Nicotine
Medicare Patches and Hotline Help Seniors Quit Smoking
Seniors trying to quit smoking can be helped by Medicare-supplied nicotine patches and a Medicare hotline, according to new research conducted to estimate the cost of such a Medicare program. The study revealed that close to 20% of seniors who tried the program quit smoking for a year. »
Nicotine Content In Womens’ Toenails Can Predict Heart Disease
The level of nicotine in womens' toenails can predict the risk of coronary heart disease, say researchers from the University of California, San Diego. By analyzing the nicotine levels in the toenails of more than 60,000 women, the researchers found that those who had suffered heart disease had on average twice the levels of... »
Quitting Smoking Leads to Significant Reduction in Mortality Risks After 5 Years
Women smokers who quit reduce the risk of death from heart disease within 5 years, and their risk of any other smoking-related death by 20%, according to a recent study. »
Should Docs Recommend Smokeless Tobacco as Last Resort to Quit Smoking?
If people are unable to kick the smoking habit, are doctors justified in recommending smokeless tobacco such as Snus or other smokeless tobacco products? That is the question under debate in a recent article in the British Medical Journal. »
Counseling Plus Medication May Help Teens Quit Smoking
A clinical trial of 312 teenagers aged 14 to 17 who smoked six or more cigarettes a day and had tried quitting at least twice, found that counseling and medication may help teens quit smoking, though in some cases (26-week time period), the placebo group had higher quit-rates than those taking the drug tested... »
Surprising Statin Finding: Slowing the Decline in Lung Functioning
In a recent paper published by the American Thoracic Society (October 2007), the use of statins appears to slow down the rate in which lung function declines in the senior population. More surprisingly, the decline decrease also is evident in smokers. The researchers postulate that statins' known anti-inflammatory properties (along with antioxidant properties) cause this... »
Cardiologists Call for New Approach in Treating Chest Pain
In a joint statement by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA), physicians are calling for a more aggressive approach to evaluating patients presenting with chest pain (unstable angina)—and quickly determining whether the therapeutic approach should be medical, invasive or a combination of two. Guidelines released today by the ACC... »
Smoking Hooks Kids Almost Immediately, New Study Shows
According to a study published in the July issue of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 10% of 217 studied children who inhaled cigarettes "lost autonomy over their tobacco" use within two days of their first cigarette. Another quarter became addicted within thirty days, and a full half were addicted after smoking only... »
Smoking May Lead to Early Menopause
Research done by Norwegian scientists reveals that menopause, which usually occurs around the age of 50, may occur earlier in women who smoke on a regular basis. Menopause, which marks the end of menstruation cycle in women is usually accompanied by frequent mood swings, hot flashes, and sleep disorders. Regular smoking has been known to... »
Anti-Smoking Drug Varenicline May Help Curb Drinking
A single pill appears to hold promise in curbing the urges to both smoke and drink, according to researchers trying to help people overcome addiction by targeting a pleasure center in the brain. The drug, called varenicline, already is sold to help smokers kick the habit. New but preliminary research suggests it could gain a... »