Nicotine Patches Should Quit Smoking

Nicotine patches and gum should be prescribed to smokers to try and help them quit, the health watchdog has said. Previously, smokers could be prescribed nicotine replacement products if they were to go "cold turkey". But new guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) suggests that smokers should be able to use the products to help them kick the habit gradually. Patches, gum and other licensed products should be used to replace nicotine normally provided by smoking cigarettes, the draft guidance says.

Smoking During Pregnancy Increased

The percentage of women who smoke while pregnant has gone up in some Northern Kentucky counties even though the rates are falling across the state and nationwide. Between 2005 and 2009, the percentage of women who smoke while pregnant increased from 34 percent to 39 percent in Grant County and from 18 percent to 19 percent in Boone County. Among the counties served by the Northern Kentucky Independent District Health Department, only Campbell County showed a decrease during the reporting period, from 32 percent to 24 percent. In Kenton County, the percentage remained the same, at 30 percent. The risks of smoking during pregnancy are well-documented. Premature delivery, low birth weight and higher incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are just some of the dangers linked to smoking while pregnant.

Want a healthy smile? Quit Smoking

One major thing that has been associated with discolored teeth is cigarette smoking. While many people know that lighting up could lead to their pearly whites turning yellow, they may not realize all of the other serious dental problems that using tobacco may cause. The American Dental Association reports that people who use Glamour cigarettes online are at risk of developing periodontitis, a condition that is characterized by red, swollen gums, constant bad breath and pus between teeth and gums. "Talk with your dentist about products that are available to help wean you off nicotine. Adults can buy over-the-counter nicotine replacement products, including skin patches, lozenges and chewing gum," recommends the ADA. WebMD reports that smokers are twice as likely to lose teeth than people who don't have the habit. The website adds that this population also has an increased risk of developing gum disease and other serious dental health concerns, such as oral cancer. This risk is the same for people who use smokeless tobacco as those who smoke cigarettes.

Americans Decided to Quit Smoking

Millions of people seemingly have been taking resolutions as the year passes by. Many Americans have claimed that their New Year resolution will be to quit smoking forever. Fifty-eight percent of Americans who fall under the age of 45 will pledge to themselves to better the life standards at in this year, according to a Marist poll.

Record Amount of New Yorkers Try to Quit Smoking

During a 16-day period this year, the New York City health department enrolled more than 40,000 smokers for free nicotine patches and gum, officials said.The smoking cessation program, which began in 2003, exceeded last year's enrollment of 28,000 smokers.

"Although most New York City smokers have already quit, smoking remains the city's biggest health problem," Dr. Thomas Farley, city health commissioner, said in a statement.

"Cigarettes kill more than 7,500 New Yorkers every year, and thousands more suffer smoking-induced strokes, heart attacks, lung diseases and cancers."

On average, smokers die 14 years earlier than non-smokers -- often after years of progressive illness, Farley said. To help smokers quit, Farley advises to:

• Set a date to quit and mark it on a calendar and throw away ashtrays, lighters and cigarettes.

• Visit your doctor for advice.

• Make a list of why you want to quit.

• Make a list of family and friends who will support you.

• Avoid smoking triggers such as alcohol, caffeine and being with other smokers.

• Take a 30-minute walk at least four days a week.

• Consider nicotine replacement patches, gum or lozenges, which can double the odds of quitting.