When asked about the effects of smoking, the question usually refers to how smoking is detrimental to our lungs, throat or mouth. Did you know that cigarettes effect every organ, nerve, muscle, brain receptor site, artery, vein and tissue in our bodies! When we smoke, the drug nicotine, tar and other additives travel through our blood stream throughout our entire body. We have heard that smoking causes lung cancer...did you know that it also causes bladder cancer and harms our reproductive systems? However, perhaps the most significant organ effected is our brain.

Our children are getting younger and younger... I've been listening to the news, reading books about how each generation develops faster than the previous generation (whether this is real or perceived). We've all heard the scary stuff---our kids are hearing & learning about sex earlier than we ever did, they are exposed to more violence and drugs as well.

I wanted to share one of the best “smoking quizzes” that I have found, and used frequently when I did smoking cessation consultations with individuals who were interested and motivated to quit. With no other name than the empirically-titled, “Why I Smoke Test”, the questions and answers help individuals pinpoint the reason(s) behind their smoking behavior, whether they smoke for stimulation, relaxation and/or pleasure; if they are smoking out of habit, “handling” or craving, or a combination of some (or all) of these.

The power of a cigarette. I've heard cigarettes referred to as one of the greatest drug-delivery devices ever invented. Think about it: they're relatively cheap, legal, accessible, the drug (nicotine) provides the user with either a quick pick-me-up or a nice stress-reducer, which ever is needed. And, it is always there for them. Smokers can (usually) take more breaks, have some more social time outside; some even have their own special designated place!

One in four women experience physical, sexual, or emotional violence and abuse in their lifetime. And now, according to a recent survey by the CDC, intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with poor health, chronic disease, injury and disability. Over 40,000 women nationwide were surveyed, and the results are astonishing. Women who suffered from intimate partner violence reported a higher prevalence of these chronic health conditions: Diabetes Arthritis Asthma Stroke High blood cholesterol Heart disease

We all know to consume calcium for good, strong, healthy bones. Many of us also know that consuming Vitamin D helps our body absorb calcium, which can also promote the development of healthy, strong bones. (Vitamin D can be found in milk, fatty fish, dark leafy vegetables…and sunlight!).

I am: Friendly, Empathetic, Nurturing..and Hostile ??!! Many women I have spoken with describe themselves in relationships with others as nurturing, friendly, and emphatic. Some of these same women also say they feel overburdened, resentful, tired and frustrated. Even hostile.