Smoking makes bones weaker

Many people associate smoking with increased health risks including cancers, respiratory problems and heart disease. However, recent research also has indicated that smoking makes bones weaker.

How does smoking effect bones?

There have been a few recent studies conducted to evaluate the relationship between smoking and bones structure. Those studies have concluded that smoking poses a threat to the entire skeletal system. Some of the major findings are reported below. The studies found that smokers, when compared to non smokers had the following experiences or conditions:

• Weaker spinal ligaments
• Accelerated bone loss
• Decreased bone cell production
• Increased recovery times after surgeries, fractures and abrasions
• Additional severe vertebral disc degeneration
• Increased complication rates proceeding surgeries
• Fewer successful ligament and joint surgeries

What can smokers do to decrease there risk of developing brittle bones?

The biggest step smokers can take to decrease their risk of developing brittle bones is to quit smoking. Aside from quitting, there is little smokers can do. The plain truth according to rese arch is that smoking makes bones weaker.

How can smokers quit smoking?

With recent advances in medicine, smokers have more support and assistance to aid them in the cessation than ever before. There is a wealth of information and resources available on the internet, from friends and family, the doctor's office and from various government agencies and non profit groups. There are a number of options available to someone that is truly interested in quitting smoking.

The first thing you should do if you want to quit smoking is determine why you want to quit. What will be your driving force, the reason or reasons you will think about during your most intense cravings?

For the next week keep a smoking journal. Write down the following things each and every time you have or want a cigarette:

• Where were you when you wanted a smoke?
• Who were you with?
• What kind of mood were you in before, during and after having a cigarette?
• What was the environment l ike?
• What were you eating or drinking?
• What were you doing?

Knowing and understanding the preceding information can make a major difference in your smoking cessation success. Take expert help by making an appointment with your doctor. They may have personalized suggestions or may even recommend a smoking cessation aid for you. The following is a brief outline of some of the smoking cessation products available.

Zyban

Zyban, also known as Wellbutrin, is a nicotine free, extended release antidepressant that lessens the symptoms of withdrawal. It regulates the chemicals in the brain that signal nicotine cravings. Zyban is often used in combination with a nicotine replacement therapy for people that have been heavy smokers. If you are interested in trying Zyban as part of your smoking cessation program, you should consult with your physician to see if it is right for you.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Nicotine, an ingredient in tobacco, is highly addictive. Once th e body is deprived of nicotine, it begins to exhibit unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. With nicotine replacement therapy, the body is slowly weaned of nicotine. This makes the withdrawal experience less severe and more manageable. Using the nicotine replacement method, smokers are able to concentrate on treating the psychological and behavioral addiction they have to smoking. There are a variety of nicotine replacement therapy programs that are currently available to assist those interested in quitting. Prior to using a nicotine replacement therapy method, the smoker should track the amount of nicotine they consume in a day. They then begin the process by selecting a step that corresponds to their daily usage. For instance a heavy smoker would begin the process on the highest step, while a moderate smoker may begin on the second step. While using the nicotine replacement method, the smoker should gradually decrease the level of nicotine delivered into the body, until the smoker is completely free of nicotine. Each of the nicotine replacement systems are generally the same in principle, however they do have different delivery methods. The most popular include nicotine patches, gums, inhalers, sprays, and lozenges. Many of these are available over the counter at retailers and pharmacies across the country. The nicotine replacement spray and inhaler may require a doctor's prescription. A person should never smoke while using a nicotine replacement therapy method. This can result in a nicotine overdose and have serious health implications. Furthermore, it is recommended that those using nicotine replacement therapies seek additional smoking cessation assistance, as only the physical addiction is addressed using this method.

Hypnosis

Some people have had great success using hypnotherapy to aid in the cessation process. The results vary from person to person, although most people require at least three sessions over the course of a few weeks.

The most recent research has indicat ed that along with a slew of other debilitating health risks, smoking makes bones weaker. The only effective way to decrease the risks of smoking and bone loss is to quit smoking.