HEALTH EFFECTS OF SMOKING & ALTERNATIVES

Every day I walk down the streets of downtown Minneapolis and face the toxins of smokers at the bus stops. There are way too many people smoking at these stops. I say enough is enough. I have decided to write about the whole topic because it is such a serious health issue. In the 1960's the Surgeon General declared that smoking cigarettes are hazardous to your health and causes cancer. At that time 43% of the population smoked and today about 18% of the population still smokes. Half the health care expenditures in the United States are spent on smokers with various forms of cancer and people they have harmed who have been exposed to second hand smoke. In Oregon by law the cause of death has to listed. Twenty percent of deaths in that state are connected with smoking. The people exposed are mostly commonly family members of smokers, but also many neighbors and strangers are exposed constantly to smokers. Those with mental health issues smoke at twice the rate of the general population.

Smoking is an addiction which is often forced on others. When asked to move these individuals continue to smoke and remain in their same location. They smoke in front of apartment buildings and businesses even when posted signs declare that smokers should smoke 25 feet away from entrances. The addiction has taken over their senses. They become selfish polluters of the people around them who suffer from allergies, asthma, chemical sensitivity and even cancer. Consider that these cigarettes contain 4,000 chemicals, herbicides, pesticides and, yes, all the heavy metals known to humanity, including mercury, one of the worst toxins in existence. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has not taken the step of asking the tobacco companies to remove the toxins from their products.

What are the health effects of this dangerous, legal drug? The book, "Addiction-Free Naturally," outlines the health effects. Cancer is one of its most deadly health effects. Thirty percent of cancer deaths are caused by smoking. Two lung diseases--bronchitis and emphysema--are common among smokers. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes which causes excessive coughing. Emphysema destroys a person's ability to breathe. One of my mother's friends, who was a smoker, died from emphysema. Heart disease is another common ailment among smokers. They are three times more likely to die from a heart attack or have stroke than non-smokers. Smokers have vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin C deficiency. Their immune systems do not work well and they have a higher level of white blood cells, which causes more inflammation in the body. Other effects are poor reproductive health, premature aging, decreased circulation, digestive disorders, diminished eye sight, gum disease, Alzheimer's disease and depression.

Seventy percent of smokers want to quit smoking. One of the organizations they can contact for help in the process of withdrawal is Nicotine Anonymous, which is based on the A.A. model. It is a self-help group who realizes that smoking has taken over their lives and they are very motivated to quit. Their model is a 12-step program where the individual follows the philosophy of A.A. to overcome their smoking addiction. Their book is called, "Nicotine Anonymous, the Book." They have a practical plan and suggestions on quitting smoking. Their pamphlet, which is entitled "Tips for Gaining Freedom from Nicotine," is a good one for smokers to read. Their website is www.nicotine-anonymous. org. You can order literature, find a local meeting, subscribe to "Seven Minutes" and find other valuable information at this website.

In South Minneapolis there is an herb store which specializes in helping smokers quit called Present Moment at 38th Street & Grand. There is a naturapath who is knowledgeable at the store who can help you purchase herbs and other natural remedies which can help you quit.

Hypnotherapy can be helpful for some individuals who want to quit smoking. Your psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker can refer you to an appropriate hypnotherapy professional who specializes in smoking issues,

Nutritional therapy is important in helping a person quit smoking. Oats, yogurt, sunflower seeds, ginger, alkaline foods, high-chlorophyll vegetables, foods rich in beta-carotene, high sulfur foods, high fiber foods and fresh vegetable juice can aid the smoker in the recovery process. Consuming licorice root, birch tree sticks, cinnamon sticks and learning craft activities can be helpful in providing the person an opportunity to use their hands in a more productive way instead of using them for smoking.

Some herbs which can be helpful with tobacco addiction are: ashwagandha, asparagus root, marshmallow root, cloves, garlic, ginger, ginseng, juniper berry, lobelia, magnolia, majoram, mullein or oat seed or straw. Some individuals mix herbs with tobacco during their transition period to a non-smoking life.

Some vitamins which are helpful are: vitamin C, A, B-complex and E. Minerals which can help are: calcium magnesium combination pill, zinc and selenium. Tyrosine, GABA,

l-glutamine and l-cysteine are also helpful in the process of recovery from tobacco addiction.

Some people swim and do bath soaks and showers to help with their addiction. Some people use aromatherapy in the form of essential oils. Lemon, lime, grapefruit and orange can be used in the withdrawal process. Some people use sage and incense during this time period.

Nicotine gum, patches and nasal sprays are used in the withdrawal process by some individuals. Insurance covers some of these products and Medical Assistance covers the whole process of smoking cession. Some people use homeopathic nicotine which also helps a person withdraw gradually from nicotine addiction.

Another thing to keep in mind is that Lord Shiva is the one who helps you eliminate bad habits and negative practices. He replaces those negative habits with a better life after you have decided to quit smoking. Nicotine Anonymous uses the idea of the Higher Power to overcome addiction. Hindus can call on Lord Shiva or Mother Parvati as our High Power in recovering from an addiction. With Shiva Ratri happening on February 21st through 22nd, you might consider starting a new life on Shiva Ratri by making it your quit date. You can stay all night with others and they can celebrate your new life with you, too. Christians have Lent to give up negative substances and other traditions have similar practices. You can quit and millions before you who have quit will cheer you on.

JAI SHRI SHIVA! JAI SHRI RECOVERY! JAI SHRI MA!

Radhapriestess