Quit Smoking With Laser Therapy: Results Revealed

n May, we introduced you to two CityNews employees who had volunteered themselves for an intriguing treatment: to quit smoking, using laser therapy.

Political Specialist Richard Madan and editor Neil MacKay both signed up to be guinea pigs with QuickStop Solution about a month ago.

After four weeks, Health Specialist Laura Di Battista checked in with them both.

"Laura, I have had not one cigarette in the entire month," Madan beamed.

"I relapsed once," MacKay admitted. "I went to a party and I had a couple cigarettes but they don't taste the way they used to."

And the pair claim the laser really helped.

"It took away the cravings that afternoon but it was up to me to change my habits," outlined Madan.

"The laser gives a good start helps take away the craving," MacKay agreed. "Then it's more about using your mind into it."

His biggest cravings occur in his edit bay at work. But he has his ways of fighting them:

"I've been trying to do celery and gum and stuff," he describes.

Madan has his own way of looking at the success.

"I feel a lot better. I sleep better and I have more energy in the morning," he smiles.

If you're looking to quit, here are some other methods that may be less costly than the $400 sessions:

Two viewers wrote in to say Allen Carr's "Easy Way To Stop Smoking" worked for them. His seminar is available in person, on line, and in books.

Hypnotherapy
Believe it or not, the science backs this up. When you've been hypnotized, you're more focused, more open-minded - and more open to suggestions. It helps you change your physical behaviour, but doesn't normally help you deal with withdrawal systems.

Nicotine Supplements
Even though many stop smoking aids are available over the counter, it's best to consult your doctor first. The patch releases nicotine directly into your bloodstream. On the good side, it's easy to "taper off" with your doses; on the downside, you can't change your doses immediately. Gums, lozenges, inhalers and sprays are also available.

Regardless of what method you choose, these tips from the Mayo Clinic may help:

* Spread the word. Tell your family, friends and co-workers that you're planning to quit smoking. Ask anyone in your household who smokes to quit with you.
* Make it inconvenient to smoke. Keep your cigarettes in the car when you're in the house or working. Smoke with the "opposite" hand. Buy only one pack of cigarettes at a time. Switch to brands you don't like.
* Cut back. Delay your first cigarette of the day. Smoke only half the cigarette. Trade one smoking break a day for a brisk walk or other physical activity.
* Change your habits. Avoid anything that tempts you to smoke. You might switch to water or soda instead of coffee or alcohol, go places where smoking isn't allowed, or hang out with people who don't smoke.
* Count down to a quit date. Pick a date to quit smoking. Clearly mark it on the calendar. Give yourself a few days or weeks to prepare, but don't postpone the date too far.
* Toss your smoking gear. As your quit date approaches, get rid of your lighters, ashtrays and stashed cigarettes.
* Learn from your mistakes. If you've tried to quit before, think about what went wrong and what you could do differently this time.