illustration/photo-editing combo

[burndog]

Here is an idea that may help people who figured they would try to stop smoking at New Years, and never quite got around to it. (I'm one of them) Design a poster to promote people to quit smoking, or an educational poster to stop people from starting. I think it could be all illustration, all photo editing or a combination. There is a pretty good mix of young and old (well middle aged) here, so I think we would have a variety of viewpoints and concepts.

Hey, if it was to help even one smoker quit or one person refrain from starting it would all be worthwhile.

[ldg40]

[QUOTE=burndog]Hey, if it was to help even one smoker quit or one person refrain from starting it would all be worthwhile.[/QUOTE]

Excellent idea! As a tried and true, terrribly addicted, out of control, 24 years, steps make me weeze, pack of Swisher Sweets a day smoker....anything would help!

But on a more serious side, a great contest idea!

[Happy]

Shoot been smoking for 30+ years - still keep trying to quit. Not a new year's resolution but in another attempt now.

good idea as long as the posters don't get too dark

[ldg40]

OHF-dark indeed! Between being made to sit in the rarely cleaned, you be bad, thou art a heathen, smokers section...last thing I need is to be felt even more dark!

Yeah, an entry full of color and hope...thats a delightful image, indeed!

[Dave]

Damn smokers, got no will power .... or no will to live maybe?

:D

Yes I'm an ex-smoker 20+ a day for over 30 years but haven't touched one in nearly three years now!

Sounds like a good contest idea though.

[burndog]

Hey Dave, how did you quit? didn't you have like a close call that woke you up?

[Dave]

[QUOTE=burndog]Hey Dave, how did you quit? didn't you have like a close call that woke you up?[/QUOTE]
Yeah, a second M.I.

[1cowabunga]

This is an excellent idea! That's true about the "dark" images. However, I don't exactly think of sunshine and bunny rabbits when it comes to kicking the habbit. (I'm no smoker but I assume it isn't always easy to quit) It's all about your point of view and artistic expression I suppose.

~Sam

[burndog]

Yikes Dave! I'm hoping it doesn't take something like that for me to quit.

[Dave]

[QUOTE=burndog]Yikes Dave! I'm hoping it doesn't take something like that for me to quit.[/QUOTE]Well do it before it does!

I had my first heart attack back in '97, only a mild one. I quit smoking then for eighteen months and then eased back into old habits. I couldn't get out, the couple of times I tried I was so sick from withdrawal symptoms I had to start back up. With my second (in 2002) more serious attack stopping was easy. So far staying "stopped" has been easy and I'm now VERY intolerant of people that smoke near me. My cardiac consultant said I must never smoke again ..... or expect the worst if I do!

A nice few days in the cardiac care unit and total freedom from the smell of nicotine is a good way to stop.

Do whatever it takes but STOP NOW!

Or dont and make your wife a happy widow. :D

[burndog]

This weekend I am going to give it a try...yes folks, you can ridicule me later, as I will most likely fall off the wagon, but it is time to at least give it a shot.

Thanks for the words of wisdom Dave, glad you are having an OK time of it now. One of only a few regrets I have in life is starting smoking.

[Scott]

Hey Bernie,

Nicorette Mint gum REALLY helps. It was the onlyway I was able to stop. I could never stop cold turkey but with the gum.. yeah I was irritable for a couple days, but managed to kick it.

[Dave]

Do anything that works for you, anything! It is vital you stop.

It is better to have tried than not bothered. I for one wont ridicule you for trying, I know it's not easy.

[burndog]

Thanks Guys, I have tried Zyban before, it made me feel like I was dying...the Doc said to stop immediately, my wife on the other hand used it and had no problems. She quit about 5 yearsa ago and had no problems at all.

I am going to try the patch thing, see if it will keep me from going crazy. I know that the best is cold turkey, but I am not brave enough to try that yet.

[Scott]

The patch did absolutely Ø for me burndog. Good Luck! Seriously. It's tough.

[Happy]

[QUOTE=burndog]Thanks Guys, I have tried Zyban before, it made me feel like I was dying...the Doc said to stop immediately, my wife on the other hand used it and had no problems. She quit about 5 yearsa ago and had no problems at all.

I am going to try the patch thing, see if it will keep me from going crazy. I know that the best is cold turkey, but I am not brave enough to try that yet.[/QUOTE]

I'm on day4 of being smoke free. Not doing too bad and not going crazy. Started tappering back about 2 weeks ago focusing on the habitual times and locations and postponing the smoke for that time as long as possible. I think that may of helped me this time. My roughest time is in the car - and I have a long commute.

I'm using the patch (second step - step 1 was way too strong for me in the past.) This isn't my first time at attempting with use of the patch. I've encountered three side effects - mind you not everyone gets the same side effects. 1) vibrant, unreal, over-the-top dreams - some good and some nightmares. They now advise to take the patch off at night if the nightmare happen. I've been enjoying the extremes of the dreams that I sleep with it on. 2) After about a week I experience loose stools. Sorry if that is too much information. 3) Twice while on the patch, I've had my blood taken and my white blood count goes down - but returns to normal if I remove the patch. Don't now the pros or cons of this one or if it was just coincidental.

Advice - drink plenty of water. At least for me it really does reduce the cravings.

[Dave]

Well done Happy, keep it up!

Rah Rah Rah!

Were right behind you!

The one time I tried patches I found I had to take them off at night, you don't smoke when your asleep your body is used to not having nicotine during that time and having the patch on gives it you when you dont want it, it made things worse!

[burndog]

Thanks for the tips OHF, and the best of luck to ya, it sounds like you are well on your way.