When we grow older our skin begins to degenerate. This is due to factors such as your lifestyle, the free radicals in your environment, the natural aging process, toxins in the air and the loss of both collagen and elastin. The end result of all of these things is wrinkles, sagging skin and fine lines that nobody likes. Fortunately there are some anti-aging creams, which are made from natural compounds and organic ingredients that will provide you with great results without any of the nasty side effects. There are also some very simple anti-aging skin care secrets that you should always bear in mind.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid is a very powerful anti-aging component, which is oftentimes referred to as "The Fountain of Youth." For this reason, some of the top skin care anti aging products are beginning to use it. Even ABC News has gotten in on this by producing a show entitled "The Village of Long Life: could Hyaluronic Acid be an Anti-Aging Remedy?" In this documentary Japanese people who included a large amount of vegetables and herbs in their daily diet were shown to have radiant, wrinkle-free skin well into their eighties. This is because Hyaluronic Acid absorbs the water within your body that supports the formation of the gel that keeps your healthy cell structures from becoming damaged.
The Importance Of A Healthy Diet
You also need to be careful what you eat. Unfortunately there are a lot of people today that eat anything that tastes good. This makes them overweight and speeds their skin's aging process and otherwise cause you to become unhealthy. While you may understand that this leads to the degeneration of your skin, what you may not know is that there are other types of foods that will help to regenerate your skin by increasing its collagen levels and thus making it look more radiant. For this reason, regardless of your age, you really need to look at the foods that you eat so that you will be able to avoid premature wrinkles. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't eat any of the foods that lead to degeneration but you should limit those foods and incorporate more of the regenerative foods into your diet.
Foods That Cause Degeneration
Some of the foods that will lead to the degeneration of your skin include:
· Additives
· Alcohol
· Aluminum
· Artificial Sweeteners
· Carbohydrates in large amounts
· Cheese
· Chips
· Chocolate
· Deep fried foods
· French fries
· Genetically modified foods
· Mercury in high amounts (oftentimes found in your food)
· Microwave food
· Milk
· Olestra
· Preserved meat
· Puffed grains
· Sugar
Foods That Lead To Regeneration
Some of the foods that will help your skin regenerate include:
· Aloe Vera
· Beans that have been soaked for eight hours
· Brown rice
· Coenzyme Q10
· Cold pressed oils
· Foods containing Omega 3 and fatty acids
· Green leafy vegetables
· Lentils
· Organic cottage cheese
· Pycnogenols
· Raw fruit
· Raw nuts
· Raw seeds
· Safflower
· Soaked grains
· Sprouted grains
· Vegetables
· Vitamin C
· Vitamin E
· Yogurt
Honey
Not only does honey have great medicinal value but it can also do a lot of great things for your skin. It is able to improve your blood circulation, which in turn will help to keep your skin beautiful by diminishing wrinkles. Honey can also rejuvenate your skin by creating a plumping effect that will improve upon the appearance of any wrinkles that you may already have.
There are a lot of great beauty recipes that will make it easy for you to be able to incorporate honey into your daily routine at home. One such recipe is as follows: Mix two tablespoons of honey with two tablespoons of whole milk. Slightly warm this mixture up in your microwave. Once it is warm you will want to smooth into onto both your face and your eyes and allow it to sit there for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. You will then want to splash some cold water on your face in order to close your pores.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Safe Cycling
A large number of accidents involving cyclists are due to heavy goods vehicles. This is usually down to the driver being unable to see cyclists due to blind spots in his mirrors. If the driver cannot see you, you are in danger, especially if he is turning left. The advice of the defensive cyclist is to stay well clear of heavy goods vehicles.
Do not stop next to one at the lights, either hold back behind it and allow it to go when the lights change. Dismount and use the path to get past the lorry,or go through the lights if it is safe to do so. The worst thing you can do is sit next to the driver's cab. He cannot see you, you are invisible to him. You need to devise a strategy for dealing with heavy goods vehicles and apply it all the time.
Forget the law. Following the laws of the road rigidly can put you at risk. Remember the laws of the road were created for cars not bikes. You need to use your own common sense when you are close to a heavy goods vehicle, and if this means breaking the law by running a red light then I would do it. If it guarantees my safety. If you feel uncomfortable next to a heavy goods vehicle, and all cyclists should certainly be wary around them, dismount and get onto the path until it has gone.
If you are approaching a stationary heavy goods vehicle at the traffic lights stop behind him. Under no circumstances ride at the side of him. The danger is when the lights change you will both set off together, then suddenly the heavy goods vehicle will turn left crushing you.
You need to be fully alert when cycling near these vehicles. You also need to apply common logic rather than blindly obeying laws that could put you in danger. If you are travelling in one of those inadequate cycling lanes here in England. Which is just a line drawn at the side of the road. Then undertaking buses or lorries, is putting you at great risk. You will hit their blind spots and could easily be knocked off. Never undertake a bus or lorry.
It may be more intimidating, but it can be safer to leave the bike lane and overtake the bus or lorry from the right. (Uk roads) Drivers expect to be overtaken from this side and are constantly checking their mirrors. Safe cycling is a matter of common sense and simple logic. Ignore laws if they are putting you in danger, stay alert in heavy traffic, use your eyes and ears and listen to your instinct. If you feel unsafe in a situation get off the bike and walk until you have passed the source of the problem.
Do not stop next to one at the lights, either hold back behind it and allow it to go when the lights change. Dismount and use the path to get past the lorry,or go through the lights if it is safe to do so. The worst thing you can do is sit next to the driver's cab. He cannot see you, you are invisible to him. You need to devise a strategy for dealing with heavy goods vehicles and apply it all the time.
Forget the law. Following the laws of the road rigidly can put you at risk. Remember the laws of the road were created for cars not bikes. You need to use your own common sense when you are close to a heavy goods vehicle, and if this means breaking the law by running a red light then I would do it. If it guarantees my safety. If you feel uncomfortable next to a heavy goods vehicle, and all cyclists should certainly be wary around them, dismount and get onto the path until it has gone.
If you are approaching a stationary heavy goods vehicle at the traffic lights stop behind him. Under no circumstances ride at the side of him. The danger is when the lights change you will both set off together, then suddenly the heavy goods vehicle will turn left crushing you.
You need to be fully alert when cycling near these vehicles. You also need to apply common logic rather than blindly obeying laws that could put you in danger. If you are travelling in one of those inadequate cycling lanes here in England. Which is just a line drawn at the side of the road. Then undertaking buses or lorries, is putting you at great risk. You will hit their blind spots and could easily be knocked off. Never undertake a bus or lorry.
It may be more intimidating, but it can be safer to leave the bike lane and overtake the bus or lorry from the right. (Uk roads) Drivers expect to be overtaken from this side and are constantly checking their mirrors. Safe cycling is a matter of common sense and simple logic. Ignore laws if they are putting you in danger, stay alert in heavy traffic, use your eyes and ears and listen to your instinct. If you feel unsafe in a situation get off the bike and walk until you have passed the source of the problem.
The History of STD Treatment
Alarmed by the thought of taking an STD test? Just be thankful you aren't going to experience the mercury treatment! Learn more with this brief history of STD treatment.
For as long as human beings have existed, they've had to deal with Sexually Transmitted Diseases, or STDs. Nowadays, we are fortunate that many of the most common STDs are easily treatable, contraception is reliable, and that diagnosis has become very accurate. But back in the day, when there was no reliable STD test for most diseases and even less chance of getting an effective preventative or a cure, catching an STD could be a very serious business indeed...
Old Remedies
Like many diseases, STDs were not well understood in the era before modern medicine, and were subject to a huge amount of superstition and misunderstanding. You could forget getting a definitive STD test from a doctor - with many diseases sharing similar symptoms, accurate diagnosis was almost impossible before blood tests were perfected. One disease was likely to be mistaken for another, and if you were carrying an STD but were not displaying any symptoms, you had absolutely no way of finding out.
Even worse than the lack of a reliable method of diagnosis were the dubious 'cures' that were on offer - most of the old remedies were truly eyewatering. Mercury was the common treatment for syphilis, though whether it did anything other than make the sufferer chronically ill is open to debate! Silver nitrate and arsenic have also been used in the past to treat various STDs, and if your infection resulted in sores, lesions, or blisters, then it got even worse - you were liable to have them cut or burnt away by the doctor who treated you.
Modern Treatment
Thankfully, things have come a long way since the old days of STD treatment. The arrival of antibiotics changed the face of medicine, and offered a simple and effective treatment for many of the most common STDs, such as syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia. Even the diseases that remain incurable, such as Hepatitis C and genital herpes, can be carefully managed so that those who are infected with them can continue to live normal lives.
Matching advances in treatment have been improvements in diagnosis. Anyone can now undergo an accurate STD test to determine whether or not they have been infected. A simple blood or urine sample can be tested for a wide range of STDs, and the tests are extremely accurate. Gone are the days when one STD would be mistaken for another, or when a symptomless STD would go undetected by a doctor. Nowadays, if you go for a test, you'll get an accurate result.
Of course, modern times have led to vast improvements in treatment, but they have also brought with them a host of new challenges. The recent appearance of HIV and AIDS, and the rise of drug resistant strains of STDs are a great danger to sexual health around the world. In the developing world, where medical standards are not so high, STDs continue to pose a significant danger to the majority of the population. But whatever the problems modern healthcare workers face, when it comes to STDs, we've come a long way since mercury treatment!
Tim Leach is part of USALabTesting that provide confidential, online STD testing. With over 2,000 clinics across the USA and a large range of STD Tests available, getting peace of mind is discreet, easy and painless.
For as long as human beings have existed, they've had to deal with Sexually Transmitted Diseases, or STDs. Nowadays, we are fortunate that many of the most common STDs are easily treatable, contraception is reliable, and that diagnosis has become very accurate. But back in the day, when there was no reliable STD test for most diseases and even less chance of getting an effective preventative or a cure, catching an STD could be a very serious business indeed...
Old Remedies
Like many diseases, STDs were not well understood in the era before modern medicine, and were subject to a huge amount of superstition and misunderstanding. You could forget getting a definitive STD test from a doctor - with many diseases sharing similar symptoms, accurate diagnosis was almost impossible before blood tests were perfected. One disease was likely to be mistaken for another, and if you were carrying an STD but were not displaying any symptoms, you had absolutely no way of finding out.
Even worse than the lack of a reliable method of diagnosis were the dubious 'cures' that were on offer - most of the old remedies were truly eyewatering. Mercury was the common treatment for syphilis, though whether it did anything other than make the sufferer chronically ill is open to debate! Silver nitrate and arsenic have also been used in the past to treat various STDs, and if your infection resulted in sores, lesions, or blisters, then it got even worse - you were liable to have them cut or burnt away by the doctor who treated you.
Modern Treatment
Thankfully, things have come a long way since the old days of STD treatment. The arrival of antibiotics changed the face of medicine, and offered a simple and effective treatment for many of the most common STDs, such as syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia. Even the diseases that remain incurable, such as Hepatitis C and genital herpes, can be carefully managed so that those who are infected with them can continue to live normal lives.
Matching advances in treatment have been improvements in diagnosis. Anyone can now undergo an accurate STD test to determine whether or not they have been infected. A simple blood or urine sample can be tested for a wide range of STDs, and the tests are extremely accurate. Gone are the days when one STD would be mistaken for another, or when a symptomless STD would go undetected by a doctor. Nowadays, if you go for a test, you'll get an accurate result.
Of course, modern times have led to vast improvements in treatment, but they have also brought with them a host of new challenges. The recent appearance of HIV and AIDS, and the rise of drug resistant strains of STDs are a great danger to sexual health around the world. In the developing world, where medical standards are not so high, STDs continue to pose a significant danger to the majority of the population. But whatever the problems modern healthcare workers face, when it comes to STDs, we've come a long way since mercury treatment!
Tim Leach is part of USALabTesting that provide confidential, online STD testing. With over 2,000 clinics across the USA and a large range of STD Tests available, getting peace of mind is discreet, easy and painless.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
4 Exercise Tips to Lose Weight Fast
Very often I feel many of us are living a life which is similar to the animals that we see in the zoo, inside a cage. The reason for this is because, even though our body is perfectly structured for running across Africa, we often make ourselves very lazy by not even moving from our bed to our dinner table or to the door or back to the bed from the working room.
The days have changed. Gone are the days when men were jogging at least 20 miles everyday and women at least 10 miles in the united states, today, we are all just fixed to our chairs because of the day to day work pressure and tensions and because of all these, we have very little time to do any form of exercise to lose weight.
Several doctors and researchers have indicated that obesity has made people lose interest in doing exercise, but you must keep in mind that exercise is the main thing in losing weight. Exercise need not be going to the gym and lifting heavy weights. It might be as simple as just getting out of your chair and moving around.
Although moving around might seem like pretty simple, I don't mean that one or two rounds in your backyard will help you lose the calories that you gained by eating a dose of donuts. Just doing exercise doesn't mean that you will lose weight, in addition to exercise you need to look after your diet which is as important as its counterpart in helping you achieve your weight loss goal.
However, you should know that if you do good exercise but don't follow a healthy diet, you will nullify yourself from losing any weight. But never mind, it's not something you should be worrying about if you follow a strict exercise regimen. You need to know that the more regular you are in doing your exercises, the more easier it becomes to lose weight or at least maintain your current weight. So, ready to learn 4 tips to make sure you get the right kind of exercise that you need to achieve your weight loss goals?
Let's get started...
Tip #1: Get Enough Sleep (normally 6-8 hours should be enough):
A lot of talk has been going on about how many hours should one sleep to get enough out of his body. But the truth is it depends on your working life style. But in general, you should have a minimum of 6-8 hours of sleep to be at your best in the day. Did you know that people who are tired, consume more food and as a result they gain weight. The reason they are tired in the first place is lack of adequate sleep. So, make sure you get a good night's sleep.
Tip #2: Get up and start moving around:
Don't sit at a single place for a long time. This will make you lazy and also overweight. Whenever you feel bored with the work that you are doing, just don't sit there and do some nonsense, instead, get up and start walking around so that your legs get some exercise and some rest to your mind as well.
Tip #3: Treadmill - Your Ultimate Friend:
There are times when everyone feels lazy. I totally agree with you on this. Even I feel lazy sometimes for some reason that I can't just explain. I guess even you can't explain why isn't it? we simply feel lazy that's it. One instance may be that you may not feel like going out for walk or you might have to watch your favorite television show at the time you want to walk or some reason... This is where treadmill comes in to play. Treadmill can be considered as your best friend as it allows you to do exercise without going out.
Tip #4: Clinch Your time...
I know that you have very less time to exercise. But leaving all your excuses behind, you have to somehow include exercise in your daily schedule. Do as long as your body likes doing it without interfering your work or family life of course.
Whenever you feel like skipping exercise, just remind yourself that doing exercise has many benefits, one of which is preventing health hazards by preventing getting overweight. Think of good health as an invaluable present that you can give to your family and yourself.
The days have changed. Gone are the days when men were jogging at least 20 miles everyday and women at least 10 miles in the united states, today, we are all just fixed to our chairs because of the day to day work pressure and tensions and because of all these, we have very little time to do any form of exercise to lose weight.
Several doctors and researchers have indicated that obesity has made people lose interest in doing exercise, but you must keep in mind that exercise is the main thing in losing weight. Exercise need not be going to the gym and lifting heavy weights. It might be as simple as just getting out of your chair and moving around.
Although moving around might seem like pretty simple, I don't mean that one or two rounds in your backyard will help you lose the calories that you gained by eating a dose of donuts. Just doing exercise doesn't mean that you will lose weight, in addition to exercise you need to look after your diet which is as important as its counterpart in helping you achieve your weight loss goal.
However, you should know that if you do good exercise but don't follow a healthy diet, you will nullify yourself from losing any weight. But never mind, it's not something you should be worrying about if you follow a strict exercise regimen. You need to know that the more regular you are in doing your exercises, the more easier it becomes to lose weight or at least maintain your current weight. So, ready to learn 4 tips to make sure you get the right kind of exercise that you need to achieve your weight loss goals?
Let's get started...
Tip #1: Get Enough Sleep (normally 6-8 hours should be enough):
A lot of talk has been going on about how many hours should one sleep to get enough out of his body. But the truth is it depends on your working life style. But in general, you should have a minimum of 6-8 hours of sleep to be at your best in the day. Did you know that people who are tired, consume more food and as a result they gain weight. The reason they are tired in the first place is lack of adequate sleep. So, make sure you get a good night's sleep.
Tip #2: Get up and start moving around:
Don't sit at a single place for a long time. This will make you lazy and also overweight. Whenever you feel bored with the work that you are doing, just don't sit there and do some nonsense, instead, get up and start walking around so that your legs get some exercise and some rest to your mind as well.
Tip #3: Treadmill - Your Ultimate Friend:
There are times when everyone feels lazy. I totally agree with you on this. Even I feel lazy sometimes for some reason that I can't just explain. I guess even you can't explain why isn't it? we simply feel lazy that's it. One instance may be that you may not feel like going out for walk or you might have to watch your favorite television show at the time you want to walk or some reason... This is where treadmill comes in to play. Treadmill can be considered as your best friend as it allows you to do exercise without going out.
Tip #4: Clinch Your time...
I know that you have very less time to exercise. But leaving all your excuses behind, you have to somehow include exercise in your daily schedule. Do as long as your body likes doing it without interfering your work or family life of course.
Whenever you feel like skipping exercise, just remind yourself that doing exercise has many benefits, one of which is preventing health hazards by preventing getting overweight. Think of good health as an invaluable present that you can give to your family and yourself.
A Better Ab Workout
Among the most common mistakes in the gym is when gym members especially overweight gym members perform 80 crunches a day expecting to totally transform his/her physique. This is a total waste of time when they should be focusing their efforts on more effective exercises. Sadly, I even see personal trainers making their clients do millions of crunches at the end of a workout. There's no need to ever get on your back for a nice tummy. A better way of working your abs is to make them a part of a total body workout during the workout rather than at the end of a split routine ( which is a workout based on a specific body part each day).
Furthermore, the best and more functional exercises are the ones that work more body parts at one time. This not only makes your body look great, it makes your body work better.
Here is an awesome workout that will produce a great mid section. For results keep committed. Perform this 3 times a week with another activity (sport, gym class, workout DVD etc) on the days off of this workout. Try it for a few weeks.
1) Plank (abs and back)
Hold for 30 seconds
• Lie face down with forearms and palms flat on floor.
• Raise up onto toes and rest on elbows.
• Keep back flat.
• Contract abs to keep from raising rear end in the air.
2) Squat front kick (abs and legs)
Perform for 30 seconds
• Stand with feet a little closer than shoulder width apart.
• Raise the right knee up and extend into a front kick.
• Bring that leg back down to the floor
• Lower down to a squat
• Repeat on the left leg
3) Spiderman Pushups (abs, shoulders, arms)
Perform 8 on each side
• Start in up part of the push up position
• As you lower your body, lift your right foot off of the floor and bring your knee towards your head. Rotate your shoulders and look at your right knee.
• Put your foot back down and rotate your body back to facing forward.
• Repeat on the left side
Perform 3 rounds
Furthermore, the best and more functional exercises are the ones that work more body parts at one time. This not only makes your body look great, it makes your body work better.
Here is an awesome workout that will produce a great mid section. For results keep committed. Perform this 3 times a week with another activity (sport, gym class, workout DVD etc) on the days off of this workout. Try it for a few weeks.
1) Plank (abs and back)
Hold for 30 seconds
• Lie face down with forearms and palms flat on floor.
• Raise up onto toes and rest on elbows.
• Keep back flat.
• Contract abs to keep from raising rear end in the air.
2) Squat front kick (abs and legs)
Perform for 30 seconds
• Stand with feet a little closer than shoulder width apart.
• Raise the right knee up and extend into a front kick.
• Bring that leg back down to the floor
• Lower down to a squat
• Repeat on the left leg
3) Spiderman Pushups (abs, shoulders, arms)
Perform 8 on each side
• Start in up part of the push up position
• As you lower your body, lift your right foot off of the floor and bring your knee towards your head. Rotate your shoulders and look at your right knee.
• Put your foot back down and rotate your body back to facing forward.
• Repeat on the left side
Perform 3 rounds
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
How Smoking Affects Your Looks
Everyone knows smoking is not good. However, it can be hard to put into words. If you are looking for reasons not to smoke, then you certainly came to the right place. Whether you or someone you know smokes, you will find plenty of reasons to quit here.
Let's start with the face.
If you smoke, you can rapidly age your face. In 10 years of smoking, you can add up to another 10 years of wrinkles on your face. That means if you started smoking when you were 20, by the time you were 30 you would look 40!
These wrinkles usually start around the mouth and eyes. When it comes to aging the skin, smoking comes in second only to the sun. So if you have not started smoking don't. If you have it's not to late take action now and stop.
Moving On to the Teeth
Smoking really does a number on your teeth too. It is not real pretty. Smoking causes severe discoloration of your teeth. You know the yellow, in some cases brown look?
Not only will it cause discoloration, but it also gives you really bad breath. This bad breath can become chronic, otherwise known as halitosis.
The news gets worse. You could develop gum disease, which could lead to tooth loss. Or leukoplakia, which is little white patches in the mouth that may or may not lead to oral cancer.
So, very obviously, these are good reasons to never start smoking or if you are a smoking stop. It's not too late!
Next Up: The Nails
Ever see the smokers with the dark yellow brownish nails? Wonder how they got that way? Well, if you said smoking you are right.
Cigarettes have tar in them and this is what stains the nails. The more you smoke the darker they get. Not only can your fingernails get stained but the fingertips too. This can all be remedied by not starting smoking or if you are a smoker, stopping.
There are numerous tools available today for anyone looking to quit. Nicotine replacement therapies help a lot of people. You can always go cold turkey. But if you consider all the risk involved smoking, it is not worth it. Quit today.
Let's start with the face.
If you smoke, you can rapidly age your face. In 10 years of smoking, you can add up to another 10 years of wrinkles on your face. That means if you started smoking when you were 20, by the time you were 30 you would look 40!
These wrinkles usually start around the mouth and eyes. When it comes to aging the skin, smoking comes in second only to the sun. So if you have not started smoking don't. If you have it's not to late take action now and stop.
Moving On to the Teeth
Smoking really does a number on your teeth too. It is not real pretty. Smoking causes severe discoloration of your teeth. You know the yellow, in some cases brown look?
Not only will it cause discoloration, but it also gives you really bad breath. This bad breath can become chronic, otherwise known as halitosis.
The news gets worse. You could develop gum disease, which could lead to tooth loss. Or leukoplakia, which is little white patches in the mouth that may or may not lead to oral cancer.
So, very obviously, these are good reasons to never start smoking or if you are a smoking stop. It's not too late!
Next Up: The Nails
Ever see the smokers with the dark yellow brownish nails? Wonder how they got that way? Well, if you said smoking you are right.
Cigarettes have tar in them and this is what stains the nails. The more you smoke the darker they get. Not only can your fingernails get stained but the fingertips too. This can all be remedied by not starting smoking or if you are a smoker, stopping.
There are numerous tools available today for anyone looking to quit. Nicotine replacement therapies help a lot of people. You can always go cold turkey. But if you consider all the risk involved smoking, it is not worth it. Quit today.
Why Smokers Fail to Quit
If you are considering quitting smoking you are not alone. Each year millions of people try to quit but only about 8 percent actually succeed. There are many different reasons why people fail. For starters, nicotine is a powerful, addictive drug that smokers become physically addicted to. When you quit smoking the body tends to crave nicotine and go through what is known as "nicotine withdrawal." This can bring on feelings of anxiety, restlessness, depression, and irritability. Other common withdrawal symptoms include; headache, difficulty thinking, being sick to your stomach, and problems sleeping. Generally, these symptoms are short lived and don't all happen at once. When quitting smoking the withdrawals can go in phases. Because nicotine withdrawals don't feel good people tend to give up in order to relieve the symptoms.
Smoking is a habit and one that typically has been practiced for many years several times a day. It can be difficult breaking habits that are so ingrained into your everyday life. Smokers have a habit of smoking in the morning, after meals, with a cup of coffee, on work breaks, etc. Throughout the day when these things occur they trigger the urge to smoke, increasing the difficulty in quitting.
Not only are smokers physically and habitually addicted to smoking but they are also psychologically addicted. Over many years, people smoke to help control their moods. People smoke to control boredom, anger, depression, anxiety, stress, and many others. The biggest reason why people fail to quit smoking is because of stress. Even though there are many healthy methods to dealing with stress they simply don't know how to deal with it without smoking.
Quitting smoking can be hard but it is far from impossible. Over 1 million people quit each year and there are different methods to help you quit. Many are not successful on their first try but with persistence and determination a person can quit smoking and improve the quality of their lives.
Smoking is a habit and one that typically has been practiced for many years several times a day. It can be difficult breaking habits that are so ingrained into your everyday life. Smokers have a habit of smoking in the morning, after meals, with a cup of coffee, on work breaks, etc. Throughout the day when these things occur they trigger the urge to smoke, increasing the difficulty in quitting.
Not only are smokers physically and habitually addicted to smoking but they are also psychologically addicted. Over many years, people smoke to help control their moods. People smoke to control boredom, anger, depression, anxiety, stress, and many others. The biggest reason why people fail to quit smoking is because of stress. Even though there are many healthy methods to dealing with stress they simply don't know how to deal with it without smoking.
Quitting smoking can be hard but it is far from impossible. Over 1 million people quit each year and there are different methods to help you quit. Many are not successful on their first try but with persistence and determination a person can quit smoking and improve the quality of their lives.
5 Ways to Help You Quit Smoking
Most smokers recognize the dangers of smoking these days. Authorities around the world, certainly in the developing countries, are making it harder for smokers to indulge their habit. But stopping isn't easy, so let's look at the main ways to stop smoking.
Of course, once they make the decision to let go of the habit - or become a non-smoker - smokers find it hard to let go of this habit. The reasons for this, broadly, is that the act of smoking has become an entrenched habit and it is linked very closely with the addiction which body has adopted to the chemicals in tobacco smoke.
Unfortunately, as smokers over the years have discovered, stopping smoking isn't like flicking the 'off' switch. When you've decided, what are the main ways to help you stop?
- Cold Turkey.
We should call this willpower - because that is really what it is. You, as a smoker, decide that you are going to quit - maybe you set a date, such as the first of the month, or an event, maybe your birthday, maybe tomorrow - and then, you commit to working against the habit which has been formed, and against the chemical dependence which has developed and you 'overcome' the desire to smoke. The will to succeed, plus persistence and determination, will lead to success. Unfortunately not every one has the willpower required.
- Nicotine Replacement.
Because nicotine is a chemical, which, in this case, is produced as a result of the burning of tobacco in cigarettes, and nicotine is a chemical on which the body can develop dependence, the body's need for this chemical often will be so strong that the individual's willpower is simply not strong enough to counter the effects which the chemicals are having on the physiology. Hence, the development of nicotine replacement. There are various ways in which the nicotine replacement approach is taken:
- Nicotine patches.
- Nicotine Gum or lozenges.
- Nicotine inhalers.
Nicotine replacement, however, is just that. The approach is designed to have people reduce the dependence on cigarettes for the nicotine needs which may have developed as a result of smoking.
This approach does not address the behavioral habit or any underlying issues which may be associated with the need that the person feels to smoke.
- Prescription Medication.
You may seek the advice of your physician or general practitioner to see what prescription medication is available. And in recent years there have been some improvements in this area although in my experience, many doctors are reluctant to go down the medication route.
But let's look at two drugs in this area. Pharmaceutical giant, GlaxoSmithKline, markets the first of these, Zyban. This drug works by reducing the withdrawal effects of smoking. This is a gradual process, with smokers taking the medication and reducing over time the number of cigarettes until the desire to smoke is no longer there.
Another is Chantix (or in some areas, marketed as Champix), produced by Pfizer. Like Zyban, it does not contain nicotine. With all medication, there is a reason why it requires the advice of your doctor - there may be side effects with any of these medications so it is important that you explore these fully with your doctor before beginning on your course of treatment.
It's advisable to get your doctor's advice on this.
- Natural Supplements.
A number of natural therapies have been developed in recent years - and many claim to have achieved great results. Whilst I can't claim to have reviewed any of the products on the market, there are strong claims about the effectiveness of some of the products available.
Zero Nicotine are patches which contain a herbal preparation and it's designed to eliminate the nicotine addiction. The process, claim the makers of this product, when taken in conjunction with their support program takes around 30 days.
Another herbal preparation is Smoke Deter which the makers say is an 'All-natural, homeopathic, sub-lingual spray.'
In considering the herbal approach, it is advisable to check with others who have tried the products.
- Hypnotherapy.
Hypnotherapy is recognized as one of the more effective ways to stops smoking. Unlike prescription medication or nicotine replacement or herbal therapy, hypnotherapy does not involve taking any substance into the body. Often people are skeptical about hypnosis but the fact is, it's a natural process and for therapeutic purposes has been used for thousands of years. Yes, even the ancient Egyptians used a similar process - though, it's likely they didn't have the need to use it to stop smoking.
Increasingly over recent years, hypnotherapy is being recognized as a powerful and effectiveness therapy in so many areas - and particularly for helping people to stop smoking. How does it work? Well, different practitioners may well have slightly different approaches, but the effective approaches will deal with the reasons why you smoke, release the subconscious attachment to the habit, and deal with the body's addiction to the chemicals, such as nicotine, to which the body may have developed dependence. Two to four sessions are required usually and people who try hypnotherapy find it a very pleasant experience. In my experience, many people leave the first session as non-smoker'.
It's important when seeking out a hypnotherapist, as in looking for any health practitioner, that you choose one who has the appropriate professional - and that means 'recognized' - qualifications and has experience in the area you are seeking his or her help for.
If you're a smoker, whichever process you choose to follow, the decision to stop smoking may well be one of the more important decisions you make in your life, for your life.
Of course, once they make the decision to let go of the habit - or become a non-smoker - smokers find it hard to let go of this habit. The reasons for this, broadly, is that the act of smoking has become an entrenched habit and it is linked very closely with the addiction which body has adopted to the chemicals in tobacco smoke.
Unfortunately, as smokers over the years have discovered, stopping smoking isn't like flicking the 'off' switch. When you've decided, what are the main ways to help you stop?
- Cold Turkey.
We should call this willpower - because that is really what it is. You, as a smoker, decide that you are going to quit - maybe you set a date, such as the first of the month, or an event, maybe your birthday, maybe tomorrow - and then, you commit to working against the habit which has been formed, and against the chemical dependence which has developed and you 'overcome' the desire to smoke. The will to succeed, plus persistence and determination, will lead to success. Unfortunately not every one has the willpower required.
- Nicotine Replacement.
Because nicotine is a chemical, which, in this case, is produced as a result of the burning of tobacco in cigarettes, and nicotine is a chemical on which the body can develop dependence, the body's need for this chemical often will be so strong that the individual's willpower is simply not strong enough to counter the effects which the chemicals are having on the physiology. Hence, the development of nicotine replacement. There are various ways in which the nicotine replacement approach is taken:
- Nicotine patches.
- Nicotine Gum or lozenges.
- Nicotine inhalers.
Nicotine replacement, however, is just that. The approach is designed to have people reduce the dependence on cigarettes for the nicotine needs which may have developed as a result of smoking.
This approach does not address the behavioral habit or any underlying issues which may be associated with the need that the person feels to smoke.
- Prescription Medication.
You may seek the advice of your physician or general practitioner to see what prescription medication is available. And in recent years there have been some improvements in this area although in my experience, many doctors are reluctant to go down the medication route.
But let's look at two drugs in this area. Pharmaceutical giant, GlaxoSmithKline, markets the first of these, Zyban. This drug works by reducing the withdrawal effects of smoking. This is a gradual process, with smokers taking the medication and reducing over time the number of cigarettes until the desire to smoke is no longer there.
Another is Chantix (or in some areas, marketed as Champix), produced by Pfizer. Like Zyban, it does not contain nicotine. With all medication, there is a reason why it requires the advice of your doctor - there may be side effects with any of these medications so it is important that you explore these fully with your doctor before beginning on your course of treatment.
It's advisable to get your doctor's advice on this.
- Natural Supplements.
A number of natural therapies have been developed in recent years - and many claim to have achieved great results. Whilst I can't claim to have reviewed any of the products on the market, there are strong claims about the effectiveness of some of the products available.
Zero Nicotine are patches which contain a herbal preparation and it's designed to eliminate the nicotine addiction. The process, claim the makers of this product, when taken in conjunction with their support program takes around 30 days.
Another herbal preparation is Smoke Deter which the makers say is an 'All-natural, homeopathic, sub-lingual spray.'
In considering the herbal approach, it is advisable to check with others who have tried the products.
- Hypnotherapy.
Hypnotherapy is recognized as one of the more effective ways to stops smoking. Unlike prescription medication or nicotine replacement or herbal therapy, hypnotherapy does not involve taking any substance into the body. Often people are skeptical about hypnosis but the fact is, it's a natural process and for therapeutic purposes has been used for thousands of years. Yes, even the ancient Egyptians used a similar process - though, it's likely they didn't have the need to use it to stop smoking.
Increasingly over recent years, hypnotherapy is being recognized as a powerful and effectiveness therapy in so many areas - and particularly for helping people to stop smoking. How does it work? Well, different practitioners may well have slightly different approaches, but the effective approaches will deal with the reasons why you smoke, release the subconscious attachment to the habit, and deal with the body's addiction to the chemicals, such as nicotine, to which the body may have developed dependence. Two to four sessions are required usually and people who try hypnotherapy find it a very pleasant experience. In my experience, many people leave the first session as non-smoker'.
It's important when seeking out a hypnotherapist, as in looking for any health practitioner, that you choose one who has the appropriate professional - and that means 'recognized' - qualifications and has experience in the area you are seeking his or her help for.
If you're a smoker, whichever process you choose to follow, the decision to stop smoking may well be one of the more important decisions you make in your life, for your life.
Here Are Some of the Best Reasons to Quit Smoking
Most smokers are well aware that smoking is not good for their health or their wallets yet they continue to smoke for some odd reason. I think it may be because they don't have specific reasons to quit smoking. So, in order to help you kick the habit, here are some compelling reasons not to smoke.
Cigarettes contain many noxious or carcinogenic substances which as you know can be harmful to your health. Well, harmful is actually an understatement - they can kill you.
When you stop smoking instantly your likelihood of contracting cancers associated with smoking is diminished. Be that as it may, most people don't realize that Emphysema and Arterial disease kill more smokers than cancer does.
As a female of child bearing age one of the big reasons to quit smoking is that female smokers have a much higher incidence of fertility issues and birth defects. If you smoke while on the pill your chances of contracting heart disease or stroke increase ten-fold.
Once you cease smoking your clothing, hair and home will lose the nicotine smell. You probably can't smell it because you smoke, but I can assure you that your non smoking friends and family can smell it and it is disgusting.
Nicotine leaves yellow stains on the teeth of those that smoke and smokers are also more likely to have problem with gum disease.
If you have ever calculated how much you actually spend on cigarettes a year you know this is actually one of the big reasons to quit smoking. How much travel or dinners out could you buy with that same amount of money?
Children of smokers can hardly avoid second hand smoking. It has been shown in a number of studies that these children more commonly suffer from asthma, bronchitis and other childhood diseases.
Cigarettes and the smoking techniques have been linked to increased facial wrinkles.
Physical exertion done while still a smoker will become much easier once you stop smoking.
Ceasing smoking will help alleviate that nasty smokers cough plus you will be able to breathe better.
Around most of the world smoking is becoming much less socially acceptable. Bars and restaurants through most European countries no longer allow smoking. Offices have long banned it inside and smokers are forced to spend smoking breaks hanging around outside somewhere.
Cigarettes contain many noxious or carcinogenic substances which as you know can be harmful to your health. Well, harmful is actually an understatement - they can kill you.
When you stop smoking instantly your likelihood of contracting cancers associated with smoking is diminished. Be that as it may, most people don't realize that Emphysema and Arterial disease kill more smokers than cancer does.
As a female of child bearing age one of the big reasons to quit smoking is that female smokers have a much higher incidence of fertility issues and birth defects. If you smoke while on the pill your chances of contracting heart disease or stroke increase ten-fold.
Once you cease smoking your clothing, hair and home will lose the nicotine smell. You probably can't smell it because you smoke, but I can assure you that your non smoking friends and family can smell it and it is disgusting.
Nicotine leaves yellow stains on the teeth of those that smoke and smokers are also more likely to have problem with gum disease.
If you have ever calculated how much you actually spend on cigarettes a year you know this is actually one of the big reasons to quit smoking. How much travel or dinners out could you buy with that same amount of money?
Children of smokers can hardly avoid second hand smoking. It has been shown in a number of studies that these children more commonly suffer from asthma, bronchitis and other childhood diseases.
Cigarettes and the smoking techniques have been linked to increased facial wrinkles.
Physical exertion done while still a smoker will become much easier once you stop smoking.
Ceasing smoking will help alleviate that nasty smokers cough plus you will be able to breathe better.
Around most of the world smoking is becoming much less socially acceptable. Bars and restaurants through most European countries no longer allow smoking. Offices have long banned it inside and smokers are forced to spend smoking breaks hanging around outside somewhere.
Three Tips to Quit Smoking For Good
Many people take the new year as a chance to quit smoking for good. Here are three ways and tips to help you quit smoking for good so that you never have to think about spending an exorbitant amount of money each year ruin your health again.
Quit With a Friend - Quitting with a friend is a good way to quit smoking for good because you have a mutual support system and someone you can lean on whenever one of you slips. Quitting with a friend simultaneously drastically increases your chances of quitting for good for the both of you because of the cooperative motivational factors.
Make it Official - Telling your friends and loved ones that you want to quit smoking for good earns you their support, but just as importantly holds you accountable for actually quitting. Tell them the specific date that you would like to quit and cut back as you approach that day until you smoke your last one. Your loved ones will certainly be very supportive and thank you for what you're doing.
Join a Forum - You should also think about joining an online smoking forum for help to quit smoking for good. Here you can introduce yourself and explain your reasons for wanting to quit and you'll find support from dozens and hundreds and thousands of others just like you in your exact same position. They know exactly what you're going through as they're doing it, as well, and can help you get through it day by day as you celebrate each victory until you take that final step and final cigarette with it, not to mention it's also a great way to make some new friends in the right situation.
Quit With a Friend - Quitting with a friend is a good way to quit smoking for good because you have a mutual support system and someone you can lean on whenever one of you slips. Quitting with a friend simultaneously drastically increases your chances of quitting for good for the both of you because of the cooperative motivational factors.
Make it Official - Telling your friends and loved ones that you want to quit smoking for good earns you their support, but just as importantly holds you accountable for actually quitting. Tell them the specific date that you would like to quit and cut back as you approach that day until you smoke your last one. Your loved ones will certainly be very supportive and thank you for what you're doing.
Join a Forum - You should also think about joining an online smoking forum for help to quit smoking for good. Here you can introduce yourself and explain your reasons for wanting to quit and you'll find support from dozens and hundreds and thousands of others just like you in your exact same position. They know exactly what you're going through as they're doing it, as well, and can help you get through it day by day as you celebrate each victory until you take that final step and final cigarette with it, not to mention it's also a great way to make some new friends in the right situation.
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