Ailsa Frank launches “Stop Smoking Now” to power Stoptober quit attempts

With Stoptober approaching, British hypnotherapist and Hay House author Ailsa Frank announces “Stop Smoking Now,” a focused two-track hypnotherapy recording to help smokers break cravings, reset routines and feel calm, confident and smoke-free, right in time for a 28-day quit attempt this October. 

The recording is available to listen to in the Feel Amazing app, alongside a growing library of 60+ titles across sleep, stress, habits and wellbeing. (Figure reflects the publisher’s current catalogue.) (ailsafrank.com)

Make Stoptober your turning point

Evidence used by the UK’s Stoptober campaign shows that if you go 28 days smoke-free, you’re around five times more likely to quit for good, making a clear, supportive plan essential before 1 October. “Stop Smoking Now” offers that plan in short, soothing sessions you can repeat for deeper change. (campaignresources.dhsc.gov.uk)

“Stoptober gives you a powerful window to reset. This recording quiets the mental ‘pull’ of nicotine and helps you feel safe as a non-smoker—so staying smoke-free becomes easier day by day,” says Ailsa Frank.

What’s inside Stop Smoking Now

Track 1 — Let go of smoking & nicotine (28 mins): releases habits and chemical cravings at a deep, subconscious level.

Track 2 — Ex-smoker reinforcement (11 mins): builds confidence and everyday calm as you move through triggers.

How to listen: Ideal at bedtime (or any safe, seated/lying time); repetition over several weeks supports lasting change. Do not listen while driving!

Why hypnotherapy?

The programme taps the subconscious where smoking routines—and the emotions behind them—are stored, helping you release attachment to tobacco and nicotine and feel good without cigarettes. Independent studies have reported positive outcomes for hypnosis-supported smoking cessation.

Listen in the Feel Amazing app

Product page: Stop Smoking Now — (https://www.ailsafrank.com/shop/stop-smoking-now-hypnosis-download-app-ailsa-frank.html)

App website: (www.feelamazing.app)

App Store and Google Play — (feelamazing.page.link/6BG2)

The app offers an easy listening experience with playlisting and the option to change the background music to suit your mood.

A one year subscription includes access to more than 60 titles and costs £45 (usually £60)

Celebrating World No Tobacco Day: A Call for a Healthier Future

Each year, on the 31st of May, the world comes together to observe World No Tobacco Day. Established by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1987, this annual event is dedicated to raising awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce its consumption. 

As we mark this significant day, let us explore the importance of World No Tobacco Day, the current state of tobacco use, and the collective efforts needed to create a smoke-free future.

The Importance of World No Tobacco Day

Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable disease and death globally. According to the WHO, tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year, with over 7 million of those deaths resulting from direct tobacco use and around 1.2 million from exposure to second-hand smoke. The economic impact is equally staggering, with countries spending billions on healthcare costs and lost productivity. I will point out that my wife (who are non-smokers) have lost relatives and friends to smoking related diseases.

World No Tobacco Day serves as a crucial platform to educate the public about the dangers of tobacco and to promote the benefits of quitting. It also highlights the need for strong tobacco control measures, such as higher taxes on tobacco products, comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising, and smoke-free public spaces.

The Current State of Tobacco Use

Despite significant progress in tobacco control, the fight against tobacco is far from over. While some countries have seen a decline in smoking rates due to effective policies and public health campaigns, others continue to face high levels of tobacco use. In many low- and middle-income countries, tobacco consumption is on the rise, fuelled by aggressive marketing tactics from tobacco companies and insufficient regulation.

Additionally, the emergence of new tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, presents fresh challenges. These products are often marketed as safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes, but their long-term health effects are still not fully understood. The WHO warns that these products may undermine existing tobacco control efforts and risk renormalising smoking behaviours, especially among young people.

Collective Efforts for a Smoke-Free Future

Creating a smoke-free future requires a concerted effort from governments, health organisations, and individuals. Here are some key strategies to consider:

Strengthening Legislation and Enforcement: Governments must implement and enforce comprehensive tobacco control laws, including higher taxes on tobacco products, plain packaging, and bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.

Promoting Public Awareness: Public health campaigns play a vital role in educating people about the risks of tobacco use and the benefits of quitting. These campaigns should target all age groups and use a variety of media channels to reach a broad audience.

Supporting Quitting Efforts: Providing accessible and effective cessation services, such as quitlines, counselling, and nicotine replacement therapies, can help smokers quit and stay tobacco-free.

Protecting Non-Smokers: Creating smoke-free environments in public places, workplaces, and homes protects non-smokers from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and encourages smokers to quit.

Addressing New Challenges: Regulators must keep pace with the evolving tobacco landscape, ensuring that new products like e-cigarettes are subject to rigorous scrutiny and regulation.

World No Tobacco Day is a powerful reminder of the ongoing battle against tobacco and the need for continued vigilance and action. By raising awareness, advocating for robust policies, and supporting those who wish to quit, we can make significant strides towards a healthier, smoke-free world. Let us use this day as an opportunity to renew our commitment to fighting tobacco and protecting future generations from its devastating impact.

Scientists Confirm Tobacco Use by Ancient Mayans

Mass Spectrometry Detects First Physical Evidence of Nicotine in Mayan Container

Archaeologists examining late period Mayan containers have identified nicotine traces from a codex-style flask, revealing the first physical evidence of tobacco use by ancient Mayans. The study published in Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry reveals the flask is marked with Mayan hieroglyphics reading, “y-otoot ’u-may,” (“the home of its/his/her tobacco,”) making it only the second case to confirm that the text on the exterior of a Mayan vessel corresponds to its ancient use.

“Investigation of food items consumed by ancient people offers insight into the traditions and customs of a particular civilization,” explains Jennifer Loughmiller-Newman from the University at Albany in New York. “Textual evidence written on pottery is often an indicator of contents or of an intended purpose, however actual usage of a container could be altered or falsely represented.”

Many of the Mayan flask vessels from the Kislak collection of the Library of Congress examined in this study were filled with other substances, such as iron oxide used in burial rituals, making it difficult to detect the original content.

The most indisputable evidence of a container’s usage is obtained when hieroglyphic text or pictorial illustrations on the exterior of a container is consistent with the chemical analysis of interior residues. For the current investigation, researchers analyzed samples extracted from the Late Classic Maya period (600 to 900 AD) using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS).

Nicotine—the signature alkaloid in tobacco—was identified as the major component of the extracts from one of the 150 vessels in the collection. The flask was determined to be made in southern Campeche, Mexico and dates to around 700 AD.

Prior to the current discovery, the only existing evidence showing a Mayan vessel to have the same content as indicated by hieroglyphic text was the identification of theobromine, an alkaloid found in cacao, more than 20 years ago.

“Our study provides rare evidence of the intended use of an ancient container,” concludes Dr. Dmitri Zagorevski from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. “Mass spectrometry has proven to be an invaluable method of analysis of organic residues in archaeological artifacts. This discovery is not only significant to understanding Mayan hieroglyphics, but an important archaeological application of chemical detection.”
This study is published in Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry. Media wishing to receive a PDF of this article may contact Physicalsciencenews@wiley.com

Full citation:
Dmitri Zagorevski, Jennifer A. Loughmiller-Newman, “The Detection of Nicotine in a Late Mayan Period Flask by GCMS and LCMS Methods,” Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry; January 2012, DOI: 10.1002/rcm.5339

Paper URL upon publication: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/rcm.5339

Smoking enters a new age as E-Lites launch best ever electronic cigarettes

Smoking enters a new age as E-Lites launch best ever electronic cigarettes

The revolution in smoking has taken a step forward as E-Lites has launched what it believes to be the most advanced electronic cigarettes ever developed.

The latest range of E-Lites represent the next generation of electronic cigarettes. They feature unique micro-technology to give smokers the most realistic, simple and reliable alternative to conventional cigarettes, but with the advantages of being significantly healthier, much less expensive and unrestricted for use in most public places.

E-Lites, set up in 2007, is now the UKs leading electronic cigarette brand with a number of celebrity fans, but the company’s latest G9 range is the most satisfying, easy-to-use and durable so far.

Breakthrough technology has given E-Lites unsurpassed longevity, with rechargeable starter kits (£39.99) that provide the equivalent of around 200 cigarettes and E-Tips refills with a lifespan far beyond any others available on the market. There’s also the option of single disposables (£9.99) that provide the equivalent of about 40 cigarettes.

The battery life of E-Lites is the longest of any other e-cigarette, and the E200 model comes in a toughened plastic case with a built-in USB connection for easy recharging, so you can recharge from your laptop whilst on the move.

New features include diamond core components at the heart of every product, which enable them to withstand the harshest drops and bumps.

Even the user experience has been enhanced to hithertoo unprecedented levels, with signature tobacco flavourings specially formulated for UK tastes and an internal micro-switch that delivers the most precise and consistent delivery of nicotine vapour with each inhalation.

Available in Standard, Light and Menthol variations, E-Lites contain pharmaceutical-grade nicotine, combined with purified water and flavourings. This solution is converted into a vapour on inhaling, which gives users the familiar feeling of smoking, but without the most harmful ingredients of cigarettes, like tobacco, tar, carcinogens and added chemicals.

At a recent ‘Tobacco Amnesty’ in London to mark World No Tobacco Day, TV’s Dr Hilary Jones acknowledged that E-Lites were “a healthier option” for smokers who could not quit completely and preferred a product that is used like a cigarette, rather than nicotine patches or gum.

E-Lites produce an odour-free vapour, rather than smoke, and are unrestricted, which means they can be used just about anywhere.

The cost-savings are also significant. It is estimated a typical 20-a-day smoker could save something like £162 per month by switching from conventional cigarettes to E-Lites.

E-Lites Director Adrian Everett said: “We’re immensely proud to be unveiling not only the best electronic cigarettes we have ever created, but we believe the best ever developed anywhere. Over the past four years, the E-Lites brand has become synonymous with superior electronic cigarettes, not just in the UK but also overseas, where we are experiencing considerable demand. However, we are never content to rest on our laurels and this latest G9 range is the result of significant investment in research and development to produce the most distinguished electronic cigarette out there.

“The fact is that we are now in the 21st century and conventional cigarettes are becoming outdated. Smokers who cannot quit or don’t want to quit are interested in a healthier and more cost-effective option. Our unique technology and design innovations have made that possible and we expect to see E-Lites become prevalent over the next few years.”

Visit www.e-lites.co.uk for more details.

“Tobacco Amnesty” sees hundreds of smokers ditch cigarettes for electronic, healthier alternative

 A ‘Tobacco Amnesty’ supported by famous TV doctor Hilary Jones (PCTURED) saw hundreds of smokers ditch their old ciggies in favour of healthier E-Lites electronic cigarettes.

The pioneering initiative happened took on World No Tobacco Day at London's Liverpool Street Station. Commuters were given the opportunity to try smoking without tobacco or tar by binning their old cigarettes in exchange for one of E-Lites’ revolutionary new disposable electronic cigarettes.

E-Lites replicate the smoking experience with a realistic-looking device that turns a pure nicotine solution into a vapour that is inhaled just like a cigarette.

E-Lites director Adrian Everett explains: “The response on the day was astounding. Far beyond our best expectations. People were fascinated to find that there’s a credible alternative to real cigarettes that is healthier, cheaper and unrestricted for use in public places.

“The interest in our Tobacco Amnesty proves beyond doubt that smokers who are struggling to stop, or simply don’t want to quit, are open to new ideas, and just as VHS videotapes have been overtaken by DVDs and digital downloads, we believe E-Lites will render cigarettes outdated before too long.”

Dr Hilary Jones, who was at Tobacco Amnesty to offer advice and encourage smokers to take part, said: "As a GP, I'm more aware than most of the detrimental health effects of smoking tobacco. I see the short-term and long-term effects and have lost far too many patients needlessly through chronic lung disease and heart disease caused by smoking.

“I've seen disabilities caused by amputations as a result of circulatory problems, again caused by smoking. Of course, we have NHS smoking cessation clinics, nicotine replacement therapy and various forms of medication available on prescription. (EDITOR: A much-loved uncle lost a leg due to his smoking, so there is a personal element to this story. If only electronic cigarettes had been available back then)

“Electronic cigarettes are another alternative for people who want to avoid the known carcinogenic effects and other by-products of smoking tobacco. I understand the addictive power of smoking and there are some people who like the hand-to-mouth habit and the inhalation of nicotine. If they can't quit completely, then this is a healthier option."

FACTFILE:

E-Lites (www.e-lites.co.uk) was established in the UK in 2007 and is already a leader in its field, producing some of the most advanced electronic cigarettes on the market. The company is expanding nationally and internationally as demand grows for its innovative products.

Its latest range of new-generation E-Lites includes the disposable device that was handed out at the recent Tobacco Amnesty. The product provides the equivalent of 40 cigarettes and is priced at £9.99.

Michael Ryan, one of the founding directors of E-Lites, is also chairman of the Electronic Cigarette Industry Trade Association (ECITA), a representative body which provides advice, guidelines and support to members, as well as working to ensure the correct regulatory framework is applied to such products. For more information, visit www.ecita.org.uk.