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Electronic Cigarettes – A New Way to Quit Smoking?

Posted Jan 22 2010 3:43am

Recent U.S. statistics report that:

  • 23.5% of white men and 18.8% of white women still smoke 
  •  26% of black men and 18.5% of black women still smoke 
  •  10% of Hispanic men and 10% of Hispanic women still smoke
  • The highest percent is among American Indian/Alaska natives, 35.6% of men and 29% of women still smoke

Smoking is very costly both to our wallet and health.  Smoking increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer.  There are numerous quit aides available to help people stop smoking – nicotine gum, nicotine patch, medications, hypnosis.  Now a new alternative is available – an electronic cigarette.  The e-cigarette is an electronic device powered by a microchip and is designed to look and feel like a real cigarette.  The e-cigarette contains nicotine but has no tar, tobacco or harmful carcinogens.  The nicotine once puffed becomes a vapor that resembles smoke and provides the physical sensation similar to tobacco smoke.

A survey of 10,000 electronic cigarette users found:

  • 72.5% out of 10,000 people were able to quit cigarette smoking within 45 days of using the e-cigarette on a daily basis
  • 89.5% of people agreed that within the first 2 days of using the e-cigarette they noticed an improvement in their breathing

This was a small survey not a scientific study and it was conducted by the manufacturers so results need to be interpreted with caution.  We are not recommending the e-cigarette to help people quit smoking but wanted to let people know that there is another alternative aide to quit smoking available.  Before starting to use any type of nicotine replacement therapy to quit smoking you should discuss your options with your healthcare provider.  Social support is also very important when trying to quit smoking so discuss your desire to quit with your family and friends.  If you have failed to stop smoking in the past – do not get discouraged, we are all human – tomorrow is a new day. 

For more heart healthy info please visit www.heart-strong.com

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