It's Hard to Quit

Womens Health Today reported that tobacco use has dire effects on a woman's health. The 4,000 chemicals and gases contained in cigarette smoke can wreak havoc on a woman's reproductive system, pregnancy, and hormonal status. Cigarette smoking is associated with cervical cancer, breast cancer, oral cavity diseases/dental problems, infertility, miscarriage, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, underweight babies, growth retardation, infant behavioral disorders, and crib death (sudden infant death syndrome-SIDS).

Nicotine addiction is a brain disease. Nicotine enters the bloodstream within seconds of inhaling from a cigarette. The nicotine alters the release of chemicals in the brain that stimulate pleasurable feelings. The brain comes to rely on nicotine to maintain these rewarding feelings because the brain can no longer produce the pleasure chemicals naturally without the artificial stimulation of nicotine.

While there is no magic bullet to assist with quitting smoking there are a number of approaches, including a variety of medications that can help with the physical addiction to nicotine. Talk with your health care provider or a smoking cessation counselor to help you determine which medication, if any, would be best for you.

Useful links:
4 woman - The US National Women's Health Information Center

Smoking - Quiting information

Tobacco Cessation Program - Help tobacco users kick the habit