Peters blog

• #cravings
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Still Smoking?

More than forty percent of adults in the United States smoked cigarettes in 1965, by 2009 that number had been reduced to about twenty one percent.  That is still an alarmingly high number for a habit that has demonstrated its tragic effects on tobacco users and their families.  Smoking is an insiduous habit, but you can quit.  There have been many ideas on how to quit, and each individual has to decide his or her own path.  However, there is one important action you can always take when you feel that craving coming ... get up and take a walk! Numerous recent studies indicate that low intensity exercise like walking, bicycling, even stretching may be enough to curb a craving to smoke. Exercise may also reduce irritability, poor concentration and other withdrawal symptoms that occur when quitting smoking. Researchers believe exercise curbs cravings because it reduces tension and increases the same mood enhancing brain chemicals that nicotine boosts. Studies also found exercise may be as effective if not better than oral nicotine replacement therapy. Additionally, nicotine gum can take about 10 minutes to kick in while the benefits of a walk are immediate. You'll alsoget a great workout which will help your whole body feel better!