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Gay, bisexual teenagers more likely to engage in risky behavior

A new report finds that gay, lesbian and bisexual high school students are more likely than heterosexual students to engage in such risky behavior as smoking, drinking alcohol and carrying guns. The study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surveyed 156,000 high school students and was released on Monday. This is the largest of its kind by the federal government.

7 Jun 2011

Tobacco wars

According to reports, Australia is gearing up for the world's toughest laws on tobacco promotion but Health Minister Nicola Roxon denied Sunday the government's ultimate goal was a complete ban on smoking.

23 May 2011

Worrying trends among Australia’s Indigenous population with more chronic diseases: Report

According to an indigenous health expert, communities in the state's Gulf are recording some of the highest rates of chronic disease in the country. In fact a report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows 80 per cent of the life expectancy gap can be attributed to conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

5 May 2011

China smoking ban in place

Starting today all bars, restaurants, hospitals and other public places in China are slated to become smoke-free, inside and out. Efforts to ban smoking in public places here have been plagued by false starts and failed campaigns.

1 May 2011

“Possible” Smoking ban inside homes: Cancer Council SA

The Cancer Council of South Australia is planning to ban smoking inside Australian apartments and calls this plan “entirely possible and even probable.” Earlier this month an eight-unit apartment block in western Sydney introduced a by-law making the premises, including balconies, completely smoke-free.

19 Apr 2011

Cigarette packaging in olive green to deter smokers

In a bid to reduce smoking rates in Australia, all cigarette packs will be packaged olive green. Under the new laws to be proposed in federal parliament, all logos will be removed from cigarette packs and brand names displayed in a specific font.

6 Apr 2011

Breast cancer updates

According to the latest research human breast milk holds the potential to assess a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.

5 Apr 2011

Diabetic smokers beware - Nicotine raises blood sugar: Study

U.S. researchers have found that nicotine in cigarettes may be responsible for serious complications in smokers with diabetes. They have shown that nicotine is strongly linked to persistently raised blood sugar levels among diabetics and scientists say they should make every effort to quit. There may also be implications for diabetics attempting to give up the habit who use nicotine-replacement therapy for extended periods.

27 Mar 2011

Anti-smoking ads targeting the indigenous population launched

In a bid to reduce the smoking rates in Australia’s indigenous population the Federal Government is launching the first anti-smoking campaign this Monday (today) aimed specifically at indigenous Australians. Figures have shown that nearly 50% Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people smoke, and one in five die from smoking-related diseases. According to Government spokesmen the new campaign is part of its plan to halve the number of indigenous smokers by 2018. The radio, television and print campaign will cost $4 million and is part of the Government's wider aim to significantly reduce the number of Australians who smoke.

27 Mar 2011

New drug can aid in smoking reduction therapy

Researchers working in a research project within the Academy of Finland's Research Programme on Substance Use and Addictions have been developing a targeted drug that could aid in smoking reduction therapy. The new drug slows down the metabolism of nicotine, which would help smokers to cut down their smoking.

18 Mar 2011

Heavy smoking dropped drastically over last four decades: Study

A new study has shown that the rate of “pack-a-day” or more smokers in the United States has fallen sharply since 1965, particularly in California. There is evidence from earlier literature that a smaller percentage of Americans smoke now than in previous decades. This new study was published online in the Journal of the American Medical Association. It shows that high-intensity smoking is also less common.

15 Mar 2011

Test that measures destruction of lung air sacs, could help prevent progression of emphysema

During a regular annual physical exam, blood is usually drawn to check the health of a person's heart, kidneys and liver. Now, researchers at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center say a blood test that detects the early development of emphysema -- well before symptoms occur -- may someday also be offered.

12 Mar 2011

Tobacco display ban in England

Starting from 2015 all public displays of tobacco are to be banned in England said the Department of Health. This has made shopkeepers and cigarette manufacturers more than unhappy. However Health Secretary Andrew Lansley refuses to yield. It is suggested that this move will make less youngsters take up the habit.

9 Mar 2011

New drug approved for COPD by the FDA

The U.S. FDA has approved a new treatment for people with worsening symptoms of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD affects smokers and the elderly and leads to severe difficulty in breathing, chronic cough and excessive mucus production. An exacerbation can last up to several weeks and result in a decline in lung function and increased risk of death, and it may be associated with severe anxiety, the FDA says.

1 Mar 2011

Rise of the female smoker in developing world

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1 Mar 2011

Tougher smoking restrictions in South Australia

Smokers are in for tougher restrictions as smoking is soon to be banned in bus, tram and train shelters, at taxi stands and near playgrounds in South Australia. These new laws will also allow local councils and other bodies to have events declared smoke-free while cigarettes will no longer go on display in shops or service stations from January next year. Specialist tobacconists will have until 2015 to adjust to the new measures.

1 Mar 2011

Menthol cigarette makers & FDA in a legal debate over ban

Tobacco companies have decided to sue the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over a decision that has been made in regards to cigarettes. The companies include the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. as well as Lorillard, Inc., have sued the FDA over a decision that would potentially ban all cigarettes that contain a chemical known as menthol.

28 Feb 2011

New York smoking ban gone too far? Health experts disagree

Now there is a faction that believes the soon-to-pass smoking ban on most parks and many beaches throughout New York City to be “going too far” and is questioning the bill.

20 Feb 2011

Smoking during radiation treatments reduces chance of overall survival

Smokers who continue to smoke while undergoing radiation treatments for head and neck cancer fare significantly worse than those who quit smoking before therapy, according to a study in the February issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology·Biology·Physics, an official journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

16 Feb 2011

E-cigarettes produce abstinence rates nearly double that of traditional method

Two new studies available online and being published in the April edition of the American Journal of Preventative Medicine find that electronic cigarettes produces abstinence rates nearly double that of traditional nicotine replacement methods and that consumer interest in e-cigarettes is currently much higher than interest in traditional nicotine replacement products.

10 Feb 2011