ON JUNE 22, 2009, PRESIDENT OBAMA SIGNED the Family Smoking Prevention and Control Act, which gives the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to regulate tobacco. This legislation allows the FDA to reduce nicotine levels and harmful chemicals in cigarettes. The bill requires public disclosure of cigarette ingredients, limits cigarette advertising, and requires health warnings to cover at least 1/2 of each side of a cigarette package.FDA looks forward to taking on this challenge and in doing so will partner with public health leaders at our sister agencies, at the state level, and in localities all around the country. FDA will perform its duties by using the best available science to guide the development and implementation of effective public health strategies to reduce the burden of illness and death caused by tobacco products. FDA will seek input from the public as we begin working to implement the Act. Contact FDA
This should be a big eye opener for many smokers. There are nearly 4,000 chemicals in a cigarette. At least 43 of these chemicals are known carcinogens. When people find out it's not just nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide they're smoking, (which is bad enough!) it should provide more motivation to quit.
(Source: News & Events FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
When quitting, be prepared for some weight change. Weight gain can be part of a return to health. Evidence shows the metabolic rate of smokers is higher than normal. When you quit, fewer calories are burned because the toxins in tobacco no longer influence your system. If the bathroom scale creeps upwards, stay focused on your healthy choice. The weight gain should occur within the first few weeks and then level off.
