February 28th, 2010

Before the Baby Boomer period, no one was convinced that a each cigarette smoked puts the smoker one step closer to lung cancer. It was only in the period between 1946 and 1964 that experts were able to find conclusive evidence linking lung cancer to cigarette smoking.

The years following the boomer age saw the rise of anti-smoking campaigns and today, anti-smoking initiatives are still imposed at an accelerated pace.

According to the National Cancer Institute, cigarette smoking is the main culprit in 87 percent of lung cancer deaths and even plays a significant role in the development of cancers of the larynx, esophagus, bladder, oral cavity and pharynx. Not only that, smoking also increases the risk of suffering from cervical, stomach, kidney, pancreatic, and cervical cancers.

Nonsmokers are also at high-risk because secondhand smoking causes an estimated 3,000 lung cancer deaths among American nonsmokers. Children may also develop respiratory illness due to secondhand smoking and this sends a clear message to parents and guardians to be wary of their habits before it hits their loved ones.

There are more than 60 harmful elements that are known to cause cancer in tobacco smoke and a thousand other chemical agents. Smokers, already wary of the perils of their smoking habit, often seek the help of professionals and are advised to cease the act to decrease the risk of lung and other cancers, stroke, chronic lung disease, and even heart attack.

Stopping the deadly habit has immediate positive effects for both genders and all ages as it immediately begins to reduce the risk of lung and other cancers previously mentioned. Research has shown that the sooner the person quits, the more favorable is the effect. For instance, those who quit before they reach the age of 50 cut off their risk of getting cancer in the following 15 years as compared to those who still continue smoking.

I started smoking when I was in high school. It was the cool thing to do and the hardest habit to break. I finally quit when I wanted to get pregnant. I am reminded of how prevalent smoking was when I watch Mad Men, one of my favorite TV shows that takes place in the 50s. Man, we really thought we looked good as we were killing ourselves!

How about the rest of you boomers? Are you still smoking? Or have you successfully kicked the habit. Come join boomeryearbook and share your comments and  experiences. We’d love to hear your stories.

www.boomeryearbook.com is a social networking site connecting the Baby Boomer generation. Share your thoughts, rediscover old friends, or expand your mind with brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join today to discover the many ways we are helping Boomers connect for fun and profit.

for www.boomeryearbook.com

February 25th, 2010

Baby Boomers, Medical Marijuana, and Headshops

The graying of America has led a group of baby boomers into uncomfortable territory. Medical Marijuana may be prescribed for some “boomers” who have been alien to pot, or at least away from it for a while.  In addition, many headshops which peppered the streets of many cities in the seventies, are now online entities. Medical Marijuana has resurrected the ghosts of 70’s  past, and now baby boomers must re-view some of the paraphernalia needed to deliver their medicine in the most efficient and economical way.

One of the hottest holiday gifts and most important device for the delivery of Medical Marijuana is a vaporizer. In fact, MedLine reports studies that support the use of vaporization (The Volcano) as a viable means of efficient smokeless delivery. The fact that a governmental level study has been conducted is important, since the FDA frowns upon smoked medicine. The main benefit is that your throat is spared irritation from a cigarette like experience.

The Volcano vaporizer, which was used in the study, and the “V” Tower Extreme, are front runners for VAPES of the year. Many old school boomers will fall back on regular rolling papers, blunt wraps, cones (splif papers), pipes, bongs, hookahs, or chillums. All of these are efficient (and necessary) for Medical Marijuana delivery.

A new comer to the headshop scene is the herb Grinder. An arthritic patient or vaporizer user would greatly appreciate an object designed to mash, grind, and crush the Medical Marijuana into an easy to heat source. The classic wooden Grinder would be an excellent gift item.

Speaking of gifts, when you visit an online headshop, remember there are plenty of possibilities. The list also includes Drug Test Kits, Mood Enhancers, Novelty Ash-Trays, Souvenir Lighters, Smokeshop supplies & legal herb, black light posters, beads, jewelry, incense, hemp clothing, and an endless array of memorabilia.

Joyce

February 15th, 2010

A babyâ??s health is considered above other parental responsibilities as always supreme. But this safeguard on their health is always constantly threatened by parents who smoke the traditional cigarettes.

Traditional cigarettes are well known to have within them tobacco and tar which are a threat to a babyâ??s health making it at great risk of getting fatal chest problems amongst other diseases. On the other hand, the emitted smoke, its odor is plainly offensive to the child and may be the main reason why it cries as often as it drives you nuts. Moreover their always is in this cigarettes a residue of a foul acrid smell that irritates the babyâ??s senses and eyes.

Whereas, traditional cigarettes posses cancer causing agents; termed as carcinogens, there as appeared a new sensation in the nature of electronic cigarettes. This may give sufficient answers to how a smoker may safely smoke a cigarette in front of his or her baby.

 It is generally agreed by all and sundry that as far as traditional smoking goes, there is no way it would ever be safe to smoke in front of a child without directly exposing him/her to fatal danger. Nevertheless, electronic is said to be safe in many ways.

No Chemicals.
Electronic cigarettes donâ??t emit the usual traditional chemicals that are carcinogenic and that consequently cause cancer. So as you smoke it, it is safe for the baby and also safe for you. Besides, tobacco and tar that are the basic component of traditional cigarettes are just nonexistent.

Harmless smoke
Weâ??ve so far established that the smoke from the traditional cigarettes is dangerous to the babyâ??s sleeping, seeing and sense abilities. However, the electronic cigarettes yes emit smoke but this fumes are simply and basically harmless vapor that end up evaporating to thin air and so fast you wont even realize leave alone the baby. In addition the smoke is not visible and doesnâ??t irritate the eyes.

Smoked anywhere
Smoking is very addictive. In this regard by extension, addicted smokers have perfected the uncanny habit of smoking dangerously in front of their babies even when it is legally not accepted. To help such people, who refuse to quit smoking or are willing to leave but the withdrawal symptoms scare them away, presented is a harmless electronic cigarette that can satisfy their attachment to smoking and still retain its safety especially towards their babies. It is even examined and disclosed that the same sensational, emotional and physical pleasures are inherent in the cigarette.

Non offensive
Ask the parents how they feel with babies who incessantly cry denying them their hard earned sleep. The answer will be universal, hell on earth. A contributing factor to a babyâ??s irritability may be the odor, acrid smell which can be taken care of by using electronic cigarettes.

Safe
Safety is paramount, as mentioned earlier, to a babyâ??s wellbeing. After considering the factors that reduce the health risks through the use of electronic smoking, no cancer causing agents, no acrid smell irritating smell and senses, no chemicals causing other maladies, not flammable, it is easy to therefore say it is safe.

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