**Pamphlet Review: Can E-cigarettes Help You Quit Smoking?

The jury is still out on this question, as we don't have the total picture.  I wasn't even sure what an E-cigarette was or how it worked.  Now I know that a vapor is heated and converted to steam which you then inhale like cigarette smoke.  It does not have as many side chemicals as a cigarette.  However it generally does contain nicotine which is still addictive.  Other drugs can be included in the mix if desired.  It is possible to vary the dose of nicotine based on the dosage in the liquid.  However it is important to be safe around children, who could accidentally consume a vial of nicotine which is a very toxic poison.
At a recent training I was at, one woman swore that E cigarettes helped her kick the smoking habit after many years.  She was able to also quit the E cigarettes.  Some people just change their nicotine source.
The pamphlet concludes the best ways to kick smoking is with some type of support, and perhaps with other nicotine replacements such as gum or lozenges.

**Train Safety: Choo Choo The Big Train

**Breaking Nicotine Addiction (Pamphlet)

This is a nice pamphlet which gives nine key points and steps to breaking the nicotine habit.
1. Nicotine is a drug.  It effects the central nervous system.
2. Nicotine is very addictive.  It is as addictive as cocaine and heroine.
3.  The secret to quitting is to deal with the addiction.  Withdrawal symptoms start within a few hours of quitting.  Coping with cravings and stress is key to staying smoke free.
4.  Different people need different ways to deal with addiction.  Some can quit cold turkey, for some replacement therapy is key.  Support groups can help.
5.  Nicotine replacement can help.  Nonprescription options include gum, lozenges and patches.  Prescription options include inhalers and nasal sprays.  Using a replacement doubles you chances of staying smoke free.
6.  Other medications can help ease cravings.  These include some antidepressant medications.
7.  Hang in there the first several weeks.  Withdrawing form nicotine you may feel cranky, lightheaded, anxious, sleepy.  You may crave sweets.  These feelings are only temporary.
8.  Other tips including: drink lots of water, exercise, join a support group, avoid coffee, tea and soda.  Acupuncture may also help.
9.  Don't give up.  If you slip don't give up.  Most people need several attempts.

46 million Americans have kicked nicotine addiction.  For more help check out  www.smokefree.gov

**Portion SIze

Portion size can sabotage any diet.  It is so hard to have an accurate diet if you cannot control the portions.  Additionally, if you are diabetic, counting portion size, and especially carbohydrates is extremely important.  Perhaps this flyer will help.  I can relate more to the size of a fist because I always have them with me.

**Auto Safety and Children

Something we should never forget, and can always be reminded of, is keeping children around cars.  This pamphlet; put out by Valley Medical Center System does not focus on automobile accidents, but safety with regards to nontraffic incidents.  The most dangerous is backing over a child, followed by hyperthermia and then driving forward over a child.  Most of these accidents can be avoided with a little precaution.

 Part of the reason for these accidents is the blind spot behind a car.  This blind spot is greater for someone who is shorter.

Some safety tips from this pamphlet include: Walk all the way around a vehicle,

recruit another adult to watch children, teach children about the danger of parked cars, trim landscaping to allow clear sight, set the park brake every time, be sure your child is never forgotten in a vehicle.