Tag

Smoking Cessation

All articles tagged with #smoking cessation

Vaping Emerges as Top Tool for Quitting Smoking in Global Evidence Review
health12 days ago

Vaping Emerges as Top Tool for Quitting Smoking in Global Evidence Review

A global overview of 14 systematic reviews (2014–2023) finds nicotine-containing e-cigarettes more effective for long-term smoking cessation than nicotine replacement therapy, non-nicotine e-cigarettes, or behavioral support, with higher-quality evidence showing consistent benefits. However, safety data remain inconclusive and there are gaps, notably a lack of high-quality trials comparing e-cigarettes with cytisine, bupropion, nicotine pouches, or varenicline and limited data from low- and middle-income countries. The authors call for more primary research, including adverse-event monitoring across diverse settings, to fully understand risks and global applicability.

Psilocybin shows promise to beat nicotine patches for quitting smoking
health26 days ago

Psilocybin shows promise to beat nicotine patches for quitting smoking

A Johns Hopkins study found that a single high dose of psilocybin paired with cognitive behavioral therapy helped more smokers quit after six months than nicotine patches, with 17 abstinent in the psilocybin group versus 4 in the patch group and roughly 50% fewer cigarettes on average between the quit date and six-month follow-up. The study notes limitations (no placebo, participants were mostly educated and not racially diverse, and many had prior psychedelic experience) and plans a larger trial to confirm efficacy and explore scalability and cost-efficiency.

COPD relief hinges on one step: quitting smoking, says GP
health1 month ago

COPD relief hinges on one step: quitting smoking, says GP

GP Dr Philippa Kaye explains COPD is a chronic, incurable lung condition often linked to smoking; while not curable, symptoms can be markedly improved by quitting smoking (the single most important step), engaging in supervised exercise via a pulmonary rehabilitation program, using inhalers correctly, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying up to date with vaccines (flu, pneumococcal, RSV). Seek GP help if breathlessness or coughing worsens.

Five Simple Habits Cardiologists Say Can Boost Your Heart Health
health1 month ago

Five Simple Habits Cardiologists Say Can Boost Your Heart Health

Cardiologists say small, sustainable changes can meaningfully lower cardiovascular risk: eat more plant foods, sit less and move more, strengthen social connections, choose unsweetened beverages, and quit smoking. Start with easy steps like adding a handful of plant foods to meals or taking brief post‑dinner walks, and gradually build these habits over time for lasting heart health.

Challenges in Quitting E-Cigarettes Despite Safer Perception
health3 months ago

Challenges in Quitting E-Cigarettes Despite Safer Perception

Vaping is considered safer than smoking due to the absence of combustion, but it remains addictive and challenging to quit, especially for young people. While evidence supports vaping as a less harmful alternative, many users struggle to stop due to behavioral and psychological factors, with various support strategies like gradual reduction, professional help, and behavioral therapies showing promise. Public misconceptions about vaping's risks persist, complicating efforts to reduce its use, particularly among youth.

Debunking the Myth: Nicotine's False Link to Cancer and Its Public Health Impact
health7 months ago

Debunking the Myth: Nicotine's False Link to Cancer and Its Public Health Impact

The article discusses how misconceptions that nicotine causes cancer are hindering public health efforts, emphasizing that the harm from smoking comes from combustion, not nicotine itself. It highlights the potential benefits of smoke-free nicotine products like e-cigarettes and patches for quitting smoking, and stresses the importance of accurate public education to correct false beliefs and promote harm reduction. The piece also warns against the commercialization of nicotine as a wellness product and the need for nuanced understanding of nicotine's risks and benefits.

France Bans Smoking at Parks and Beaches to Protect Children
health9 months ago

France Bans Smoking at Parks and Beaches to Protect Children

The article discusses the global efforts and challenges in moving towards a tobacco-free future, highlighting various country initiatives like France's outdoor smoking ban, Bhutan's historic tobacco prohibition, New Zealand's attempted phase-out, and ongoing debates about the effectiveness and economic impact of such measures, alongside WHO's report on declining global smoking rates.

Finding Faith and Fortune in a Lung Cancer Diagnosis
health1 year ago

Finding Faith and Fortune in a Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Barbara Rodriguez, a 53-year-old woman from Virginia, felt "blessed" after being diagnosed with stage two lung cancer following a decision to quit smoking while reading the Bible. Despite the challenging treatment, including surgery and chemotherapy, she expressed gratitude for the early detection and successful removal of the cancer, which was caused by a mutation rather than smoking. Now cancer-free, Barbara emphasizes the importance of early cancer screenings and maintains a positive outlook, feeling grateful for her life and health.

SRK's Bold Move Boosts Brand Value to New Heights
entertainment1 year ago

SRK's Bold Move Boosts Brand Value to New Heights

Shahrukh Khan, on his 59th birthday, announced he has quit smoking, a decision that not only benefits his health but also boosts his brand value. This move has inspired many fans to consider quitting smoking and has opened up new endorsement opportunities with international brands that previously avoided partnerships due to his smoking habit. SRK's decision is expected to bring significant financial gains as brands now seek to associate with his healthier image.

FDA Approves First Menthol E-Cigarettes to Aid Adult Smokers
health1 year ago

FDA Approves First Menthol E-Cigarettes to Aid Adult Smokers

The FDA has authorized the first menthol-flavored e-cigarettes from NJOY, suggesting that vaping flavors could help reduce the harms of traditional tobacco smoking. This decision supports vaping companies' claims that their products can aid adult smokers, though it is likely to disappoint parent groups and anti-tobacco advocates concerned about the appeal of menthol flavors to teens.

"9 Lifestyle Hacks to Lower Your Cancer Risk"
health1 year ago

"9 Lifestyle Hacks to Lower Your Cancer Risk"

To reduce cancer risk, adopt lifestyle changes such as eating more fiber, consuming fish rich in omega-3, using sun protection, cutting down on alcohol, reducing processed meat intake, prioritizing sleep, eating antioxidant-rich berries, quitting smoking, and practicing safe sex. These measures can significantly lower the chances of developing cancer, which is influenced by environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors.

"Study Shows Vaping's Effectiveness in Helping Smokers Quit"
health2 years ago

"Study Shows Vaping's Effectiveness in Helping Smokers Quit"

New research suggests that vaping may help people quit smoking, with a study showing that a higher percentage of e-cigarette users stopped smoking compared to traditional smokers. The shift in quitting patterns has been observed since 2016, with speculation that the effectiveness of e-cigarettes in delivering nicotine could be a contributing factor. While some experts see vaping as a step in the right direction, others caution against it, emphasizing that quitting nicotine use entirely is the healthiest option. The FDA also warns about the health risks associated with vaping, especially among young people.