If there is one symptom that is common among most smokers, then it has to be stress. Most chain smokers and regular smokers or even those who have just taken up this deadly habit believe that smoking helps relieve stress. And, it is this feeling of alleviation or calmness is what leads to a daily habit of smoking. But, researchers have a different story to tell.

Various studies and research have shown that it is in fact the smoking that causes stress. It is believed that smokers may seek temporary relief through smoking, but what they lack is true happiness. This lack of happiness is what prompts them to seek relief in smoking. This pattern can be well-defined by the term, vicious cycle.

Priyanka Kaul, a 35-year old, housewife said, "I was trying to give up on this habit for a really long time. But, I was always afraid that I might lose myself once I give up on smoking. The dependency was just too much. However, after years of debate, I finally managed to give up smoking. Today, to my surprise, I feel that I am much calmer and in control of myself." She added, "It’s amazing to learn that I don’t need a cigarette to help me control my emotions or fight stress. I am happy to know that I am no longer dependant on anything to find happiness."

This is just one example. It’s really up to you or the smoker to realise what makes them happy and what has drawn them to this habit, as it's proved that tobacco dependency is associated to high levels of stress. So, what would you rather have a vicious cycle of smoke taking control of your life or a life that is controlled by nobody else but yourself?

Its a well-documented fact that smoking during pregnancy can affect you and your child, especially your child. In fact, when it comes to your unborn child, go by what your mother always said, "Don’t just hear, listen!"

When it comes to pregnancy one has to follow every word of caution. To give you some facts, smoking increases the levels of carbon monoxide and nicotine in the mother’s bloodstream during pregnancy. This limits the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the baby. Nicotine blocks oxygen supply by narrowing blood vessels throughout your body, including the ones in the umbilical cord. So the baby gets very little oxygen to breathe. Naturally, the baby’s growth is at risk.

Other dangers include birth of a premature and underweight baby. This is not all. Due to poor supply of nutrients and oxygen, the chances of miscarriage and foetal brain damage are also high.

Also, during growing up stages, the child could face problems such as learning disability, chronic health issues such as asthma, behavioral problems, and relatively low IQs. A latest research also pointed out that children of smoking mothers are at a risk of developing cancer in their childhood.

Now, these points are just an outline of what could happen when the baby and the smoke come in close proximity. There are many other issues, and some are more dangerous. But, you can stop all this by, giving up smoking and save your unborn child.

Yes, it may not be an easy task. But, when the craving for just one cigarette arises, think about the baby. You could also:

• Ask your family and friends to help you quit


• Consult your doctor and get tips on how to quit effectively


• Try meditation and relaxation


• Keep reminding yourself that it’s all for your baby


• Don’t give up too soon. Once again, go by the old adage, Keep trying until you succeed!

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Pregnancy and Smoking

Risks remain for pregnant quitters

The phrase, 'Quitting is for Losers,' works as a complete antithesis in case of a smoker. In fact, if you were a chain smoker, and have managed to completely quit smoking, then people tend to look at you with pride. You become an example, a hero for many... for people you know and sometimes for people you don’t.

You are that one friend, colleague, cousin and so on, to some person in the crowd, who managed to give up smoking. Well, that must be a great feeling, a great sense of achievement, isn’t it? You will find enough websites, books and guides that will help you be ‘that’ hero.

If you are still struggling to pick up that book or browse the net, here are some tips that will help you start the quitting process:

• Take a trip down memory lane: Find out what made you light that first cigarette. Then, analyse what made you want to continue. Don’t make a mental note; write down these points on a piece of paper. And, on the other side of the paper, note down why you want to quit. This should give you enough reasons to learn more about quitting.


• Note the situation: Make an analysis of situations where you feel you smoke the most. Again, find out why you do so, and what will happen if you don’t smoke in these situations.


• Break the myths: Now, that you’ve decided to quit smoking, take a professional approach. Read books, surf the net and consult your doctor to analyse which method suits you the best.


• Take your friends into confidence: Tell your friends that you want to quit smoking, and that they should stand by you like a pillar of strength. You will be surprised to find out how your friends can help you stick to your determination.


• Be nice to yourself: It’s about time. So, indulge in some shopping or spa treatments or just about anything. Just celebrate!

So, are you ready to be that hero? Go ahead, and pick a date and quit smoking!

Singapore became the first country in Asia in 2004 to show graphic warnings featuring gory images to increase awareness about the health risks attached to smoking. In fact, the law required the cigarette packs to have up to 50 percent of its front and back cover showing the image; taking its anti-smoking campaign to the next level.

Likewise, in the UK, a £6.3 million hard-hitting anti-smoking campaign was released targeting the teen population. This campaign spoke the language of the teens. It highlighted how smoking can affect sex lives because of impotence, bad teeth, wrinkles and the unattractive smell that lingers after lighting up.

In India too, some hard-hitting campaigns and jingles like, "With a cigarette in my hand, I felt like a man," people were exposed to the harsh realities of smoking. Recently, Aamir Khan, who believes in promoting a social cause, supported the anti-smoking drive in his latest release, Ghajini. The scene, which has drawn accolades from the anti-smoking lobby, showed gang of hooligans smoking in a mall which is objected to by one of the actress.

Efforts like these work as they portray public smoking as an illegal activity,
and that is why Union Health Minster Anbumani Ramadoss is aiming at seeking an increase in budgetary allocation for the anti-tobacco campaign and plans to use part of cess collected from tobacco sales for the purpose.

The government now plans to intensify its public awareness programme. The minister claims that, "90 per cent (success) was achieved by public awareness and voluntary compliance and 10 per cent by the authorities."

At present, the budgetary allocation for anti-tobacco campaign is Rs 450 crore and Ramadoss would seek to increase it by another Rs 100-125 crore annually to push it forward. So, whether or not the budget is allocated, let’s do our bit by supporting the cause, and stop people from smoking in public places, because it's our right.

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Pictorial warning on cigarette pack

Graphics on cigarette packets

Women smoking in India has become more of a trend, with an alarming rise of about 18% in the number of women smokers.

The reasons may differ as to why women take up smoking, but the effects are the same or even worse as compared to men.

We know that smoking can lead to lung cancer and heart diseases. But being a woman we need to be aware of the numerous health risks of smoking tobacco that can be unique only to us.

Effects of Smoking in Women

• There is increased risk of various cancers like lung, mouth, larynx (voice box), pharynx (throat), esophagus, kidney, pancreas, cervical, and bladder. One study found 80% greater risk of developing cervical cancer in smokers.



• Smoking causes more breathing difficulties in women than in men. In India, betel chewing is a common practice among rural women, which leads to respiratory problems.



• Female smokers are more susceptible to osteoporosis, when bones become brittle and are prone to fracture. The condition is terrible because it reduces the bone density and its very painful.



• If a woman has started to smoke at an early age then she develops a risk of early menopause. Smokers can notice the symptoms of menopause 2-3 years before nonsmokers.



• Menstrual problems such as abnormal bleeding, amenorrhea (absence of periods), and vaginal discharges or infections are common complaints among women who smoke.



• If having a baby is part of your future plan then you should think of quitting now. The toxins in the cigarette smoke can kill the eggs while they are still in your ovaries. Smoking during pregnancy is a big no, you will be just risking the life of your infant, and it can lead to complications - delivering a pre-mature baby, impairing the child's long-term growth and intellectual development to name a few.



• Last but not the least, smoking affects your appearance. Your skin will age prematurely, because the oxygen gets displaced by carbon monoxide in your body. This is basically starving your cells of the oxygen it needs. Some studies suggest that it also increases the rick of developing the most common forms of skin cancer.