Tag: health

4 tips to quit smoking for good

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Despite years of anti-smoking campaigning, cigarettes and other tobacco based products continue to kill thousands of people in the US alone every year. 

Smoking is a habit that’s notoriously difficult to break, but it is certainly achievable as long as you have a pre-determined strategy and remain disciplined in the face of difficulty and temptation.

In this article, we’ll give you 4 great tips to help you quit smoking for good so you can lead a healthier lifestyle and kick this unpleasant, expensive habit. 

Why smoking is bad for you

Before moving onto how to quit smoking, it’s a good idea to first outline why smoking is so harmful to your body.

Whether it’s cigarettes, shisha or other tobacco based products, smoking is bad for us because it damages our lungs and can lead to lung cancer, in addition to other types of cancer. This is because tobacco is carcinogenic (cancer causing), and even aside from cancer, smoking any type of product is believed to be bad for our lungs. 

If you’ve tried to quit smoking before, you’ll know that it is very difficult. This is because cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive chemical, and so when you stop smoking cigarettes, your body begins to experience withdrawal symptoms. 

4 tips to quit smoking

Gradually cut down

While some people are able to quit smoking by immediately stopping and braving it out until their cravings go away for good, many people find it easier to gradually cut down the number of cigarettes they smoke per day until they can eventually stop smoking altogether. 

This is a good idea if you’re an especially heavy smoker, but it’s still worth trying to cut it out completely first as that can save you a lot of time and help you quit smoking much more quickly. 

Use nicotine pouches

Nicotine pouches are a great tool when trying to quit smoking. The reason they are so effective is because they allow your body to get the exact same chemical it’s addicted to without you smoking cigarettes and damaging your lungs.

You can take nicotine in a pouch or other forms, and it may be tobacco derived or synthetically produced. 

Ideally, you don’t want to have to rely on nicotine pouches forever, but they aren’t inherently bad for your health.

Avoid temptation

For many people, smoking is a social thing, so avoiding settings where you’ll feel very tempted to smoke is a no-brainer, especially in the first few weeks of trying to quit. 

Furthermore, you shouldn’t keep cigarettes in your house or car, as this will provide you with added pressure and temptation to smoke.

Stay disciplined 

Keeping your eyes on the prize and remembering why you’re trying to quit smoking will help you stay on track and remain disciplined. It’s easier said than done, but maintaining discipline is crucial when trying to quit smoking, even if you follow all our other tips.

Travel Injury: What To Do If You Are Hurt While Traveling

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As fun and exciting as it is to see different parts of the world, there’s always a chance to experience the unexpected while traveling — including, unfortunately, personal injury. Obviously, accidents and injuries are never fun, but especially when you’re in a new, unfamiliar place. Who wants to deal with a dental emergency in a new city? Can you imagine the added stress of getting in a car accident when you’re far from home? That’s why, to prepare for and protect yourself from getting hurt while traveling, it’s a good idea to plan ahead.

How to Prepare for the Unexpected in Your Travels

While it is impossible to predict everything that could go wrong while you’re out of town, there is still a lot you can do to protect yourself. Here are a few key strategies to keep in mind:

  1. Get travel insurance. Your regular medical insurance may cover illness wherever you go in the country, but you should still check ahead of time to be sure. Likewise, consider the fact that your plan may not be applicable internationally. Confirm with your provider. Then, if you’re going to be out of the country, consider getting travel medical insurance with a 24/7 assistance plan.
  2. Practice smart prevention. If you’re hiking in the mountains, bring a first-aid kit. If you are in a country with poor water quality, buy some water bottles. Wear a seat belt in the car. Follow safety guidelines when you fly. Wash your hands frequently and wear protective gear when appropriate. By practicing smart injury prevention, you can reduce your risk of harm before it occurs.
  3. Research your destination ahead of time. Before you leave on a trip, look into medical facilities in the area where you’ll be staying. Find out where to go if you need help. If you’re traveling overseas and you don’t speak the language, see if there is an English-speaking doctor available. It is also good to find out how emergency services work at your destination — what number do you call, and can you program that number into your phone now? Taking these steps can help free you up in an emergency situation.

When it comes to getting injured in your travels, it is always best to err on the side of caution. With that in mind, use the tips above to get prepared. Likewise, take a look at the accompanying infographic on handling travel trauma. It provides helpful tips to prepare and respond to emergencies while away from home — in an easy-to-read, visually friendly format.

Author bio: Donald J. Nolan is a nationally acclaimed lawyer and founder of Nolan Law Group, which has become one of the nation’s most prestigious and well-recognized plaintiff firms. In the area of aviation law, Nolan has represented the rights of victims and families in air disasters around the world. His work has led to the redesign of several safety systems and defective components of major commercial and general aviation aircraft.