Are you finally ready to quit
smoking for the Great American Smoke Out
on November 15th this year? The Great American
Smoke Out is takes place
on the 3rd Thursday of November. Smokers across the nation will attempt
to quit
smoking or smoke less on that day.
For many smokers, this is the day that they will finally kick the habit
for good. The event is highly publicized that day and many volunteers
from various agencies will be available to help and support the tobacco
users with their desire to quit.
The Great American Smoke Out also draws attention to the many
illnesses, diseases and deaths attributed to tobacco usage. It also
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 45 million US
adults smoke cigarettes. Over 8 million people have an illness
attributed to smoking. The use of tobacco can cause lung and other
cancers, heart disease, and lung disease such as emphysema and copd. 1
out of 3 cancer deaths are attributed to smoking.
Over the years, people have tried various methods to try and break the
nicotine habit. Many people have had success with patches, pills, gums
and hypnosis. Recently, low level laser
therapy (lllt) was introduced
to aid people in quitting smoking.
Low level laser therapy is the use of a cold, low level laser to
stimulate acupuncture points on the body that decrease the urge for
nicotine. The therapy stimulates the body and assists in production of
endorphins which are your body''s natural healers. The endorphin
production helps to eliminate the cravings that are generated by
nicotine. Most people report a feeling of calm and well being after
undergoing the laser therapy for smoking cessation.
The great thing about the low level laser therapy that sets itself
apart from most of the other therapies is that there are no reported
side effects with the treatment. There are very few contraindications
for the therapy so most people can be treated. Because the therapy is
currently undergoing FDA clinical trials, people with active cancers or
pregnant women can not be treated. People who are sensitive to light,
currently taking antibiotics or steroids are also ineligible for the
treatment.Did you know what positive changes happen to the body at the very
moment that you decide to quit smoking? Check out these facts:
20 minutes after quitting smoking: your blood pressure drops to a level
close to that before your last cigarette. The temperature of your hands
and feet increases, returning to normal.
8 hours after quitting smoking: the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal, your body is now getting more oxygen.
24 hours after quitting smoking: you have better circulation and your lung function increases up to 30%
1 to 9 months after quitting smoking: coughing, sinus congestion,
fatigue and shortness of breath decrease. Your lungs start to function
better, lowering your risk of lung infections.
1 year after quitting smoking: you reduce your risk of heart disease by 50%.
5-15 years after quitting smoking: your risk of having a stroke is the same as someone who has never smoked.
10 years after quitting smoking: your risk of dying from lung cancer is
about half of a continuing smoker''s. Your risk of cancers of the mouth,
throat esophagus, kidney and pancreas also decrease.
15 years after quitting smoking: your risk of heart disease is now the same as someone who has never smoked.
Whatever method you chose to quit smoking during the Great American Smoke Out, I wish you the best of luck. You can do it!