11. Quit smoking "cold turkey". Many smokers find that only way they can truly quit once and for all is to just quit abruptly without trying to slowly taper off. Find method that works best for you: gradually quitting or cold turkey. If one way doesn't work do other.

12. Find another smoker who is trying to quit, and help each other with positive words and by lending an ear when quitting becomes difficult. Visit this Bulletin Board and this Chat Room to find a "quit buddy."

13. Have your teeth cleaned. Enjoy way your teeth look and feel and plan to keep them that way.

14. After you quit, plan to celebrate milestones in your journey to becoming a non-smoker. After two weeks of being smoke-free, see a movie. After a month, go to a fancy restaurant (be sure to sit in non-smoking section). After three months, go for a long weekend to a favorite get-away. After six months, buy yourself something frivolous. After a year, have a party for yourself. Invite your family and friends to your "birthday" party and celebrate your new chance at a long, healthy life.

15. Drink lots of water. Water is good for you anyway, and most people don't get enough. It will help flush nicotine and other chemicals out of your body, plus it can help reduce cravings by fulfilling "oral desires" that you may have.

16. Learn what triggers your desire for a cigarette, such as stress, end of a meal, arrival at work, entering a bar, etc. Avoid these triggers or if that's impossible, plan alternative ways to deal with triggers.

17. Find something to hold in your hand and mouth, to replace cigarettes. Consider drinking straws or you might try an artificial cigarette called E-Z Quit found here: http://www.quitsmoking.com/ezquit.htm

18. Write yourself an inspirational song or poem about quitting, cigarettes, and what it means to you to quit. Read it daily.

19. Keep a picture of your family or someone very important to you with you at all times. On a piece of paper, write words "I'm quitting for myself and for you (or "them")". Tape your written message to picture. Whenever you have urge to smoke, look at picture and read message.

20. Whenever you have a craving for a cigarette, instead of lighting up, write down your feelings or whatever is on your mind. Keep this "journal" with you at all times.

Good luck in your efforts to quit smoking. It's worth it!

Now, go do it!

THESE SYMPTOMS INCLUDE (but are not limited to): · Headaches · Dizziness · Uncontrollable cravings · Inner trembling · Body feels weak · Fatigue · Sudden moodiness or behavior changes, such as crying for no apparent reason · A craving for sweets · Cold hands and feet · Forgetfulness · Blurred vision · Irritability · Shakiness · Sudden hunger · Crying spells · Insomnia · Mental Confusion · Nervousness · Faintness · Depression · Heart Palpitations · Family history of low blood sugar or diabetes · Exhaustion · Low libido (sex drive) · Inability to concentrate · Waking up tired and exhausted · Indecisiveness · PMS or premenstrual syndrome

AM I HYPOGLYCEMIC?

How do you know if you are hypoglycemic or not? Is there anyway to test to see if you are?

What amazes me is that answer is no. There is no standard way to test for hypoglycemia (although a small amount of doctors use a glucose test).

According to recent research, it is estimated that there are close to 100 million people in United Sates alone that are suffering from hypoglycemia and many of them don’t know it. With that many possible cases, wouldn’t you think that they’d come up with a way to test for disease?

If you are suffering from any or many of symptoms listed above, yes, you COULD be hypoglycemic.

You should consult your doctor to rule out any other possible diseases, but don’t allow doctor to take over. You must be proactive in your approach and go with your gut feeling if doctors tell you that you’re fine.