Everyone knows it can be hard to stop smoking. After all, the
nicotine in cigarettes is a powerfully addictive drug. But with the
right approach, you can do it. Millions of Americans have kicked the
smoking habit by following some key steps, like lining up support from
friends and planning ahead how they'll respond to cravings.
This personal planning tool helps you think through your approach. As
you work through the planner, you'll see examples of some of the things
other people did to stop smoking. When you're finished, you can print a
goal sheet to guide and inspire you.
Stopping smoking takes daily awareness. You're replacing your smoking
habit with a new, nonsmoking habit — and reprogramming your brain like
that takes time. You'll need patience and, yes, willpower. So take it
one day at a time. Look at your goal sheet every day and remind yourself
of the reasons why you want to stop. Review the things that can trip
you up so you can be prepared to take them on them during the day.
Did you forget and light up? Forgive yourself and get back on track.
Did you get through a difficult situation without smoking? Congratulate
yourself. It's a real achievement to stop smoking. When you reach your
goal, you won't just be healthier. You'll also know a bit more about
yourself — like the fact that you're strong enough to meet a really
tough challenge.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Thursday, January 16, 2014
China, world's leading tobacco user, moves to ban indoor public smoking
China, the world's largest tobacco consumer, is aiming to ban indoor smoking in public areas by the end of the year.
About one in three
cigarettes smoked in the world is in China, according to the World
Health Organization. And more than half of Chinese men smoke, according
to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey in 2010.
Although the nation's
health ministry issued guidelines in 2011 to ban smoking in places like
hotels and restaurants, they haven't been "strictly enforced," according to Xinhua, China's state-run news agency.
The China's National Health and Family Commission is now working on a tobacco control law with clear punishments, according to Xinhua.
Classic Blue
China's smoking habit
The country's health
authorities estimate over a million deaths from tobacco-related diseases
every year. The WHO warns that if tobacco use is not decreased in
China, these deaths will increase to 3 million by 2050.
Last month, Chinese government officials were told not to smoke in public places such as hospitals, public transport or schools to set a good example for the public.
The latest moves by the
Chinese government on tobacco are "hopeful," said Dr. Judith Mackay, the
senior adviser at the World Lung Foundation, who examines tobacco
issues in China.
About 32 Chinese cities have passed their own rules to restrict public smoking, she added.
"China stands on its own
in the magnitude of the problem," said Mackay. "Unless there is change
in China, we won't proceed further in reducing the tobacco epidemic in
the world."
Tobacco use in China has far-reaching consequences, she said.
"This isn't a health
problem. It's a huge economic problem. There's all these things ranging
from medical and health care costs, the costs to the families and
there's the cost of secondhand smoke."
Friday, January 10, 2014
NY State’s Stop Smoking-Cessation Efforts Gets Low Marks
A national coalition of anti-smoking advocates has ranked New York 21st among states in funding for smoking cessation programs.
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids this month also included New York among states it said broke promises to use all or most of the money from the historic tobacco company settlement 15 years ago to combat smoking.
The group, funded by cancer and anti-smoking charities, reported this month that New York is spending about $40 million a year on tobacco prevention programs after annual declines during much of the last decade. That spending is about 16 percent of the $254 million in yearly funding recommended for New York by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Horner said the program has seen deeper annual cuts than most areas of spending in recent years. He said the fund has declined from a high of $85 million under Gov. Eliot Spitzer in 2007 to just more than $39 million now.Donskoy tabak bright
Advocates for the program and others were encouraged earlier this month during Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s first broad comments about his 2014-15 executive budget proposal due in January. “There will not be cuts,” Cuomo said. He didn’t want to go into detail about things like anti-smoking money because the budget proposal is still being crafted. And avoiding cuts, even in an election year like 2014, will be difficult. Cuomo has kept state spending growth under 2 percent since he took office three years ago. But he has a built-in increase for education — as much as 5 percent for the 2014-15 fiscal year. In addition, the roughly $135 billion budget must address a projected $1.7 billion deficit and fund the governor’s plans for a $2 billion surplus, which he wants to use to subsidize cuts in local property taxes. Budget office spokesman Morris Peters said the growth of revenue in the state’s economic recovery compared with what was projected a year ago will build that surplus if fiscal discipline continues in spending and staffing. He said he couldn’t discuss a specific budget line such as one for smoking cessation programs. The Coalition for Tobacco-Free Kids report concludes that states are “penny-wise and pound-foolish” in underfunding prevention and cessation programs despite evidence that the TV ads, telephone quit lines, counseling and more all work to help smokers quit or to encourage youths not to start. The report says tobacco is blamed on 400,000 deaths a year nationwide and consumes $96 billion in health care spending annually. The report found that over 15 years, states have used just 2.3 percent of $390 billion in tobacco settlement money and tobacco taxes on programs to prevent smoking and other tobacco use. Much of the money went to states’ general funds and elsewhere. - See more at: http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/headlines-breaking-stories/207765/ny-states-stop-smoking-cessation-efforts-gets-low-marks.html#sthash.Jt6s8Cj3.dpuf
Advocates for the program and others were encouraged earlier this month during Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s first broad comments about his 2014-15 executive budget proposal due in January. “There will not be cuts,” Cuomo said. He didn’t want to go into detail about things like anti-smoking money because the budget proposal is still being crafted. And avoiding cuts, even in an election year like 2014, will be difficult. Cuomo has kept state spending growth under 2 percent since he took office three years ago. But he has a built-in increase for education — as much as 5 percent for the 2014-15 fiscal year. In addition, the roughly $135 billion budget must address a projected $1.7 billion deficit and fund the governor’s plans for a $2 billion surplus, which he wants to use to subsidize cuts in local property taxes. Budget office spokesman Morris Peters said the growth of revenue in the state’s economic recovery compared with what was projected a year ago will build that surplus if fiscal discipline continues in spending and staffing. He said he couldn’t discuss a specific budget line such as one for smoking cessation programs. The Coalition for Tobacco-Free Kids report concludes that states are “penny-wise and pound-foolish” in underfunding prevention and cessation programs despite evidence that the TV ads, telephone quit lines, counseling and more all work to help smokers quit or to encourage youths not to start. The report says tobacco is blamed on 400,000 deaths a year nationwide and consumes $96 billion in health care spending annually. The report found that over 15 years, states have used just 2.3 percent of $390 billion in tobacco settlement money and tobacco taxes on programs to prevent smoking and other tobacco use. Much of the money went to states’ general funds and elsewhere. - See more at: http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/headlines-breaking-stories/207765/ny-states-stop-smoking-cessation-efforts-gets-low-marks.html#sthash.Jt6s8Cj3.dpuf
Workplace rules on medical marijuana in federal agencies not consistent, survey finds
A survey of federal agencies and departments with a connection to
public safety has found no consistent policies regarding employees who
use medical marijuana.Gauloises Blondes Blue
The issue made national headlines last month when a Mountie in New Brunswick publicly complained about not being able to smoke medical marijuana while in uniform. The force subsequently stripped Cpl. Ron Francis, who says he uses medical marijuana to help him with post-traumatic stress disorder, of his red serge.
Postmedia News queried several federal agencies about their awareness of employees who use medical marijuana and any restrictions that may be placed on employees who make such disclosures. Here’s what they said:
RCMP
Spokeswoman Sgt. Julie Gagnon said the force is aware of “less than five” Mounties who use medical marijuana. She was unable to be more precise.
Current policy requires RCMP members to report any medical condition that may be hazardous to their health and safety or to the public, she said.
While RCMP doctors do not authorize medical marijuana use, members can get authorization from their family doctors.
Members who use a “mind-altering drug” — Gagnon cited marijuana, OxyContin and Dilaudid as examples — are not permitted to perform operational duties and barred from carrying a firearm or driving a police vehicle.
Appearing before the House of Commons public safety committee in early December, RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson described the episode in New Brunswick as “awkward and disappointing,” but also acknowledged that “it did raise some issues with respect to managing members or employees of organizations … who are prescribed medical marijuana.”
Paulson said Francis was “fully off duty” and that the force was “working with him to try to help him get better.”
A few days later, police arrested Francis and charged him with assaulting another police officer.
Transport Canada
Pilots and air traffic controllers are obligated to report the use of any medication as part of obtaining their medical certificates and failure to do so could result in licences being suspended, said spokeswoman Karine Martel.
Once they obtain their medical certificates, pilots and air traffic controllers are assessed by civil aviation medical examiners on a regular basis, added spokeswoman Roxane Marchand. For example, commercial pilots over 40 must undergo a medical every six months.
Neither pilots nor air traffic controllers would be allowed to perform their jobs if using medical marijuana, officials said.
Canadian Air Transport Security Authority
CATSA is the Crown corporation responsible for screening airline passengers and their baggage. Officials are not aware of any screeners who use medical marijuana, spokesman Mathieu Larocque said.
However, CATSA and the contractors who directly employ screening officers do not require employees to disclose use of medical marijuana.
“We do not ask for this information,” Larocque said.
That said, “our training programs and oversight mechanisms ensure that screening officers have the capacities and abilities to perform their duties,” he said.
Canada Border Services Agency
Citing privacy reasons, spokesman Graham Maja said the agency “cannot provide specific information on the potential use of medical marijuana by officers.”
Border officers are required to report anything that may negatively impact their health and safety, or that of the public, Maja said. “Any border services officer taking medication that can negatively affect judgment, including marijuana, is not permitted to perform operational duties, including carrying a firearm.”
The issue made national headlines last month when a Mountie in New Brunswick publicly complained about not being able to smoke medical marijuana while in uniform. The force subsequently stripped Cpl. Ron Francis, who says he uses medical marijuana to help him with post-traumatic stress disorder, of his red serge.
Postmedia News queried several federal agencies about their awareness of employees who use medical marijuana and any restrictions that may be placed on employees who make such disclosures. Here’s what they said:
RCMP
Spokeswoman Sgt. Julie Gagnon said the force is aware of “less than five” Mounties who use medical marijuana. She was unable to be more precise.
Current policy requires RCMP members to report any medical condition that may be hazardous to their health and safety or to the public, she said.
While RCMP doctors do not authorize medical marijuana use, members can get authorization from their family doctors.
Members who use a “mind-altering drug” — Gagnon cited marijuana, OxyContin and Dilaudid as examples — are not permitted to perform operational duties and barred from carrying a firearm or driving a police vehicle.
Appearing before the House of Commons public safety committee in early December, RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson described the episode in New Brunswick as “awkward and disappointing,” but also acknowledged that “it did raise some issues with respect to managing members or employees of organizations … who are prescribed medical marijuana.”
Paulson said Francis was “fully off duty” and that the force was “working with him to try to help him get better.”
A few days later, police arrested Francis and charged him with assaulting another police officer.
Transport Canada
Pilots and air traffic controllers are obligated to report the use of any medication as part of obtaining their medical certificates and failure to do so could result in licences being suspended, said spokeswoman Karine Martel.
Once they obtain their medical certificates, pilots and air traffic controllers are assessed by civil aviation medical examiners on a regular basis, added spokeswoman Roxane Marchand. For example, commercial pilots over 40 must undergo a medical every six months.
Neither pilots nor air traffic controllers would be allowed to perform their jobs if using medical marijuana, officials said.
Canadian Air Transport Security Authority
CATSA is the Crown corporation responsible for screening airline passengers and their baggage. Officials are not aware of any screeners who use medical marijuana, spokesman Mathieu Larocque said.
However, CATSA and the contractors who directly employ screening officers do not require employees to disclose use of medical marijuana.
“We do not ask for this information,” Larocque said.
That said, “our training programs and oversight mechanisms ensure that screening officers have the capacities and abilities to perform their duties,” he said.
Canada Border Services Agency
Citing privacy reasons, spokesman Graham Maja said the agency “cannot provide specific information on the potential use of medical marijuana by officers.”
Border officers are required to report anything that may negatively impact their health and safety, or that of the public, Maja said. “Any border services officer taking medication that can negatively affect judgment, including marijuana, is not permitted to perform operational duties, including carrying a firearm.”
‘I now tell my brothers to quit smoking’
Former smoker Jim Kelly admits he used to enjoy 20 roll-up
cigarettes a day, but he was forced to quit after developing a serious
lung condition.
Jim, 72, suffered a fall 15 years ago which broke his ribs. He came down with pneumonia which was quickly followed by a diagnoses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
He said: “Even after 15 years of not smoking I could still kill for a cigarette, but unfortunately if I do then that could kill me my doctors have said.”
One of the biggest causes of COPD is smoking, and across the Fylde coast, 1,332 people have stopped smoking within four weeks of seeking help from stop smoking services.
Because of his COPD Jim, of Bispham, is a regular inpatient at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
He said: “Thank goodness none of my children smoke. I am forever telling my brothers who smoke that it is no good for you and to quit. Lucky Strike Click&Roll
“I wouldn’t wish COPD on anyone. It has a massive impact on your quality of life so I would urge anyone thinking about quitting to do so, and better still not to start in the first place.”
Blackpool Stop Smoking Service co-ordinator, Carol Bramhall, said: “You are much more likely to quit with help and support from the stop smoking services.
“The services in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre offer a range of different options to help you quit.
“One to one appointments, walk in clinics and group sessions are just some of the options available to you, along with telephone and text support, so we would urge you to come along and access our services.”
Jim, 72, suffered a fall 15 years ago which broke his ribs. He came down with pneumonia which was quickly followed by a diagnoses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
He said: “Even after 15 years of not smoking I could still kill for a cigarette, but unfortunately if I do then that could kill me my doctors have said.”
One of the biggest causes of COPD is smoking, and across the Fylde coast, 1,332 people have stopped smoking within four weeks of seeking help from stop smoking services.
Because of his COPD Jim, of Bispham, is a regular inpatient at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
He said: “Thank goodness none of my children smoke. I am forever telling my brothers who smoke that it is no good for you and to quit. Lucky Strike Click&Roll
“I wouldn’t wish COPD on anyone. It has a massive impact on your quality of life so I would urge anyone thinking about quitting to do so, and better still not to start in the first place.”
Blackpool Stop Smoking Service co-ordinator, Carol Bramhall, said: “You are much more likely to quit with help and support from the stop smoking services.
“The services in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre offer a range of different options to help you quit.
“One to one appointments, walk in clinics and group sessions are just some of the options available to you, along with telephone and text support, so we would urge you to come along and access our services.”
Smokers urged to quit in the new year
Smokers in Lancashire are being encouraged to make quitting their new year’s resolution for 2014.
There are more than 207,000 smokers in the county and research has shown that two thirds of them want to stop. Lancashire County Council is supporting the national Smokefree Health Harms campaign, run by Public Health England.
County Councillor Azhar Ali, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Giving up smoking isn’t easy and people can get support through this campaign, their local pharmacy, or by phoning their stop smoking service.
There are more than 207,000 smokers in the county and research has shown that two thirds of them want to stop. Lancashire County Council is supporting the national Smokefree Health Harms campaign, run by Public Health England.
County Councillor Azhar Ali, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Giving up smoking isn’t easy and people can get support through this campaign, their local pharmacy, or by phoning their stop smoking service.
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