E Cigarettes are reported Toxic by FDA

The FDA is reputing the claims made by Electronic Cigarettes makers that e-cigarettes are harmless. The FDA calls the e-Cigarette Toxic and warns against their use. Tests conducted by the U S Food and Drug Administration found electronic cigarettes to contain toxic and carcinogenic chemicals. The FDA analysis found that the devices contained diethelene glycol, a toxic chemical found in antifreeze, and nitrosamines and other carcinogens. Margaret A Hamburg, MD, FDA Commissioner reports that"The FDA is concerned about the safety of these products and how they are marketed to the public." They have not been approved for human consumption, are potentially appealing to children, and are the subject of dubious safety claims. Dr Steven Schroeder spoke against them saying "Nicotine is not the thing in tobacco smoke that causes cancer but inhaling pure nicotine may be dangerous." Nicotine is used as a pesticide because it is so toxic.
"It is very important that parents let their children know e-cigarettes are not safe and to make recommendations, or even enforce rules that they are not to be used," added Jonathan Winickoff, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Tobacco Consortium.

Electronic Cigarettes run on a battery. When inhaled, the battery warms liguid nicotine stored in a plastic filter. The combination of heat and liquid creates a vapor or "smoke" puff when exhaled. Many brands are manufactured in China. They are not legally available in the United States. I think more information will be coming out on these and hope that this information will help you be an informed consumer.

Four Techniques for Breath and Focusing

We all face the challenge of learning to handle the stress that is part of daily life. When you are trying to quit tobacco, stress can seem to intensify and learning to handle stress becomes important to the effort of quitting. There is also a correlation between stress and cravings. Smoking in response to stress is common and so when quitting it becomes important to learn to deal with stress in a more positive way. The following four techniques for breath and focusing were taught to me by Nancy J. I hope you will learn these techniques and use them when faced with daily challenges, stress and cravings. I think this mindful inhaling and exhaling bring a healthier model to our breathing. Learn a more mindful ways to focus on your breath and use them to focus and relax.

Four Techniques for Breath and Focusing

1. Counting Breaths
Turn your attention to the sensations of your breathing and focus on breathing in and out. Do this for several breaths. Then, count 1 on the in breath and 1 on the out breath. Continue on with 2 on the in breath and 2 on the out breath. Continue in this fashion until 10 and then begin again. Complete one series to begin and work your way up to 3 repetitions by the end of one week.

2. Counting 4's
Turn your attention to the sensations of your breathing and focus on breathing in and out. Do this for several breaths. Then inhale to the count of 4 (inhale, 2,3,4) hold the breath for 4 (exhale, 2,3,4)Continue this for 10 repetitions. It is not uncommon to feel uncomfortable. Just do the best you can with it.

3. Using a Mantra
A mantra is simply a phrase that you repeat in order to focus your attention. You may choose anything you wish. Some use, for example, "I am" on the in breath and "calm" or "relaxed" or "at peace" on the out breath. Use a phrase that is meaningful to you. In the beginning try sitting with this for 5 minutes and work your way to 20 minutes per day. Saying the rosary is an example of a mantra meditation.

4. Focusing the Breath
With this approach, you spend some time focusing your attention on your breathing. When you have become relaxed and centered, let your attention go to any tight, or sore places. Breath in to those places imagining the in breath as having healing property-with your out breath imagine yourself releasing the tension, toxins, soreness. Breathing in - warmth, light, healing energy, breathing out - releasing all that you no longer need so that more and more you find your body relaxed and peaceful.

Nancy says, we should understand that it is completely normal for us to find our mind wandering while we are practicing these techniques. Don't be discouraged or think that you are "doing it wrong." When you notice your mind has wandered, simply gently return your attention to your breath. It is the noticing and returning to focus that creates the environment for change. Remember we have these techniques specifically because our minds have a difficult time settling.