Quitters get a shot in the arm with smoking vaccine Nov 16, 2009
Ballou had resumed smoking after a smoke-free decade when he enrolled in a trial for a nicotine vaccine ... "I really did want to quit, but I was a nicotine addict. I needed something to help me get over this." ... That something was a nicotine vaccine. (USA Today)
YOUR HEALTH: Light smokers could need help quitting, too Nov 16, 2009
Still, many light smokers might have a nicotine addiction and could benefit from nicotine-replacement products, Hurt says. Even someone who smokes once a week say, on bowling or poker night might resist with the help of some nicotine gum and some counseling, he says. (USA Today)
• Don't quit quitting: Annual smokeout encourages cessation Nov 15, 2009
While everyone knows the dangers of smoking and chewing tobacco, not everyone understands the serious nature of nicotine addiction. Nicotine is one of the most difficult drugs to withdraw from and the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal are what cause most tobacco users to keep using or relapse after a quit attempt ... Ironically, nicotine itself, while not completely harmless, does not cause fatal diseases. (Juneau Empire)
Ifs and butts of al fresco dining on a balmy summer eve Nov 14, 2009
As tougher laws and social stigma have gradually encircled their nicotine-stained butts, smokers have largely been forced to inhabit the great Aussie outdoors ... It is very rare for a smoker to be concerned about the impact of their smoke on a non-smoker; does the sudden intake of nicotine into the bloodstream somehow affect their ability to empathise with others. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Progress in Stamping out Smoking Has Stalled Nov 14, 2009
The Cancer Society stresses that planning ahead -- getting nicotine replacement aids, for example, and figuring out how to deal with cravings -- is crucial to kicking the habit. SOURCES: Thomas Frieden, M.D., director, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta; Stanton A. Glantz, Ph. (MEDLINEplus)
Alcoholic Energy Drinks Get FDA Ultimatum Nov 14, 2009
Oh, and I was smoking cigarettes when I was drinking, so I was putting nicotine, another stimulant, in the mix as well. by jt92202 November 13, 2009 5:02 PM EST. (CBS News)
R.J. Reynolds Nov 13, 2009
Niconovum, a Swedish company, makes nicotine gum and other nicotine replacement products designed to wean smokers off of cigarettes. It was founded in 2000 by Karl Olov Fagerstrm, who the company's Web site trumpets as "one of the world's leading experts on smoking cessation and nicotine dependence." ... To Sweanor, the buy would mark the next step in something tobacco companies have taken a heightened interest in recently -- marketing nicotine products other than cigarettes, namely smokeless... (ABC News -- Business)
Out of Africa: The Tobacco War's New Battleground Nov 13, 2009
As nicotine use spreads across Africa, cancer-fighting groups are advocating for stringent smoke-free laws as tobacco companies lobby to expand in a growing continental market ... "It's one of the most frustrating things," Thomas Glynn, director of International Cancer Control for the American Cancer Society (ACS) and acting head of the Global Smokefree Partnership says, about knowing that many nicotine-related illnesses can be prevented especially among those who do not smoke with the right... (Scientific American)
Discovery In Worms Points To More Targeted Cancer Treatment Nov 12, 2009
6, 2006) The unassuming C. elegans nematode worm, a 1-millimeter workhorse of the genetics lab, is quite similar to human beings in its genetic susceptibility to nicotine dependence, according to University. (Jan. (Science Daily)
Will Cigarette Maker Reynolds Try Kicking the Habit? Nov 11, 2009
reported on Nov. 9 that Reynolds American (), the distributor of Pall Mall, Camel, and Natural American Spirit cigarette brands as well as smokeless tobacco, is in "advanced talks" with , a Swedish manufacturer of nicotine replacement products such as gum and mouth spray. University of Ottawa law professor David Sweanor told the. (BusinessWeek)
Reynolds Eyes Co That Helps Smokers Stop Nov 10, 2009
Sweanor said Reynolds' interest in Niconovum may be focused on offering smoking alternatives rather than products meant to help people stop using nicotine and tobacco. "The market's coming to understand that nicotine products exist on a very broad continuum of risk, and cigarettes are at the far risky end of that, and it's possible to have far less hazardous products that would probably meet the needs for a very significant number of smokers," Sweanor said ... Karl Olov Fagerstrom, an expert on... (ABC News -- Wire)
Tobacco Company Maker Eyes Firm That Helps People Quit Smoking Nov 10, 2009
The newspaper reports the second-largest U.S. tobacco company is considering whether to buy Niconovum AB, which sells such nicotine-replacement products as gum and spray outside the U.S. ... The company's Web site says Karl Olov Fagerstrom, an expert on smoking cessation and nicotine dependence, formed the company in 2000. (KWTX.com, TX)
Drug may help smokers kick butts Nov 10, 2009
Drug maker given $10 million grant to take anti-nicotine vaccine to Phase III clinical trial. "Smoker's high" comes from release of dopamine in brain, triggered by nicotine ... NicVAX stimulates immune system to prevent nicotine from entering brain. (CNN)
Widely Used Cholesterol-lowering Drug May Prevent Progression Of Parkinson's Disease Nov 10, 2009
24, 2007) Research shows that intermittent nicotine treatment reduces medication-induced dyskinesias by as much as 50 percent. Dyskinesias is uncontrolled movements of the head and. (Science Daily)
Click to read:Should Pot Be Legal? Nov 9, 2009
In that report, which was asked for by then-head of the ONDCP Barry McCaffrey, it was found that ALCOHOL and NICOTINE are 'gateway' drugs, and that cannabis is NOT ... He was FIRED for stating that alcohol and nicotine are both MORE DANGEROUS than cannabis ... The fact wasn't questioned (and cannabis is still illegal, while the more dangerous alcohol and nicotine are not. (CBS News)
FDA warns Web companies not to sell flavored cigs Nov 8, 2009
The FDA won the authority in June to regulate tobacco including banning certain products, limiting allowable nicotine and blocking labels such "low tar" and "light" meant to convey certain products are less harmful ... The law doesn't let the FDA ban nicotine or tobacco, just to regulate what goes into tobacco products, require the ingredients be publicized and limit how tobacco is marketed, especially products geared toward children. (Yahoo News)
FDA Warns Companies About Sale Of Flavored Cigarettes Nov 8, 2009
The FDA won authority over some aspects of the tobacco industry in June and now ban certain products, limit nicotine allowed in others and regulate their marketing. More Stories. (KWTX.com, TX)
FDA launches its attack on cigarettes Nov 7, 2009
Government s addiction to tax revenue is greater than any smoker s nicotine addiction. And think of the strain on Social Security and Medicare when everyone lives 30+ years after age 65. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Health calendar Nov 6, 2009
"KISSING 'CANCERETTES' GOODBYE," volunteer coaches from The Clean Air Team present auto-suggestion and various mental methods of overcoming a nicotine addiction or other habits, 7-9 p.m. first Thursday of each month, Liliha Public Library; free ... NICOTINE ANONYMOUS, 12-step meeting to help stop and stay off of nicotine; 5-6 p.m. Mondays, Kawaiahao Church, and 10-11 a.m. Thursdays, Kapiolani Park (picnic table, tennis court side of aquarium); free; 457-0213, 783-4766. (Honolulu Advertiser)
HEALTHY LIVING Nov 6, 2009
Friday, November 06, 2009. Type 1 Diabetes Committee noon, Health Resource Center, North Bend Medical Center, 1900 Woodland Drive, Coos Bay. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Light Smokes May Make Quitting Harder Nov 5, 2009
Other research has shown that so-called low-tar cigarettes have just as much tar, nicotine and other compounds as regular cigarettes, making their. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration was given the power to regulate cigarettes in June and was immediately sued by companies such as Reynolds American Inc and Lorillard Inc. Altria Group Inc's Philip Morris unit, the nation's largest tobacco company, supports FDA oversight. (Newsmax)
Nicotine Patch Plus Lozenge Best for Quitting Smoking Nov 4, 2009
MONDAY, Nov. 2 (HealthDay News) -- The first head-to-head comparison of different quit-smoking products finds that a nicotine patch combined with a nicotine lozenge had the most success ... "The reasoning behind it is that the patch supplies a steady supply of nicotine replacement and the lozenges give a boost of nicotine which you can use when you have an extra craving. It gives people control," said Whiteson, who was not involved in the research ... "If you combine these different types of... (MEDLINEplus)
Kickbacks Keeping Big Pharma Healthy? Nov 4, 2009
Think about it: a one cent piece of Chicolet style gum, with a half cent's worth of nicotine added, and they charge 25 or 50 cents apiece or thereabouts ... To sell the nicotine patches, gum, etc ... To sell the nicotine patches, gum, etc. (CBS News)
Nicotine Patch Plus Lozenge Most Effective Nov 4, 2009
In a comparison of five different smoking cessation medications, a nicotine patch plus a nicotine lozenge appears most effective at helping smokers quit, according to a report in the November issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals ... Participants were randomly assigned to one of six treatment groups: nicotine lozenge alone, nicotine patch alone, bupropion alone, patch plus nicotine lozenge, bupropion plus nicotine lozenge or placebo ... When all the... (Newsmax)
Quit smoking the healthy way! Nov 4, 2009
Quitting at one go Ideally one should avoid this as the brain gets deprived of the nicotine its been subjected to for so long, leading to frustration, depression and anger ... Opt for nicotine chewing gums and patches ... Stress management The reason why most people take to smoking is because nicotine helps relax the brain in stressful conditions. (India Times, India)
Tobacco chemical brain drug hope Nov 1, 2009
The nicotine in tobacco may have benefits ... Cotinine is formed when the body breaks down nicotine, but does not cause the same side effects, such as addiction ... Nicotine is the prime habit-forming ingredient in tobacco - and while it has some pleasureable effects on the brain, it can also cause constricted blood vessels, stomach cramps and nausea. (Yahoo News -- Parkinson's Disease)
Millions of Americans Don't Get Enough Sleep Oct 31, 2009
Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol in the evening. Sleep in a dark, quiet, well-ventilated room. (MEDLINEplus)
Going Virtual May Help Smokers Quit Oct 30, 2009
The group who crushed cigarettes had a "statistically significant reduction in nicotine addiction" compared with the ball-graspers, according to the study released Tuesday in the journal Cyber-Psychology and Behavior ... "It is important to note that this study increased treatment retention," said Brenda Wiederhold, the journal's editor in chief, adding that such treatment should now be compared to other popular treatments such as the nicotine patch. (Newsmax)
Even Light Smoking Affects Young Adults' Arteries Oct 29, 2009
Before the final test, they were asked to chew a piece of nicotine gum ... 6 percent after they chewed nicotine gum and 24. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
AGING & CARING: 10 ways to help your parents prevent a heart attack Oct 29, 2009
Nicotine replacement therapy, support groups, and counseling may all be helpful. Manage stress and depression. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Damage from Smoking is Swift, Irreversible Oct 29, 2009
For the other test, smokers were asked to chew a piece of nicotine gum prior to the exercise test ... After nicotine gum, stiffness increased by 12. (CBS News)
Smoking Gun: Just One Cigarette Has Harmful Effect On Arteries Of Young Healthy Adults Oct 28, 2009
During the final meeting, smokers were asked to chew a piece of nicotine gum prior to the stress test ... 2 per cent. After nicotine gum, it increased by 12. (Science Daily)
Natural Treatments for Ear Infectio... Oct 28, 2009
Considering that children who live with smokers have been found to have more frequent ear infections, the procedure is questionable, but the nicotine may have a numbing effect. Ear candling does not "clean" the ear of debris. (Suite101.com)
3 Supplements for Depression and An... Oct 27, 2009
" SAM-e is one of many effective supplements for depression because when combined with vitamin B-12 and folic acid, it releases a methyl group within itself to tissues and organs nearby. It is during this process that SAM-e aides in the upkeep of cell membranes, flushes out toxins within the body and promotes the creation of mood enhancing neurotransmitters (Cowley and Underwood). 3. B-Complex vitamins- According to Nancy Schimelpfening, in her article "Vitamin for Depression," B-complex... (Suite101.com)
Firestorm over smokeless cigarette Oct 26, 2009
These battery-powered devices, created by Chinese inventor Hon Lik, provide inhaled doses of nicotine by delivering a vaporized propylene glycol/nicotine solution, while also providing the physical sensation and flavors similar to inhaled tobacco smoke ... The battery-powered device is made up of a cartridge containing nicotine, flavoring and chemicals ... It turns nicotine, which is addictive, into a vapor that is inhaled. (USA Today)
When Government Gets Science Wrong Oct 24, 2009
Many women (myself included) assumed that meant that, like with alcohol or nicotine, it's safest to eliminate tuna, and fish more generally, from our diets. After all, why take a chance. (Townhall.com)
Amino Acid May Help Reduce Cocaine Cravings Oct 24, 2009
"Clinical trials involving people addicted to cocaine and nicotine have already suggested that N-acetylcysteine may be useful in decreasing cravings for those drugs," said Moussawi. "Our research adds support to that suggestion." A phase III clinical trial using NAC to treat cocaine addiction is currently underway. (Science Daily)
Controlling smoking Oct 24, 2009
The Government could offer nicotine patches or even give them out for free. This will help those who have problems quitting. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
KIRO 7's Michelle Millman: Ladies, Know Your Boobs! Oct 22, 2009
Now about alcohol and nicotine. The American Cancer Society guidelines call for no more than a glass of alcohol a day. (KIRO TV, WA)
U.S. Backs Vaccines for Drug, Nicotine Addiction Oct 22, 2009
Earlier this month, her agency, part of the National Institutes of Health, awarded Nabi Biopharmaceuticals a $10 million grant -- the agency's largest ever -- for a late-stage clinical trial of Nabi's vaccine for nicotine addiction called NicVAX. ... The vaccine is meant to stimulate the immune system to make antibodies against nicotine, blocking its rewarding effects and helping to prevent relapse in smokers trying to quit ... Still, if it works, a nicotine vaccine could have a huge impact,... (MEDLINEplus)
Common sense emerging on drug enforcement Oct 21, 2009
The entire process was over in less than a minute and the cigarette was well on its way to delivering a satisfying puff of nicotine laced smoke into the lungs. Ahhh, the good old days. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Anti-smoking Law Helps Waiters To Quit Smoking In Spain Oct 21, 2009
A new study led by researchers from the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) has shown that the proportion of smokers strongly addicted to nicotine has halved as a result of the law. All the effects observed during this research study, which is published this month in the journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research, have been "significantly reduced" among waiters in bars where smoking has been completely banned than among those who work in places with smoking areas, or where there are no restrictions... (Science Daily)
Coke Suckers Oct 20, 2009
Ultimately, these low-tar/low-nicotine cigarettes were part of the industry's plan to maintain and expand its consumer base. T]obacco companies set out to develop cigarette designs that markedly lowered the tar and nicotine yield results as measured by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) testing method ... Yet, these cigarettes can be manipulated by the smoker to increase the intake of tar and nicotine. (Slate)
The right (and political) reasons for mini-stimulus Oct 20, 2009
Is it as simple as being alcohol and nicotine addicts. Certainly we know that having children too early and a lack of education are big contributors. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Bay Area hooked on hookah Oct 19, 2009
Proprietors claim that the tobacco, called shisha, is lower in tar and nicotine than mass-market cigarettes, and that the water filters out toxins, but the American Cancer Society's Web site states that "the water does not filter out many of the toxins. In fact, hookah smoke has been shown to contain concentrations of toxins, such as carbon monoxide, nicotine, tar, and heavy metals, that are as high or higher than are seen with cigarette smoke.". It further warns that users risk lung cancer and... (San Francisco Chronicle)
Who uses cannabis? Oct 18, 2009
By comparison, the risk of addiction for nicotine is 32 percent, 23 percent for heroin, 17 percent for cocaine and 15 percent for alcohol. "Acute adverse effects of cannabis use include anxiety and panic in naive [first-time] users, and a probable increased risk of accidents if users drive while intoxicated," it says. (iAfrica.com)
Electronic cigarettes: In need of FDA regulation? Oct 17, 2009
A federal judge is expected to rule soon on whether the FDA has the authority to regulate electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, which contain nicotine but not tobacco ... These battery-powered devices do not create smoke but provide a mist of nicotine to the user's lungs ... From the FDA's viewpoint, the e-smokes are "drug delivery" devices, the same as nicotine gum, which is regulated by the agency. (Christian Science Monitor -- USA)
Groups promote issues to council Oct 16, 2009
The group is offering smoking cessation counseling coupled with free nicotine replacement patches to city employees, YMCA patrons and those who visit the Callaway County Health Department as part of a pilot program. This program will be offered to the general public starting in January thanks to a grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health, and the coalition wants to push for businesses to join the effort. (Fulton Sun, MO)
Federal Recovery Dollars Support UNL Research Projects Oct 16, 2009
This Web site was designed using. about the benefits of standardized design. (Nebraska Statepaper)
Teen Smoking-cessation Trial First To Achieve Significant Quit Rates Oct 14, 2009
8, 2006) According to a qualitative review of 19 studies on smoking reduction in individuals who did not want to quit, this method, typically coupled with the use of nicotine replacement products, led to an ... 29, 2004) Distributing free nicotine patches increased participation in a Maryland smoking cessation program and helped 27 percent more people stop smoking during the first six months after quitting, according ... 9, 2009) Nicotine gum has been in use for over 20 years to help smokers... (Science Daily)
Scientists seek to manage dopamine's good, bad sides Oct 14, 2009
Although dopamine was identified almost a century ago, brain scientists are still trying to figure out how to manage its undesirable effects, such as cocaine or nicotine addiction. "There is no currently approved medication for treating cocaine addiction," Nora Volkow, the director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, said recently. (Montana Standard, MT)
Insomnia Causes, Effects, and Remed... Oct 11, 2009
Caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol should be avoided at night. They can act as stimulants and can disrupt sleep patterns. (Suite101.com)
Smoking snuffed out Oct 11, 2009
The hospital has been excellent in providing nicotine gum and patches, Charles said, which makes the policy feasible. Some patients act out when they aren't allowed to smoke, Charles said. (Montana Standard, MT)
Guest column: Ron Jelinek Oct 9, 2009
Mr. Marlboro wrote on Oct 6, 2009 4:47 PM:" Thank you, Michigan, for putting our tobacco settlement to such good use. Trading one habit for another was a great idea, especially well done as you did nothing to try to stop nicotine. Who knew you would help us preserve our revenue stream (wink, wink)? We went to lunch yesterday with the healthcare lobby and they were a little surprised you didnt use the funds to help pay for all of the health problems associated with smoking we ended up... (St. Joseph Herald-Pallidium, MI)
McDonnell backs 'Big Tobacco'; vote Deeds Oct 8, 2009
After four years of struggling against legislators who defied the public will, public health prevailed over the nicotine lobby. As a state senator, R. Creigh Deeds voted for the smoking ban. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Cautious Hopes for a Cocaine Vaccine Oct 8, 2009
In September, NIDA also granted $10 million for a clinical trial to the makers of NicVAX, a nicotine vaccine that works similarly to the cocaine vaccine by stimulating the immune system to create antibodies that bind to drug molecules and prevent them from entering the brain. (Because people don't generally make natural antibodies to cocaine, the cocaine vaccine combines a cocaine molecule with an inactive cholera toxin; incidentally, the vaccine protects against cholera as well). (Time.com)
Vaccine-Like Shots Help Fight Cocaine Habit Oct 7, 2009
The results come just days after that government agency announced plans for the first late-stage study of an experimental nicotine vaccine designed to help people quit smoking ... The cocaine and nicotine vaccines both use the same approach, stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies that attach to molecules of the drugs and block them from reaching the brain. (Click2Houston, TX)
CFS/ME and Stimulants Oct 6, 2009
Nicotine is a stimulant drug and some doctors have used it to treat CFS/ME in the form of patches. This treatment is obviously very controversial and nicotine has the same problem as caffeine: it forms tolerance very quickly. (Suite101.com)
Cuts snuff smoking cessation programs Oct 6, 2009
They have seen tobacco use rates increase as a new generation of youth becomes seduced by the marketing messages of the tobacco industry and succumbs to the disease of nicotine addiction. . (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Doubts on Suicide-Anti-Smoking Drug Chantix Link Oct 6, 2009
A total of 63,265 of these individuals used nicotine replacement products, 10,973 used Chantix, and 6,422 used Zyban, an antidepressant also called bupropion, which has been found to help smokers quit. When researchers looked at medical records, they didn't find any evidence of an increased risk of serious mental health problems (i. (MEDLINEplus)
Tobacco chemical brain drug hope Oct 5, 2009
The nicotine in tobacco may have benefits ... Cotinine is formed when the body breaks down nicotine, but does not cause the same side effects, such as addiction ... Nicotine is the prime habit-forming ingredient in tobacco - and while it has some pleasureable effects on the brain, it can also cause constricted blood vessels, stomach cramps and nausea. (Yahoo News -- Parkinson's Disease)
Curcumin may inhibit nicotine-induced activation of head and neck cancers Oct 5, 2009
San Diego, CA Curcumin, the compound that gives curry powder its yellow/orange color, may inhibit the adverse effects of nicotine in patients with head and neck cancer who continue to smoke ... To mimic the clinical situation, HNSCC cells were pre-treated with curcumin and then nicotine was introduced ... The results of the studies showed that the curcumin was able to block the nicotine from activating cancer causing cells. (EurekAlert!)
Study Finds 231 New Genes Associated With Head And Neck Cancer Oct 5, 2009
4, 2009) Curcumin, the compound that gives curry powder its yellow/orange color, may inhibit the adverse effects of nicotine in patients with head and neck cancer who continue to. . (Science Daily)
Opinions vary on e-cigarettes Oct 4, 2009
The smokeless device is a way for smokers to get nicotine now that a smoking ban in all public buildings in Montana has taken effect ... The look-alike has a small rechargeable battery and a replaceable cartridge containing water, propylene glycol, nicotine and a scent that emulates tobacco or other flavorings ... According to manufacturers, the e-cigarettes which also come in a no-nicotine option contain none of the tar or other additives found in tobacco products. (Montana Standard, MT)
Nation's leading experts on substance abuse outline new research agenda Oct 3, 2009
"There is a wide variation in nicotine yields and carcinogens in tobacco products and considerable research will be needed on tobacco toxins if the FDA is to pursue new regulations to set maximum levels of exposure," he said. . (EurekAlert!)
