I Want to Quit Smoking - News and Events

7-2-2009 smoking-cessation drugs varenicline, bupropion

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:51:00 +0000

Rockville, MD - The smoking-cessation drugs varenicline (Chantix, Pfizer) and bupropion (Zyban, GlaxoSmithKline) must carry a boxed warning in their labeling that use of the drugs has been associated with serious mental-health events, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced. Reported symptoms include changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidality, and attempted suicide.

Similar warnings will be required for bupropion marketed as the antidepressant Wellbutrin and for generic versions of bupropion. They already have black-box warnings for suicidal behavior in treating psychiatric disorders.

If patients report experiencing agitation, depressed mood, or changes in behavior that are not typical of nicotine withdrawal, or if they experience suicidal thoughts or behavior, the FDA recommends that clinicians advise patients to stop taking varenicline or bupropion immediately.

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President Obama's Quit Smoking Journal

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:28:00 +0000

December 24, 2005 - Freshman Senator Obama says he's trying to quit smoking for his daughters. "The flesh is weak." "It's an ongoing battle. I have my gum, my patches and all that stuff."

November 18, 2006 - Question about smoking: "I'm struggling with those. I've quit before. It's one of those habits that creep up when you're stressed and you have to shake it off. It's not something I'm proud of."

February 6, 2007 - I've never been a heavy smoker," no more than 10 a day. "I've quit periodically over the last several years. I've got an ironclad demand from my wife that in the stresses of the campaign I don't succumb. I've been chewing Nicorette strenuously." "Actually Nicorette works pretty well."

February 11, 2007 - Michelle Obama: "I hate it." "That's why he doesn't do it anymore. I'm proud to say. I outed him -- I'm the one who outed him on the smoking. That was one of my prerequisites for, you know, entering this race, is that, you know, he couldn't be a smoking president."

March 15, 2007 - Question: "How's quitting smoking going?" Obama: "Nicorette is going just
fine."

August 2007 - Reporter claims Senator Obama reeked of cigarette smoke smell during an interview.

September 11, 2007 - Video clip of Senator Obama chewing nicotine gum before a Senate Committee meeting

February 28, 2008 - Senator Obama asserts success in quitting smoking, a deal
breaker with Michelle. I had been sneaking 3 to 4 cigarettes a day but I've been chewing on Nicorette which tastes like chewing on ground pepper, "but it does help."

April 2, 2008 - Motivation to quit: "After your wife saying on 60 Minutes that if you see
Barak with a cigarette let me know." "I fell off the wagon a couple of times during the course of it and then was able to get back on." "It's a struggle like everything else. And I think that it's important to just keep in mind I have a nine-year-old daughter and a six-year-old daughter and I want to give them away in their weddings and I want to see my grand-kids and I want to set a good example for all these young people here and I want to make sure that as President of the United States I'm going to try to stay healthy ..." In advising smokers: "You guys need to get it straight. You guys need to get on the case" (see minute 31:10 of clip).

May 29, 2008 - Obama's physician releases a health statement which mentions smoking and asserts: he "has quit this practice on several occasions and is currently using Nicorette gum with success."

July 25, 2008 - Video clip of Senator Obama throwing Nicorette gum to a supporter who
asked if he still smokes: "I do not." [How did you quit?] "Nicorette, you what one? Here, try one out. Now that's 2 milligrams because I only had like 3 or 4 a day but - 3 or 4 cigarettes a day when I was smoking - but if you're a heavier smoker you may need the 4 milligrams. It's not bad, though. It works well."

October 2008 - "There wasn't some dramatic moment [when I quit]." "Michelle had been putting pressure on me for a while. I was never really a heavy smoker. Probably at my peak I was smoking seven or eight a day. More typical was three. So it wasn't a huge challenge with huge withdrawal symptoms. There have been a couple of times during the campaign when I fell off the wagon and bummed one, and I had to kick it again. But I figure, seeing as I'm running for president, I need to cut myself a little slack."

December 7, 2008 - President-Elect Obama declares that "I have" quit smoking" but
acknowledges that "there are times where I have fallen off the wagon" "You will not see any violations" of the White House no smoking zone policy.

February 2, 2009 - Question: Have you had a cigarette since you been to the White
House? "I haven't had one on these grounds. Sometimes it's hard." "But I'm sticking to
it."

June 22, 2009 - The President signs FDA tobacco regulation bill, during which he twice refers to smoking as a "habit" (not an addiction or chemical dependency).

June 23, 2009 - Video clip in which the President acknowledges falling off the wagon here and there, yet claims
to be 95% cured.

The President should expect news and jokes to continue

Can Thoughts Reduce Your Weight?

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:41:00 +0000

Obesity is a major epidemic in the United States that affects 1 in 3 adults. Traditional methods, such as dieting, to reduce a person’s weight have been ineffective thus far since obesity rates continue to rise throughout our country. The majority of diets fail because they give a person the illusion that proper eating and health habits only need to be done for a temporary period of time. It is a fact that proper nutrition plays a major role in a assisting a person to reduce their weight however what’s more important is a person’s relationship with food. The way for long term improvement to take place is by changing a person’s thoughts about food and what food means to them.
Food doesn’t cause obesity it is a person’s thoughts about food that does. People eat for all kinds of reasons that are completely unrelated to hunger. Many eat when they are bored, stressed, lonely, anxious, angry, and heartbroken. People also eat for reward, celebration, for love, companionship, out of guilt, and so many other emotional reasons. It is these emotional attachments that cause much of the weight gain people experience. These attachments drive a person to overeat, snack, and make poor health choices. By removing these emotional attachments and changing one’s thoughts towards food it can help to create long lasting improvements in weight reduction.
One of the easiest methods to eliminate these attachments is through the use of hypnosis, which can help a person discover the underlying emotions that are driving the negative behaviors related to their weight issue. Once these attachments are removed, new healthier strategies can then be implemented in the mind. By changing perceptions about food and what food means to a person, it enables a person to make their weight reduction a way of life rather than a temporary period. Hypnosis is also great for helping a person overcome resistance to positive changes and makes it easier for them to live out all their healthy intentions.

Contact John Weir through Healthy Life Centers

6-27-2009 Charles Brinker blames Chantix for tractor rampage

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:44:00 +0000

Trying to quit smoking has cost Pennsylvania man Charles Brinker much more than he ever spent on cigarettes after he ended up in court after a withdrawal-fueled rampage with a lawn tractor.

Brinker, from Forks Township, was arrested on May 2 as he drove a Bobcat loader into the rear patio of his home ramming a bar that supported the house structurally.

According to court records, Brinker’s wife Diane was inside the house at the time and the withdrawal-suffering Brinker threatened to tear the house down around her.

When he fronted Northampton County Court charged with reckless endangerment, Brinker blamed the rampage on his attempts to quite smoking.

He told Judge F.P. Kimberly McFadden, “I was on Chantix to quit smoking, and I believe that had a lot to do with it. I’m not a doctor, but I believe it had a lot to do with it.”

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6-23-09 Santa Barbara County residents weigh in on landmark anti-smoking legislation

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:16:00 +0000

Santa Barbara County receives about $4 million a year from the tobacco settlement fund. Much of that money goes towards health programs. The tobacco program receives about $560,000.

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6-22-2009 Obama signs law giving FDA authority to regulate tobacco

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:43:00 +0000

Expressing a hope that America's teens will not be hooked as he was, President Obama just signed into law a bill granting the Food and Drug Administration sweeping new authority to regulate tobacco.

The president, shown here at the signing ceremony with lawmakers and teens representing the generation they're all trying to save, said he's trying to reduce the estimated 1,000 teenagers a day who become smokers.

"I was one of these teenagers. And so I know how difficult it can be to break this habit when it's been with you for a long time," said Obama, who has been public about his own struggles to quit smoking.

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http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2009/06/68375563/1

6-13-2009 Washington's Marlboro Men

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 04:32:00 +0000

Which brings us to the real cynical beauty of this bill: It lets the politicians claim to be punishing Big Tobacco while further cementing their financial partnership. It's no coincidence that Philip Morris, the market leader, is squarely behind a bill that allows the FDA to curb advertisements. The Altria Group subsidiary is hoping to solidify its market share, and any regulation that impedes the ability of smaller rivals to advertise and lure away Philip Morris customers can only benefit the Marlboro Man and his shareholders.

The government has also become increasingly dependent on tax revenue from Big Tobacco, which is why the FDA will have the authority to regulate tobacco products but not to ban them. Cigarette taxes were recently increased to finance Schip, the children's health insurance program that was expanded in February, and another increase has been mooted to finance ObamaCare.

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6-12-2009 Congress Sends Obama Bill to Regulate Tobacco

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 22:34:00 +0000

By a 3 to 1 margin, the House of Representatives today approved a bill passed by the Senate yesterday that gives the federal government sweeping new powers to regulate tobacco.

President Obama hailed the bipartisan votes in Congress on the bill, which he said "truly defines change in Washington." He said he looks forward to signing it into law.

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FDA tobacco legislation passes 79-17

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 03:10:00 +0000

* Bill could go to Obama soon, top House Democrat says

* Health groups cheer vote, industry divided (Adds reaction, details of bill)

IWanttoQuitSmoking.com Hypnosis

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6-11-09 Senate passes the most sweeping tobacco-control bill

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:12:00 +0000

Cigarettes marketed as "light," "low" tar or "mild" will be banned within a year as part of a historic bill the Senate passed 79-17 on Thursday.
The legislation, approved by the House in April, is the most sweeping tobacco-control measure ever passed by Congress. It goes now to President Obama, who has said he will sign it.

IWanttoQuitSmoking.com Hypnosis

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6-6-2009 Stop-Smoking Drug Chantix Back Under FDA Scrutiny

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 15:39:00 +0000

Chantix, the popular smoking cessation drug already linked to suicidal behavior and terrifying nightmares, is again being investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, this time for causing blackouts, vision problems, and other serious side effects.

The Pfizer drug, approved in 2006 and taken twice daily in pill form, appears on an updated FDA list of drugs currently under review for possible safety problems. The list was just updated today to include Chantix and 19 other drugs.

Chantix has been under close scrutiny since 2007, when the FDA started hearing from people who took the drug and developed suicidal tendencies, aggressive behavior, depression, and other serious symptoms. Pfizer updated Chantix’s labeling to warn users of the risks and cautioned that people taking the drug to kick their smoking habits should be closely monitored for odd behavior.

Also, the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board ordered pilots, air traffic controllers, and long-haul truckers not to take Chantix during or immediately before their shifts, since the drug might cause vivid hallucinations and aggressive behavior that could lead to deadly accidents.

Chantix’s labeling already warns against operating heavy machinery while on the drug. Champix, the name of the same drug as it is sold in Canada, also has been associated with severe psychiatric symptoms.

In the fall of 2008, the FDA started investigating reports of blackouts, impaired vision, and other problems in people taking Chantix. According to one non-profit group monitoring the drug, there were more than 1,000 reports to the FDA of serious injuries over just a three-month period in 2008.

IWanttoQuitSmoking.com Hypnosis

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6-5-2009 Don't let Big Tobacco and other corporate interests eliminate OEHHA under the guise of a bad economy!

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:29:00 +0000

In response to California's budget crisis, Governor Schwarzenegger's May budget revision disturbingly recommends the elimination of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA).
OEHHA is a small, highly effective state office of dedicated health scientists, located within the California EPA, who look out for the well being of California's air quality, public health, and environment through vigorous scientific evaluation.
In 2006, OEHHA and the Air Resources Board made California a national leader when they declared secondhand smoke a toxic air contaminant, which is defined as an air pollutant that may cause or contribute to an increase in deaths or in serious illness and/or poses potential hazard to human health.
As a result of this declaration, OEHHA and the Air Resources Board were charged with preparing a Risk Reduction Report on recommended actions to further reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, such as public education programs to increase awareness and understanding of exposure and health effects, as well as additional opportunities to reduce exposure and close gaps in protection. Originally scheduled to be released in January, the Risk Reduction Report has been delayed several times, and we fear that this action to eliminate OEHHA could further impair the release of this key report.

IWanttoQuitSmoking.com Hypnosis

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CAUSE AND EFFECT 05.29.09

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:00:00 +0000

There is a lot of talk about how we "create our reality". Unfortunately, it is often said relative to a tragedy that has befallen an individual, effectively blaming them for whatever has occurred. Louise Hay has a book describing emotional links to physical disease and while I find that it often seems reasonable, it also seems to lay blame on the individual. What if... this were a mistaken idea?
I'll be the first to admit that the mistake could be mine, I make them all the time: it's how I learn. Yet what would it be like if our responsibility for the outcomes in life laid at the level of our awareness? Repetition of patterns allows us to focus attention in new areas, until or unless the patterns themselves create a level of distraction that impedes growth. It is at this time that we can review the patterns and recognize the connections that have created the limiting factors or ... change the pattern. If we are invested in the pattern, this may require further consideration. If on the other hand, the pattern was a convenience that we adopted and can allow to change, we move on easily.
Are there 'messages' or 'hidden causes' behind some of the things that take place in our life? Perhaps. Could it be that we can and do, derive meaning and see connections in all of our experiences as we move forward and thrive in life? Does it have to be one or the other or can we simply celebrate each moment through our curiosity and presence in the moments of our life? Joseph Campbell was discussing meaning in life and that often in the search for meaning; we lose the essence of the experience... or words to that effect. Meaning is what we ascribe to experience; it is not the experience itself and is in fact, our imagination creating our 'reality.' Consider that you and a friend participate in an event, any event. When you each reflect upon that event you will have a different experience of the event and derive different meanings. When we each relate to the event in a similar manner, we consider ourselves to be in sync and usually think the other person is smart.
Now it seems that events which result in an experience which we consider painful are often considered as possible 'issues' and that by addressing these issues we become ... whatever ... more whole, a better person. I don't recall feeling good ever being referred to as an 'issue,' even though we anchor the emotional response to events, 'good or bad' in the same way. So in the case of a perceived 'bad' event, a person develops an 'issue' (these are stories we make up: issues, etc.) And they come to see a hypnotist to address the way that the 'issue' interferes with the rest of their life, the universe and all that. There are some hypnotists who insist that 'regression to cause' (RTC) is the only way to resolve the issue. Well, RTC can be an effective tool. Yet I wonder if it is the only or even the best approach and if it should be the first thing we reach for in our bag of tricks. Would it be possible to discover HOW the events of the past are affecting the present and assist the client to change the WAY that they do whatever they are doing? Is there necessarily an 'issue' from the past or could it simply be a reasonable caution about repeating a painful event pattern?
Imagine that because of the position of the moon, the stars and paying too much attention to having fun, we fall off our bike and get a nasty cut which leaves a scar. Years later, when we bump that scar just so, it hurts. Does this mean we haven't 'dealt with our issues'? Does sensitivity to certain circumstances in life, which may be similar to circumstances from our past, mean that we haven't dealt with some core issue? Think of relationships and here I include our relationships with all of our experience and emotional connections, in addition to interpersonal relationships. However, in the great arena of personal relationships: we have all had them and I don't recall meeting anyone who hasn't experienced pain in addition to all the other emotions in a relationship. So it is possible that we all have issues of some sort ... perhaps... maybe... except of course, you the reader. If we were to be cautious about letting ourselves get into that position again (repeating the same pattern,) does that mean that we have 'unresolved issues' or have we learned from our experience in the same way that we may be more vigilant when driving on an icy road or in heavy traffic. We still drive but have come to recognize situations which expose us to unexpected or risky circumstance. Now, if we refuse to drive at all ... maybe there is something to consider more deeply.
Attaching 'Meaning' to past events is fine for us to do for ourselves until that construct interferes with our life. When we listen to the stories of our clients and even those of our own life and we hear limitations imposed by events of the past and our responses to them, we know that the person is no longer living the present, rather re-living the past. Using our skills to return to the present may be all that is necessary to create the changes desired. It will often stir connections from what might be considered the 'Initial Sensitizing Event' but allows the change to be free of guilt, resentment, etc.
Being PRESENT means living with 'WHAT IS' as effectively as you are currently able. Be present with your clients, suspend judgment or expectation and accept them as they are: Whole, complete individuals, who are doing their best in the moment and still looking to enhance their life.
By: Daniel F. Cleary
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Smokefree air is coming to North Carolina and Wisconsin!

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Fri, 22 May 2009 20:58:00 +0000

This week, North Carolina and Wisconsin both achieved great successes by adopting strong 100% smokefree indoor air laws.
In North Carolina, Governor Bev Perdue signed a law on May 19 to bring smokefree air to all restaurants and bars, starting on January 2, 2010.
While the law will unfortunately exempt non-hospitality workplaces and cigar bars, it is a major step forward in protecting residents and workers, especially in the nation's largest tobacco growing state and home to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. The voices of North Carolina residents and advocates who no longer want to breathe toxic smoke-filled air triumphed over the opposition arguments and tobacco industry influence.
Significantly, North Carolina's law also partially restores local control by allowing local governments to adopt smokefree laws for government workplaces and public places. North Carolina communities have been severely limited from working on local smokefree workplace laws by preemptive state regulations, and now local governments will be able to respond to their communities' needs.
Congratulations to all North Carolina advocates and organizations, especially the North Carolina Alliance for Health, who did a wonderful job to help get this law enacted, putting in a lot of time and hard work in support of smokefree air and local control over the course of many years.
In Wisconsin, Governor Jim Doyle signed a law on May 18 that will make nearly all workplaces, including all restaurants and bars in the state, 100% smokefree indoors as of July 5th, 2010. The law will also cover all hotels and motels, making Wisconsin the first state to include 100% of guest rooms.
The law will unfortunately exempt tobacco retail shops and cigar bars, and will preempt local cities and towns from prohibiting smoking in outdoor areas of private property, such as restaurant or bar patios. Cities and towns will still be able to pass stronger local laws regarding indoor environments. ANR does not support any form of preemption so along with many ANR members and other advocates, we were disappointed in this preemption provision, as well as the long phase-in period.
ANR is very pleased that so many North Carolina and Wisconsin workers currently working in smoke-filled indoor places will be breathing easier once their smokefree laws take effect in 2010.
What Can You Do to Celebrate these Successes?
1. Send a note of thanks to the Governors of North Carolina and Wisconsin for supporting smokefree air in their states and for protecting the health of their workforce.
Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle: Click here to contact him by email, letter or phone.
North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue: Click here to contact her by email, letter or phone.
2. Help support ANR's efforts to fight for your right to breathe smokefree air around the country. Donate $25 to ANR today to support efforts to implement these smokefree laws, to strengthen the North Carolina law to include non-hospitality workplaces (such as offices and factories), and to fully repeal preemption and restore local control in Wisconsin and North Carolina. Then, send this email to two friends and neighbors to be sure they know the good news and what's left to do.

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Learn How to Let Go

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:41:00 +0000

Do you have trouble letting go? I mean this in the most general sense: being about to let go of a fight you just had with a friend, or being able to let go of anxiety about an upcoming job interview...
We know we should let go, but sometimes we can't. Why is that? In my practice I've found that it's often the result of simply forgetting the benefits! We may know THAT we should let go of something without knowing the benefits of actually seeing it through!
But knowing what the benefits of actually letting go of something are is important. I've seen the benefits of using reminders to motivate a therapeutic response for "letting go" countless times, which is why I'm offering the same here. If you can adapt the integrative technique elaborated below, then you can be on your way to letting go of those things which most slow your spiritual well-being.
Let Go

I call it the most essential recovery piece, given our cultural woundedness, for integrative healing. Here are, in no particular order, my top 10 results of being willing to let go:
1. You disentangle
2. You transcend power struggles
3. You evolve
4. You have proof that you can - and do - survive
5. You separate from your wounded ego
6. You free your intuition and tremendous authentic spirit to well advise you
7. You take a breather
8. You experience a different universe
9. You experience reality beyond agenda
10. You are fully present in mindfulness
The How-To

B-R-E-A-T-H-E. Settle back now, open your body's position so your body is free from tension, relaxed and supported, and begin counting ten (today's magic number) full, deep, easy breaths.
Now say . . . each and every time you inhale . . . this phrase . . . let be . . . each and every time you exhale . . . let go.
Experience . . . detachment. Float, in the endless, opening space of your free consciousness, en-joy . . .
To Shift
Slowly, easily return to full, waking consciousness, and open your eyes. Now, continuing to enjoy this space you've created of being detached, write in your own journal the above "top ten" list, changing all the "you's" to "I's" - and then go back and complete each sentence through your present experience of letting go.

Then choose, as you are moved, in any and all aspects of your present life with whatever corresponding challenges are occurring. See what happens, and resolve to once a day - or more! - let go.

Marjorie Baker Price
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New Advertising Trend: Fake "Public Service" Ads

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:35:00 +0000

Source: Consumer Reports/Health.org, February 17, 2009

Consumer Reports' AdWatch video for ChantixPfizer has produced a great example of stealth advertising with its commercial promoting a Web site. The ad has the look and feel of a public service announcement, and mentions neither Pfizer, nor the popular smoking cessation drug it promotes -- Chantix (varenicline). The ad represents a growing trend in drug advertising called "help-seeking ads," which don't mention a drug by name, but instead address the condition the drug is meant to treat, and then drive viewers to a toll-free 800 number or a Web site that offers an option to learn more about a prescription drug meant to treat the condition. It is a sneaky, but legal way to advertise drugs that have particularly bad side effects, since avoiding mentioning the drug by name lets the company off the hook for listing its bad side effects in the ad, too, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules. Chantix has some serious side effects, according to an alert the agency issued on Chantix, including "serious neuropsychiatric symptoms," like changes in behavior, depressed mood, suicidal ideation and completed suicide.

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Researchers develop method to transmit brain images to computer screen

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Wed, 13 May 2009 17:11:00 +0000

In a world first, a team of researchers has developed technology to map brain activity when objects are viewed, and transmit images from the viewer's brain onto a computer screen.

The achievement was made by a team including researchers from the Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR) in Kyoto. At present only simple symbols and letters can be reproduced, but there are reportedly hopes that in the future dreams could be turned into images.

The research was due to be announced in the U.S. science journal "Neuron" on Thursday.
Visual information is processed in the visual cortex at the rear of the brain in humans.

Depending on what is viewed, the pattern of activity in the visual cortex differs slightly.
ATR researcher Yukiyasu Kamitani and others on the team divided vision up into a grid of 100 squares, estimated the brightness of each square from brain activity patterns, and developed a method to reproduce this in black and white.

At first, subjects in the study were shown 440 types of images with the squares having various levels of brightness, and changes in the blood flow in the visual cortex when they viewed each image were measured through a process called functional magnetic resonance imaging. This data was used to "train" a computer. Next, when the subjects were shown squares, x marks, letters of the alphabet and other pictures, the images were able to be reproduced near perfect on a computer screen, although they were not sharp. Six subjects took part in the experiment and the process was reportedly successful with all of them.

In some of the cases, the process could differentiate between red and green, and there were also cases in which images could be reproduced if the subjects simply imaged them in their minds without being shown anything.

"For people whose communication is limited due to physical disabilities or other factors, we will be able to supply a new method to express their will," Kamitani said.

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News on Cigarette Tax Increases

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Tue, 05 May 2009 18:23:00 +0000

South Carolina
On April 2, the state House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved (97 to 22) legislation increasing the cigarette tax by 50 cents per pack. This increase would bring the state tax rate to 57 cents per pack. Importantly, the legislation also includes $5 million in funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs. The legislation now moves to the state Senate for consideration. South Carolina currently has the lowest cigarette tax in the country at 7 cents per pack. (Source: House Give SC Cigarette Tax Key Approval, Jim Davenport, Associated Press, April 2, 2009.)
Hawaii
On April 22, the Hawaii legislature approved legislation that will increase the state cigarette tax by 60 cents July 1, raising the tax to $2.60 per pack and then by an additional 20 cents in 2010 and 2011. The tax on tobacco products other than cigarettes will also increase, and the tax on little cigars will be set at the same rate as cigarettes. The measure now moves on to Gov. Linda Lingle for her signature or veto. (Source: Hawaii Legislature Passes Tax Hikes on Income, Cigarettes, April 24, 2009.)
Mississippi
On April 28, members of a House and Senate conference committee reached an agreement to increase Mississippi’s cigarette tax by 50 cents to 68 cents per pack. The House had originally passed an 82 cent increase and the Senate had passed a 31 cent increase. The legislation is expected to be voted on by the full House and Senate the week of May 4.
Florida
On April 28, leaders in the state Senate and House of Representatives reached a tentative agreement to increase Florida’s cigarette tax by $1.00 per pack to help deal with a large state budget deficit. This would bring Florida’s cigarette tax rate to $1.34 per pack. The legislation to increase the tax will be voted on by both Houses soon, according to media reports. If approved, it will then go to Gov. Charlie Christ for his signature or veto. (Source: Lawmakers Heading for Overtime, Lloyd Dunkelberger, Lakeland (FL) Ledger, April 28, 2009.)
Minnesota
On April 25, the state House of Representatives approved a 54 cent increase in the state cigarette tax as part of a tax bill to deal with a large budget deficit. This would bring Minnesota’s taxes and fees on cigarettes to about $1.77 per pack. However, the Senate’s tax bill does not include a cigarette tax increase, and Gov. Tim Pawlenty has indicated he may veto the measure if it raises taxes. (Source: Variety of Taxes on Menu at Capitol, Devin Henry, Minnesota Daily, April 27, 2009.)
Illinois
On April 29, the House Human Services committee voted 4 to 3 to send $1.00 increase in the cigarette tax over the next two years to the floor of the state House of Representatives. The tax would increase by 50 cents this year and an additional 50 cents next year, bringing the total state cigarette tax rate to $1.98 per pack. The state Senate already approved the increase earlier in April. (Source: Illinois Cigarette Tax Increase Advances, Mike Riopell, Quad City Times (IL/IA), April 29, 2009.)
North Carolina
On April 22, leaders in the state Senate introduced a plan that makes a variety of changes to taxes in North Carolina, but, disappointingly, reduces the $1.00 cigarette tax increase proposed by Gov. Beverly Perdue to only 15 cents per pack. Debate and changes to the overall tax plan are expected, which may result in a larger cigarette tax increase. (Source: Plan Would Alter Taxes, James Romoser, Winston-Salem Journal, April 23, 2009.)
Louisiana
On April 28, the House Ways and Means committee voted down a bill that would have increased Louisiana’s cigarette tax by $1.00 per pack sponsored by Rep. Karen Peterson. It is unclear if other cigarette tax increase proposals will be considered later in the legislative session. Gov. Bobby Jindal had indicated he would veto any bill that increases taxes prior to the start of the 2009 legislative session, including cigarette taxes. (Source: House Panel Kills Higher Cigarette Tax, Marsha Shuler, Baton Rouge Advocate (LA), April 29, 2009, p. 1A.)
California
On March 10, State Sen. Alex Padilla introduced legislation that would increase the state cigarette tax in California by $1.50; bringing the state tax rate to $2.37 per pack. As written, the legislation would direct 85 percent of the revenue to the state general fund and 15 percent to tobacco prevention and cessation programs and lung cancer research. Because the bill increases taxes, it would require two-thirds support in the House and Senate to be approved. (Source: California Lawmaker Pitches Big Cigarette Tax Hike, Mike Zapler, San Jose Mercury News, March 10, 2009.)

Source: Read the full story here

IWanttoQuitSmoking.com News And Events - Hypnosis

Secondhand Smoke: Silent Killer Hurts Pets, Too

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 17:06:00 +0000

Health officials often talk about the dangers of living with a smoker, but few pet parents are aware that our animal companions face similar risks—from respiratory problems to cancer—when exposed to secondhand smoke. New research suggests that secondhand smoke is unsafe at all levels—for humans and pets—so it's time to get serious about ditching those butts for good.

One recent study shows that nearly 30 percent of pets live with at least one smoker. This is a grave concern, according to Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, Medical Director of the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center, since secondhand smoke can damage the nervous systems of both cats and dogs.

"Tobacco smoke has been shown to contain numerous cancer-causing compounds, making it hazardous for animals as well as humans," says Dr. Gwaltney-Brant. "Exposure to secondhand smoke can cause many of the same harmful inflammatory changes in the airways and lungs of dogs as their human counterparts."

Source: Read the full story here

IWanttoQuitSmoking.com News And Events - Hypnosis

Someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds and someone dies of one every 3.1 minutes

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 22:19:00 +0000

It’s time for another update on my progress. We hit the double digits. How exciting! We are walking over 10 miles now. The surprising thing is that I can do that and feel fine. However, we met to do some exercises, sprints and timed miles and the next day, for the first time, I was sore. J I’m happy and relieved to say that I finally got a room in Santa Barbara for the half-marathon. My walking is getting faster, but I was slow to take care of this so I’m relieved I found a room. I’m looking forward to crossing that finish line and spending a weekend with my husband.

Once again, thank you to all of you for supporting my efforts on behalf of the American Stroke Association. I appreciate your contributions to this worthy cause and am honored to compete in this event in the name of your friends or loved ones who have been affected by stroke. Though the race is on May 9th, I am able to take contributions until the beginning of June.

I’m providing you with Stroke information again so you can share it with let your friends, family, colleagues and business connections. This knowledge can help stop the depilating effects of Stroke.

Did you know?

Someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds and someone dies of one every 3.1 minutes
29 percent of people who have strokes are under age 65
Strokes are the Number 1 leading cause of adult disability
Strokes are the 3rd leading cause of death in America
Twice as many women die from stroke as they do from breast cancer
African Americans have higher rates for stroke than any other racial or ethnic group in the U.S.

The good news is that with proper education and action, we can reduce our risk of stroke, disability and death.

Warning signs of stroke:

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

This simple test will help you to detect stroke symptoms and act FAST .

F = FACE Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A = ARM Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S = SPEECH Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?
T = TIME If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to call 9-1-1 or get to the nearest hospital.

It's very important to take immediate action. Medication given within three hours of the start of symptoms can reduce long-term disability for the most common types of stroke.

Please join me in reaching the finish line of my fundraising goal and helping to end stroke!

Source: Read the full story here

IWanttoQuitSmoking.com News And Events - Hypnosis

Scientists discover a nearly Earth-sized planet

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:38:00 +0000

HATFIELD, England – In the search for Earth-like planets, astronomers zeroed in Tuesday on two places that look awfully familiar to home. One is close to the right size. The other is in the right place.

European researchers said they not only found the smallest exoplanet ever, called Gliese 581 e, but realized that a neighboring planet discovered earlier, Gliese 581 d, was in the prime habitable zone for potential life.

"The Holy Grail of current exoplanet research is the detection of a rocky, Earth-like planet in the 'habitable zone,'" said Michel Mayor, an astrophysicist at Geneva University in Switzerland.

An American expert called the discovery of the tiny planet "extraordinary."

Gliese 581 e is only 1.9 times the size of Earth — while previous planets found outside our solar system are closer to the size of massive Jupiter, which NASA says could swallow more than 1,000 Earths.

Gliese 581 e sits close to the nearest star, making it too hot to support life. Still, Mayor said its discovery in a solar system 20 1/2 light years away from Earth is a "good example that we are progressing in the detection of Earth-like planets."

Scientists also discovered that the orbit of planet Gliese 581 d, which was found in 2007, was located within the "habitable zone" — a region around a sun-like star that would allow water to be liquid on the planet's surface, Mayor said.

He spoke at a news conference Tuesday at the University of Hertfordshire during the European Week of Astronomy and Space Science.

Gliese 581 d is probably too large to be made only of rocky material, fellow astronomer and team member Stephane Udry said, adding it was possible the planet had a "large and deep" ocean.

"It is the first serious 'water-world' candidate," Udry said.

Mayor's main planet-hunting competitor, Geoff Marcy of the University of California, Berkeley, praised the find of Gliese 581 e as "the most exciting discovery" so far of exoplanets — planets outside our solar system.

"This discovery is absolutely extraordinary," Marcy told The Associated Press by e-mail, calling the discoveries a significant step in the search for Earth-like planets.

While Gliese 581 e is too hot for life "it shows that nature makes such small planets, probably in large numbers," Marcy commented. "Surely the galaxy contains tens of billions of planets like the small, Earth-mass one announced here."

Nearly 350 planets have been found outside our solar system, but so far nearly every one of them was found to be extremely unlikely to harbor life.

Most were too close or too far from their sun, making them too hot or too cold for life. Others were too big and likely to be uninhabitable gas giants like Jupiter. Those that are too small are highly difficult to detect in the first place.

Both Gliese 581 d and Gliese 581 e are located in constellation Libra and orbit around Gliese 581.

Like other planets circling that star — scientists have discovered four so far — Gliese 581 e was found using the European Southern Observatory's telescope in La Silla, Chile.

The telescope has a special instrument which splits light to find wobbles in different wavelengths. Those wobbles can reveal the existence of other worlds.

"It is great work and shows the potential of this detection method," said Lisa Kaltenegger, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

Source: Read the full story here

IWanttoQuitSmoking.com News And Events - Hypnosis

STRESS SAVER PLUS+

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:13:00 +0000

You can get it under control! No matter what you think, over-stress
has a solution, before we discuss the solutions let's look at the following:

A. Stress and your blood pressure-

Is there a link between stress and high blood pressure? Effects may vary, but when you are under stress, your mind and body go into high gear. Repeated stress and tension over time appear to contribute to an increase in blood pressure in some people.

B. Smoking and Stress- The short/long term effects of smoking are:

1- It encourages irregular heartbeats.
2- It makes existing heart disease worse, which can result in attacks of angina (pain in the heart).
3- Nicotine, the addictive drug in tobacco products, raises blood pressure and heart rate. 4- The changes make the heart work faster.
5- The long term effects are: Cholesterol and plaque collect on the lining of vessel walls, resulting in heart attacks, angina, strokes and many other problems that produce "over-stress" on the body.
6- Smoking just four cigarettes a day increases your risk of heart attack by 50 percent.
7- Risk of cardiac death is two to four times greater among smokers.

C. Your stress is your own!

Do you feel under stress? Then you are. Somebody may tell you, "You don't have any big problems. You shouldn't feel under stress." The fact is, if you feel under stress you are. Stress like any feeling is very personal.

D. How does stress feel to you?

Physical symptoms - like an upset stomach, loss of appetite, overeating, chronic headache, insomnia, rashes, and rapid heart beat - are signs of stress. Some feelings can be, too. Do you have any of the following?
anxious; apathetic; depressed; flustered; frazzled; frustrated; harried; hurried; irritable; overworked; panicked; pressured; tense; tired; uptight; worn out; worried; or wound up?

If you have any of the above, they may be warning signs that you are in an "over-stress" mode. Your body and emotions are attempting to give you a message. The following are ways to deal better with stress in your life.

Solutions:

* Slowdown! Do you rush through each day trying to meet impossible deadlines') You may help lower your stress by better managing your time. Be realistic in your goals - establish priorities. Use "to do" lists as an aid in organizing time. Schedule time each
day to RELAX: (even if it's only for a short time, say 10 minutes, no phone, no TV, no kids, etc.)

* Sing, dance, exercise stress away! Exercise can help you deal with stress. Walking, dancing, swimming are all good. Be sure to do something you like, as pleasure voids stress. Consult with your physician before beginning an exercise program. Keep getting
regular blood pressure checks.

* Take a mental vacation: Sit or lie down where you can be alone where no one will disturb you. Close your eyes. Very slowly, take three deep breaths. Slowly count backwards from ten to one. Imagine yourself in a restful place, a favorite room, at the
shore, in the mountains, on a sail boat or in a garden. In fact, you can go to your Lake of Peace. Make it up if you like. Your body can not tell the difference between real or imagined experiences. Let yourself enjoy the place you have chosen. Or you could simply focus on a word or phrase such as, "I am calm and relaxed." If your thoughts wander, not to worry, just refocus. Do this for 15 minutes a day. Once a day is good, twice a day is better and three times a day is excellent.

Using your mind to enhance your body is a great gift; one that only you can give to yourself. Use these solutions for a period of thirty days. At the end of a month you will notice a changed person-You!

Contributed by: Anna H. Spencer, PhD

Source: Read the full story here

4-16-2009 Center Policy Update: Action on SB 600 Delayed

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 21:54:00 +0000

On April 15, SB 600 (Increasing the State Tobacco Tax by Senator Padilla) was scheduled for a hearing before the Senate Health Committee. However, the bill was taken off the agenda for that hearing and legislative action on SB 600 has been delayed. This is due to a decision by Senate leadership to delay action on all tax and revenue bills until after the May 19 special election. There are six ballot initiatives that are being voted on in the special election that relate to the state’s budget, including a spending cap, new taxes, shifting of existing revenues and other elements.

Many other tobacco-related bills continue to move forward in the legislative process. The Center’s Bill Tracker is updated several times a week and has all the latest details on bill amendments, committee votes and organizations supporting or opposing bills. Legislative action from this week detailed on the Bill Tracker includes the Senate Health Committee passing SB 602 (Restricting State Tobacco Retailer Licenses and Revising the STAKE Act) and the following bills being amended: AB 574 (Prohibiting Smoking at Hospitals by Assembly Member Hill); SB 601 (Restricting Eligibility for State Tobacco Retailer Licenses by Senator Padilla); SB 602 (Restricting State Tobacco Retailer Licenses and Revising the STAKE Act); and SB 603 (Creating Annual Fee for and Limiting Issuance of State Tobacco Retailer License by Senator Padilla).

Source: Read the full story here

Hypnosis Conference in Charlottesville on Saturday May 30

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 21:46:00 +0000

The Central Virginia Chapter of the NGH is sponsoring a Conference in Charlottesville on Saturday May 30. All certified hypnotists, or those with interest, are welcome to attend.

Source: Read the full story here

In honor of Earth Day(April 22)

mbarrus@socal.rr.com (Mark Barrus www.IWantToQuitSmoking.com) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:35:00 +0000

In honor of Earth Day(April 22) the American Lung Association in California is participating in a beach clean up at Seal Beach on Monday, April 20th from 10:30-12pm! Please join us in cleaning up our beaches and making a difference for a better environment for us all!

Please feel free to invite friends, co-workers, family and neighbors- the more the merrier, and the more we can clean up! If you plan on attending, please let me know, so we know how many supplies to have ready for everyone! We hope to see you there! Please meet at: 15 1st Street, Seal Beach, CA .

Reasons why we need to clean our beach....

· Cigarettes are the most littered item in America & the world.
· What happens after a cigarette butt gets casually flicked onto the street, nature trail, or beach? Typically wind and rain carry the cigarette into the water supply, where the toxic chemicals the cigarette filter was designed to trap leak out into aquatic ecosystems, threatening the quality of the water and many aquatic lifeforms. Cigarette butts may seem small, but with several trillion butts littered every year, the toxic chemicals add up!

Source: Read the full story here