Breathe Happy

Iowa House Bans E-Cigarette Sales to Minors

In a move that might send a powerful precedent to the world of e-cigarettes and vaping, the Iowa House voted 76-22 banning the sale of e-cigarettes to minors. One of the key points seeks to prevent vaping or e-cigarette inhaling from becoming an acceptable activity for minors. One can only imagine school children inhaling e-cigarettes inside their school buses as other children look on. Although there’s no research that proves that e-cigarettes can cause cancer, the presence of nicotine is a crucial issue as it is habit forming and addictive. As a father, I know fully well the bane of children developing bad habits. Read more

COVID-19 Safety Tips to Keep You Healthy – and Sane

how to protect from covid-19

There’s no arguing that we live in a new world – one where a simple trip to the grocery store could result in a life-threatening illness. Or so it seems if you stay on top of the latest headlines. It can be difficult to separate fact from fiction with so many people disagreeing, but a few things are indisputable: first, there is a new virus out there that we don’t fully understand; second, staying home is the best way to avoid exposure; and third, most people cannot stay at home day after day, so understanding how to protect yourself is key. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe and give you peace of mind while we wait for a vaccine (the ultimate goal). Read more

Defying the Odds? Superstar Smokers from Sports

The Winter Olympics in Sochi has begun and will be watched by millions of sports fans worldwide who will marvel at the athletes’ fitness, skill and mental stamina as they strive to win gold for their countries. Each competitor has their own tailor-made training regime complete with specific dietary requirements to ensure their body remains in peak fitness. Olympic athletes obviously don’t smoke; right? Actually, some of them do. Read more

Don’t Let Them Bite: Preventing Bed Bug Infestations

The past decade has seen a rise in bed bug infestations throughout America and the rest of the Western world. Although these tiny insects pose no fatal problems, you still have to worry about the possibilities of losing sleep, waking up to numerous itchy bites, and experiencing stress because of these household pests. Read more

Smoking in Cars Carrying Children: Should it be Illegal?

In the UK this week an amendment to the Children and Families Bill was tabled which, if passed, would ban smoking in cars carrying children. The amendment received an overwhelming majority vote in the House of Lords and must now be considered and voted on by MPs in the House of Commons who will be doing so via a free vote to avoid cross-party influence. The amendment is supported by organisations including; Asthma UK, Child Health, the British Heart Foundation and the Royal College of Paediatrics. Read more

The Adventure Traveler

Repeat after me: The adventure traveler breathes happily, the adventure traveler breathes happily. So goes the fable that is just about to begin. The story starts with a haggard twenty-something stressed out junior executive from an urban center far, far away. The snow forces her to pour yet another cup of coffee as she looks out from her cubicle. Everywhere she looks, she only sees gray. Piles of paper stacked to the ceiling tower beyond the horizon. Co-workers and fellow slaves of the corporate jungle mind their own deadlines and memos. The balding supervisor barks out yet another task to be fulfilled: PRONTO! Read more

Can E-Cigarettes Really Help You Quit Smoking?

Most smokers understand the hazards of smoking and also want to quit but find themselves trapped in the habit. Habits are easier to form and harder to break. When it comes to something as addictive as a cigarette, this becomes even harder. Thankfully, there are options that will help you kick the habit smoothly and strongly. Of course, you need a strong emotional desire to overcome the urge to smoke every time. Apart from that, there are some tools you can use that will make the transition easier. Read more

Happiness is Achieved, Not Found

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Happiness, bliss, joy, and contentment are all emotions that you can secure for yourself. You shouldn’t be waiting for happiness to fall into your lap because it is not something that you come upon by chance. It is attained by a positive, optimistic outlook towards life and a determination to make the most of every small chance at happiness. Surround yourself with Read more

The Indonesian Chain-Smoking Toddler

Smoking in Indonesia is a very common practice; in fact it is the 5th largest tobacco market in the world. The smoking of kreteks (clove-flavoured cigarettes) is considered to be part of the national culture. Frighteningly, a large number of these smokers are children, and the tobacco Read more