“The Future of Smoking: A Safer Alternative   http://SaferAlternativeToSmoking.com

 

I have recently begun, what I am calling, my “Journey to Becoming a Non-Smoker”.  I am a Registered Nurse and am fully aware of the dangers of smoking.  However, (even with the knowledge of the dangers associated with smoking, being a major risk factor for most major preventable diseases/disorders) I continued to smoke, for over 20 years!  I wasn’t the only nursing student, or nurse for that matter, who smoked on a regular basis.  Many nurses call smoke breaks “Respiratory Treatments”.  It’s true nursing humor, no matter how bad it may seem, it is the type of thing being said by nurses, nurse’s aide’s and even, YES…. Registered Respiratory Therapists!!!  It is rare, but occasionally, I have seen a few doctors smoke, but only socially.

My point you ask?  The addiction to smoking and nicotine is obviously a major issue when half of the nursing staff takes a smoke break every hour in a 12 hour shift.  We are the very ones, working with the public, that are supposed to be teaching the dangers of cigarettes and why our patients should quit. Instead, we come in from breaks, spraying ourselves down with scents from “Bath and Body Works”®, hoping our co-workers, bosses and patients don’t smell the smoke left behind in our hair, on our clothes and on our breath.

So, my Mom and I decided to quit together using the BluCig, non-nicotine, classic tobacco in the color black, and nicotine patches.

“I am fully and completely aware that this product is not intended to be used as a smoking cessation device.  I have chosen on my own to make it a part of my own journey to becoming a non-smoker.”   -Monique Meinecke, RN

Our last “real” cigarette was on March 1.  It has now been 54 days and, I must say,  I see the same benefits physically (both aesthetic and health) as I did when I quit smoking in 2007 for 7 months.  There was, or if there was I had not heard of, the electronic cigarette.  I did use nicotine patches that help tremendously. However, I cannot truly consider myself completely free of smoking until all of the nicotine is out of my system.

I am following the laid out plan as stated in the nicotine patch directions.  First, starting with the 21 mg patch, because I was a pack a day smoker.  I just hit 7 weeks and will be  reducing the strength to 14 mg, continuing to use the e-cig at my leisure.

One thing I have noticed is I use the e-cig a lot less than I smoked regular cigarettes.  Let me explain.  The cartridge is the piece that looks like the filter and the battery, which is rechargeable via USB or outlet, is the piece that looks like the rolled tobacco.  It comes with a carton that carries extra cartridges and also charges the battery on the go.  As accessible as it is to puff away on the e-cig, I don’t take it with me every where I go, I don’t wake up thinking about cigarettes as I used to, I definitely inhale  ”nicotine-free vapor” less than I ever did cigarettes, contaminated with tar, carbon monoxide, nicotine and who knows what else.

As a nurse, and as mentioned earlier, I am fully aware this product is not intended for smoking cessation. However, it has helped me.

I will soon have a fully written testimonial.  I’ve been very busy lately and have not had a chance to really delve into all the possible subjects that may be debated.

I would like to add, before I forget, that this product is great for people who do not wish to quit smoking. After a week, I found it to be more enjoyable than a regular cigarette.  I am now on a mission to help others quit who are struggling, and use the e-cigs if they must.  Also, I will attempt to help other who do not wish to quit, convert to the e-cig.  I have a friend, DJ, who had no desire to quit, but wanted to decreased health risks.   He now only smokes the brand listed above.

Click on any of the above links to check out the site.

If you have any question, please, don’ t hesitate to call me at 504-508-0510

More to come soon,

Monique R. Meinecke, RN

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