Quit Smoking Rx

What Would You Say To Yourself The Day You Pick-up Your First Smoke?

2009-04-27T11:42:00.000-05:00

My favorite answer to this question.

I would tell myself, "Hey you, little girl! What in the hell are you thinking?" I would continue..."Sticking that cancer stick is NOT going to make you look like a grown woman, in fact, when you are forty, you are going to look like an Idiot!" I would lastly tell myself, "Wait until you see your mom die of lung cancer....you will really not think smoking is cool!

Dr. Howell, I have been off cigarettes for almost a year and a half.....ok, I did take a few hits off a cigar but was totally grossed out! Feel free to post this to your blog, link your readers to my blog http://divaindachantixhouse.blogspot.com/
I feel its time I give back to the people in the community who are trying to quit and let them know that, "Yes, you can do it!."

Thank you Diva.

Is Quitting Smoking A Dream For You?

2009-04-23T07:52:00.000-05:00

Chantix Alternative. How to Quit Without Using Chantix. Click Here.

I was watching Susan Boyle sing her way to stardom on BGT with my wife the other day. And it occurred to me all that she must of gone through in her life before that moment. And yet she kept hold of her dream to become a singer like Elaine Paige.

What makes dreams powerful is that no matter how far-fetched they may appear...dreams can come true!!

Is quitting smoking for you an impossible dream?

Could you see yourself putting out your last cigarette butt for good and never coming back to it?

It can happen you know? It really can happen.

Chantix Alternative - How to Quit Smoking Without Using Chantix. Click Here.

2009-04-23T07:17:00.000-05:00

THANK YOU!

Chantix Testimonial - "I Am A Non-Smoker"

2009-04-13T00:39:00.000-05:00

Chantix has changed my life. I will be completing my 1st year smoke free. After 30 years of wasting time and money,with the help of chantix I am a nonsmoker.

I recenty had a friend do the same.

-Bob Johns

CHANTIX HELPS WITH DRINKING?

2009-03-23T06:45:00.001-05:00

One of the side effects of Chantix (varenicline) is that it also helps curb other vices such as drinking.

Yale University researchers noted a decrease in drinking in subjects taking varenicline.

What is new about this study is that the 20 subject were also heavy drinkers. Previous studies on Chantix excluded heavy drinkers.[read more]

Smoking Tax Taking It's Toll On Smokers

2009-03-22T17:01:00.000-05:00

The cost of a carton of cigarettes has jumped by about $10 - if not more - so far in March. Arkansas implemented a new $5.60 per carton tax on March 1, after House Bill 1204 was passed by the Legislature on Feb. 12 and became Act 180.

Adding to the burden, major cigarette manufacturers are raising prices at the wholesale level. Then federal government's new $6.17 per carton excise tax goes into effect on April 1. A carton generally contains 10 packs of cigarettes, with 20 cigarettes in each pack.

Packs carry all taxes as well, proportionately.

Smokers have all but stopped purchasing cigarettes by the carton in this city, retailers say.

Instead, they buy packs of cigarettes in Rogers with which to get by until they can drive to Missouri, 25 miles north, where cigarettes are less expensive - by as much as $10 per carton. [read more]

When I Decide To Quit Smoking ...What Should I Be 'On'?

2009-03-01T10:18:00.001-06:00

There are a lot of people who write me with questions about what should they be taking to quit smoking.

Should they be on taking Xanax to help with the anxiety or be on the patch? etc.

Here is the real answer...

The only thing you need to be "ON" is absolutely convinced that you have smoked your last cigarrette.

Everything else is optional.

ALAN LANDERS BITES TOBACCO COMPANIES

2009-02-16T22:04:00.000-06:00

He spent more than a decade promoting Winston cigarettes, now at age 68, Alan Landers is suing the companies he once supported. Landers posed with cigarettes on billboards and in magazines in the 1960s and 1970s, but now he is receiving treatment for a cancerous tumor on his right tonsil. [read more]

My Biggest Fear Regarding Chantix and Quitting Smoking

2009-01-24T11:22:00.004-06:00

What I fear most is that someone might read what I wrote on this blog regarding Chantix and decided to give-up on trying to quit smoking.

Chantix works 70% of the time. I know this because I have interviewed patients who took the drug and doctors who prescribe it and the 70% figure is a constant.

There is a lot of good science in the development of Chantix. Good people at Pfizer have sweated tears and blood to bring this drug to market. And because of them varenicline is the closes thing to a cure to lung cancer in pill form.

You may disagree with my reasoning but the fact remains that lung cancer is universally fatal. You could probably count the number of people who survive lung cancer and die of old age with the fingers of one hand. However, the number #1 cause of lung cancer is smoking. So if you could get 70 out of 100 people to quit smoking with a pill. You have essentially cured 70% of the risk of death from lung cancer.

Not to mention the number of other cancers and various diseases that have also a strong correlation with smoking.

But what about the 30% for whom Chantix doesn't work. For you there exist other options. Such as the patch, buproprion, and other quit smoking programs that use the power of suggestion to rid you of the urge to smoke. But whatever you do please continue on your quest to quit smoking because it is the number one thing anybody can do to become healthier.

I don't really care how you quit smoking just quit! And until you do never quit trying.

FREE Quit Smoking Guide

2009-01-17T21:36:00.000-06:00

Clearing the Air(pdf) - National Cancer Institute FREE quit smoking guide.

What Would You Do With A Second Chance?

2009-01-17T07:39:00.004-06:00

"No way!" my brain yells at me as I walk my dog in subzero weather.

My little apartment in NY does not have a backyard so I have to walk the little guy everyday. Fish, my dog, does not like it either as he scurries around trying to do his business as quickly as possible.

It is Saturday morning and on this cold winter day I would rather be at bed and instead I work today. It is tempting to think life sucks right now and I would be wrong. Some days are better than others but everyday is a chance to do it better. One should never take life for granted.

I wonder what the 155 people who ditched the frigid Hudson River while standing on the wing of their crashed plane last week are thinking about right now? Talk about being out on a limb. Thank God for second chances.

Such is life. No matter who you are or how bad you think life is somebody somewhere is worse off and not complaining.

I bet each and everyone of those crash survivors (and it is a miracle they all survived) is thinking about leading a better life and making the best of their second chance.

What would you do if you had a second chance? Would you give-up smoking? Do something you always wanted to do? Please leave a comment.

More Chantix Warnings in Canada

2009-01-10T23:15:00.000-06:00

Health regulators in Canada have issued another Chantix (sold as Champix in Canada) warning. Health Canada said the new alert was meant to serve as a reminder to consumers that it is still in the process of further strengthening the labeling for Chantix with respect to the risk of serious psychiatric adverse effects. [read more]

Failing to Quit..When Is It Ok?

2009-01-04T21:53:00.001-06:00

Thomas Edison said,

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."

It's okay to fail to quit as long as you keep trying to quit one more time than you fail.

Some people are so afraid of failing it paralyzes them so they never try anything unless they are sure they can succeed. People who are like that lack courage because they never risk losing and that in itself is a failure.

So be courageous don't be afraid to fail as Winston Churchill remarked,

"Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm."

So failing to quit smoking is fine as long as you don't stop trying.

What You Need To Quit Smoking Once For All

2009-01-04T06:40:00.002-06:00

"Who says quitting smoking is difficult? I have quit it many times and there is nothing to it."

Yes, usually this is what happens.

You think you left smoking for good and the habit is behind you. Then, you just have a little smoke once with your friends (for old times sake) and that is it. After all it is just one cigarrette nothing to worry about, right?

This would be like the occasional slice of chocolate cake when you diet. However, in no time, you find yourself "treating" yourself on a regular basis, and booyah! out of nowhere you are back smoking regularly again.

You need to know and keep in mind that getting back to smoking is extremely easy. That one cigarette might as well be a million cigarettes.

You also need to know what you would encounter when you attempt to stop smoking. The withdrawal symptoms can be very unpleasant but last a very short time.

So, are you ready to tackle this problem head on?

Do you need something that can help you with the withdrawal symptoms?

Do you know how long it takes to get rid of the habit?

You do not need to have nerves of steel however you do need to commit to rid yourself of this toxic habit. And you CAN do it.

Here is more information on a quit smoking aid you could use to Quit Smoking Today(follow the link).

The Chantix Slide

2009-01-03T11:56:00.003-06:00

The problem with Chantix is that it works. If it didn't work people would simply stop taking it.

In a unofficial survery of doctors who prescribe Chantix. I learned that 70% or more of the patients who took Chantix (varenicline) quit smoking without problems. The other 30% is what is driving the whole controversy. And because of the reported side effects the sales of Chantix has been in a steady decline since 2008.

How do you deal with the other patients who can't for some reason quit with Chantix?

Not an easy question to answer but there ARE other ways to quit. Any method except for quitting cold-turkey is going to cause side effects. One has to personally weigh each risk and come up with a solution that works best for them. Sounds simple I know but it is the truth.

It can be done...you can do it.

Another New Year's Resolution

2009-01-02T00:00:00.002-06:00

I live on Strivers Row in Manhattan. (You can read about the history of Strivers Row by following this link).

I like the name of this neighborhood and what it stand for- striving. I want to invite you to strive and make a New Year's resolution.

Striving is what a New Year's resolutions are about aspiring to be better, trying to better one's self.

A common resolution made during the New Year is to quit smoking, which is an excellent idea. Nothing else improves someone's health as much as quitting smoking. Quitting smoking is number#1 hands down. It even beats losing weight.

It doesn't matter if you made the same resolution in the past. Make a new one. Develop a plan this time that will help you succeed where you failed before.

Don't be afraid.

You cannot be afraid of trying because you might fail. You gotta keep striving...

You cannot grow if you don't keep trying to better yourself. Because if you don't grow as a person, as a human-being you shrivel away.

Raise your champagne glass with me...Here is to a better and healthier 2009.

Antonio Howell, MD

"So Do You Sell The Patch On Your Website?"

2009-01-01T00:00:00.003-06:00

"There it is sir" I said pointing at an x-ray showing a piece of glass stuck in a poor lady's finger.

"Ok" my boss responds as we stand in the OR-holding area waiting for our room to be cleaned.

"So do you sell the patch on your website?" he asks changing the subject.

He like many other doctors is becoming aware of how important the web is and has been very curious ever since he learned about my blog a week ago.

"No I don't sell the patch" I reply. "I provide information and advice to people who want to quit smoking."

"Information is many times more valuable than any specific smoking cessation product, like the patch, nicotine gum or even varenicline. Information is the reason millions of people a second search online." I go on to add.

BEEP-BEEP-BEEP.... "Our room is ready, sir" I tell him as I look up from my pager.

I believe giving someone information allows a person to better decide what they want to do. Accurate information helps people pick the best option for themselves. They are able to weight the pros and cons and make a decision about whether they want to try the nicotine patch, gum or even varenicline (CHANTIX).

My job, on this blog, is to provide easy to understand information as accurate as I can. I suppose I could just look to make a quick buck and sell nicotine patches here. And there is nothing wrong with that. I just think the other way is better.

Quit Smoking Programs in Tennesse...Who Pays?

2008-12-31T06:03:00.000-06:00

Some are questioning why the state's heath care program, TennCare, won't pay for programs to help people quit smoking but does pay for lung transplants.

TennCare pointed out that any of its enrollees who want to participate in a smoking cessation program can go to a Tennessee health department and get involved in a sliding fee basis.

One of every four Tennesseans is a smoker. Those who want help quitting smoking should visit the state's

Tennessee Tobacco Quit Line or call its 24-hour hotline at 800-QUIT-NOW.

TennCare workers said that even the newest drug therapies only have a 22 percent success rate. Even so, many states provide quit-smoking benefits to their enrollees, often at no charge. [read more]

NICOTINE GUM VS ACUPUNCTURE FOR QUITTING SMOKING

2008-12-29T00:18:00.000-06:00

Acupuncture and nicotine gum work equally well to help smokers quit smoking.
(click link to read pdf article).

Hate Mail from a Chantix user...

2008-12-13T18:04:00.000-06:00

An anonymous reader on Chantix

What they don't tell you is althought it is great for quitting smoking-- the anxiety and depression begin to get worse AFTER you stop taking the medicine.
I was fine on the meds--- I have gone downhill FAST since I stopped taking chantix. My only pride is I don't smoke, I am a terrible person and don't like myself because of this "Wonder drug."- anonymous

My initial short reply:

Hi Anonymous:

I am sorry your are having such a tough time. You should try to see your doctor for the depression.

-AH

My reply then triggered this angry comment:

"You should try to see your doctor for the depression."

You mean the same quack who prescibed the Chantix? Do you really want EVERYONE hooked on your perscriptions?

You make me sick.

My "doc" put me on Lexapro for depression after my father died. 3 years later I have the WORST physical withdrawal symptons. So bad, I'm basically stuck taking this drug in order to feel "normal".

Thanks big pharma, for making a drug addict out of me.

This person sounds frustrated but there is a deeper issue here. And I try to answer it below:

Dear Anonymous:

Of course I don't want people hooked on any prescription. But I have
included this testimonial to make a point:

When need to change our thinking about mental diseases. One hardly
ever hears about patients with high blood pressure complaining that
"they are hooked" because they need to take medication. And people
hypertension (high blood pressure) usually have to take meds for the
rest of their lives. Likewise, diabetic patients who have to take
insulin are not complaining that big pharma has them hooked.

But mental conditions are somehow shameful and taboo. And that needs
to change. If you have depression you do not need to hide it.

If you hate taking pills - fine! There exist other ways to treat
depression, relying less on medication and more psychotherapy and
"behavior modification".

Smoking or trying to quit smoking is also taboo. Because one does not
want to appear weak willed, etc. Quitting smoking is 99% mental and
as such is difficult to achieve.

Call it human nature but we seldom ever are successful changing
behavior matter how good the ultimate reward. So we seek easy solutions
like pills or patches, etc. I don't mean to say that taking a pill
to quit smoking is bad because it isn't. But a pill by itself is not
going to make anyone quit smoking especially if we fail to recognize
the mental aspect of smoking.

Once you over come that one hurdle you are home free. I will
discuss this in more detail later.

There exist other ways to treat depression, relying less on medication
and more on active psychological exploration between doctor and patient,
like psychoanalysis and "behavior modification".

There exist a stigma in our society surrounding psychiatric diseases and at
times depressed patients hate the fact that they need to rely on antidepressants.

You hardly hear about patients with high blood pressure complaining
("they are hooked") because they need to take anti-hypertension meds all
the time, or patients with broken bones because they need a cast (granted
the cast is usually temporary but the point is still the same).

I wish you the best of luck.

Have a healthy day,
Antonio Howell, MD

Why Not To Keep Smoking?

2008-12-10T00:02:00.000-06:00

The facts are clear. There is nothing worse you could do to adversely affect your health. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death. Women are three times more likely to develop lung cancer then men. Cancer has now replaced heart disease as the number one killer of Americans aged 85 and younger. 1/3 of all cancer deaths are related to smoking. [read more]

Smoking's Link To Breast Cancer?

2008-12-09T02:16:00.000-06:00

US scientists have claimed that secondhand smokers are at higher risk of Breast Cancer. Earlier, their research also led to them to the conclusion that young women smokers are more likely to get addicted to smoking than young men. [read more]

NO RESERVATIONS ANTHONY BOURDAIN TO QUIT SMOKING

2008-12-07T01:24:00.000-06:00

TV star Anthony Bourdain, a former culinary bad boy, says he's changing his life as the father of a toddler. According to this story, he's quit smoking and has begun buying organic foods. Above all, he hopes to introduce his daughter to good, tasty, adult foods. No "grilled cheese sandwich with the crusts cut off." [read more]

HOW TO QUIT SMOKING USING NLP?

2008-11-30T23:58:00.001-06:00

Neuro linguistic programming (NLP) is a system of learning and personal
development created at the University of California at Santa Cruz
between 1972 and 1981 by Richard Bandler and John Grinder.

NLP techniques have been successful in helping people for example who
are afraid to speak in public master their fear very quickly.

Cycling star Chris Hoy credited NLP as a key to Britain's success at
the Beijing Olympics and soccer star Blackburn's Morten Gamst Pedersen
uses NLP to help his free-kicks.

Former world middleweight champion boxer Nigel Benn and Olympic
athletes Roger Black and Mark Richardson also used NLP to help
their careers.

Motivational Anthony Robbins is a well-known practicioner of NLP.
NLP techniques are even employed to train US Navy Seals.

And now Rob Mellor uses NLP to help many smokers become ex-smokers
for good with a 100% money back guarantee. You can read more about
Rob's program by following this link: Quit Smoking Today

CANCER DEATHS DECREASE AS SMOKING RATES DECREASE

2008-11-26T04:44:00.001-06:00

Cancer rates have dropped for the first time in the United States and previous declines in cancer deaths are accelerating, a report released on Tuesday showed as cancer-fighting efforts produced solid results.

Regular screening for breast and colorectal cancer, declining smoking rates and improved treatments helped lead to the improvements described in a comprehensive study of cancer in the United States by government and private health experts.

"This decline is seen in blacks, it's seen in whites, it's seen in Hispanics, it's seen in all Americans," Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society, said in a telephone interview.

However, cancer remains the No. 2 killer of Americans, with more than half a million deaths annually, topped only by heart disease.[read more]