These videos are really funny. Worth watching, it gave me a good laugh. ENJOY!

These videos may be funny but the harm that smoking brings is nothing to laugh about. Enjoy the videos but don’t forget to quit smoking so you can enjoy your life too.

I think everybody knows that the addictive substance contained in cigarettes and other tobacco products is Nicotine. We all know it is bad for our health. But do we really know what Nicotine is? And why it makes us so addicted to cigarettes, that to stop smoking seems impossible to many.

What is Nicotine?

Nicotine is an addictive substance contained in cigarettes and other tobacco products. When inhaled, it rapidly gets absorbed into the blood and it reaches the brain within 7 seconds. That’s twice as fast as heroin injected into the veins.

Nicotine gives you some kind of rush, it makes your heart beat faster and keeps your adrenaline pumping. But that is short lived, that’s why people smoke every once in a while in order to experience that pumped up feeling again.

Nicotine induces production of more dopamine in the brain- a neurotransmitter that makes you feel pleasure and well-being. The same thing that drugs like cocaine and heroin makes your brain do.

Nicotine may also make you feel like you are not getting hungry. This is because it blocks the release of insulin from the pancreas which will make your blood sugar level higher than usual.

What are the harmful effects of Nicotine?

Nicotine is not really harmful by itself, but since smokers are taking it in the form of cigarette smoke, the harmful chemicals produced by cigarettes makes it very dangerous. Cigarette smoke contains over 4000 harmful chemicals and most of them are toxic and carcinogenic. Hydrogen Cyanide, Ammonia, Carbon Monoxide, and Arsenic are among the many chemicals found in cigarette smoke.

A nicotine addiction with the aid of cigarettes could lead to heart attacks, certain cancers, respiratory problems and numerous other diseases.

What are the signs of Nicotine Addiction?

• You can’t do away with cigarettes - You might have tried quitting but is unsuccessful because your body is already looking for your daily dose of nicotine.

• You develop a strong dependence on cigarettes - You exhibit withdrawal symptoms such as:

1. Depression
2. Hostility
3. Decreased heart rate
4. impatience
5. Irritability
6. Restlessness
7. Poor concentration
8. Weight gain due to increased appetite
9. Anxiety

• You care less about your health - You keep on smoking even if you have health problems already.

• You give up certain social activities just to be able to smoke - You may give up sports because of poor stamina caused by smoking cigarettes and other activities that prevents you from smoking.

How long does nicotine stay in the body?

Nicotine doesn’t really stay long in the body, it gets metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys in about 2 hours but due to the multiple dosing that smoking gives, nicotine could stay for upto 8 hours in the bloodstream after you stop smoking.

How to manage the addiction and ultimately get rid of it?

There are numerous ways to manage your addiction and eventually do away with smoking overtime.

1. Nicotine Patches - You just stick the patch in your body and it will give you your daily dose of nicotine without the harmful effects of cigarette smoking. The patches comes in different doses so you can lower them little by little until the time that you will no longer need nicotine in your body.
2. Electronic Cigarettes - The same with patches, electronic cigarettes also supply you with daily doses of nicotine without the harmful effects of cigarettes. Some prefer this method because it will still make you experience the pleasures of smoking, only that you will be inhaling and exhaling harmless water vapor instead of the 4000-chemical strong cigarette smoke.
3. Gradual Reduction of Cigarette Consumption - Those that exhibit severe withdrawal symptoms would prefer this method since you will still be smoking, only that you reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke everyday until you get down to zero. Personally, I think this is the most ineffective method, you can easily forget that you’re about to quit.
4. Cold Turkey - Probably the most difficult but a lot have been successful with this method. With cold turkey, you just simply stop smoking all at once. Only those with great determination dare to try this method.

I guess it all boils down to a persons determination to really quit and stop smoking. I’ve known many people who tries to quit every year but they never succeed simply because at the back of their heads they really don’t want to quit. I know quitting could be tough but if you don’t make up your mind and really motivate yourself to achieve that goal (quitting) then you will never free yourself from cigarettes.

Think of reasons why you should quit then focus yourself in really achieving that goal.

Benefits of Quitting

5 Effective Ways to Quit Smoking

What is Hydrogen Cyanide?

Hydrogen cyanide is a colorless gas that smells like a bitter almond. Most people who gets exposed to it don’t realize it is Hydrogen Cyanide they are smelling until it’s a little too late already. The deadly chemical here is the cyanide, it can exist in different forms and one of them being its gaseous form - Hydrogen Cyanide.

What is Cyanide?

Cyanide is a very harmful chemical that will prevent your cells from using oxygen properly. Guess what happens to your cells when this occurs? They die! Exposure to cyanide could also lead to heart problems and brain damage since these 2 organs use up alot of oxygen.

Cyanide kills and it has been used as a weapon during world war 2.

How can one get in contact with cyanide?

By breathing it, eating it, or skin absorption. Cyanide can be present in water, food, air, or soil both because of natural processes (Cyanide can be found on some foods such as: Cassava, Apple seeds, Peach pits etc…) or industrial activities.

Another source of hydrogen cyanide are cigarettes, one of the harmful chemicals produced when a cigarette is lit, is hydrogen cyanide. In fact, cigarettes are the major cause of cyanide exposure to people who do not work in cyanide-using industries.

What are the symptoms of cyanide exposure?

A small amount of exposure will make you experience the following within minutes;

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Weakness
• Rapid Breathing
• Restlessness
• Rapid Heart Rate

A large amount of exposure will give these;

• Slow Heart rate
• Lung Injury
• Loss of Consciousness
• Convulsions
• Low Blood Pressure
• Respiratory Failure and ultimately DEATH!

I hope you get the point already. What I’m trying to say is, you are poisoning yourself little by little by ingesting or inhaling hydrogen cyanide everytime you smoke a cigarette. What’s more, is that you are also endangering everybody around you.

I’ve seen people dangling cigarettes while holding up their babies or talking to their kids. If you happen to read this and you also happen to smoke and you have kids, you should know by now that you are poisoning them little by little. Give them a chance to grow healthy and normally, you’ll never know what effect your habit will have on their brains. STOP SMOKING NOW!

I just hope I can have as many people do as much research on the harm that cigarettes do and I’m pretty sure that many of us will be responsible enough to quit and stop endangering other people. But sadly, the fact is, there’s not much people who care. I know it’s a tough job but to everybody out there who are doing everything to educate the public about the dangers of cigarette smoking, keep it up! It may seem that nothing is being accomplished but I’m sure that all your efforts will be worth it in the future.

Lets help each other out to make this world a safer place to live in.

The most commonly known additive or components of cigarettes are nicotine and tar. Little do people know that cigarettes contain so many additives that when burned, produces over 4000 chemical compounds and most of them are toxic and/or carcinogenic.

Among the many, carbon monoxide, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides can all be found on cigarette smoke. And not only that they’re harmful to the smoker, they are equally as dangerous to those that just happened to inhale the smoke.

A list of cigarette additives is submitted to the Department of Health and Human Services by participating cigarette companies, this is done in order to monitor the components that tobacco companies add to their products. Although these additives are approved for foods, burning them is a different story and that is where all the chemical reactions occur and where the carcinogenic components are created.

Here is the list of cigarette additives:

* Acetanisole
* Acetic Acid
* Acetoin
* Acetophenone
* 6-Acetoxydihydrotheaspirane
* 2-Acetyl-3- Ethylpyrazine
* 2-Acetyl-5-Methylfuran
* Acetylpyrazine
* 2-Acetylpyridine
* 3-Acetylpyridine
* 2-Acetylthiazole
* Aconitic Acid
* dl-Alanine
* Alfalfa Extract
* Allspice Extract,Oleoresin, and Oil
* Allyl Hexanoate
* Allyl Ionone
* Almond Bitter Oil
* Ambergris Tincture
* Ammonia
* Ammonium Bicarbonate
* Ammonium Hydroxide
* Ammonium Phosphate Dibasic
* Ammonium Sulfide
* Amyl Alcohol
* Amyl Butyrate
* Amyl Formate
* Amyl Octanoate
* alpha-Amylcinnamaldehyde
* Amyris Oil
* trans-Anethole
* Angelica Root Extract, Oil and Seed Oil
* Anise
* Anise Star, Extract and Oils
* Anisyl Acetate
* Anisyl Alcohol
* Anisyl Formate
* Anisyl Phenylacetate
* Apple Juice Concentrate, Extract, and Skins
* Apricot Extract and Juice Concentrate
* 1-Arginine
* Asafetida Fluid Extract And Oil
* Ascorbic Acid
* 1-Asparagine Monohydrate
* 1-Aspartic Acid
* Balsam Peru and Oil
* Basil Oil
* Bay Leaf, Oil and Sweet Oil
* Beeswax White
* Beet Juice Concentrate
* Benzaldehyde
* Benzaldehyde Glyceryl Acetal
* Benzoic Acid, Benzoin
* Benzoin Resin
* Benzophenone
* Benzyl Alcohol
* Benzyl Benzoate
* Benzyl Butyrate
* Benzyl Cinnamate
* Benzyl Propionate
* Benzyl Salicylate
* Bergamot Oil
* Bisabolene
* Black Currant Buds Absolute
* Borneol
* Bornyl Acetate
* Buchu Leaf Oil
* 1,3-Butanediol
* 2,3-Butanedione
* 1-Butanol
* 2-Butanone
* 4(2-Butenylidene)-3,5,5-Trimethyl-2-Cyclohexen-1-One
* Butter, Butter Esters, and Butter Oil
* Butyl Acetate
* Butyl Butyrate
* Butyl Butyryl Lactate
* Butyl Isovalerate
* Butyl Phenylacetate
* Butyl Undecylenate
* 3-Butylidenephthalide
* Butyric Acid]
* Cadinene
* Caffeine
* Calcium Carbonate
* Camphene
* Cananga Oil
* Capsicum Oleoresin
* Caramel Color
* Caraway Oil
* Carbon Dioxide
* Cardamom Oleoresin, Extract, Seed Oil, and Powder
* Carob Bean and Extract
* beta-Carotene
* Carrot Oil
* Carvacrol
* 4-Carvomenthenol
* 1-Carvone
* beta-Caryophyllene
* beta-Caryophyllene Oxide
* Cascarilla Oil and Bark Extract
* Cassia Bark Oil
* Cassie Absolute and Oil
* Castoreum Extract, Tincture and Absolute
* Cedar Leaf Oil
* Cedarwood Oil Terpenes and Virginiana
* Cedrol
* Celery Seed Extract, Solid, Oil, And Oleoresin
* Cellulose Fiber
* Chamomile Flower Oil And Extract
* Chicory Extract
* Chocolate
* Cinnamaldehyde
* Cinnamic Acid
* Cinnamon Leaf Oil, Bark Oil, and Extract
* Cinnamyl Acetate
* Cinnamyl Alcohol
* Cinnamyl Cinnamate
* Cinnamyl Isovalerate
* Cinnamyl Propionate
* Citral
* Citric Acid
* Citronella Oil
* dl-Citronellol
* Citronellyl Butyrate
* itronellyl Isobutyrate
* Civet Absolute
* Clary Oil
* Clover Tops, Red Solid Extract
* Cocoa
* Cocoa Shells, Extract, Distillate And Powder
* Coconut Oil
* Coffee
* Cognac White and Green Oil
* Copaiba Oil
* Coriander Extract and Oil
* Corn Oil
* Corn Silk
* Costus Root Oil
* Cubeb Oil
* Cuminaldehyde
* para-Cymene
* 1-Cysteine
* Dandelion Root Solid Extract
* Davana Oil
* 2-trans, 4-trans-Decadienal
* delta-Decalactone
* gamma-Decalactone
* Decanal
* Decanoic Acid
* 1-Decanol
* 2-Decenal
* Dehydromenthofurolactone
* Diethyl Malonate
* Diethyl Sebacate
* 2,3-Diethylpyrazine
* Dihydro Anethole
* 5,7-Dihydro-2-Methylthieno(3,4-D) Pyrimidine
* Dill Seed Oil and Extract
* meta-Dimethoxybenzene
* para-Dimethoxybenzene
* 2,6-Dimethoxyphenol
* Dimethyl Succinate
* 3,4-Dimethyl-1,2 Cyclopentanedione
* 3,5- Dimethyl-1,2-Cyclopentanedione
* 3,7-Dimethyl-1,3,6-Octatriene
* 4,5-Dimethyl-3-Hydroxy-2,5-Dihydrofuran-2-One
* 6,10-Dimethyl-5,9-Undecadien-2-One
* 3,7-Dimethyl-6-Octenoic Acid
* 2,4 Dimethylacetophenone
* alpha,para-Dimethylbenzyl Alcohol
* alpha,alpha-Dimethylphenethyl Acetate
* alpha,alpha Dimethylphenethyl Butyrate
* 2,3-Dimethylpyrazine
* 2,5-Dimethylpyrazine
* 2,6-Dimethylpyrazine
* Dimethyltetrahydrobenzofuranone
* delta-Dodecalactone
* gamma-Dodecalactone
* para-Ethoxybenzaldehyde
* Ethyl 10-Undecenoate
* Ethyl 2-Methylbutyrate
* Ethyl Acetate
* Ethyl Acetoacetate
* Ethyl Alcohol
* Ethyl Benzoate
* Ethyl Butyrate
* Ethyl Cinnamate
* Ethyl Decanoate
* Ethyl Fenchol
* Ethyl Furoate
* Ethyl Heptanoate
* Ethyl Hexanoate
* Ethyl Isovalerate
* Ethyl Lactate
* Ethyl Laurate
* Ethyl Levulinate
* Ethyl Maltol
* Ethyl Methyl Phenylglycidate
* Ethyl Myristate
* Ethyl Nonanoate
* Ethyl Octadecanoate
* Ethyl Octanoate
* Ethyl Oleate
* Ethyl Palmitate
* Ethyl Phenylacetate
* Ethyl Propionate
* Ethyl Salicylate
* Ethyl trans-2-Butenoate
* Ethyl Valerate
* Ethyl Vanillin
* 2-Ethyl (or Methyl)-(3,5 and 6)-Methoxypyrazine
* 2-Ethyl-1-Hexanol, 3-Ethyl -2 -Hydroxy-2-Cyclopenten-1-One
* 2-Ethyl-3, (5 or 6)-Dimethylpyrazine
* 5-Ethyl-3-Hydroxy-4-Methyl-2(5H)-Furanone
* 2-Ethyl-3-Methylpyrazine
* 4-Ethylbenzaldehyde
* 4-Ethylguaiacol
* para-Ethylphenol
* 3-Ethylpyridine
* Eucalyptol
* Farnesol
* D-Fenchone
* Fennel Sweet Oil
* Fenugreek, Extract, Resin, and Absolute
* Fig Juice Concentrate
* Food Starch Modified
* Furfuryl Mercaptan
* 4-(2-Furyl)-3-Buten-2-One
* Galbanum Oil
* Genet Absolute
* Gentian Root Extract
* Geraniol
* Geranium Rose Oil
* Geranyl Acetate
* Geranyl Butyrate
* Geranyl Formate
* Geranyl Isovalerate
* Geranyl Phenylacetate
* Ginger Oil and Oleoresin
* 1-Glutamic Acid
* 1-Glutamine
* Glycerol
* Glycyrrhizin Ammoniated
* Grape Juice Concentrate
* Guaiac Wood Oil
* Guaiacol
* Guar Gum
* 2,4-Heptadienal
* gamma-Heptalactone
* Heptanoic Acid
* 2-Heptanone
* 3-Hepten-2-One
* 2-Hepten-4-One
* 4-Heptenal
* trans -2-Heptenal
* Heptyl Acetate
* omega-6-Hexadecenlactone
* gamma-Hexalactone
* Hexanal
* Hexanoic Acid
* 2-Hexen-1-Ol
* 3-Hexen-1-Ol
* cis-3-Hexen-1-Yl Acetate
* 2-Hexenal
* 3-Hexenoic Acid
* trans-2-Hexenoic Acid
* cis-3-Hexenyl Formate
* Hexyl 2-Methylbutyrate
* Hexyl Acetate
* Hexyl Alcohol
* Hexyl Phenylacetate
* 1-Histidine
* Honey
* Hops Oil
* Hydrolyzed Milk Solids
* Hydrolyzed Plant Proteins
* 5-Hydroxy-2,4-Decadienoic Acid delta- Lactone
* 4-Hydroxy-2,5-Dimethyl-3(2H)-Furanone
* 2-Hydroxy-3,5,5-Trimethyl-2-Cyclohexen-1-One
* 4-Hydroxy -3-Pentenoic Acid Lactone
* 2-Hydroxy-4-Methylbenzaldehyde
* 4-Hydroxybutanoic Acid Lactone
* Hydroxycitronellal
* 6-Hydroxydihydrotheaspirane
* 4-(para-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-Butanone
* Hyssop Oil
* Immortelle Absolute and Extract
* alpha-Ionone
* beta-Ionone
* alpha-Irone
* Isoamyl Acetate
* Isoamyl Benzoate
* Isoamyl Butyrate
* Isoamyl Cinnamate
* Isoamyl Formate, Isoamyl Hexanoate
* Isoamyl Isovalerate
* Isoamyl Octanoate
* Isoamyl Phenylacetate
* Isobornyl Acetate
* Isobutyl Acetate
* Isobutyl Alcohol
* Isobutyl Cinnamate
* Isobutyl Phenylacetate
* Isobutyl Salicylate
* 2-Isobutyl-3-Methoxypyrazine
* alpha-Isobutylphenethyl Alcohol
* Isobutyraldehyde
* Isobutyric Acid
* d,l-Isoleucine
* alpha-Isomethylionone
* 2-Isopropylphenol
* Isovaleric Acid
* Jasmine Absolute, Concrete and Oil
* Kola Nut Extract
* Labdanum Absolute and Oleoresin
* Lactic Acid
* Lauric Acid
* Lauric Aldehyde
* Lavandin Oil
* Lavender Oil
* Lemon Oil and Extract
* Lemongrass Oil
* 1-Leucine
* Levulinic Acid
* Licorice Root, Fluid, Extract and Powder
* Lime Oil
* Linalool
* Linalool Oxide
* Linalyl Acetate
* Linden Flowers
* Lovage Oil And Extract
* 1-Lysine]
* Mace Powder, Extract and Oil
* Magnesium Carbonate
* Malic Acid
* Malt and Malt Extract
* Maltodextrin
* Maltol
* Maltyl Isobutyrate
* Mandarin Oil
* Maple Syrup and Concentrate
* Mate Leaf, Absolute and Oil
* para-Mentha-8-Thiol-3-One
* Menthol
* Menthone
* Menthyl Acetate
* dl-Methionine
* Methoprene
* 2-Methoxy-4-Methylphenol
* 2-Methoxy-4-Vinylphenol
* para-Methoxybenzaldehyde
* 1-(para-Methoxyphenyl)-1-Penten-3-One
* 4-(para-Methoxyphenyl)-2-Butanone
* 1-(para-Methoxyphenyl)-2-Propanone
* Methoxypyrazine
* Methyl 2-Furoate
* Methyl 2-Octynoate
* Methyl 2-Pyrrolyl Ketone
* Methyl Anisate
* Methyl Anthranilate
* Methyl Benzoate
* Methyl Cinnamate
* Methyl Dihydrojasmonate
* Methyl Ester of Rosin, Partially Hydrogenated
* Methyl Isovalerate
* Methyl Linoleate (48%)
* Methyl Linolenate (52%) Mixture
* Methyl Naphthyl Ketone
* Methyl Nicotinate
* Methyl Phenylacetate
* Methyl Salicylate
* Methyl Sulfide
* 3-Methyl-1-Cyclopentadecanone
* 4-Methyl-1-Phenyl-2-Pentanone
* 5-Methyl-2-Phenyl-2-Hexenal
* 5-Methyl-2-Thiophenecarboxaldehyde
* 6-Methyl-3,-5-Heptadien-2-One
* 2-Methyl-3-(para-Isopropylphenyl) Propionaldehyde
* 5-Methyl-3-Hexen-2-One
* 1-Methyl-3Methoxy-4-Isopropylbenzene
* 4-Methyl-3-Pentene-2-One
* 2-Methyl-4-Phenylbutyraldehyde
* 6-Methyl-5-Hepten-2-One
* 4-Methyl-5-Thiazoleethanol
* 4-Methyl-5-Vinylthiazole
* Methyl-alpha-Ionone
* Methyl-trans-2-Butenoic Acid
* 4-Methylacetophenone
* para-Methylanisole
* alpha-Methylbenzyl Acetate
* alpha-Methylbenzyl Alcohol
* 2-Methylbutyraldehyde
* 3-Methylbutyraldehyde
* 2-Methylbutyric Acid
* alpha-Methylcinnamaldehyde
* Methylcyclopentenolone
* 2-Methylheptanoic Acid
* 2-Methylhexanoic Acid
* 3-Methylpentanoic Acid
* 4-Methylpentanoic Acid
* 2-Methylpyrazine
* 5-Methylquinoxaline
* 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran-3-One
* (Methylthio)Methylpyrazine (Mixture Of Isomers)
* 3-Methylthiopropionaldehyde
* Methyl 3-Methylthiopropionate
* 2-Methylvaleric Acid
* Mimosa Absolute and Extract
* Molasses Extract and Tincture
* Mountain Maple Solid Extract
* Mullein Flowers
* Myristaldehyde
* Myristic Acid
* Myrrh Oil
* beta-Napthyl Ethyl Ether
* Nerol
* Neroli Bigarde Oil
* Nerolidol
* Nona-2-trans,6-cis-Dienal
* 2,6-Nonadien-1-Ol
* gamma-Nonalactone
* Nonanal
* Nonanoic Acid
* Nonanone
* trans-2-Nonen-1-Ol
* 2-Nonenal
* Nonyl Acetate
* Nutmeg Powder and Oil
* Oak Chips Extract and Oil
* Oak Moss Absolute
* 9,12-Octadecadienoic Acid (48%) And 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic Acid (52%)
* delta-Octalactone
* gamma-Octalactone
* Octanal
* Octanoic Acid
* 1-Octanol
* 2-Octanone
* 3-Octen-2-One
* 1-Octen-3-Ol
* 1-Octen-3-Yl Acetate
* 2-Octenal
* Octyl Isobutyrate
* Oleic Acid
* Olibanum Oil
* Opoponax Oil And Gum
* Orange Blossoms Water, Absolute, and Leaf Absolute
* Orange Oil and Extract
* Origanum Oil
* Orris Concrete Oil and Root Extract
* Palmarosa Oil
* Palmitic Acid
* Parsley Seed Oil
* Patchouli Oil
* omega-Pentadecalactone
* 2,3-Pentanedione
* 2-Pentanone
* 4-Pentenoic Acid
* 2-Pentylpyridine
* Pepper Oil, Black And White
* Peppermint Oil
* Peruvian (Bois De Rose) Oil
* Petitgrain Absolute, Mandarin Oil and Terpeneless Oil
* alpha-Phellandrene
* 2-Phenenthyl Acetate
* Phenenthyl Alcohol
* Phenethyl Butyrate
* Phenethyl Cinnamate
* Phenethyl Isobutyrate
* Phenethyl Isovalerate
* Phenethyl Phenylacetate
* Phenethyl Salicylate
* 1-Phenyl-1-Propanol
* 3-Phenyl-1-Propanol
* 2-Phenyl-2-Butenal
* 4-Phenyl-3-Buten-2-Ol
* 4-Phenyl-3-Buten-2-One
* Phenylacetaldehyde
* Phenylacetic Acid
* 1-Phenylalanine
* 3-Phenylpropionaldehyde
* 3-Phenylpropionic Acid
* 3-Phenylpropyl Acetate
* 3-Phenylpropyl Cinnamate
* 2-(3-Phenylpropyl)Tetrahydrofuran
* Phosphoric Acid
* Pimenta Leaf Oil
* Pine Needle Oil, Pine Oil, Scotch
* Pineapple Juice Concentrate
* alpha-Pinene, beta-Pinene
* D-Piperitone
* Piperonal
* Pipsissewa Leaf Extract
* Plum Juice
* Potassium Sorbate
* 1-Proline
* Propenylguaethol
* Propionic Acid
* Propyl Acetate
* Propyl para-Hydroxybenzoate
* Propylene Glycol
* 3-Propylidenephthalide
* Prune Juice and Concentrate
* Pyridine
* Pyroligneous Acid And Extract
* Pyrrole
* Pyruvic Acid
* Raisin Juice Concentrate
* Rhodinol
* Rose Absolute and Oil
* Rosemary Oil
* Rum
* Rum Ether
* Rye Extract
* Sage, Sage Oil, and Sage Oleoresin
* Salicylaldehyde
* Sandalwood Oil, Yellow
* Sclareolide
* Skatole
* Smoke Flavor
* Snakeroot Oil
* Sodium Acetate
* Sodium Benzoate
* Sodium Bicarbonate
* Sodium Carbonate
* Sodium Chloride
* Sodium Citrate
* Sodium Hydroxide
* Solanone
* Spearmint Oil
* Styrax Extract, Gum and Oil
* Sucrose Octaacetate
* Sugar Alcohols
* Sugars
* Tagetes Oil
* Tannic Acid
* Tartaric Acid
* Tea Leaf and Absolute
* alpha-Terpineol
* Terpinolene
* Terpinyl Acetate
* 5,6,7,8-Tetrahydroquinoxaline
* 1,5,5,9-Tetramethyl-13-Oxatricyclo(8.3.0.0(4,9))Tridecane
* 2,3,4,5, and 3,4,5,6-Tetramethylethyl-Cyclohexanone
* 2,3,5,6-Tetramethylpyrazine
* Thiamine Hydrochloride
* Thiazole
* 1-Threonine
* Thyme Oil, White and Red
* Thymol
* Tobacco Extracts
* Tochopherols (mixed)
* Tolu Balsam Gum and Extract
* Tolualdehydes
* para-Tolyl 3-Methylbutyrate
* para-Tolyl Acetaldehyde
* para-Tolyl Acetate
* para-Tolyl Isobutyrate
* para-Tolyl Phenylacetate
* Triacetin
* 2-Tridecanone
* 2-Tridecenal
* Triethyl Citrate
* 3,5,5-Trimethyl -1-Hexanol
* para,alpha,alpha-Trimethylbenzyl Alcohol
* 4-(2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-1-Enyl)But-2-En-4-One
* 2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-2-Ene-1,4-Dione
* 2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-Dienyl Methan
* 4-(2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-Dienyl)But-2-En-4-One
* 2,2,6-Trimethylcyclohexanone
* 2,3,5-Trimethylpyrazine
* 1-Tyrosine
* delta-Undercalactone
* gamma-Undecalactone
* Undecanal
* 2-Undecanone, 1
* 0-Undecenal
* Urea
* Valencene
* Valeraldehyde
* Valerian Root Extract, Oil and Powder
* Valeric Acid
* gamma-Valerolactone
* Valine
* Vanilla Extract And Oleoresin
* Vanillin
* Veratraldehyde
* Vetiver Oil
* Vinegar
* Violet Leaf Absolute
* Walnut Hull Extract
* Water
* Wheat Extract And Flour
* Wild Cherry Bark Extract
* Wine and Wine Sherry
* Xanthan Gum
* 3,4-Xylenol
* Yeast

Source: www.about.com

Cigarette ads have the most effective marketing strategies ever. Despite numerous anti-smoking ads, be it in television or in magazines it is undeniable that there are still more people who are smoking. In fact, young people who grew up with anti-smoking campaign like ads could still turn up to be smokers in as early as preteens. How do cigarette companies, specially those giant companies, handle anti-smoking campaigns and maintain their huge revenues from loyal smokers.

If you will look at cigarette ads, they all portray a positive image of smoking. Young and sexy models looking so relaxed and in control. Look at Marlboro man, admit it, he is iconic and can even be considered as a sex symbol. That husky voice, rugged and sexy body riding his horse amidst a very dusty “Marlboro country”, all made Marlboro man unforgettable. . And we simply can’t erase Marlboro’s famous line, “Come to where the flavor is”. Inviting isn’t it?

And there is the Salem Lights cigarette ad who is targeting women. The model is so carefree and extremely happy, viewers will only realize that the product advertised is a cigarette at the end of the advertisement. That cigarette ad portrays a woman who is in total bliss and very opposite from the traditional stressed-out working girl. I myself thought that it was an ad for sanity pads, or feminine wash; My sister and I were a little bit shocked when we realized it was an ad for a cigarette. You will never see the girl smoking nor there’s any sight of a cigarette, just the brand. And Salem has been a popular cigarette brand for a long time.

Now there is Joe Camel who made Bugs Bunny too nervous that Joe Camel will threaten his very stable career as a cartoon character. This move of cigarette companies confirms that they are hitting on younger markets; who else will find mascots so cute and attractive than teenagers or at most early twenties. Cigarette ads, wants to erase the idea that the people who smoke are big men in black outfits playing pokers in a very smoky small room.

Cigarette ads appealed to younger generation because they project smoking as being cool, popular, and just being a man or a sexy woman. They defended against the health hazards of smoking used by anti-smoking campaigns by using catchy phrases, smiling, cute and sexy models.

Like any company promoting their products, cigarette ads stresses the good things about smoking, instead of contradicting the issue regarding lung cancers caused by smoking. By making smoking as cool, sophisticated and practically just a part of anyone’s normal life; cigarette ads are the ace that cigarette company’s hold to maintain their fair share in the market.

You think you are immune from lung cancer by living a healthy lifestyle and from not smoking? You think that having a smoke-free environment at home can protect you and your kids from smoking hazards? Think again, harmful effects of smoking is not limited to smokers only. Nonsmokers can still suffer the health risks of smoking if regularly exposed to cigarette smoke.

For most people, they avoid smoking or avoid those who are smoking because cigarette smoke is such a great nuisance and that smell is irritating. But did you know that by simply inhaling or having smelled a cigarette smoke increases your risk of heart attack and other diseases? The effect of inhaling second hand smoke is the same or even worse than smoking a cigarette itself.

What is second-hand smoking?

Second-hand smoking is defined as exposure of nonsmokers to cigarette smoke which would lead to the same health hazards primarily caused by smoking. What makes this very alarming is that the smoke let nonsmokers share whatever toxins that the smoker got from smoking cigarettes. Second hand smoke can even transmit diseases like tuberculosis.

Regular exposure to cigarette smoke can cause respiratory diseases and cancers, like lung cancer. This is simply sad since because even if you never smoke a single stick, you will still suffer the same fate of those smokers. Due to its smell, it can also trigger allergies that would lead to asthma, causes pneumonia and bronchitis.

It is also very harmful for pregnant women particularly for the unborn child. If a pregnant smoker, quit her habit for her baby; she also needs stay away from any friends or family members who are smoking. This is also true for those smokers who have little kids in their household. If adults are still at risk of second-hand smoking, how much more for the delicate lungs of little children? Children, babies and unborn children can be poor victims of cigarette smoke.

How can this be avoided?

First, as mentioned above; stay away from those who are smoking. Parents should make sure that they are not exposing their children to cigarette smoke. When in the malls, or in public places make sure that they are smoke-free areas. Strict compliance to smoking areas should be observed in the household. A mother or a father who are smokers should not puff or even just dangle their cigarettes in the presence of their children. Even if you are just holding your lighted cigarette, the smoke can still do harm to little children.

Most of all, the responsibility lies among the smokers themselves; if they don’t care about the health hazards they’re subjecting their bodies into, then they should consider the people around them. They should comply and abide by non-smoking regulations, never smoke in smoke-free areas and public spaces. Lastly, be sensitive to those people like children who might be exposed to cigarette smoke. Or better yet, QUIT SMOKING altogether and everybody will be happy.

Almost all of us wants to be advocates of good will, we want to help people, we want to serve our fellow men, we want to care of them. It’s in our nature to care and help whenever we are able too. We often see good men making speeches about the environment, speeches about health and how he and his organization is helping.

But sometimes the sad thing is, after a dramatic speech, you’ll see these guys lighting up cigarettes while mingling with the audience. That act alone defeats his purpose of serving mankind, don’t they know how dangerous second hand smoke is? Don’t they know that second hand smoke harms the environment? Don’t they know that second hand smoke is as lethal as smoking a cigarette?

But I don’t blame them. I know they are victims as well who got hooked on the habit.  I think what I’m trying to say is, if you really want to serve and make the world a better place, start by quitting the habit. Stop smoking then go out and start making a difference. On the same note, regular citizens can do their share in making the world a better place just by getting rid of their cigarette habits.

What is Second Hand Smoke?

Second hand smoke is a mixture of smoke that comes from a burning cigarette and smoke exhaled by a smoker. This smoke stays in the air long after the cigarette has been extinguished and is involuntarily inhaled by non-smokers. This causes a massive health damage to those who inhales it. It could cause cancer, respiratory problems, and severe asthma just to name a few.

Dangers of Second Hand Smoke

• Even a brief exposure to second hand smoke increases your risk of a heart attack. It makes the blood platelets stickier, damages the linings of the blood vessels,  and reduces heart rate variability.

• Second hand smoke aggravates asthma especially in children.

• Second hand smoke causes different types of cancers.

• Second hand smoke causes premature birth in pregnant women and premature death in children as well as diseases to non-smoking adults. Cigarettes contain hundreds of toxic chemicals including formaldehyde (One that is used in dead people), hydrogen cyanide, arsenic ammonia and benzene.

• Second hand smoke causes lower respiratory tract infection in children.

• Second hand smoke contains 50 known cancerous chemicals including: Cadmium, Polonium, Ethylene Oxide, Arsenic, Berryllium, Benzene, Chromium, Nickel, and Vinyl Chloride.

How To Measure Second Hand Smoke?

It can be tested by measuring the level of nicotine present in the air and by searching for traces of cotinine (a by-product of nicotine) in the non-smokers saliva, urine, or blood.

Some people will ask if low levels of exposure to second hand smoke is safe. Answer, big NO! There are no safe levels of second hand smoke. Even if you inhale the tiniest amount, it could still have a harmful effect on your body.

Many U.S. states have already taken action and have banned smoking on public areas. In the states of Iowa, Oregon, and Nebraska a law has been passed to prohibit smoking in almost all public places including restaurants and bars but it hasn’t been enforced yet. It’s a great news that the government is already doing something about this.

Why not do your share and stop smoking right now? Together we can all make a difference.

There are different methods that you can use to help you stop smoking. Some people prefer “cold turkey” wherein one day you just abruptly stop smoking, a hard method but is very effective. Only recommended to those with great determination to quit smoking cigarettes. Others prefer patches that gives you your daily dose of nicotine without the harmful tar and others prefer to gradually reduce their cigarette consumption until they can totally get rid of it.

Today, there is a new method that is gaining a lot of popularity. It makes you experience all the cigarette smoking action that some people tend to look for. Like drawing, inhaling, and puffing. It’s the closest thing to smoking cigarettes only without the harmful chemicals that harms you and everybody around you. It’s called an electronic cigarette.

What is an Electronic Cigarette?

An electronic cigarette looks like a cigarette, feels like a cigarette and will let you experience smoking cigarettes without the harmful chemicals. It has 3 parts, a rechargeable battery, an atomizer, and a cartridge that contains propylene glycol and nicotine. When you draw from it, the atomizer gets activated, it injects a tiny droplet of water and it gets vaporized. So in essence, you’re just inhaling water vapor with small a small amount of nicotine.

What are the ingredients of an electronic cigarette?

Water

Nicotine

Propylene Glycol

Tobacco Flavored Scent

The amount of nicotine present will depend upon the customers addiction and preference. Stronger doses are recommended to those who were consuming large amounts of cigarettes and then gradually reduce it until it comes down to zero. Nicotine is not really dangerous, small amounts of nicotine can be found in various fruits. it is addictive though.

Benefits of an Electronic Cigarette

• Can be smoked anywhere, even on non-smoking areas.
• Not harmful
• Contains no carcinogens
• More affordable
• Tastes like tobacco
• Odorless, no lingering smell
• Satisfies cravings of nicotine
• Easy to use
• Won’t stain your teeth and damage your skin
• Not harmful to other around you

Is an Electronic Cigarette Safe?

A big YES! In fact many people are already using electronic cigarettes to help them stop smoking. An electronic cigarette will let you experience the same smoking pleasure without the added harmful chemicals. Plus it is alot cheaper considering all the hospital bills that you will be paying in the future if you don’t quit smoking now.

I wrote about female celebrities who are smoking so, I thought it’s just but proper to have a male celebrity smoking list as well.

Actors smoke cigarettes in movies, TV shows, ads and even in pictorials but do they really smoke in real life? Well, there is no assurance if they really smoke both in their real and reel lives? You can never escape smoking in Hollywood; it takes a lot of discipline to not be a smoker in Hollywood. I have created my own male celebrity smoking list that includes both celebrities alive and dead.

1. Colin Farrell

Irish heartthrob tops my male celebrity smoking list because he completely doesn’t mind smoking public. Even the red carpet cant escape from Farrell’s addiction, he is always spotted holding or dangling his cigarette. However, his sexy aura when holding or smoking a cigarette made him the one of Hollywood’s most stylish man.

2. Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp has come a long way from his “Edward the Scissorshand” days but he is still not done with smoking. Too much smoking is very evident in the award-winning actor’s gloomy eyes and sucked-in cheeks.

3. Ben Affleck

Maybe that Ben Affleck’s family is growing, he is thinking of quitting smoking for good. But the actor is notoriously known for being a chain-smoker, with an average of 21 sticks a day! Maybe he is also smoking in his sleep.

4. Brad Pitt

Like Affleck, Brad’s multi-cultural brood, courtesy of partner Angelina Jolie, may make Brad Pitt say adios to smoking. There are reports that Jolie (who used to smoke) gave him a “no-sex” policy if he smokes because she dislikes the smell.

5. Frank Sinatra

Legendary singer Frank Sinatra is also known to be a chain smoker but luckily his voice box is not that sensitive cigarette smoke. Sinatra has been photographed and seen smoking in public like in restaurants, hotel balconies and even backstage.

6. Johnny Cash

Country music legend, Johnny Cash may hate the blacks but absolutely adores cigarettes. Like Sinatra, he loves puffing in between tours, recordings or concert rehearsals.

7. Al Pacino

Award winning actor Al Pacino has seen in many movies smoking cigarettes but this is very true in his real life. He simply adores smoking and sadly many fans love his immortal image as a smoker.

8. Bob Dylan

Like most singers, lead British band member is worthy to be included in this male celebrity smoking list. Bob Dylan mix rock with smoking and was never shy to be seem smoking in public.

9. Kevin Federline

Not that he is a big celebrity but Kevin Federline made a stir with smoking habits when he was seen smoking in a restaurant with his then pregnant wife, Britney Spears. Many concerned groups reacted particularly with the effects of second hand smoking to his unborn child. Maybe all this star wannabe cares is himself?

10. Heath Ledger

Australian actor Heath Ledger is best remembered for his acting skills particularly in his last movie, “Dark Knight” as Joker but he is also known to be a chain smoker. Heath has been seen smoking in movie sets, during interviews and in many other public places.

I cannot stress the importance that these celebrities be responsible enough to realize that their actions affect people, mostly kids who idolizes them. I don’t blame them, they are also victims just like us. But as celebrities they should be more discreet in showing their habits since it is destructive.

Last weekend I faced the biggest battle on my journey out of cigarette smoking - A Party.

Last Saturday was my best friends birthday and he threw a party at a bar that we used to frequent. I had second thoughts of attending because I know that there is going to be alot of drinking and smoking. Among the 5 of us who are close friends, I am the only one who is determined to quit smoking cigarettes. They tried, but I guess they’re not just determined enough to win.

I spent days deciding whether to go or not. But of course I did, I know I will be facing more challenges so I decided why not overcome one now.

It was a very suspenseful moment, like a movie. I let my friend pick me up and on the way there my hands were sweaty and my heart was pounding. I know I still have the craving sometimes and I’m able to fight it at home and at work, but I’m not sure if I can fight it at a bar. With all the people smoking cigarettes around me and me getting drunk, I might just lose it.

Anyways, when we arrived, just as expected sites of cigarette smokers everywhere. There were even old friends, who were not aware on my journey, offering me cigarettes. They were surprised when I said no.

We started the night with dinner and some beer, and then some more beer, and then some more and some more. I got drunk and seeing all those people smoking around me and smelling lit cigarettes was very difficult. But what surprised me, is that, I didn’t have as much craving as I expected and if I’m not mistaken there was a point where the smell of cigarettes actually irritated me.

When I got home I was so proud of myself. I knew I inhaled second hand cigarette smoke and its just as dangerous but the fact that I didn’t give in even when I was drunk is just so amazing. I’m really proud of myself right now and I no I’m off to being a non-smoker in a very short while.