More Than Half Of U.S. Adult Smokers Surveyed Planned To Quit In 2014 As A New Years Resolution To Save Money And Add Years To Their Lives

According to a new survey conducted for national public health nonprofit, Legacy®, 56 percent of adult smokers polled were preparing to quit as a New Year's Resolution in 2014 to improve their health. The findings come at a critical date when past research has shown quitters are most vulnerable to relapse: the 8th day of a quit attempt. This new data, released as the nation marks the 50th anniversary of the landmark 1964 U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Smoking and Health, also found that:

41% of adult smokers surveyed planned to quit smoking "cold turkey" for New Years - a method that is largely ineffective for the majority of smokers.

• 12% of them planned to switch to electronic cigarettes, a product yet to be regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and whose safety risks remain unknown.
• 37% of the adult smokers surveyed plan to quit to save money and
• 31.7% want to quit because they don't want their clothes and hair to smell.

"On January 8th, those who quit for New Year's may be struggling to remain committed to their resolution," said Robin Koval, President and CEO of Legacy. "Our new survey findings underscore the need for planning and using proven effective tools like nicotine replacement therapies and social support - not going 'cold turkey,' as more than 40 percent of smokers polled have indicated - unfortunately, most smokers continue to think that quitting is simply a matter of willpower," she said. "They should also be wary of e-cigarettes.  While it is likely these products are less harmful than traditional cigarettes, they are not regulated and have not been approved as an effective cessation tool," she said.

Smoking is a powerful addiction that is extremely difficult to overcome. The nicotine in cigarettes changes the chemistry of a smoker's brain, creating physical dependence. Coupled with the behavioral and social aspects of smoking, it can seem next to impossible for a smoker to quit smoking. By building a quit plan, smokers can address the physical, behavioral, and emotional aspects of addiction and work toward re-learning life without cigarettes.

Quitting smoking takes preparation, tenacity and support. For those who need help quitting, BecomeAnEX.org offers free personalized quit plans, resources, information, and tools that were designed with input from former and current smokers. The site also hosts a thriving online community, where smokers who are trying to quit can connect with others to share support and encouragement in an effort to increase the odds that smokers stay quit.

Fifty years after the release of the first Surgeon General's report on smoking and health, remarkable progress has been made. Since 1964, smoking prevalence among U.S. adults has been reduced by half. Unfortunately, tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the United States. In January 2014, the Surgeon General will release the 50th anniversary Surgeon General's Report on smoking and health. The report will highlight 50 years of progress in tobacco control and prevention, present new data on the health consequences of tobacco use, and detail initiatives that can end the tobacco use epidemic in the United States.

SOURCE Legacy

New Option for Cigarette Smokers Trying to Quit: #IMPROOF Movement Launched by Vape Revolution

New initiative targets long-term cigarette smokers to help them make the switch to vaping and no longer smoke cigarettes.

Vape Revolution announced today the launch of its #IMPROOF Movement initiative designed to help cigarette smokers switch to vaping and enjoy better health. Karen Lee is the first former smoker and current vape user to be showcased in the #IMPROOF Movement. Her inspirational story is available at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yw4zJZbIg9Y. Other vape users and their stories will be showcased as the initiative continues. 

Vaping is an alternative to cigarettes that produces no smoke and potentially reduces the risk of cancer. Instead, the vaporizer provides the nicotine needed to help smokers reduce and eliminate their chemical dependency while enjoying a wide range of flavors and vape devices. By promoting the use of this substitute, Vape Revolution can help smokers make the switch without the physical side effects sometimes associated with attempts to quit smoking. Incentives will be available to encourage consumers to join the #IMPROOF Movement and live improved lives without cigarettes.

The #IMPROOF Movement is the next phase in Vape Revolution's campaign to help smokers find another way to manage their nicotine cravings and enjoy a smoke-free lifestyle. Vape Revolution will be promoting the #IMPROOF Movement through a full range of social media outlets, including the following:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IMPROOF
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/improofmovement
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/IMPROOFmovement
• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/IMPROOFmovement

This comprehensive initiative will alert smokers to their options and promote the use of vape technologies as a satisfying replacement for dangerous, carcinogenic tobacco products. By separating the physical need for nicotine from the cigarette delivery system, Vape Revolution hopes to change lives and ensure a better future for current and future clients. The #IMPROOF Movement is the voice of individuals who have benefitted from vaping.  The movement is proof that vapers can enjoy life, discover freedom from cigarettes, and embrace an active lifestyle again. 

SOURCE Vape Revolution

RELATED LINKS
http://www.vaperev.com

ENDS: Electronic Cigarettes on Deck to Be Added to New York City’s Smoke-Free Air Act

The NYC Ban on ENDS will happen. The votes have been cast, and now it just needs to be signed into law. Now people will banter back and forth about all of the points. I believe that many of the speaking points are scripted from multiple groups who are trying to move the argument in their direction to protect their wallets. 

People get so lost in the forest. This controversy is happening all over the world. We are watching the story unfold on an international level, yet, we seem to only get involved when it is getting closer to us. We need to be proactive. We need to wake up and realize that we are all connected. Finally, those of us who are "regular people" are able to network internationally. This is a problem for the status quo. Old alliances need to brace themselves for us. We are organizing and looking out for each other. We are helping each other now, and there are way more of us than there are of them.

When I saw the Article 18 proposal for the EU, I was floored by how the laws would instantly close many mom and pop companies. I am sure many people thought I was overreacting, because it is nicotine we were talking about (never mind that it is naturally occurring and not a known carcinogen). People don't have to smoke. People don't have to vape. People don't need to care about other people who chose to do something that they do not care about.

I believe in being fair. I am not left or right. I like to stay balanced and stay fair. Before we can even engage in a conversation about ecigs and vaping, we need to find an authority to look to. I chose the United Nations. The United Nations overseas the World Health Organization, and they are two international bodies who set guidelines for their members. Their members are our leaders. In the United States we elect our leaders. The leaders in my country work for me. They are supposed to know the will of all the people in the country and make decisions based on the people's choice, for the good of the people as a whole.

Some people think of the United Nations as ONLY a place to discuss war and human rights violations. However, when I saw all arrows pointing back to the WHO quoting their findings about ENDS, I realized that the United Nations is where we should start. Go to the source, and try to make the change their. Like an octopus, everyone around the world is trying to wrestle an arm. The United Nations and World Health Organization is at the heart. 

According to the WHO:
Electronic cigarettes or ENDS (electronic nicotine delivery systems) are devices whose function is to vaporize and deliver to the lungs of the user a chemical mixture typically composed of nicotine, propylene glycol and other chemicals, although some products claim to contain no nicotine. A number of ENDS are offered in flavours that can be particularly attractive to adolescents. (KS: Scientifically proven? What about Vodka, Sugar Chewing Gum)  Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) are the most common prototype of ENDS.

Each device contains an electronic vaporization system, rechargeable batteries, electronic controls and cartridges of the liquid that is vaporized. The manufacturers report that the cartridges typically contain between 6 and 24 mg of nicotine, but sometimes can contain more than 100 mg. In the form of tobacco products, nicotine is an addictive chemical that in excessive amounts can be lethal (0.5-1.0 mg per kg of weight of the person).

Most ENDS are shaped to look like their conventional (tobacco) counterparts (e.g. cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes, hookahs or shishas). They are also sometimes made to look like everyday items such as pens and USB memory sticks, for people who wish to use the product without other people noticing.

Are electronic cigarettes (ENDS) safe?

The safety of ENDS has not been scientifically demonstrated.

The potential risks they pose for the health of users remain undetermined. Furthermore, scientific testing indicates that the products vary widely in the amount of nicotine and other chemicals they deliver and there is no way for consumers to find out what is actually delivered by the product they have purchased.

Most ENDS contain large (KS: Relative to the small amount of fluid in the device, or compared to your total water intake for the day?)  concentrations of propylene glycol, which is a known irritant when inhaled (KS: perspective look at what we know about Acetaminophen,)

. The testing of some of these products also suggests the presence of other toxic chemicals, aside from nicotine. In addition, use of these products -when they contain nicotine- can pose a risk for nicotine poisoning (i.e. if a child of 30 Kilos of weight swallows the contents of a nicotine cartridge of 24 mg this could cause acute nicotine poisoning that most likely would cause its death) (KS: Why is this relevant? Once again playing on unsupervised children who would prefer to drink nicotine fluid, rather than say, flavored vodka or soda.)  and a risk for addiction to nonsmokers of tobacco products. Nicotine, either inhaled, ingested or in direct contact with the skin, can be particularly hazardous to the health and safety of certain segments of the population, such as children, young people, pregnant women, nursing mothers, people with heart conditions and the elderly. ENDS and their nicotine cartridges and refill accessories must be kept out of the reach of young children at all times in view of the risk of choking or nicotine poisoning. (KS: Really? This belongs here too, because we can't be too careful when "The safety of ENDS has not been scientifically demonstrated.") 

As ENDS do not generate the smoke that is associated with the combustion of tobacco, their use is commonly believed by consumers to be safer than smoking tobacco. This illusive ‘safety’ of ENDS can be enticing to consumers; however, the chemicals used in electronic cigarettes have not been fully disclosed, and there are no adequate data on their emissions.(KS: Okay, then set a reasonable standard.)

Is use of electronic cigarettes (ENDS) an effective method for quitting tobacco smoking?

The efficacy of ENDS for helping people to quit smoking has not been scientifically demonstrated. (KS: I don't need science to know it is better than smoking tobacco, and that I quit smoking practically instantly with it. I tried the patch and gum before without success.) 

ENDS are often touted as tobacco replacements, smoking alternatives or smoking cessation aids. But we know that for smoking cessation products to be most effectively and safely used, they need to be used according to instructions developed for each product through scientific testing. There are no scientifically proven instructions for using ENDS as replacements or to quit smoking. The implied health benefits associated with these claims are unsubstantiated or may be based on inaccurate or misleading information. When ENDS are used as cessations aids, they are intended to deliver nicotine directly to the lungs. None of the approved, regulated cessation aids, such as nicotine patches and chewing-gum, delivers nicotine to the lungs. Therefore, the biological mechanism by which smoking cessation might be achieved by delivery of nicotine to the lungs and its effects are unknown. Delivery to the lung might be dangerous. Therefore, independently of the effects of nicotine, it is of global importance to study lung delivery scientifically.(KS: I agree, and that is why I have a letter writing campaign to your boss, asking you to please be fair about it.)

The dose of delivered nicotine is also unknown. It is suspected that the delivered dose varies notably by product, which contain nicotine in various quantities and concentrations. (KS: Once again, set a standard)

Conclusion:

Until such time as a given ENDS is deemed safe and effective and of acceptable quality by a competent national regulatory body, consumers should be strongly advised not to use any of these products, including electronic cigarettes. (KS: Really? Even though I quit so easily, my friends have also quit, I received testimonials all the time. I save so much money. I stopped polluting the air, and the roads, beaches and parks with disposable cigarette butts, that never seem to disintegrate.)  

I am urging anyone who reads this to think about the logic, and then apply this same logic to other items. Think if this discussion was about chocolate nibs, coca beans, sugar (aka a million other names so that it doesn't appear first on ingredient labels). 

I am only asking for impartial fair leaders and authorities. Do you think that I am over reacting? 

Some recommended articles to check out about the NYC decision.

Ecig Reviewed
http://ecigarettereviewed.com/nyc-votes-ban-vaping-wherever-smoking-prohibited/

The Verge
http://www.theverge.com/2013/12/20/5229928/new-york-city-adds-e-cigarettes-to-public-smoking-ban

Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacobsullum/2013/12/19/nyc-council-bans-public-vaping-because-it-looks-too-much-like-smoking/

CALL TO ACTION
You can still email the UN. They are there to serve us. 
http://k10planetvape.blogspot.com/2013/11/VAPEUN.html

The Zacks Analyst Blog Ecig Highlight

My personal position on Vaping: http://k10planetvape.blogspot.com/2013/11/VAPEUN.html
______________________________________

Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Stocks recently featured in the blog include theAltria Company (NYSE: MO-Free Report), Reynolds American Inc. (NYSE: RAI-Free Report), Lorillard Inc. (NYSE: LO-Free Report), Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM-Free Report) 

Here are highlights from Monday's Analyst Blog:

E-cigs Receive Unfavorable French Ruling

Cigarette makers recently facing dwindling volumes have been dealt yet another blow with the ruling of a court in France. As per media reports, the decree has stated that e-cigarettes can be sold only by tobacconists (expert tobacco dealers). The ruling also states that these cigarettes belong to the same category as tobacco products, and, therefore, the advertising bans on cigarettes will be applicable for them as well.

E-cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular especially among youngsters. These battery-powered devices turn a nicotine-based liquid into vapor. They were considered less harmful than tobacco products and therefore the major tobacco players capitalized on them.

Altria Company's (NYSE: MO-Free Report) subsidiary, Nu Mark LLC, introduced its first e-cigarette brand — MarkTen e-cigarettes — in Indiana in August. Reynolds American Inc.'s (NYSE: RAI-Free Report) subsidiary, R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company, is expanding the distribution network of its tailor-made e-cigarette — Vuse. Lorillard Inc. (NYSE: LO-Free Report) captured a leading position in the electronic cigarette industry in the U.S. after it acquired e-cigarette brand blu e-Cigs in Apr 2012. Also, in November, Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM-Free Report) announced its plans to foray into the e-cigarette business.

The verdict could have great influence on other government bodies that are still undecided on whether to levy the same regulations on the e-cigarette category as the tobacco products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to set marketing and product regulations for e-cigarettes in the near future as there is not much scientific evidence to back their ability to help smokers quit or smoke less. European legislators are expected to frame regulations for e-cigarettes, based on the risks or benefits on smokers' health which is a burning topic in the subcontinent.

Moreover, the cigarette makers are facing tough industrial conditions amid strong anti-smoking campaigns worldwide, where governments are imposing restrictions on tobacco companies which, in turn, are leading to a decline in cigarette consumption. In such a condition, the ruling against e-cigarettes will be detrimental to the margins of the tobacco biggies in the coming quarter.

SOURCE Zacks Investment Research, Inc.

TPP Negotiations: Safeguarding Public Health From Tobacco

Negotiations on the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) failed to reach a final agreement yesterday in Singapore.  This is an interim victory for campaigns by the Center for Policy Analysis on Trade and Health (CPATH) and allies to extricate tobacco control measures and other public health protections from nullification by corporate trade rules.  Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death worldwide, claiming 6 million lives a year.  Multinational tobacco companies are systematically exercising rights found only in trade agreements to challenge and enjoin life-saving public health protections from this deadly, addictive product. The Trans Pacific Partnership would expand NAFTA-style trade rules among 12 Pacific Rim nations.

Medical and public health organizations worldwide, and our legal advisors, explored the problems and possible solutions during the 4 years of TPP negotiations, and concluded that the only genuine solution would be to carve out (or remove) tobacco control laws and regulations from trade agreements. Malaysia has advanced just such a proposal. This would set a standard in trade law that would complement the global consensus on fighting the tobacco epidemic enshrined in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, to which all TPP countries are signatories.

The U.S. Trade Representative has not agreed, nor exercised leadership towards a viable resolution. U.S. trade policy is set in secret, driven by 600 corporate advisors.

"CPATH extends deep gratitude to the public health and medical community for consistent support," said CPATH Co-DirectorEllen R. Shaffer. Partners and colleagues in the U.S. and in TPP countries, such as the South East Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA), and the Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control, have issued strong calls to protect public health.

"Their compelling statements on the domestic sovereign rights of countries to adopt and maintain measures to reduce tobacco use and to prevent its harm have helped make public health and tobacco a central issue in TPP negotiations," Shaffer said.

Other U.S. proposals for the TPP would jeopardize global access to affordable medicines, require that countries allow the patenting of surgical methods, place restraints on public health insurance programs, and subject government formularies and reimbursement programs to greater interference from pharmaceutical companies. 

"We must restore democratic practice and principles of economic and social sustainability to the trade negotiations process," said CPATH Co-Director Joseph E. Brenner. "We need a 21^st century trade agreement.  Carving out tobacco could signal the dawn of that century."

SOURCE Center for Policy Analysis on Trade and Health (CPATH)

NEwhere Launches New Disposable ZERO Nicotine E-Hookah Pen

Summary: An industry leader in disposable electronic cigarettes has expanded its product line in an effort to meet the growing demand for ZERO Nicotine E-Hookahs.

Some say that the holidays are a time for giving, and representatives with NEwhere Electronic Cigarettes say the brand new e-Hookah product line that it has launched is a gift that just keeps on giving!

"We have just recently launched our brand new disposable ZERO Nicotine E-Hookah product line with eight unique mouth-watering flavors, and they're flying off the shelves. Since the product launched less than 4 weeks ago, we've already sold over 100,000 units, and the demand is growing exponentially!" said Amir Nezhad, Director of Sales for NEwhere Electronic Cigarettes.

Nezhad went on to point out "our eHookah Pens are super stylish, and designed for consumers to be able to carry them in their pockets and be able to smoke anywhere. Hookah smokers no longer have to carry around bulky and expensive traditional hookahs and with our e-hookahs people can enjoy smoking without the ash, without odor and without burning any charcoal."

E-Hookah, a growing subcategory of e-cigarettes, is an electronic device that uses a battery and does not emit actual smoke, but ZERO nicotine flavored vapor.

In comparison with traditional hookahs, this device is smaller, less expensive and very easy to carry, according to company officials. In addition, E-Hookah does not rely on charcoal to create smoke and requires no assembly.

"We are one of the only E-cigarette companies who offer a completely ZERO Nicotine product line with our E-hookahs," Nezhad stressed, before adding, "We spent a lot of time and money on quality testing our flavors to make sure they are the best tasting, highest quality products on the market. Our E-hookahs last up to 800 puffs and are already being called the best tasting ehookah pens according to customer reviews."

NEwhere e-hookah pens are available online and in many fine retail stores across California such as 7 Eleven, Shell, Arco AM PM, Circle K, and most other gas stations.

According to company executives, NEwhere is also currently expanding its E-cigarette and E-hookah sales into Arizona andNevada retailers as well, including convenience stores inside the largest hotel and casinos on the Las Vegas strip, such as MGM Grand, Mirage, Bellagio, and more.

According to recent data released by Wells Fargo, the e-cigarettes industry has now exceeded $1.7 billion for the first-time ever, with the consumption of e-cigs likely surpassing that of traditional cigarettes in the next decade.

For more information, please visit: http://newhere.com/E-Hookah-Pen

SOURCE NEwhere Inc.

'Tis the Season to Give the Gift of Vaping Apollo E-Cigs announces their 2013 Holiday Gift Guide

 Apollo Electronic Cigarettes, a premier electronic cigarette company, is offering a wide variety of gifting options this holiday season. For every smoker on your holiday shopping list, or loved one trying to quit, Apollo E-Cigs make the perfect gift.

"Electronic cigarettes are among this year's hottest holiday gift for smokers and those looking for a lifestyle change," statesJulie Degnan, director of marketing for Apollo Future Technology, the maker of Apollo E-Cigs. "We wanted to provide some great shopping options, from deluxe kits to stocking stuffers, and that's why we created our holiday gift guide."

Currently, more than 2.5 million Americans use e-cigarettes and after the 2013 gifting season that number is sure to increase. Choosing to switch to an e-cig lifestyle delivers the same traditional tobacco flavor, along with the option for other more exciting flavors,  but without the tar, smoke and odor associated with traditional cigarettes.

Check Out Apollo's Special Holiday Inspired Gifts and give the gift of a smoke free 2014.

Apollo Superior eGo Kit - $69.95

The Superior eGo Kit is the perfect gift for anyone preparing to quit smoking traditional cigarettes. Pick one of our holiday e-liquids to make the kit more festive and your shopping is done!

Apollo Standard Starter Kit - $69.95

Our most popular kit, the Apollo Standard Starter Kit, is recommended for new users and offers everything needed to start using an e-cig right out of the box. This kit, available in both black and white, makes the perfect gift for friends, family, co-workers and any other smoker looking to make a positive change in 2014.

Apollo Holiday Evod Kit - $29.95

For the discerning vaper in your life, these festive EVOD kit is available in six colors and makes the perfect stocking stuffer. The kit features an Apollo Luminous battery and a matching EVOD Clearomizer. Add one of our holiday e-liquids for a festive finishing touch!

Apollo Holiday eGo Kit - $19.95

These adorable eGo kits, available in holiday red or green, are the perfect stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift. Packaged in a fun acrylic case shaped like a Christmas tree, this kit features a holiday themed battery with a matching CE4 Clearomizer.

Apollo Disposable E-Cigarettes & E-Cigar Gift Set - $59.95

This set offers something for everyone! Perfect for holiday parties and other social gatherings, Apollo's disposable e-cigs and e-cigars are ready to use right out of the box. This set includes five e-cigars and five e-cigs in a variety of flavors.

Apollo E-Cigs also offers a variety of stocking stuffers under $20 that are perfect for those that already use e-cigs:

Holiday E-Liquid Pack - $15.95

Luminous Batteries - $16.95

Clearomizer Kit - $18.95

Apollo Leather Case - $6.95

Apollo Car Charger - $9.99

eGO Battery Holder - $11.99

SOURCE Apollo Electronic Cigarettes