Ricketts

LUNG CAPACITY: I'm 79 years old and have been using the E-Cig for only 6 months. During my recent annual physical, the Spirometer test indicated that my lung capacity had almost doubled. Obviously, I'm quite pleased. For exercise, I bicycle every other day for about an hour, but last year's test showed no change so I must attribute my improvement to the E-Cig. HEART RATE: Vapping straight nicotine gives us that "hit" and I had concern about elevated levels when vapping. Using a digital heart monitor, I made numerous tests both before and during heavy hits, finding no significant difference, and on several occasions, a reduced heart rate which, I assume, was the calming effect of mild nicotine use. I use both 16mg and 18mg levels. For further improvement, the doctor recommended that I definitely continue biking inasmuch as the lung sacs that are now being purged require exercising to attain maximum capacity. For those of you who have experienced improved breathing using E-Cigs, I highly recommend regular exercise. I know, it's boring and hard to get into, but it's a lot like substituting E-Cigs for analogs -once into the benefits, you become a little obsessed with it. I'm older than most -if not all- of you and I do it. So can you.

My cap is off to Lyrical in St. Louis (my old home town!) for getting into a regular exercise routine and to Kosch for hating to run but doing it! Yes, you can become "addicted" to exercise. Sooooo many chilly, damp mornings I look at the bike and think about putting it off, but tell myself that after a few miles I'll "climatize," so I stop whining and go. Sure enough, with my bike radio on, life comes together. Let's stay with it!

A new study in the medical journal, The Lancet, revealed that E-Cigs work just as well as nicotine patches in helping people to quit smoking, Of those assigned to the e-cig with nicotine, 7.3 percent had abstained from smoking during the entire trial period. Of those assigned to nicotine patches, 5.8 percent had also abstained, and a little more than 4 percent of those assigned to the placebo e-cigs abstained. After smoking for 70 years, Ive now been using the E-Cig for one year with, surprisingly, no difficulty eliminating analogs. I still have two unopened cartons on hand with no desire to use them. My personal opinion why so many have difficulty in eliminating analogs is due to vaping the plethora of flavored juices. I never smoked strawberry or butter scotch Marlboros before, so why smoke these flavors now? Vaping only tobacco flavored juice, I receive not only the nicotine to satisfy the addiction but the taste of the analog, so closely resembling the analog, I doubt Id know the difference.

A new study in the medical journal, The Lancet, revealed that E-Cigs work just as well as nicotine patches in helping people to quit smoking, Of those assigned to the e-cig with nicotine, 7.3 percent had abstained from smoking during the entire trial period. Of those assigned to nicotine patches, 5.8 percent had also abstained, and a little more than 4 percent of those assigned to the placebo e-cigs abstained. After smoking for 70 years, Ive now been using the E-Cig for one year with, surprisingly, no difficulty eliminating analogs. I still have two unopened cartons on hand with no desire to use them. My personal opinion why so many have difficulty in eliminating analogs is due to vaping the plethora of flavored juices. I never smoked strawberry or butter scotch Marlboros before, so why smoke these flavors now? Vaping only tobacco flavored juice, I receive not only the nicotine to satisfy the addiction but the taste of the analog, so closely resembling the analog, I doubt Id know the difference.

A new study in the medical journal, The Lancet, revealed that E-Cigs work just as well as nicotine patches in helping people to quit smoking, Of those assigned to the e-cig with nicotine, 7.3 percent had abstained from smoking during the entire trial period. Of those assigned to nicotine patches, 5.8 percent had also abstained, and a little more than 4 percent of those assigned to the placebo e-cigs abstained. After smoking for 70 years, Ive now been using the E-Cig for one year with, surprisingly, no difficulty eliminating analogs. I still have two unopened cartons on hand with no desire to use them. My personal opinion why so many have difficulty in eliminating analogs is due to vaping the plethora of flavored juices. I never smoked strawberry or butter scotch Marlboros before, so why smoke these flavors now? Vaping only tobacco flavored juice, I receive not only the nicotine to satisfy the addiction but the taste of the analog, so closely resembling the analog, I doubt Id know the difference.

A new study in the medical journal, The Lancet, revealed that E-Cigs work just as well as nicotine patches in helping people to quit smoking, Of those assigned to the e-cig with nicotine, 7.3 percent had abstained from smoking during the entire trial period. Of those assigned to nicotine patches, 5.8 percent had also abstained, and a little more than 4 percent of those assigned to the placebo e-cigs abstained. After smoking for 70 years, Ive now been using the E-Cig for one year with, surprisingly, no difficulty eliminating analogs. I still have two unopened cartons on hand with no desire to use them. My personal opinion why so many have difficulty in eliminating analogs is due to vaping the plethora of flavored juices. I never smoked strawberry or butter scotch Marlboros before, so why smoke these flavors now? Vaping only tobacco flavored juice, I receive not only the nicotine to satisfy the addiction but the taste of the analog, so closely resembling the analog, I doubt Id know the difference.

As the market continues to explode, a plethora of gadgets and juices all claiming to be "the best" surrounds us, and it would cost a small fortune sampling everything. For the simple E-Cig, I've found an outstanding product -"BLOOG." Their standard batteries are far more powerful lasting much longer than standards; the cartos are designed for a simple refill -which they advocate-with just the flick of a fingernail; the juices are superb. The REAL shocker is the easy draw hit with loads of vapor! And, their pricing/ship charges are more than competitive. I've yet to try their clearomizers, etc., but based on my starter, I sure will.

As the market continues to explode, a plethora of gadgets and juices all claiming to be "the best" surrounds us, and it would cost a small fortune sampling everything. For the simple E-Cig, I've found an outstanding product -"BLOOG." Their standard batteries are far more powerful lasting much longer than standards; the cartos are designed for a simple refill -which they advocate-with just the flick of a fingernail; the juices are superb. The REAL shocker is the easy draw hit with loads of vapor! And, their pricing/ship charges are more than competitive. I've yet to try their clearomizers, etc., but based on my starter, I sure will.

Like twins, we tend to consider tobacco and nicotine as one-and-the-same. Let's separte them. Understanding Nicotine: Nicotine is a natural product of tobacco. When a cigarette is smoked, it releases many chemical messengers- neurotransmitters- such as acetylcholine, norepinephrine, vasopressin, histamine, arginne, serotonin, dopamine, autocrine agents, beta-endorphin and other tongue twisters that are responsible for most of nicotine's effects. Effects that are, in fact, positive. Nicotine appears to enhance concentration, memory, alertness and arousal, reduces pain and anxiety, extends the duration of positive effects, and increases sensitivity in brain reward systems.

There is evidence that nicotine itself has the potential to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease, has been shown to delay the onset of Parkinson's disease, has a mild laxative effect reducing symptoms of ulcerative colitis, and reduces the chance of breast cancer among women carrying the very high risk BRCA gene. Nicotine is unique in comparison to most drugs as its profile changes from sedative to pain killer to stimulant in increasing dosages. Therefore, when using the E-Cig, the effect upon your system will depend on how much you "puff" but if you'll follow the advice given by other members, you'll have no problem. Nicotine does not induce weight gain.

Contrary to popular belief, nicotine does not cause cancer and is not a known carcinogenic. In cigarettes, cancer is caused over a long period of time due to smoke inhalation and the burning of various carcinogenic chemicals. In fact, while tobacco and nicotine have been used for centuries, lung cancer was unknown until the invention of the machine rolled cigarettes in the late 19th century. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has not evaluated nicotine in its standalone form or assigned it to an official carcinogen group. And, technically, nicotine itself is not significantly addictive, as nicotine administered alone does not produce significant reinforcing properties. But beware the word "significantly;" a word often used in the political arena and therefore highly suspect. Of course we become addicted to E-Cigs if for no other reason than the pleasure derived from them. But, unarguably, and until the medical society proves otherwise, it's a far, far safer -and cheaper- addiction than cigarettes. Enjoy yourselves.

The absolute best, bottom line advice in the above replies is to use TOBACCO flavored E-Juice. For the life of me, I just cannot understand the flavored E-Juices -strawberry, banana, caramel, etc. Were your analogs strawberry, banana or caramel flavored? Decidedly not, so what's with the candy? What we're trying to achieve here is to safely replace that marvelous analog "hit" and my 16mg E-CIG does just that! In my 70 years of smoking, never once did I eat a Snicker's bar in place of a cigarette.

My cap is off to Lyrical in St. Louis (my old home town!) for getting into a regular exercise routine and to Kosch for hating to run but doing it! Yes, you can become "addicted" to exercise. Sooooo many chilly, damp mornings I look at the bike and think about putting it off, but tell myself that after a few miles I'll "climatize," so I stop whining and go. Sure enough, with my bike radio on, life comes together. Let's stay with it!

LUNG CAPACITY: I'm 79 years old and have been using the E-Cig for only 6 months. During my recent annual physical, the Spirometer test indicated that my lung capacity had almost doubled. Obviously, I'm quite pleased. For exercise, I bicycle every other day for about an hour, but last year's test showed no change so I must attribute my improvement to the E-Cig. HEART RATE: Vapping straight nicotine gives us that "hit" and I had concern about elevated levels when vapping. Using a digital heart monitor, I made numerous tests both before and during heavy hits, finding no significant difference, and on several occasions, a reduced heart rate which, I assume, was the calming effect of mild nicotine use. I use both 16mg and 18mg levels. For further improvement, the doctor recommended that I definitely continue biking inasmuch as the lung sacs that are now being purged require exercising to attain maximum capacity. For those of you who have experienced improved breathing using E-Cigs, I highly recommend regular exercise. I know, it's boring and hard to get into, but it's a lot like substituting E-Cigs for analogs -once into the benefits, you become a little obsessed with it. I'm older than most -if not all- of you and I do it. So can you.

LUNG CAPACITY: I'm 79 years old and have been using the E-Cig for only 6 months. During my recent annual physical, the Spirometer test indicated that my lung capacity had almost doubled. Obviously, I'm quite pleased. For exercise, I bicycle every other day for about an hour, but last year's test showed no change so I must attribute my improvement to the E-Cig. HEART RATE: Vapping straight nicotine gives us that "hit" and I had concern about elevated levels when vapping. Using a digital heart monitor, I made numerous tests both before and during heavy hits, finding no significant difference, and on several occasions, a reduced heart rate which, I assume, was the calming effect of mild nicotine use. I use both 16mg and 18mg levels. For further improvement, the doctor recommended that I definitely continue biking inasmuch as the lung sacs that are now being purged require exercising to attain maximum capacity. For those of you who have experienced improved breathing using E-Cigs, I highly recommend regular exercise. I know, it's boring and hard to get into, but it's a lot like substituting E-Cigs for analogs -once into the benefits, you become a little obsessed with it. I'm older than most -if not all- of you and I do it. So can you.

LUNG CAPACITY: I'm 79 years old and have been using the E-Cig for only 6 months. During my recent annual physical, the Spirometer test indicated that my lung capacity had almost doubled. Obviously, I'm quite pleased. For exercise, I bicycle every other day for about an hour, but last year's test showed no change so I must attribute my improvement to the E-Cig. HEART RATE: Vapping straight nicotine gives us that "hit" and I had concern about elevated levels when vapping. Using a digital heart monitor, I made numerous tests both before and during heavy hits, finding no significant difference, and on several occasions, a reduced heart rate which, I assume, was the calming effect of mild nicotine use. I use both 16mg and 18mg levels. For further improvement, the doctor recommended that I definitely continue biking inasmuch as the lung sacs that are now being purged require exercising to attain maximum capacity. For those of you who have experienced improved breathing using E-Cigs, I highly recommend regular exercise. I know, it's boring and hard to get into, but it's a lot like substituting E-Cigs for analogs -once into the benefits, you become a little obsessed with it. I'm older than most -if not all- of you and I do it. So can you.

LUNG CAPACITY: I'm 79 years old and have been using the E-Cig for only 6 months. During my recent annual physical, the Spirometer test indicated that my lung capacity had almost doubled. Obviously, I'm quite pleased. For exercise, I bicycle every other day for about an hour, but last year's test showed no change so I must attribute my improvement to the E-Cig. HEART RATE: Vapping straight nicotine gives us that "hit" and I had concern about elevated levels when vapping. Using a digital heart monitor, I made numerous tests both before and during heavy hits, finding no significant difference, and on several occasions, a reduced heart rate which, I assume, was the calming effect of mild nicotine use. I use both 16mg and 18mg levels. For further improvement, the doctor recommended that I definitely continue biking inasmuch as the lung sacs that are now being purged require exercising to attain maximum capacity. For those of you who have experienced improved breathing using E-Cigs, I highly recommend regular exercise. I know, it's boring and hard to get into, but it's a lot like substituting E-Cigs for analogs -once into the benefits, you become a little obsessed with it. I'm older than most -if not all- of you and I do it. So can you.

LUNG CAPACITY: I'm 79 years old and have been using the E-Cig for only 6 months. During my recent annual physical, the Spirometer test indicated that my lung capacity had almost doubled. Obviously, I'm quite pleased. For exercise, I bicycle every other day for about an hour, but last year's test showed no change so I must attribute my improvement to the E-Cig. HEART RATE: Vapping straight nicotine gives us that "hit" and I had concern about elevated levels when vapping. Using a digital heart monitor, I made numerous tests both before and during heavy hits, finding no significant difference, and on several occasions, a reduced heart rate which, I assume, was the calming effect of mild nicotine use. I use both 16mg and 18mg levels. For further improvement, the doctor recommended that I definitely continue biking inasmuch as the lung sacs that are now being purged require exercising to attain maximum capacity. For those of you who have experienced improved breathing using E-Cigs, I highly recommend regular exercise. I know, it's boring and hard to get into, but it's a lot like substituting E-Cigs for analogs -once into the benefits, you become a little obsessed with it. I'm older than most -if not all- of you and I do it. So can you.

I had to chuckle at PoppaC's considering the E-Cig as a "hobby" and "fun." And here I thought it was just me! I rather relish getting out the paper clip, tweezers, napkins, juice bottles, and other tools of the trade, refilling and experimenting. It's almost as much fun as learning to fly my RC outdoor helicopter! Having just passed my 79th, the beauty of "advanced age" is that one can do just about anything bizarre and get away with it.

E-Cig users will readily agree that the convenience of “vapping” whenever and wherever is a significant benefit. However, the wherever should bear some discipline on our part. Already, in some states, to deter the attraction to children, Big Brother has succeeded in banning their use around schools; next will be public parks, malls, other areas frequented by children. And rightfully so. Today's kids are extremely chancy experimenters, drawn to bizarre activities -choking asphyxiation, cinnamon challenge, boozing, aerosol inhalation, smoking or ingesting literally any pill, powder or fluid found in the home. We won’t change that, but perhaps, with restraint we can avoid becoming an attractive nuisance. In the same vein, some vappers find delight in challenging stores, restaurants, bars, buses, even airlines, by flaunting their E-Cigs, actually inviting confrontation by puffing away until called down, then delighting in putting the authoritarian in his/her place with a combative explanation that they are not smoking. Guaranteed, such an attitude will bring about wider controls. As we all know, there is an element among us that always seems to quetch without substantial reason. Despite the lack of odor or harmful “second smoke” emitted by the E-Cig, rest assured, there are those who will vehemently complain that the “smell” is bothersome, the vapor is pervasive, or the very display of our quasi-smoking is simply annoying. Merchants have every right to refuse service or remove anyone from their premises who, for any reason, creates a disturbance. Let's be discreet. Let's not banner our new found freedom. Let's keep that freedom free.

Like twins, we tend to consider tobacco and nicotine as one-and-the-same. Let's separte them. Understanding Nicotine: Nicotine is a natural product of tobacco. When a cigarette is smoked, it releases many chemical messengers- neurotransmitters- such as acetylcholine, norepinephrine, vasopressin, histamine, arginne, serotonin, dopamine, autocrine agents, beta-endorphin and other tongue twisters that are responsible for most of nicotine's effects. Effects that are, in fact, positive. Nicotine appears to enhance concentration, memory, alertness and arousal, reduces pain and anxiety, extends the duration of positive effects, and increases sensitivity in brain reward systems.

There is evidence that nicotine itself has the potential to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease, has been shown to delay the onset of Parkinson's disease, has a mild laxative effect reducing symptoms of ulcerative colitis, and reduces the chance of breast cancer among women carrying the very high risk BRCA gene. Nicotine is unique in comparison to most drugs as its profile changes from sedative to pain killer to stimulant in increasing dosages. Therefore, when using the E-Cig, the effect upon your system will depend on how much you "puff" but if you'll follow the advice given by other members, you'll have no problem. Nicotine does not induce weight gain.

Contrary to popular belief, nicotine does not cause cancer and is not a known carcinogenic. In cigarettes, cancer is caused over a long period of time due to smoke inhalation and the burning of various carcinogenic chemicals. In fact, while tobacco and nicotine have been used for centuries, lung cancer was unknown until the invention of the machine rolled cigarettes in the late 19th century. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has not evaluated nicotine in its standalone form or assigned it to an official carcinogen group. And, technically, nicotine itself is not significantly addictive, as nicotine administered alone does not produce significant reinforcing properties. But beware the word "significantly;" a word often used in the political arena and therefore highly suspect. Of course we become addicted to E-Cigs if for no other reason than the pleasure derived from them. But, unarguably, and until the medical society proves otherwise, it's a far, far safer -and cheaper- addiction than cigarettes. Enjoy yourselves.

Like twins, we tend to consider tobacco and nicotine as one-and-the-same. Let's separte them. Understanding Nicotine: Nicotine is a natural product of tobacco. When a cigarette is smoked, it releases many chemical messengers- neurotransmitters- such as acetylcholine, norepinephrine, vasopressin, histamine, arginne, serotonin, dopamine, autocrine agents, beta-endorphin and other tongue twisters that are responsible for most of nicotine's effects. Effects that are, in fact, positive. Nicotine appears to enhance concentration, memory, alertness and arousal, reduces pain and anxiety, extends the duration of positive effects, and increases sensitivity in brain reward systems.

There is evidence that nicotine itself has the potential to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease, has been shown to delay the onset of Parkinson's disease, has a mild laxative effect reducing symptoms of ulcerative colitis, and reduces the chance of breast cancer among women carrying the very high risk BRCA gene. Nicotine is unique in comparison to most drugs as its profile changes from sedative to pain killer to stimulant in increasing dosages. Therefore, when using the E-Cig, the effect upon your system will depend on how much you "puff" but if you'll follow the advice given by other members, you'll have no problem. Nicotine does not induce weight gain.

Contrary to popular belief, nicotine does not cause cancer and is not a known carcinogenic. In cigarettes, cancer is caused over a long period of time due to smoke inhalation and the burning of various carcinogenic chemicals. In fact, while tobacco and nicotine have been used for centuries, lung cancer was unknown until the invention of the machine rolled cigarettes in the late 19th century. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has not evaluated nicotine in its standalone form or assigned it to an official carcinogen group. And, technically, nicotine itself is not significantly addictive, as nicotine administered alone does not produce significant reinforcing properties. But beware the word "significantly;" a word often used in the political arena and therefore highly suspect. Of course we become addicted to E-Cigs if for no other reason than the pleasure derived from them. But, unarguably, and until the medical society proves otherwise, it's a far, far safer -and cheaper- addiction than cigarettes. Enjoy yourselves.

Beware the FDA. Like all governmental agencies, they have an agenda. Example: Every day 3000 young people become regular smokers, 6000 teens under 18 smoke their first cigarette, and more than 1000 adults die prematurely as a result of an adolescent decision. Clearly, a problem to be addressed. Let's recall the November 1998 multi-state tobacco settlement, — estimated at $246 billion over the first 25 years — that was to attack the enormous public health problems posed by tobacco use in the U.S. Well, how’s that working for us?

As of November 30, 2011, states have cut funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs to the lowest level since 1999, the very first year they received settlement funds. Fiscal Year 2012 will collect $25.6 billion in revenue from the tobacco settlement and tobacco taxes, but will spend only 1.8 % of it - $456.7 million - less than two cents of every dollar in tobacco revenue to fight tobacco use. Where's the FDA? Where has all the money gone? Alien theft? Chewed up by the family pooch? Ask your revered congressman and good luck with an answer. Uncle Sam has absolutely no interest in your health or well being, only in your money, and E-Cig users will continually face his voracious taxation appetite.

As a newbie, I become quickly mired in the continuum of accessories, tastes and flavors advocated by E-Cig users when all I'm searching for are simple, personal opinions, preferably from older, veteran smokers. Primarily, other than menthol, I can't grasp the captivation for strawberry, chocolate, banana, and myriad other flavors. Are we talking cigarette smokers opting for a healthier choice or, are we competing with Baskin & Robbins? I drink Scotch but not with chocolate syrup. I've been smoking longer than most of you have been alive, perfectly satisfied with the flavor of tobacco.

Anatomy of a Veteran Smoker: In about a month, I hope to celebrate my 79th birthday. Among my memorabilia, I have an engraved Ronson cigarette lighter given to me by my parents as a graduation gift. That is, my 8th grade graduation. Yes, an avowed smoker for some 70 years.

Physical Condition: Small frame, 5'8”, 145 pounds. Suffered pneumonia at age 14, once again at age 36, but have not had a cold or influenza in over 40 years. Other than a topical cream for mild plaque psoriasis, I use absolutely no drugs/meds, and my doc claims he knows of no other senior my age who is med-free. Annual physicals have been consistently excellent. I'm food-apathetic, caring less about what it is, how it's prepared, and consider eating a waste of time. My love is chocolate -in any form and lots of it. Until two years ago, I abhorred and avoided anything remotely resembling exercise. Then, for some odd reason, I bought a WalMart $89.00 bicycle and have religiously ridden it for 5-8 miles every other day. In a nutshell, I've been blessed with remarkable health.

Profile: Never been a heavy smoker, averaging some 25 cigarettes a day. I'm a neat smoker, not smoking in homes or cars. Other than a few vague attempts at quitting, cigarettes have been a welcome and integral part of my life, by far, my very best friends, standing by and with me through any and all of life's ups and downs. Five years ago, in a dedicated effort to stop, the wife and I sought the services of a hypnotist. After the session, the wife hasn't touched a cigarette since, sensitive to even the smell. Me? I couldn't wait to get outside and light up. Quitting is simple if one wants to quit; knowing that one should doesn't cut it -she wanted to quit; I didn't. There was, however, an uptick to her cessation. I decided to cut down, and have held my fags to about 10 a day for this five years. No, it wasn't an economy move, my cigarettes are imported at $2.00 per pack, but my last physical indicated emerging signs of COPD. No surprise. After all, despite light smoking and drastically cutting back, so many long years have pushed the old lungs to the limit, and no amount of cutting back -even quitting entirely- can reverse the damage. But, just maybe, I can hold the beast at bay a little longer with E-Cigs.

Before jumping in, I tediously researched the effects of tobacco, nicotine and it's effective agents -Nitrosamines, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, vasopressin, histamine, serotonin, dopamine, autocrine, beta-endorphin, and all the other ill-sounding particles. Rewarding information.

Personal conclusion: E-Cigs are a viable and much healthier substitute for cigarettes. I began my adventure on 9/21/12, using 24 mg disposable cartridges, now trying 16mg cartridges, and smoking but 1-2 cigarettes a day which I hope to soon eliminate. Surprisingly, it hasn't been anywhere near as stressful as I anticipated. For those having real difficulty, pay heed to previous comments: Hang in there, it gets better each day.

A word of caution: For those who fear upcoming FDA reports, take their “expert” opinions with a grain of salt. The FDA is a puppet, at best a joke, fraught with fallacies and untruths spurned by government control. Want proof? Every day, 3000 young people become regular smokers, 6000 teens under 18 smoke their first cigarette, and more than 1000 adults die prematurely as a result of an adolescent decision. Clearly, a problem to be addressed. Remember the November 1998 multi-state tobacco settlement, estimated at $246 billion over the first 25 years, that was to attack the enormous public health problems posed by tobacco use in the U.S.? And how's that working for us? Well, as of November 30, 2011, states have cut funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs to the lowest level since 1999, the very first year they received settlement funds. Fiscal Year 2012 will collect $25.6 billion in revenue from the tobacco settlement and tobacco taxes, but will spend only 1.8 % of it ($456.7 million), less than two cents of every dollar in tobacco revenue to fight tobacco use. No complaints from the FDA! Uncle Sam has absolutely no interest in your health or well being, only in your money. So, E-Cig fans can look forward to being taxed and regulated to death but don't give up the ship. Fight it.

Beware the FDA. Like all governmental agencies, they have an agenda. Example: Every day 3000 young people become regular smokers, 6000 teens under 18 smoke their first cigarette, and more than 1000 adults die prematurely as a result of an adolescent decision. Clearly, a problem to be addressed. Let's recall the November 1998 multi-state tobacco settlement, — estimated at $246 billion over the first 25 years — that was to attack the enormous public health problems posed by tobacco use in the U.S. Well, how’s that working for us?

As of November 30, 2011, states have cut funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs to the lowest level since 1999, the very first year they received settlement funds. Fiscal Year 2012 will collect $25.6 billion in revenue from the tobacco settlement and tobacco taxes, but will spend only 1.8 % of it - $456.7 million - less than two cents of every dollar in tobacco revenue to fight tobacco use. Where's the FDA? Where has all the money gone? Alien theft? Chewed up by the family pooch? Ask your revered congressman and good luck with an answer. Uncle Sam has absolutely no interest in your health or well being, only in your money, and E-Cig users will continually face his voracious taxation appetite.

As a newbie, I become quickly mired in the continuum of accessories, tastes and flavors advocated by E-Cig users when all I'm searching for are simple, personal opinions, preferably from older, veteran smokers. Primarily, other than menthol, I can't grasp the captivation for strawberry, chocolate, banana, and myriad other flavors. Are we talking cigarette smokers opting for a healthier choice or, are we competing with Baskin & Robbins? I drink Scotch but not with chocolate syrup. I've been smoking longer than most of you have been alive, perfectly satisfied with the flavor of tobacco.

Anatomy of a Veteran Smoker: In about a month, I hope to celebrate my 79th birthday. Among my memorabilia, I have an engraved Ronson cigarette lighter given to me by my parents as a graduation gift. That is, my 8th grade graduation. Yes, an avowed smoker for some 70 years.

Physical Condition: Small frame, 5'8”, 145 pounds. Suffered pneumonia at age 14, once again at age 36, but have not had a cold or influenza in over 40 years. Other than a topical cream for mild plaque psoriasis, I use absolutely no drugs/meds, and my doc claims he knows of no other senior my age who is med-free. Annual physicals have been consistently excellent. I'm food-apathetic, caring less about what it is, how it's prepared, and consider eating a waste of time. My love is chocolate -in any form and lots of it. Until two years ago, I abhorred and avoided anything remotely resembling exercise. Then, for some odd reason, I bought a WalMart $89.00 bicycle and have religiously ridden it for 5-8 miles every other day. In a nutshell, I've been blessed with remarkable health.

Profile: Never been a heavy smoker, averaging some 25 cigarettes a day. I'm a neat smoker, not smoking in homes or cars. Other than a few vague attempts at quitting, cigarettes have been a welcome and integral part of my life, by far, my very best friends, standing by and with me through any and all of life's ups and downs. Five years ago, in a dedicated effort to stop, the wife and I sought the services of a hypnotist. After the session, the wife hasn't touched a cigarette since, sensitive to even the smell. Me? I couldn't wait to get outside and light up. Quitting is simple if one wants to quit; knowing that one should doesn't cut it -she wanted to quit; I didn't. There was, however, an uptick to her cessation. I decided to cut down, and have held my fags to about 10 a day for this five years. No, it wasn't an economy move, my cigarettes are imported at $2.00 per pack, but my last physical indicated emerging signs of COPD. No surprise. After all, despite light smoking and drastically cutting back, so many long years have pushed the old lungs to the limit, and no amount of cutting back -even quitting entirely- can reverse the damage. But, just maybe, I can hold the beast at bay a little longer with E-Cigs.

Before jumping in, I tediously researched the effects of tobacco, nicotine and it's effective agents -Nitrosamines, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, vasopressin, histamine, serotonin, dopamine, autocrine, beta-endorphin, and all the other ill-sounding particles. Rewarding information.

Personal conclusion: E-Cigs are a viable and much healthier substitute for cigarettes. I began my adventure on 9/21/12, using 24 mg disposable cartridges, now trying 16mg cartridges, and smoking but 1-2 cigarettes a day which I hope to soon eliminate. Surprisingly, it hasn't been anywhere near as stressful as I anticipated. For those having real difficulty, pay heed to previous comments: Hang in there, it gets better each day.

A word of caution: For those who fear upcoming FDA reports, take their “expert” opinions with a grain of salt. The FDA is a puppet, at best a joke, fraught with fallacies and untruths spurned by government control. Want proof? Every day, 3000 young people become regular smokers, 6000 teens under 18 smoke their first cigarette, and more than 1000 adults die prematurely as a result of an adolescent decision. Clearly, a problem to be addressed. Remember the November 1998 multi-state tobacco settlement, estimated at $246 billion over the first 25 years, that was to attack the enormous public health problems posed by tobacco use in the U.S.? And how's that working for us? Well, as of November 30, 2011, states have cut funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs to the lowest level since 1999, the very first year they received settlement funds. Fiscal Year 2012 will collect $25.6 billion in revenue from the tobacco settlement and tobacco taxes, but will spend only 1.8 % of it ($456.7 million), less than two cents of every dollar in tobacco revenue to fight tobacco use. No complaints from the FDA! Uncle Sam has absolutely no interest in your health or well being, only in your money. So, E-Cig fans can look forward to being taxed and regulated to death but don't give up the ship. Fight it.

As a newbie, I become quickly mired in the continuum of accessories, tastes and flavors advocated by E-Cig users when all I'm searching for are simple, personal opinions, preferably from older, veteran smokers. Primarily, other than menthol, I can't grasp the captivation for strawberry, chocolate, banana, and myriad other flavors. Are we talking cigarette smokers opting for a healthier choice or, are we competing with Baskin & Robbins? I drink Scotch but not with chocolate syrup. I've been smoking longer than most of you have been alive, perfectly satisfied with the flavor of tobacco.

Anatomy of a Veteran Smoker: In about a month, I hope to celebrate my 79th birthday. Among my memorabilia, I have an engraved Ronson cigarette lighter given to me by my parents as a graduation gift. That is, my 8th grade graduation. Yes, an avowed smoker for some 70 years.

Physical Condition: Small frame, 5'8”, 145 pounds. Suffered pneumonia at age 14, once again at age 36, but have not had a cold or influenza in over 40 years. Other than a topical cream for mild plaque psoriasis, I use absolutely no drugs/meds, and my doc claims he knows of no other senior my age who is med-free. Annual physicals have been consistently excellent. I'm food-apathetic, caring less about what it is, how it's prepared, and consider eating a waste of time. My love is chocolate -in any form and lots of it. Until two years ago, I abhorred and avoided anything remotely resembling exercise. Then, for some odd reason, I bought a WalMart $89.00 bicycle and have religiously ridden it for 5-8 miles every other day. In a nutshell, I've been blessed with remarkable health.

Profile: Never been a heavy smoker, averaging some 25 cigarettes a day. I'm a neat smoker, not smoking in homes or cars. Other than a few vague attempts at quitting, cigarettes have been a welcome and integral part of my life, by far, my very best friends, standing by and with me through any and all of life's ups and downs. Five years ago, in a dedicated effort to stop, the wife and I sought the services of a hypnotist. After the session, the wife hasn't touched a cigarette since, sensitive to even the smell. Me? I couldn't wait to get outside and light up. Quitting is simple if one wants to quit; knowing that one should doesn't cut it -she wanted to quit; I didn't. There was, however, an uptick to her cessation. I decided to cut down, and have held my fags to about 10 a day for this five years. No, it wasn't an economy move, my cigarettes are imported at $2.00 per pack, but my last physical indicated emerging signs of COPD. No surprise. After all, despite light smoking and drastically cutting back, so many long years have pushed the old lungs to the limit, and no amount of cutting back -even quitting entirely- can reverse the damage. But, just maybe, I can hold the beast at bay a little longer with E-Cigs.

Before jumping in, I tediously researched the effects of tobacco, nicotine and it's effective agents -Nitrosamines, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, vasopressin, histamine, serotonin, dopamine, autocrine, beta-endorphin, and all the other ill-sounding particles. Rewarding information.

Personal conclusion: E-Cigs are a viable and much healthier substitute for cigarettes. I began my adventure on 9/21/12, using 24 mg disposable cartridges, now trying 16mg cartridges, and smoking but 1-2 cigarettes a day which I hope to soon eliminate. Surprisingly, it hasn't been anywhere near as stressful as I anticipated. For those having real difficulty, pay heed to previous comments: Hang in there, it gets better each day.

A word of caution: For those who fear upcoming FDA reports, take their “expert” opinions with a grain of salt. The FDA is a puppet, at best a joke, fraught with fallacies and untruths spurned by government control. Want proof? Every day, 3000 young people become regular smokers, 6000 teens under 18 smoke their first cigarette, and more than 1000 adults die prematurely as a result of an adolescent decision. Clearly, a problem to be addressed. Remember the November 1998 multi-state tobacco settlement, estimated at $246 billion over the first 25 years, that was to attack the enormous public health problems posed by tobacco use in the U.S.? And how's that working for us? Well, as of November 30, 2011, states have cut funding for tobacco prevention and cessation programs to the lowest level since 1999, the very first year they received settlement funds. Fiscal Year 2012 will collect $25.6 billion in revenue from the tobacco settlement and tobacco taxes, but will spend only 1.8 % of it ($456.7 million), less than two cents of every dollar in tobacco revenue to fight tobacco use. No complaints from the FDA! Uncle Sam has absolutely no interest in your health or well being, only in your money. So, E-Cig fans can look forward to being taxed and regulated to death but don't give up the ship. Fight it.