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2004/06/25, 01:47 PM
Found this on MSN.com today
Quitting Smoking Can Add 10 Years to Life
The Earlier You Quit, the Longer You Live
By Jeanie Lerche Davis
Reviewed By Michael Smith, MD
on Wednesday, June 23, 2004
WebMD Medical News
June 23, 2004 -- Quit smoking: You'll live longer -- maybe 10 years or more. Quit before age 35, and you can avoid early death almost entirely.
A landmark 50-year medical study from Great Britain shows that at least one-half of those who begin smoking young are eventually killed by the habit. Many of those deaths occur between ages 35 and 59.
"British men born in the first few decades of the 20th century could be the first population in the world in which the full long-term hazards of cigarette smoking, and the corresponding benefits of stopping, can be assessed directly," writes lead researcher Richard Doll, MD, emeritus professor of medicine at the University of Oxford, who launched the study in the 1950s when he was in his 30s.
His first report in 1954 confirmed the link between smoking and lung cancer. Now in his 90s, Doll has published his full report in the latest British Medical Journal.
The report is based on the 34,439 doctors' annual questionnaires about their health habits, including smoking, from 1951 until 2001. Causes of death were noted for every doctor. Doctors were studied because the researchers felt doctors may be more accurate about their smoking.
Among the findings:
About 42% of smokers who started young could expect to die early (before age 70) from smoking-related diseases -- 10 years earlier, on average. Some lost a few decades of life, Doll notes.
The tobacco-related causes of death included lung cancer; heart disease; cancers of the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus; and respiratory disorders such as emphysema.
Daily cigarette smoking was highest during World War II, especially among men -- three times greater than the previous years, writes Doll. Their habit may have been even more intense at early ages, then continued for decades -- which caused the early deaths of more than half of those who continued smoking.
The earlier in life the participants stopped smoking, the more years they added to their lives.
Stopping around age 60 added at least three extra years of life.
Stopping around age 50 added six years of life.
Stopping around age 40 added nine years.
Those who quit smoking before age 35 added 10 years of life -- and had a life expectancy similar to men who had never smoked. They "avoided almost all" of the risk, writes Doll.
t
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Tim
I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies, for the hardest victory is over self. - Aristotle
You have the power to change a life right in your own hands. - Paul Brandt
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2004/06/25, 01:56 PM
I quit 6 months ago.:)
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Dont Expect Results, Earn Them!
Lance
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2004/06/25, 02:57 PM
i can't imagine wanting to start smoking, it seems like a stoopid passtime to me, its just a kind of internal mutilation, but it has the backing of billion pound/dollar companies.
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I found this site whilst looking for low cost shoes.
A.D.F.
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2004/06/26, 04:42 AM
This really is a remarkable study and was critical in establishing the link between smoking and lung cancer.
The problem we have now is that most people know smoking is injurious to health but won't/can't/don't stop.
What we need are leaders with the political courage to do something more than make slight increases in tax on cigarettes and look at banning smoking in public places and banning tobacco advertising.
*gets off soapbox*
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2004/06/26, 09:19 AM
Here in Canada, many cities have made it illegal to smoke anywhere children can access... it's amazing how many people you see standing outside having a smoke... it's especially funny to see when it's minus 35 C!
t
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Tim
I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies, for the hardest victory is over self. - Aristotle
You have the power to change a life right in your own hands. - Paul Brandt
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2004/06/26, 09:37 AM
Yes, everyone is vastly amused to see the addicts shivering in the cold. Seeing people suffer with an addiction always makes me laugh, so why don't we all laugh together? When we get done with that perhaps we could turn our enegies to helping people with nicotine addiction instead of, you know, laughing at them or telling them how disgusting they are.
Perhaps we could meet in a bar and discuss it over cocktails. Yes, certainly alcohol is a socially acceptable addiction wherein the victim kills OTHER people, but let's focus intensely on the addiction wherein the victim only kills himself. That seems very practical.
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Anni
*******
Hard work must have killed somebody
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2004/06/26, 10:27 AM
Sorry... never meant it in a negative way...
t
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Tim
I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies, for the hardest victory is over self. - Aristotle
You have the power to change a life right in your own hands. - Paul Brandt
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2004/06/26, 11:07 AM
Tim, I wasn't necessarily directly my comments strictly at you and I apologize if my remarks hurt your feelings, they weren't meant to.
Again, this is not directed at only you. It is so easy to lay blame and to criticize people for being human and for having human frailty.
Does anyone wonder where the orally fixated smokers who quit smoking went? They went to the grocery store and they began to eat because even though we managed to shame them into dropping their cigarettes, they remain orally fixated.
So now they eat and become overweight and morbidly obese and they are just as socially unacceptable being fat people as they were as smokers, possibly more so. There are more overweight people in this country than there have ever been, it's an epidemic and there are fewer smokers than ever. I think we were all better off when they were smoking. This can't just be the fault of an incorrect, government sanctioned food pyramid.
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Anni
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Hard work must have killed somebody
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2004/06/26, 03:12 PM
I have to disagree anni, the way you tell it no one is responsible for their own actions and are all victims.
I stopped smoking and I didn't become obese, it's not easy, but it is possible.
I tell this not to say "look at me I did well", but to encourage people that with the right motivation it is possible to achieve what you want, whether it is stopping smoking, losing weight or bodybuilding.
And smoking does not only kill the smoker but can also kill people who inhale the fumes passively.
I do agree with you about the alcohol though :)
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2004/06/26, 07:30 PM
Guilty as charged! Im a smoker who turns into a mad cow when faced with no cigs. Last time I tried to quit the OH went down and bought me more cigs to stop me being a bitch! I've tried a number of ways, cutting down, going cold turkey, nicorette chewies and the patch for two days, it sent me insane.
I feel guilty every time I light up now days, but it doesn't stop me from doing it. I know what it's doing to my body, the coughing in the morning is the biggest give away. Problem being, Im an addictive person. Im an over eater, addictive, Im a smoker, addictive and I can't see my way to stopping. I don't smoke near the kids, I don't smoke in public places. I don't know how to stop.
Donna
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2004/06/27, 03:27 AM
It took a really nasty chest infection with pleurisy to motivate me to stop smoking. I found the gum really helpful, once I'd got used to the weird taste.
Some of the things you can do before stopping are:
1. Write down a list of the pros and cons of smoking - having this in writing can help to focus your efforts.
2. Think of the last time you tried to stop and the circumstances that led you to starting again. Write down some strategies to deal with this situation if it crops up again without reaching for the cigs
3. When you do decide to stop set a date for stopping, throw out your lighters, ashtrays and cigarettes and tell your OH not to sabotage your attempt!
good luck :)
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2004/06/27, 07:08 PM
For the first time ever I disagree with Anni. Don't want to get long winded all I am going to say is that I smoked for 6 years and quit cold turkey. I don't feel bad for people who CHOOSE to smoke. I don't feel bad for people who CHOOSE to eat. I don't feel bad for people who CHOOSE to drink. I dont feel bad for people who CHOOSE to use drugs. I feel bad for people who CHOOSE not to take control of their own lives.
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Message deleted by moderator due to unsuitable content for this board.
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2004/06/28, 11:23 PM
Great advice princess, thanks :big_smile: Im writing them down as we speak, so far the only pro I have is it stops me from biting everyones head off. :(
Hec, baby steps for me. Im choosing to control my life, finally! I've been letting people do it for me my whole life and it feels liberating to finally take control. I CHOOSE to be the person that's been hiding inside screaming to get out!
Donna
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2004/06/29, 12:08 AM
i quit last year...didn't think about one for 8 months, then one day out of the blue i gave in during poker night with the boys...then i'd bum one when we were all bored and sitting on the porch. Here i am buying packs again...but i have my date set. July 25th. It will be everything i can do then to quit cold turkey again. I want to feel 'unattached'. I don't want to have thoughts of 'wow a cigarette would go great with this coffee' and most of all i just want to feel myself again...i want to feel 'healthy' although my body is...my lungs aren't that great, i can run long without being winded, but it still sucks...i gotta quit.
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2004/06/29, 06:40 AM
There are many types of people with addiction. Many ARE "orally fixated". There are also many other people who smoke who do NOT have this oral fixation....who do get addicted to the nicotine, but not the oral part of it. There are also those people who are actually "self medicating" with the stimulant properties of nicotine. However, the latter are not as common as the ones Anni talks about, which I believe is why she posted such as she did...the orally fixated are the majority.
I agree that they we need not bash the ones left behind. Addiction is addiction and just because one walks away from the habit successfully, doesn't mean that the ones left outside in the cold smoking don't have the desire, maybe they just have greater challenges or a harder time facing those challenges.
My point being is that there are different types of smokers who smoke for different reasons, therefore there are very different ways that they handle quitting.
Although I believe that people do "choose" between healthy and unhealthy...I am convinced that they make these choices with a very different set of circumstances, challenges, and thought processes that they will have to overcome to be sucessful.
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2004/06/29, 10:43 AM
I quit 2 yrs ago cold turkey. Haven't had one since. It's a choice that you have to make, for your self but, it is a choice. The rest is just excuses not to discomfort yourself. I have no problem with people who coose to smoke it's their choice. And I plan on starting again when I turn 90, by then I won't need to worry about what will happen in 15 to 20 trs.
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I will get to it as soon as I am done lifting.
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2004/06/29, 01:22 PM
Our city council just passed a citywide ban on smoking in public places on Monday....I'm very excited. Local bars and restaurants, however, are not.
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OSU Law Rugby....specializing in personal injury and pain & suffering.
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2004/06/29, 03:29 PM
Wonder if this is the same for dipping...nah dipping is probably worse for you. Anyhoo I dipped snuff on and off (mostly on) for like 14 years-quit in October 2004 and haven't looked back since. I used all this as a catalyst to begin a new fitness program and hence found this site with all of you interesting people here.:cool:
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2004/06/29, 04:42 PM
heh. I smoked back in my first years of college then one day I paused and smelled my hair. it smelled like a cigar and it was just so disgusting that I stopped cold turkey. I hated the smell of it and I never touched a single stick again.
I think dfly is right, you just need to find that trigger that -would- make you stop smoking no matter what the stimuli.
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The best victories are won not by adversity and brute force. Learn the enemy and overcome it.
-cupcake-
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2004/06/29, 10:17 PM
Running -- my anti-cigarette
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A broken clock is right twice a day
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2004/06/29, 11:14 PM
I'm a smoker and it's an oral fixation for me.. At least I think it is... Anyway, I've been biting my fingernails since I had teeth, and started smoking 14 years ago. I tried chewing gum, and that helped, but the amount of gum I had to chew was costing way over my cigarette money... So I'm kinda screwed either way.. And if you want to smoke in a public place, do it. If the non smokers don't like it, they can go to another bar or whatever......
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2004/06/30, 02:49 AM
California has pretty strict guidelines about public smoking, except for the indian casinos.
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A broken clock is right twice a day
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2004/06/30, 03:07 AM
Ok, so today Im not having a cigarette...I wanna smoke.. Im trying to keep myself busy by reading about...I wanna smoke... everyones day. Read hec's post about looking bad and feeling great, and all I can think about is how much I want a stuffing cigarette! Not to say it wasn't funny hec, 'cause it was.
I can't eat, because after I've eaten I want a smoke. No chance of having a beer, drinking and smokes go hand in hand. Im screwed! Im going to shut myself away in a little room with rubber walls, so I don't do something to anyone, or myself. :angry:
Wish the family luck! How long does it normally take before you stop trying to chew everyones head off? I certainly hope I don't start running around chasing the scent of cigarettes, I really feel like doing that!
Donna
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2004/06/30, 05:49 AM
I read a report that says it only takes the nicotine 3 days to pass from the body but that psychological issues continue for a longer time.
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2004/06/30, 08:54 AM
In Alberta ads were running on TV in the spring showing a guy who was quiting smoking.... he was changing his routine and everytime he craved a smoke, he took a drink of water or got up for a walk.... it's hard to break the habit, including all the habits that go along with smoking, like one right after a coffee... this fellow made a conscious decision to go walking or drink water...
You CAN do it, Donna...! You may just have to switch your mind-set...
t
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Tim
I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies, for the hardest victory is over self. - Aristotle
You have the power to change a life right in your own hands. - Paul Brandt
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2004/06/30, 11:41 AM
In my experience, first few days are definitely the worst, then it settles, which would fit with dflys 3 days
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2004/06/30, 02:55 PM
Donna,
Gosh quitting is NOT easy specially if you like to lite up just because you took a pee :laugh: I was one of those smokers where anyone around me would go buy me a pack if I was out, B word comes to mind! Would get the shakes, dizzy, couldn't think straight etc.
I LOVED smoking, I lived for it every day.......then I had kids. Quit smoking while pg, gained 60 lbs with each and the second they were out I started right back up. I guess it took me not wanting to be a hypocrite to my kids :( I smoked till my oldest was 4. She never new I smoked, hung out the bathroom window :big_smile: when she started asking about the smell that's when I knew it was time.
I started the patch and smoked and wore the patch at the same time! Took about 3 months but through perseverance I made it. I didn't do it for me I did it for my kids! If I didn't have them I'd still be a smoker :( I know bad huh? I still crave them, the first year, yes YEAR was the worst but it gets easier as the time goes on. I still have days sometimes where I REALLY just want one but I feel SO much better now that I'm glad I quit.
Oh, and as for the oral fixation? None here, I was terminally addicted! If I can do it so can you! Good luck.
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Damselfly
Whoever said that sunshine brings happiness never danced in the rain. \"unknown\"
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2004/06/30, 04:08 PM
I think i'm also orally fixated.
BESIDES having my tongue pierced (something to play with all the time if no one is around...i don't like playing with it in front of people...its not appealing unless they want to play with it too)...I am always chewing on a pen/lighter/straw/ice. If i'm not doing that i'm chewing on my lip/tongue. Oh and i LOVE to eat, but i'm keeping to my diet.
*sigh*
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2004/07/01, 09:40 AM
i'm with you there tex. I love to eat, love to cook...and I want tacos right now. BUT dangit! I'm keeping my diet *sigh*
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The best victories are won not by adversity and brute force. Learn the enemy and overcome it.
-cupcake-
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2004/07/01, 02:02 PM
chewing gum is the answer for the orally fixated
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2004/07/01, 02:03 PM
Gum makes my gums hurt.
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Foolish consistancies are the hobgoblins of small minds.
Charlie
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2004/07/01, 02:43 PM
gum makes me hungry and thirsty.
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2004/07/01, 06:09 PM
gum makes me sick...no seriously, i can't keep it lit.
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2004/07/01, 07:03 PM
Bhardy you continue to contribute nothing but smartass comments on this board. Now go work out. Or you could try contributing somthing about exercise, fitness or nutrition.
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Foolish consistancies are the hobgoblins of small minds.
Charlie
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2004/07/01, 08:47 PM
Should I forward your IM to management?
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Foolish consistancies are the hobgoblins of small minds.
Charlie
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2004/07/01, 09:00 PM
Now you know that's not all you said. I've stayed away from you. Just do the same with me.
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Foolish consistancies are the hobgoblins of small minds.
Charlie
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2004/07/01, 09:12 PM
Again you started it. I think the subject line speaks for itself.
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Foolish consistancies are the hobgoblins of small minds.
Charlie
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2004/07/01, 09:14 PM
Im not wanting to inflame this arguement more, however I have to say that as a new person I've found Charlie's posts to be very informative. Except of course when he's being a smartass, but that's just in jest and most people recognise it and respond the same.
Donna
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I knew my parents\' loved me, my bath toys were a toaster and a radio ~ Rodney Dangerfield.
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2004/07/01, 10:05 PM
Bhardy, I enjoy myself here. I hope there are a few people I have helped or encouraged towards their fitness goals. If you have a problem with me it's all yours. Again, I have been leaving you alone. There is plenty of room for both of us here. I intend to drop this .....again.
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Foolish consistancies are the hobgoblins of small minds.
Charlie
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2004/07/01, 11:49 PM
ladies, ladies, please... both of you can hold my laser pointer.
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Tuesday nights in the 80s? I was always in bed by 8. ...and home by 10. Oh!
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2004/07/02, 05:55 AM
David you are a hoot!
Whether or not this inflames the argument, I'm going to say it. I have had some very, very difficult physical struggles and one of the people that I get support and encouragement from is Charlie. I have made very good friends here and more progress than you can imagine and I could not and would not have done it without all of them. Charlie makes me laugh when I am down and he encourages me to work harder when I think I can't. When Charlie goes away for the weekend, I miss him and I miss his silliness. Whatever you may think of him bhardy, he is held in very high esteem around here, and for very good reasons.
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Anni
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Hard work must have killed somebody
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2004/07/02, 07:32 AM
I think the problem lies in the medium of message boards. When you read the written word, you miss out on all the non-verbal communication, such as facial expression and body language etc.. What is intended as light hearted humour may be completely misinterpreted as a personal attack.
I have seen this happen on other message boards too, and all I can suggest is giving people the benefit of the doubt and if you're not sure of how to take something just ask. I know that when I've not been sure and asked, all the wisecracks stopped and I was reassured.
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2004/07/02, 07:39 AM
Yes, princess, in keeping with that same thought, I suggest the following emoticons be added to the list:
one that sticks it's tounge out
one that shoots the bird
one that drops trou and moons
one that gags, and,
one that folds it's arms and turns away
And while we are at it, we can add one that signals to have a positive attitde, which, I obviously can't seem to get out of my coffee this morning.
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2004/07/02, 08:43 AM
Trying to keep this as peaceful as possible.
I don't think that a clique has developed on these boards. I think that a bunch of people have come together as friends, all because of the same thing: fitness. I am extremely greatful for that. Charlie has become a great friend to my wife and I. Anni also, along with howdie and a few others.
Do we take things a little to far at times? I think so. I went back and read a couple of posts that I myself have responded too, and I think that I could try and do a better job of leaving the sarcasm at the door. I am going to make more of a conscious effort to try to help people and leave the sarcasm and wit for the appropriate threads.
I don't think that any newcomers will look at any groups on here as a clique. In fact, I would venture to say that the same people that are in this so called "clique" are some of the main ones who help the newcomers along.
I hope that the moderators, or perhaps George and Adrian take a long hard look at the correspondence that was sent to Charlie via the instant messanger. I do not think that someone should be subject to things of that nature, especially when Charlie is making an effort to steer clear of this person. It is obvious this person is holding a grudge and looking for any way to make someone angry, or perhaps disrupt his posting style. Computer terrorism. It needs to stop.
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This message has been approved by the moderators. If you have a problem with it please contact Asimmer.
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