With his political opponents making huge gains and the economy still faltering, it’s been a difficult time for Barack Obama. But the President has won one major battle – he has given up smoking, according to his wife Michelle. The First Lady says her husband has not smoked in almost a year, adding that she is very proud. Mrs Obama made the comments in an interview at the White House Tuesday, adding that the President has always wante ... Jump to full article >>

If you’ve seen a pack of cigarettes in almost any foreign country, you know about the large, incredibly graphic images that accompany the morbid warning messages about the many ways cigarettes can ruin your health. Starting in 2012, you’ll be able to find similar images and messages on every pack of cigarettes sold in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration recently unveiled 36 proposals for the new labels. We’re less than im ... Jump to full article >>

The tax on cigarettes should be increased as the burden on the taxpayer is too high, even taking into account revenues from duty, a think tank said. Policy Exchange called for a five per cent rise in next week’s budget – a rise of 23p for a pack of 20 – and further rises over the next five years to ensure smoking became ‘revenue neutral’. It would mean the cost of a pack would rise by £1.29 to reach £7.42 over the ... Jump to full article >>

You may find yourself missing more than nicotine when you finally snub out your last butt. Cigarettes are designed to manipulate your taste buds too, and research shows that tobacco’s flavors, both natural and added, can hold extra sway for many people struggling to quit. “The sensory components—the taste of it, the feel of inhaled smoke—these are an important part of why people smoke,” says Joseph McClernon, PhD, an assistant ... Jump to full article >>

Many a successful quitter has gotten through the pangs of cigarette withdrawal using techniques such as hypnosis, acupuncture, or meditation. These alternative, or complementary, therapies address lifestyle issues not generally covered by conventional medicine—in this case, coping mentally with the little smoking triggers that lure smokers back, developing a healthy balance between the mind and the body, and relieving stress. Doctors who recom ... Jump to full article >>

Leonardo DiCaprio is trying to give up smoking — but is having to do it without the help of nicotine patches! The Titanic actor — who stars in new movie Shutter Island — says his mission to ditch his beloved cigarettes is being hindered by dreams of mass murder! “When I take nicotine patches I have blood curdling nightmares of murder. Mass murders,” explains Leo. “I wake up in the middle of the night and have to take them off. “I ... Jump to full article >>

More and more people are trying to give up smoking - but new research suggests the habit is still as hard as ever to kick. Up to 66 per cent of NSW smokers will try to quit in the next six months – seven per cent more than in 2005 – according to the Cancer Institute NSW’s Smoking and Health Survey 2009. Hard-hitting campaigns, health warnings and new laws governing the sale of tobacco are helping persuade a greater number to ma ... Jump to full article >>

The struggling state coffers will burden smokers to get more revenue. Little cigars — the ones that come with filters in sweet flavors and look like cigarettes — will more than double in price because of the state budget crisis. Beginning Nov. 1, the cigars will cost an additional $1.60 per pack. The price will jump from 99 cents a pack to $2.59. At the same time, the price of cigarettes will go up an additional 25 cents. “They ... Jump to full article >>

“Cigarettes and alcohol will take 10 years off your life,” announces The Independent. The newspaper reported that for the first time doctors have quantified the effects of smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, described as “the three major killers of middle-aged men”. Failing to give up smoking or to control blood pressure and cholesterol were reported to reduce life expectancy by 10 to 15 years. The Whitehall study that pr ... Jump to full article >>

POPULAR anti-smoking drugs could soon be forced to carry strong warnings about the risks they pose to mental health, including suicidal thoughts. New statistics from Australia’s drug regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration, show six suicides and another 2500 adverse effects have been linked to Champix and Zyban in recent years. A TGA spokeswoman said although Champix’s product information was updated last year to include warn ... Jump to full article >>