smoking

When you fall off the horse, get right back on. There's no point in beating yourself up if you slip up. Remember that you are human and it may take some time before you reach your goal. I've read a lot of books and learned from coaches and trainers and one of the keys to success is to practice. Don't give up even when things get hard.

After my smoking blog earlier in the week I heard from people who have kicked the habit. I thought you might be interested in reading their comments and suggestions. Go cold turkey. Just stop lighting up. Don't put pressure on yourself to quit. Just try to go one day without cigarettes. Tired of coughing, "I stared at the cigarette, crushed it, and never looked back." Try hypnotherapy Try acupuncture Use the nicotine patch. It helps with the cravings.

Those who haven't yet kicked the habit have a great opportunity to try again. On Friday, November 17th, it's The Great American Smokeout. The American Cancer Society's effort to convince folks to give up tobacco just for one day. The thought is that if a smoker can resist the urge for 24 hours, they will be better able to quit for good. The ACS offers all kinds of great tips and support on their website.

Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a $7 million increase in spending on smoking cessation, while the higher smoking age could lead to demand among 19- and 20-year-olds.

It's the first day of Lent and my friend is using this time to try to give up smoking for good.  I really hope he's able to kick the habit!  I've had smokers in my family and know that quitting is not easy.  But we all know the health benefits that come from quitting so I'm really routing for him and all of YOU who might be trying to give up tobacco...

New Jersey ranks dead last for the money it devotes to tobacco prevention and cessation programs.

The CDC says New Jersey should spend over $100 million a year to fight smoking. It spends nothing, and hasn't for five years. That may change, but only slightly.

It's been banned for 10 years in New Jersey, but the creation of new cigar lounges received the green light from an Assembly panel on Thursday.

I try not to get up on a soapbox too often in these pages, but last night when I was walking my dog I saw something that was really disappointing - one of my neighborhood lawns covered in cigarette butts.

For smokers, it's become increasingly more restrictive as to where you can partake. With very few exceptions (such as some casino areas), smoking indoors anywhere is now forbidden, and there are many restrictions on outdoor smoking in public areas too.