I’m sure you have probably heard that within the coming months all restaurants and the majority of public places are going to be ‘Smoke Free’ zones.  Being that I have mild asthma, chronic bronchitis, and COPD this regulation comes as a welcome respite to myself and other sufferers of these respiratory maladies.  Yet even though I’m in favor of the restaurants being smoke free, I am not totally against the needs of the smokers, not to mention the restaurant owners because in a lot of ways the ban encompasses too wide an area.

I have read about restaurants in the news that can no longer use wood ovens for cooking traditional items on their menus because the smoke from the wood fits the criteria for the ban.  I personally think that is ludicrous.  Everyone knows that ‘wood’ smoke cannot harm you, but ‘tobacco’ smoke can.  I believe stoves need to be exempted from the smoking ban, which is unless they cook with tobacco.

Also, in the old days the restaurants and trains and other places had rooms sealed off from the rest of the populace.  These were called ‘smoking rooms’. People would go to these little lounges and smoke whenever they wanted a puff.  Some places still have these, but not many.  I know of even one ‘hospital’ that has one so that doctors, nurses, and staff can have a butt – but ‘patients’ too.  At this hospital a doctor took from his own funds and had the room built.  It is next to the cafeteria.  It is airtight so that no smoke goes to the eating area for non-smokers.  It also has a special ventilation system to keep excess smoke from building up. 

When my Aunt was in the hospital I had the misfortune of being in that room several times with my Mom because she didn’t want to be in there alone.  That place always had so many smokers in it you couldn’t see inside the glass windows because of the nicotine and the haze. It smelled so bad in there
that is what I liken Hell to smelling like if you have the misfortune of going there.

In closing I say watch for my future installment… ‘Is It OK To Open Up A Six Pack of Whoopin’s On A Doctor For Building A Smoking Room In the First Place?’

Why go smoke free, wonders many. But seldom anyone pays heed to it. Someone, may be you, need to kick this bad habit for yourself and your loved ones. We all know the dangers well, but never realize cigarettes or snuff doesn’t leave a single cell unaffected. Even the fumes of the cigarettes are not safe. We understand all this, but why still we find it difficult to quit smoking.

People have their own reasons to smoke. Now, if you feel that handling a cigarette makes you enjoy more, try to fiddle with coins, pencils, or paper clips. There are many quit smoking tips that can help you to kick it away. You can try your hands at drawings or knitting. They will help you to overcome your urge to smoke. Many people usually smoke when they feel tensed. In that case, try healthier approaches to cope with it. Do some exercise, relax with yoga, or chew some sugar free gum. Most importantly, you must be ready to bear the consequence and trauma of giving up smoking.

Many smokers just smoke out of curiosity. Some love to smoke to fight their boredom or to overcome the peer pressure. In some cases, many teenagers have learnt to smoke out of their rebellious attitude towards their parents. But yet there are ways by which you can stop smoking now. You can do this by observing the situations, conducive to smoke. You have to actually watch, when you are doing this, is it while a letter writing, drinking coffee, watching television, a phone call or any other thing.

If it has become your habit, then you can change your daily routine. Avoid performing a daily routine that connects you to it. Create certain variations in your day to day activities. Similarly, if drinking coffee leads you to smoke, try a glass of orange or grapefruit juice.

It is believed that citrus juice has the capacity to stop smoking. You can also patronize smoke free restaurants or can avoid bars. One of the easy steps to remove the desire to smoke is, move out ashtrays from your workplace, car, or home. Get rid of the odor of cigarette; vacuum your carpets and upholstery properly.

Usually, to make a start with anything is very easy, but getting out of the same habit is the most painful and difficult part. See for your reasons, why you want to smoke. If you do it for pleasure or to relax yourself, then substitute it with something healthier and best. So, make a good start now and live your life to the brim.