Smoking

Smoking is the inhalation of the smoke of burning tobacco encased in cigarettes, pipes, and cigars. Casual smoking is the act of smoking only occasionally, usually in a social situation or to relieve stress. A smoking habit is a physical addiction to tobacco products. Many health experts now regard habitual smoking as a psychological addiction, too, and one with serious health consequences.

Chantix increases risk of heart attack or arrhythmia

Chantix associated with 72 percent increased risk of serious CV events — Popular smoking cessation drug significantly increases risk of hospitalization due to serious cardiovascular problems – Smoking cigarettes is a dangerous habit that many are struggling to break, but for the smokers who choose to use one of the most popular smoking cessation drugs on the market, new warnings about the risk of serious cardiovascular events are on their way. Use of varenicline ? marketed by Pfizer under the brand name Chantix ? is associated with a 72 percent increased risk of hospitalization due to a serious adverse cardiovascular (CV) event, such as heart attack or arrhythmia.

Smoking ban reduces emergency room admissions

Smoking ban reduces emergency room admissions – Workplace smoking bans are gaining ground globally, and one study has shown that they may have significant health effects. The study, conducted by researchers in Dublin, found that emergency room admissions due to respiratory illness dropped significantly in Ireland after the implementation of a workplace smoking ban, compared to admissions that took place before the ban went into effect.

Smokers believe silver gold or slim cigarettes are less harmful

Smokers believe ‘silver’, ‘gold’ and ‘slim’ cigarettes are less harmful – Despite current prohibitions on the words ‘light’ and ‘mild’, smokers in Western countries continue falsely to believe that some cigarette brands may be less harmful than others.

Genetic test for lung cancer risk prompts smokers to quit

New research shows genetic test for lung cancer risk prompts smokers to quit – New research shows a gene-based test for lung cancer risk assessment motivates smokers to quit or cut down, according to results of a clinical study presented today at the American Association of Cancer Research’s Ninth Annual Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research.

Smoking increases depressive symptoms in teens

Smoking increases depressive symptoms in teens — Universities of Toronto and Montreal study published in Addictive Behaviors – While some teenagers may puff on cigarettes to ‘self-medicate’ against the blues, scientists at the University of Toronto and the University of Montreal have found that smoking may actually increase depressive symptoms in some adolescents.

Cigarette smoke causes harmful changes in lungs even at lowest levels

Cigarette smoke causes harmful changes in the lungs even at the lowest levels — First study to show alteration in the function of genes in the lungs resulting from secondhand and low-level smoking – Casual smokers may think that smoking a few cigarettes a week is “no big deal.” But according to new research from physician-scientists at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, having an infrequent smoke, or being exposed to secondhand smoke, may be doing more harm than people may think.

Passive smoking may lead to poorer mental health

Link found between passive smoking and poorer mental health – Second hand smoke exposure is associated with psychological distress and risk of future psychiatric illness, according to new UCL research that suggests the harmful affects of passive smoking go beyond physical health.

Tobacco companies challenged anti smoking signs in US

Philip Morris, Lorillard and R J Reynolds have challenged antismoking signs in New York, USA. – In US, 3 tobacco companies Philip Morris, Lorillard and R. J. Reynolds, and trade associations have challenged antismoking graphic images of diseased brains, lungs and teeth.

World No Tobacco Day 2010 focuses on marketing of tobacco to women

WHO calls for protection of women and girls from tobacco — World No Tobacco Day 2010 focuses on the marketing of tobacco to women – In observance of World No Tobacco Day 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) is urging global action to protect women and girls against the sickness and suffering caused by tobacco use.

Vaccine to help people quit smoking

MSU researchers testing vaccine to help people quit smoking — Novel approach blocks ‘pleasure sensation’ – In a unique twist to a decades-old health crisis, Michigan State University researchers are testing a new vaccine to help people quit smoking and avoid relapses.

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