kaya hirap paglabanan lalo.

Anyway, ang haba nito. Sana makatulong sa ibang nagta try mag stop lalo na sa mga babae.

[alky-holic]

I've decided to quit smoking kasi ang sama na ng effect sakin..

I started smoking nung 1st year high school ako, 14 years old i guess? occasional lang yun, pero nung dumating ako ng college, dun lang ako naging smoker talaga, so mga 17 ako nun. Lumalabas i've been smoking almost everyday for 5 years now.

Tsk tsk.


It's been almost a month, actually, 1 month on friday, sana ma panindigan ko to :) sobrang hirap lang kasi talaga mag quit lalo na kapag nasa inuman, or kapag lahat ng kasama mo nagyoyosi..

[swordmancarl]

I've decided to quit smoking kasi ang sama na ng effect sakin..

I started smoking nung 1st year high school ako, 14 years old i guess? occasional lang yun, pero nung dumating ako ng college, dun lang ako naging smoker talaga, so mga 17 ako nun. Lumalabas i've been smoking almost everyday for 5 years now.

Tsk tsk.


It's been almost a month, actually, 1 month on friday, sana ma panindigan ko to :) sobrang hirap lang kasi talaga mag quit lalo na kapag nasa inuman, or kapag lahat ng kasama mo nagyoyosi..

Talagang mahirap mag quit lalo na sa mga heavy smoker... Kasi ang nicotine ay isang addictive subtances na kung saan pag masanay ang katawan mo hahanap hanapin mo...

maganda ang decision mo to quit smoke.. sana may upadate kayu dun sa mga nag post... meron ako na ipost sa itaas.. it might help sa kagaya mo kaka quit palang...

[2424]

Congratulations, 2424! :) How did you do it? Your method might help the other smokers quit the habit.

Cheers! :)


Well, if you dont find anything wrong with your body while smoking it is really hard to quit the habbit. The moment you start to find something wrong, or should i say discovering side effects of the habbit, this is the time yo will realize that it is time to quit. In my part smoking is a cool habbit, but its side effects isnt. So looking the advantages and disadvantages of both habbits (healthy living & smoking) i can say that healthy living will add more years to my life and im not regreting my decision. Smoking sucks!!it is bad and not cool*okay*

[2424]

reydat. thanks sa linkss na binigay mo...


2424 well done..

yes i cant trade my lungs for anything in this world :)

[Arrowstorm]

I think quitting is quite hard.
My college friends always say that they're gonna quit but they never did.
Anyway, i think it's just a matter of self discipline and willingness to quit.
Have you watched Constantine?
Maybe you should learn from that movie.
Good Luck!

[skuidward]

For those who can't really resist smoking due to nicotine but would like to stop, merong chewing gum ngayon available sa market. Its called nicorette. I think it'd be a good start for chain smokers out there who want to quit. :)

[chrisboy]

just enjoy everything in moderation.

yes, smoking is bad for the health, just like most other things that we do.

;)

[alky-holic]

I'll have fewer wrinkles.

After the first year, I'll have saved enough for a Caribbean cruise.

I save myself the embarrassment of having bad breath.

After the second year, I can bring someone with me for a Caribbean cruise.

I'll still be around to see my grandchildren.

I won't have to worry about early impotence.

I won't need to eat at a smoking section anymore.

There are programs that can help me.

I no longer need to spend time on counseling.

I'll live longer and healthier.

I won't feel like a leper in public.

I won't have to worry about how smoking is ruining my health.

The average person tries to stop smoking at least four times before succeeding. I may be on No 2 or 3, but I am better than average.

I won't have to lie to my children to hide my smoking habit.

My fingers won't get frostbites when I go outside.

I'll be able to exercise more.

I'll soon have the same life expectancy as a nonsmoker.

My spouse won't get emphysema.

I'll cough less.

I'll be able to taste and smell food again.

My children will have fewer ear and respiratory infections.

My lipstick won't smudge.

I won't have to wonder if my date is bothered by cigarette smoke.

My teeth will be much whiter.

I won't waste time looking for a smoking area all the time.

No more wheezing.

I won't have to listen to sarcastic talk like how much I taste like an ashtray during a kiss.

There are other safer and more effective ways of maintaining my weight.

My plants won't turn brown.

My baby is so much safer with a at lower risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

My fingers won't turn yellow.

I have more pocket space.

My lungs won't look like burnt BBQ beef.

No more burning holes in my clothes.

My spouse will be less likely to develop heart disease or lung cancer.

I'll have to pull off the road only when I need gas.

My car won't reek of stale smoke.

I won't ever need to breathe oxygen through a nasal tube.

My house won't reek of stale smoke.

My unborn child is safer from fetal defects.

I won't reek of stale smoke on my clothes and hair.

I'll be able to play with the little ones without gasping.

I won't have to feel isolated or unaccepted anymore.

No more feeling like smoking on airplanes.

I'll have more energy to do all the things I want to do.

I'll save money on lighters and matches.

I'll make new friends who see me as who I am.

I'll be taking back full control of my life.

I'll be a good role model for my children and others who I care for.

I know that I can quit smoking for life if I want to and I have the ability to choose not to smoke.

[alex010101]

i already quit smoking coz im trying to gain weight..

[the_BuGs]

ako quit na rin... almost 5 months na akong nag quit. at almost 11 year na rin akong nag smoke. Ilang beses na rin akong nagtangkang mag quit.. pero sana eto na yung successfull... ang mahirap lang sa umpisa dahil dadanasin mo yung mga widthrawal symptoms lalo na sa mga 10 years above smoker(actually hangang ngayon dadanasin mo pa rin). at ang pinakamhirap sa lahat eh yung anxiety. para kang laging naka drugs at minsan nerbyoso :D

[holbok]

eto lang ang isang bagay na pag "nag-quit" ka eventually you also become a winner....!

[alky-holic]

on june 9, 2 months na akong hindi nagyoyosi! woohoo! *okay*

[swordmancarl]

jun 2 ako.... gratss syo........

[Papichulo168]

This is my 11th month na hindi nag yoyosi after years and years (and years and years and years) of smoking.

I quit COLD TURKEY 11 months ago on my birthday a week after my friend's heart attack at a young age of..... MY AGE.

He and his family (as in everyone in his family) shared with the burden of his almost P 1 Million hospital bill.

All I can say is, it was a hell of a lot easier for me to quit the habit than to have started it. I totally lost all urges to smoke and as a matter of fact find the smell of cigarette smoke irritating.

I am computing what I saved on cigarettes and lighters and matches and I think I have saved P 11,000.00 on NOT SMOKING.

Here are some tips:

1. I removed all ashtrays, lighters sa bahay and sa kotse.
2. I stopped joining smoking groups at work (yosi breakers).
3. Stopped going to bars during the first 3 months of quitting.
4. Enrolled in a gym, took up boxing and mouintain biking on weekends. I was amazed by the cardiac endurance and strength I gained. Can you imagine when I was smoking I run out of breath using the stairs to my house?
5. I frequently talked about it and I got support from my relatives, friends and officemates. You really have to keep bragging about it para mahihiya ka if you break it.

The best part about it is I inspired three friends from quitting smoking as well.

[swordmancarl]

congratss another quit smoker!! sana po post nyo po kung kelan ka nag quit para maka inspire din sa iba.. thankspapichulo

[balintuna]

after reading all these, napaisip ako to quit now. kakatapos ko lang magyosi break and when i got back to my PC, ayun, nakita ko tong thread.

i first started smoking 5 years ago, nung pumasok ako sa kolehiyo.tapos hindi naman heavy smoker until now, mga half-pack lang a day, sa gimik lang napaparami. pero ive noticed a lot of changes sa health, pumayat, bad skin, madaling mapagod, etc.


madami nang planong nabubuo sa utak ko kung pano ko gagawin to. pero sana makatulong din tong thread na to. like everytime na mararamdaman ko yung urge to smoke, babalik lang ako dito.

sana mapanindigan.

[IXG888]

balintuna.. kaya mo yan.......

[balintuna]

wow ilang oras na since yung huling stick. *sigh*

[mars_mg]

i heard stories about people who doodle or immerse themselves in work to forget about smoking when they're trying to quit. what things keep you from thinking about smoking? if you have any anecdotes to share, that would be great.:D

[shadow_boxer]

ako pinalitan ko ng candy, chocolate or banana. yung iba may mga coin bank sa table/desk nila sa mga offices so everytime na gusto nilang magyosi imbis na ibili ihuhulog na lang sa coin bank... or gaya ng sabi ko hanap ka ng alternative like sweets... actually wala naman technique dyan, walang tricks o daya... self-discipline lang talaga. :)

[accident boy]

Hi,

I've been wanting to quit smoking. But honestly I'm hooked! And I already know it's not healthy. What kind of doctor should I talk to regarding my lungs and therapy so that I can quit this habit and hopefully kick it out of my life. Is there any kind of drug I can take to make the cigarettes taste bad?

[smilewarrior]

^Please wait for the reply of the physicians.

I think you need to consult a pulmonologist.

[aLuIdPy]

OMG!

kakarelate ata ako ha!!

i quit drinking na!

but smoking i cant!!!

[marbles]

Hi,

I've been wanting to quit smoking. But honestly I'm hooked! And I already know it's not healthy. What kind of doctor should I talk to regarding my lungs and therapy so that I can quit this habit and hopefully kick it out of my life. Is there any kind of drug I can take to make the cigarettes taste bad?

You can consult a general practitioner or a family physician. Unless you have other respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath, hemoptysis, wheezing, etc. you don't need to see a specialist. Afaik, there is no drug that does what you described.

Here's an incentive for people to quit smoking...
Stopping smoking for 15 yrs reduces your chance of developing lung cancer.
It's not too late to quit.

Congratulations on those who have kicked the habit. Keep it up everyone!

[Tjmd]

double post

[Tjmd]

trying to quit smoking is really a very very difficult BUT NOT AN IMPOSSIBLE habit to break. It would take life changing decisions and moves before one can break the habit. For the lucky few, they were able to break the habit in just a few weeks.

There are a lot of health benefits to quitting smoking. It would be redundant for me to repeat them again as all smokers know them already by heart. :)

Few tips to add:
1. smoking is brought on by invisible "social" pressure
-- yes you do not want to smoke but by nature of the office and friends, you are still exposed to second hand smoke. This leads to the feeling of "smoking is alright". Yes you do want to quit but somehow, seeing friends and family members smoke makes you UNCONSCIOUSLY reach out for a stick, and before you know it, you are lighting another one.

2. BEER
--people tend to smoke less during breaktime at work. But during socialization ESPECIALLY with alcoholic drinks, you tend to reach out for a stick just like what your buddies are doing. Alcohol has the ability to lower your threshold at controlling your behavior.
Have you ever noticed people under the influence of alcohol tend to be noisier, more talkative, nababawasan ang paghihiya sa ibang tao? thats because alcohol can lower your inhibitions... things that you normally do not do, just surface out. So you might not want to smoke but because of alcoholic drinks, your inhibition to smoke less will be a failure.

These are 2 simple tips to look into yourself whenever you fail to quit smoking. Goodluck:)

[IXG888]

Which is badder? smoking or using steroids?

[layer]

Hi,

I've been wanting to quit smoking. But honestly I'm hooked! And I already know it's not healthy. What kind of doctor should I talk to regarding my lungs and therapy so that I can quit this habit and hopefully kick it out of my life. Is there any kind of drug I can take to make the cigarettes taste bad?

yes, there are medicines that may help you quit. consult your doctor.

[annchong71]

Where can I buy Zyban here

[council]

i don't think zyban is available here.

well, at least it's not mentioned in the MNF's philippine website.

[ate germs]

eto panakot sa mga smokers... dapat sa lahat ng smoking area meron nito hehehe...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/jeneerichard/smokers.jpg

[Bit44.21]

tatanong ko lang po kasi hindi naman ako heavy smoker, mga 10 -12 stick *** per day, natatakot kasi ako mag-quit kasi mag-ga-gain ako ng weight at baka magka tiyan ako, bali ang purpose ko *** kasi ng paninigarilyo ay para ma-maintain ko ang weight ko, bali tatanong ko lang kung OK *** ba *** 10-12 stick or ilan po ba ang normal?, aabot pa rin po ba sa lung cancer or emphysema *** ganun karami?

[marbles]

@Bit44.21
Yes.
10-12 sticks is about half a pack, right? Smoking cigarettes is never considered normal.

You don't need to smoke a cigarette to get lung cancer, even secondhad smoke predisposes you to it.

[alexis29]

I have a dry cough and a bad headache...What is best to to cure it immediately... It getting worse because the 2 bosses here smokes...Hayyy:mecry:

[bleudsky_md]

tell your bosses not to smoke or smoke somewhere else. little do they know that passive smokers get the worst effect/s of smoking.

headache - you can start off with simple OTC pain relievers like mefenamic acid 500mg tab every 6hrs after meals as necessary (take note!) only. maybe, your stressed out from work.

cough - increase oral fluid intake, take ambroxol (ambrolex retard cap) 30mg tab daily. it's also over the counter. :)

if symptoms do not subside or worsen, consult your private md.

[King Louis XVI]

Simply put, how can I stop smoking?

I'm really Fuk3d up and can't get off the hook

Help, please...

[cyclops567]

Hello guys,

I'm a smoker, and recently I feel the usual stuff like heaviness in my lungs and some coughs. Last night, as I was cleaning my nose with issue, i noticed some dried blood in my nose together with some dirt. I didn't exerience any nose bleeding for quite some time so i'm just wondering what could be the cause of this?

hope you guys can help.

[smilewarrior]

^Since I'm a dentist I honestly don't know what's bothering you. What I could probably do is encourage you to refrain from smoking in the meantime and see your personal doctor if you can. Whatever is bothering you, smoking will only make it worse.

Please wait for the reply of Dr. Marbles and our other volunteer doctors.

[marbles]

Hello guys,

I'm a smoker, and recently I feel the usual stuff like heaviness in my lungs and some coughs. Last night, as I was cleaning my nose with issue, i noticed some dried blood in my nose together with some dirt. I didn't exerience any nose bleeding for quite some time so i'm just wondering what could be the cause of this?

hope you guys can help.

Tiny blood vessels in the nose are prone to rupture especially with cleaning and blowing your nose.

If, however, you notice that it begins to occur more frequently or if the amount is increasing (even without cleaning your nose), you should go see your doctor or an ENT.

[arkulet]

I too am a smoker.. and I WANT TO QUIT. Bakit pa kasi inintay ko na magkasakit bago magdecide mag quit. I was diagnosed with Minimal PTB, and currently on medication... I smoke 10 to 12 pcs of sticks per day before, now im down to 4 pcs. I plan to quit before the 14th of this month. This thread have put me into right direction, keep it up guys :).

[gecated]

Good day!

Ive been a member for quite some time now. I just read read and read.

Recently my dad, who is a smoker like me, was diagnosed with a lump (cyst) sa isang lobe ng lungs niya. Now, I have decided to stop. Im not sure kung gusto ko, PERO im sure kelangan.

Hope this thread be sort of a guide for me in this journey -
STARTING TODAY.....

[Cookie_Mobster]

Hi i want to start quitting smoking but because of habit i tend to reach out for a stick.

Ive been reading about those "herbal cigarettes"
are they effective? and where can I get them?

[hannah_9438]

My mother just turned 55, she was a smoker ever since I can remember (now I'm 35), so when she told me the other night that she is planning to quit, I just didn't want to miss the opportunity and have her go back on her words (again). I told her I will find a doctor who will guide her on the quitting process. My question is where can I find this doctor? what 's the title of this doctor, if any? I'm running out of time because my mother might have a change of heart if I will not bring her to this doctor very soon. Pls help. Thanks.

[l•)]

a Psychiatrist. read this, just to give you an idea regarding what treatment she might undergo: http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic1642.htm

[propatlink]

It has been a long time since I plan to quit smoking but until now, I am still smoking.. Are there any suggestions or tips that you guys can give me? Is it true that it is not good if I will stop abruptly and I have do do it gradually? Any thoughts............

[stevenrussel]

Every cigarette you smoke is like shooting another bullet down your throat.

Lung Cancer consistently ranks as one of the top preventable causes of death the world over. It is definitely one of the top killers of Asian and Filipino men (http://www.wpro.who.int/media_centre/fact_sheets/fs_20020528.htm)

I can lie to you and say quit cold turkey but we both know that most people who quit cold turkey will start smoking again (http://cancer.med.upenn.edu/resources/article.cfm?c=3&s=8&ss=23&Year=2005&Month=11&id=12469), so I am not going to waste your time by going down that road.

My message is simple: If you are a smoker and YOU WANT TO LIVE LONGER...KEEP SMOKING

That's right. KEEP SMOKING

Just smoke the RIGHT WAY. Smoke the HEALTHY WAY.

What makes cigarettes DEADLY? It's not the nicotine--it's the over 50 toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke.

Eliminate the Smoke--add more years to your life. It's as simple as that.

Some people try nicotine gum -- you chew the gum and nicotine is released. No toxic smoke. Not very satisfying though. Plus, nicotine gum can get expensive :( Also, a lot of people are saying NICOTINE GUM DOESN'T WORK (http://www.livestrong.com/health-article/new-study-shows-that-nicotine-replacement-therapy-is-ineffective-for-gradual-smoking-cessation-but-concludes-the-opposite_c6d9fbed-5b0f-ebc5-0cf0-15d925852756/)

Other people use Electronic Cigarettes (http://www.electroniccigaretteplanet.com/) You put in concentrated tobacco in a canister and it vaporizes the nicotine so you get only MIST and not smoke but get 10 times the buzz cuz of the concentration and vaporization.

What do you guys think of my theory for smokers--to live longer, continue to smoke, just do it the right way?