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Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. Although none of us can control when we die, we do have some control over our risks. Heart disease, or cardiovascular disease, is a risk factor we can reduce. Consuming a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and managing your stress are all good things you can do to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. But the most important thing you can do to modify your cardiovascular risk is to quit smoking.  Having a smoking habit increases your risk of cardiovascular disease in several ways. Smoking Effects on Cardiovascular Health Causes Inflammation Smoking causes widespread inflammation throughout the body, which makes cardiovascular disease a greater risk. Researchers aren’t sure yet exactly how inflammation is linked to heart disease,…

What is Chantix Approved by FDA in May, 2006 as a smoking cessation aid, Chantix is a nicotine antagonistic drug (Varenicline Tartrate). Manufactured by the pharmacy giant Pfizer, the drug has been proven to be more effective than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) such as nicotine patches and gums, as well as other drugs to help kick nicotine addiction. Prescribing Information Chantix is a prescription tablet, taken orally. In most cases, it is recommended that the patient takes Chantix for 12 weeks as a part of a stop-smoking plan. For best results, Chantix also offers an exclusive GetQuit Plan to provide support and follow-up throughout the quitting process. Many studies have also shown that combining prescription stop smoking aids with counseling increase the rate of smokers that remain cigarette abstinent for longer than…

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is one of the most common lung diseases. About six percent of the population lives with COPD, and it’s the third leading cause of death in the United States. The primary types of COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and most people with COPD have a combination of both conditions. Symptoms The most common symptoms of COPD are cough and shortness of breath, although many people with COPD also experience tightness in the chest and a characteristic barrel shaped chest. There are actually two separate illnesses affiliated with COPD, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Most people with COPD have a combination of both illnesses. Chronic bronchitis is a long lasting cough that produces mucus, while emphysema is a gradual disease that eventually completely destroys the…

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That smoking is bad for the health of the smoker is not contestable by anybody but smokers often downplay the gravity of the issue due to the fact that they are not yet facing a critical effect of smoking. However, the statistical numbers tell a different story. Over 40 million Americans smoke and according to the CDC, there are almost half a million deaths in the U.S. every year associated with smoking. There are around 4000 documented toxins contained in cigarette smoke and the list of smoking-related diseases and ailments is long and includes ailments such as lung cancer and high blood pressure. In short, smoking is a clear and present danger and there are hundreds of reasons why a smoker should quit. The journey to being smoke-free, however, is wrought…

Most people know that smoking is really bad for your health. It affects nearly every organ in your body and increases your risk of developing various diseases, the risks of which go up the longer you smoke. But the one part of your body that is arguably the most affected by smoking is your lungs. Let’s take a closer look at what exactly a smoking habit does to your lungs. Changes in Appearance Because they’re continually pumped up with oxygen, normal and healthy lungs are plump and pink. They may not be pretty to look at, but they’re clean and pure. However, you can instantly recognize a smoker’s lungs on sight. Smokers’ lungs are black. The black color is because every time you inhale a cigarette, it deposits tar in…

Smoking is bad, they say. It will attack your lungs, incapacitate your heart, yellow your teeth, wrinkle your skin, and empty your wallet. And once it's gotten its fill, it will probably kill you too. But there have to be perks to smoking too, right? Right?? Why else would almost 20% of the population continue to actively use tobacco products? We dug deep into the well on this one, but were able to come up with some "benefits" of smoking cigarettes. Benefits of Smoking Cigarettes Uncovered We found 3 benefits of cigarette smoking that most people don't think of. Here they are: 1. Look Older, Distinguished Do your youthful features hold you back in life? Do you find yourself thinking, "Man, if only I looked like I will 20 years in the…

While there are certainly endless options on things to do while all of your family, friends or co-workers take that smoke break, there are definitely a few activities that can serve dual or triplicate purposes. Not only is it important to simply just resist the urge to join the others, but it is also important to keep the mind busy with other options that will also prevent just having that overwhelming urge to smoke. Here are a few options you can try to resist those compelling urges. 1. Brain Games What could be better than avoiding damaging your body further with smoking, than actually growing and improving on many elements of your own brain? Brain games have been proven to help increase memory, cognition, quicken reflexes, and so much more.…

Grieving and Withdrawal The stages of grief and loss can be somewhat similar to the stages of quitting smoking. It is extremely common to become angry or even enraged, or to experience intense bursts of anger when you are quitting smoking. When you experience triggers, such as highly stressful situations or experiences in their daily lives, you may become intensely frustrated. This is not the same as typical frustration; anger felt during the quitting process is often extremely intense. This may seem totally out of character for you. It may also lead to inner conflict, and you may have difficulty understanding exactly why you are so angry. This can be extremely difficult for the people around you. Friends, family members, and partners may find it extremely difficult to deal with…

E-cigarettes and vaporizers are a modern way to fulfill nicotine cravings. Since there is no decades-long data about their effects on human body, their long-term impacts are unknown. Even FDA is unsure whether inhaling vapor from the e-cigarette is safe or not. Unfortunately, things are getting more complicated as the big tobacco companies and politicians enter the game, trying to defame e-cigs for personal gains. All these factors and lack of authentic information has wrapped a haze around the phenomenon. So, every smoker who wants to quit has several questions in the back of their mind: are e-cigs bad? Is vaping bad? Are nicotine-free e-cigarettes safe? This guide will explore the answers to these questions, but first, let’s take a look at the results of some of the latest researches and studies:…

Following all of the recent smoking bans we’ve reported, one can say without exaggeration that the smokers’ world is shrinking. First, smoking was banned in public outdoor spaces; then in public indoor spaces and workplaces. Parks, recreational areas, and stadiums followed, but that isn’t the end to the legal push for a smoke-free environment. Eventually, even patios Texans tried to keep as smoking friendly places, were forced to accept the new mandate. While outdoor dining areas and sidewalk tables are considered to be public outdoor spaces, some restaurants and bars still offer shelter for smokers to light up. Dining and Smoking? I Don’t Think So! This is the case with Rockville, Maryland. The city’s restaurants and bars still offer their outdoor areas to smokers. However, the legal issue of smoking is on…

Cannabidiol (CBD) has become one of the most discussed wellness compounds of the last decade. Extracted from the hemp plant, CBD is non-intoxicating and does not produce the “high” associated with THC. Instead, it is widely used for stress management, sleep support, inflammation relief, and emotional balance. For individuals trying to quit smoking or manage nicotine withdrawal, CBD oil has gained interest as a supportive wellness tool, not a cure or replacement therapy. This guide explains what CBD oil is, how it works, potential benefits, safety considerations, and how to choose a high-quality product. Introduction: Why CBD Oil Is Getting Attention Cannabidiol (CBD) has become one of the most discussed wellness compounds of the last decade. Extracted from the hemp plant, CBD is non-intoxicating and does not produce the “high”…