In Australia, smoking bans cover all the smoke-free areas and the rules that go with them. If you’re a smoker, you might be wondering if these bans actually work or if there are ways to get around them.On the flip side, if you’re against smoking, you probably want to know if these bans have really reduced the number of smokers or just opened the door for shady dealers to cash in.Let’s dive in and see if these smoking bans deliver the results they promise.Setting the Stage for a Smoke-Free AustraliaIf you’re a local, you’ll already know this, but it’s worth mentioning…

Just like other parts of the body, the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage the lungs and lead to tuberculosis (TB). This bacterial infection affected 40 million people worldwide last year, including women and children.While there are global policies in place to help reduce the spread of TB, it doesn’t mean that active smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke are in the clear. In fact, they’re the most vulnerable to contracting it.Keep reading to find out more about how smoking and TB are linked, and how smoking wear out the immune system, making it easier for infections to take hold.Exploring…

After quitting smoking, your body will get a boost, but you might notice some changes—like putting on a bit of weight. It’s normal to gain a few pounds after cutting out nicotine. Food starts to taste better as your damaged taste buds recover, and you might have found yourself snacking more while dealing with intense cravings.What’s not normal is letting your relationship with food spiral out of control, just like smoking did. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on your diet during your quit journey. Avoid junk food and constant snacking while steering clear of the ciggies, or you could…

Is your over-the-counter medication not working quite as it should? It might not just be down to the dosage—it could be because you’re still smoking. Whether you’ve been a long-term smoker or you’re trying to quit using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), nicotine might be interfering with how well your medications work.Keep reading as we dive deeper into how nicotine can affect your meds and what you can do about it.Nicotine and CoughingIf you’re coughing and ignoring it as a sign to quit smoking, you’re likely setting yourself up for throat problems.That persistent cough could be due to your throat being dehydrated…

Any worthwhile endeavour, while satisfying, can consume a lot of your energy. The same can also be true for anything that makes you healthier – running can give you a ‘runner’s high’, but afterwards you’ll be very keen for a good kip.Does quitting smoking make you tired as well? Yes, it does, and it takes lots of effort, patience, and even failure to successfully quit smoking for good. Facing nicotine withdrawals alone makes the entire quit journey a steep mountain to climb.However, know that these obstacles, including tiredness, are only temporary. Let’s dive deep into how quitting smoking can make you feel…

Nicotine is one of the main chemicals in cigarette smoke, though it’s just one of many. Compared to the more deadly substances in cigarettes, nicotine itself isn’t as harmful, but it’s highly addictive and keeps you coming back for more carcinogens and chemicals.Because nicotine doesn’t directly harm the body, it’s used in nicotine patches and gums for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to help you quit smoking. However, it’s not safe for pregnant women or anyone with heart conditions or adrenaline-related issues, as it can temporarily raise your heart rate and adrenaline levels.Now, if you’re thinking about quitting and wondering whether chewing…

The Smoke-Free Environment Act 2000 was introduced on August 31, 2000, to reduce public exposure to cigarette smoke and create a healthier environment for non-smokers.It seems to be working well. A peer-reviewed study found that with non-smokers enjoying fresh air almost everywhere—even in places that used to be smoky, like pubs—many smokers have felt discouraged and motivated to quit since the Act started.Keep reading as we explore the details of the Act and check out if it’s still making a positive impact today.Smoke-Free Environment Act 2000 SummaryThe Act is all about reducing tobacco smoke and creating a healthier environment. It’s…

Key takeaways Use nicotine patches cautiously when pregnant Patches deliver nicotine to aid smoking cessation. Use during pregnancy may impact placental blood flow. Studies show mixed effects on pregnant women and babies. Consult a GP to weigh benefits and risks. Are you pregnant? You’ve likely been told to focus on your health and make good lifestyle choices.Pregnancy is such a critical time because you’re not just looking after yourself; you’re carrying a life that relies on your diet and overall wellbeing.That said, pregnancy can also be stressful, and if you’re a smoker, the urge to reach for a cigarette for…

Key takeaways Smoking, a catalyst for seizures: exploring connections. Seizure risks elevated among daily cigarette smokers. Data reveals smoking worsens and triggers epilepsy. Nerve damage accentuated by chemicals in smoke. Quitting cold turkey reduces seizures, benefits abound. You probably already know what smoking can do to major organs like the lungs, heart, stomach, brain, and nervous system. But did you know that cigarette smoke can also cause seizures, especially in middle-aged adults and older smokers? If you’re experiencing any symptoms of epilepsy or seizures, quitting smoking could really help your body out.Now, if you’re curious about the link between smoking…

Key takeaways Constipation post-smoking cessation is common and uncomfortable. Cigarette smoke alters microbiome, stimulating stomach movement. Quitting smoking halts artificial stomach stimulation, causing constipation. Diet changes and increased food intake contribute to constipation. Smoking is a significant factor in digestive health issues. Bowel movement issues might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to the side effects of quitting smoking. But days or weeks after you’ve stopped taking in cigarette smoke, you’re likely to experience some constipation. There’s a complex link between the chemicals in cigarettes and the body’s digestive system, which might explain why many ex-smokers…