Grass roots efforts driven by students and faculty have helped colleges to ban smoking.

The University of Kentucky is one of more than 500 college campuses across the country that have enacted 100% smoke-free or tobacco-free policies as of July 1. Although policy enforcement varies from school to school, most prohibit smoking on all campus grounds, including athletic stadiums, restaurants and parking lots.
An increasing number of colleges adopted smoke-free or tobacco-free policies in the past few years, according to American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation Project Manager Liz Williams. In the past year alone, 120 campuses were added to the smoke-free list.

Japanese people no longer the most long lived, according to an extensive report on Japan’s health in the Lancet.

Smoking, growing obesity and a rising suicide rate are among some of the factors contributing to Japan’s declining health rating.

The aging population is ill prepared to deal with geriatric sickness.

With a median age of 40 years and a declining birth rate the health care system is inadequately funded to take care of all of the needs of it’s citizens.

In a country where people feel that they are responsible for their own health to benefit the society the answers to Japan’s problem may lie in it’s cultural values.

There seems to be a never ending list of excuse from smokers who fail to quite this nasty, damaging, expensive habit.

Everyone is a victim of some major roadblock to good health.

Well, the buck stops here!

Read the top myth busting facts that will help you stop smoking for good!

Myth I’ve smoked for so long; the damage is already done.

Myth Switching to ‘light’ cigarettes will cut my risk

Myth My other healthy habits may make up for my smoking.

Myth Trying to quit smoking will stress me out — and that’s unhealthy.

Myth The weight gain that comes with quitting is just as unhealthy as smoking.

Myth Quitting “cold turkey” is the only way to go

Myth Nicotine products are just as unhealthful as smoking.

Myth Cutting back on smoking is good enough

Myth I’m the only one who is hurt by my smoking.

Myth I tried quitting once and failed, so it’s no use trying again.

Don’t bother using any beauty products if you plan on smoking.

Smoking, even occasionally, can cause a lifetime worth of damage.

Read on to find out what happens within minutes of lighting up.

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As you take the first drag, smoke passes through your mouth, leaving a faint brown film on your pearly whites. Toxic gases such as formaldehyde and ammonia immediately put your immune system on alert, causing allover inflammation.

Continue reading.

Gastritis, which is inflammation of the abdominal lining, could cause abdominal pain, gas and a bloated-ness, feelings of nausea, vomiting and perhaps a burning.

You will want to avoid highly acidic foods such as citrus juices or tomato based food products (eg. spaghetti, pizza).

You should also avoid alcohol & smoking, caffeine, and any spicy/highly seasoned foods.

Try eating smaller more frequent meals (or snacks) rather than the typical 3 large meals a day.

Some foods are not good for an upset stomach. Foods that are high in fat, contain fiber, are spicy and are greasy can cause further gastric complications. Avoid dairy products if you are actively vomiting or have diarrhea. Do not eat or drink foods or beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine, because these substances can promote dehydration. Avoid black pepper, chili powder, chocolate, carbonated beverages, fried foods, acidic fruit juices such as orange juice, broccoli, corn, onions, cabbage and cheese. Avoid eating large amounts of food.