Ways on How to Quit Smoking

Cancer is the number 1 disease now that kills a person. One of the causes of cancer is smoking, and quitting it is very hard because it's like drugs that can be addictive.

My father is a former smoker, my husband also smoke as well as some of my friends. I don't smoke ever, i have a hard time breathing when i smell the smoke of a cigarette. I don't have asthma!

When i say my father is a former smoker, he eventually manage to stop smoking after 35 years. He uses the method of Cutting down, gradually cutting down the number of cigarettes until he stops completely.

In the february issue of Reader's Digest, they have an article entitled " I Want to Quit Smoking" by Lalitha Naidu, she discusses 10 Ways to Stop Smoking and its advantages and disadvantages.

1. Cold Turkey. Stopping the habit abruptly with no other assistance.
Advantage: No planning involved; free
Disadvantage: Low success rate; not for everyone

2. Cutting Down. Less abrupt that cold turkey, gradual reduction enables the smoker to wean off cigarettes until stopping completely.
Advantage: Inexpensive; useful learning experience
Disadvantage: Does'nt improve your health; limited success

3. Inhalers. These release nicotine through the mouth to take the edge off cravings.
Advantage: Visible sign of your effort; eases you into quitting.
Disadvantage: May cause temptation to smoke; some may fel self-conscious
Cost: Nicorette Inhaler (10mg) $18.90. Prices my vary depending on country.

4. Gum. Available in 2mg or 4mg varieties, gum kicks cravings by giving you small doses of nicotine.
Advantage: Handbag-friendly; instant remedy
Disadvantage: Taste can be unpleasant; may stick to dentures.
Cost: Nicorette Fresh Mint 2mg($14.70) and 4mg ($21.95) for a pack of 30; Nicotinell Fruit Flavoured Chewing Gum 2mg ($11.30) and 4mg($17.20) for a pack of 24.

5. Bupropion (Zyban)(Prescription medication). A class of antidepressant, Zyban works by decreasing the physical craving for cigarettes by reducing nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Not recommended for people with epilepsy.
Advantage: Curbs cravings
Disadvantage: Not suitable for everyone
Cost: Prescription only, see a doctor

6. Varenicline (Champix)(Prescription medication). Blocks the effect of nicotine in the body, which removes the pleasure associated with smoking and takes the edge off cravings.
Advantage: Proven effective
Disadvantage: Not recommended in conjunction with nicotine replacement therapies (NRT); possible side effects include nausea, adverse mood and behavior changes.
Cost: Prescription only, see a doctor

7. Patches. Can help adhere to your decision to quit- quite literally. Stuck to the body, it release nicotine through the skin at a slow and steady rate.
Advantage: Convenient; simple; requires little engagement in quitting process
Disadvantage: Can cause sleep disruptions: possible skin irritations; not sensitive to changing nicotine needs.
Cost: Nicorette Patches (5mg) 16 hour, $21.80; Nicotinell TTS 30/20/10 Patches 24 hour, $25.80/$23.40/$21.24

8. Lozenges. They come in a variety of strengths and are a discreet way of controlling cravings with minimal effort.
Advantage: Portable; discreet
Disadvantage: Short-lived effects; not suitable for strong cravings
Cost: Nicotinell Lozenge 1mg, $15.10 for a pack of 36

9. Complementary Treatments. Acupunture to hypnotheraphy may not work but it does'nt hurt your chances of quitting.
Advantage: Can be effective when combined with counselling
Disadvantage: No proven benefits; can be expensive

10. Counselling. The best way of quitting is through counselling or advice programmes. Coupling medication or NRT;s with behavioral advice increases the benefits of this method.
Advantage: Long-tem empowerment; provided psychological support.
Disadvantage: None.

My First Taste of Haagen Dazz Ice Cream

YUMMY!!! with waffle, red cherries, banana, and vanilla ice cream topped with caramel. My first taste of haagen dazz ice cream in SM Mall of Asia.