HealthNewsDigest.com

(HealthNewsDigest.com) – The piece of origin ran last September and started with a bit of history. The first European smoker was part of the Columbus crew and soon many others were getting used to it. Cigarettes would eventually become the dominant smoking material only after the advent of the cigarette rolling mill in 1880.

The percentage of Americans (aged 18 and older) who smoke has been followed by the Gallup Organization since at least 1949. That year it was 44%, reaching its highest historic level of 45% in 1954 and 1958. The Surgeon General's Report was published in 1964 and, in 1969 this number will fall to 40%. In 1978, it would have increased to 36%. the latest data (2016) sets it at 15.5%.

So, to expropriate the famous advertising campaign: We have come a long way, baby. Again, 68% of current smokers want to leave.

Of course, the web is full of suggestions on how to quit. Here are some that are more offbeat:

1. Financial incentives

In May 2015, the New England Journal of Medicine published a study entitled "Randomized Trial of Four Financial Incentive Programs to Quit Smoking". A group of 2,538 CVS Caremark employees, as well as their relatives and friends, were randomly assigned to one of four stimulation programs or traditional smoking cessation programs. The rewards offered were either individual or collective. And, in some cases, involved a deposit, which could then achieve a higher return.

While no deposit programs were much more popular (90% acceptance by transferees), deposit programs (acceptance only 13.7%) were the most effective. 52.3% of those who accepted deposits versus 17.1% of those who accepted awards had maintained their abstinence for six months, with similar similar differences observed at all times. More detailed results are available in the publication.

The authors cite eight references establishing the effectiveness of financial incentives to promote various healthy behaviors, including the fight against drug abuse; encourage weight loss; adherence to warfarin regimens; and previous efforts to stop smoking.

2 Change eating habits

According to American Cancer Society"Eat four to six small meals during the day instead of one or two big ones. This keeps your blood sugar stable, your energy balanced and helps prevent the urge to smoke. Avoid sugary or spicy foods that could trigger the urge to smoke. "

3 Change your environment

Also from the CSA: "During the first days after stopping smoking, spend as much free time as possible in public places where smoking is prohibited. (Libraries, shopping malls, museums, museums, theaters, restaurants without bars and churches are usually non-smokers.) "Some people have voluntarily created new jobs at employers who ban smoking at the same time. 39; inside.

4 Dislike Therapy

The administration of electrical shock to those who are not in compliance with the goals of smoking cessation has been around for some time. The same goes for the practice of "fast smoking", according to which the subject is forced to inflate every few seconds to produce repulsion and nausea.

Stephen King's novel "Quitters, Inc." (later included in a film anthology) pushes aversion therapy to a higher level as its treatment center is run by the mafia. This scene illustrates how a customer's wife receives an electric shock due to a violation of her non-smoking agreement. And that's just the penalty for the very first violation.

5 Phytotherapy

The idea is to reduce cravings and nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Frequently mentioned substances include green tea, lobelia tea, valerian, ginseng, cayenne pepper and green oats extract.

In the same spirit, I have just been introduced to a product called Quit WTR®, described as a stop-smoking, drug-free, nicotine-free and addictive remedy that helps you defeat cravings and spend the day without giving in to the urge to smoke. Using a blend of valerian root, oat straw and holy basil, as well as vitamins, minerals and spices, the product is supposed to calm you down during those stressful moments of nicotine withdrawal. . The site offers many luminous testimonies, and a complete FAQ section.

Of course, it is difficult to stop smoking, but good products and good advice are not lacking. Believe me, it's worth it!

Michael D. Shaw

Vice-president

Interscan Corporation

[email protected]