Archives for December 2020

It’s been hard to miss the recent boom in people using e-cigarettes, a practice also known as vaping. Euromonitor’s market research group has projected that the number of adults who vape will reach nearly 55 million by 2021. Not only that, but the global market for e-cigarettes is now estimated to be worth a staggering $19.3 billion. The industry hasn’t been without its controversies, but vaping is now widely accepted as a healthier alternative to cigarettes and a great way to kick the tobacco habit.

So if you’re thinking about getting started with vaping as a way to help you quit smoking, here’s the lowdown on what you need to know.

What is vaping?

Let’s start at the very beginning. There is a whole lot of vaping terminology out there that can make the topic seem impenetrable to newbies, but the basics are actually pretty simple. Vaping is the use of an electronic device, or e-cigarette, to inhale vapor. These devices can be either rechargeable or disposable and work by heating an ‘e-liquid’ solution, which then produces the vapor.

This e-liquid generally contains a mixture of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), flavoring, and nicotine. It comes in an unbelievable variety of flavors – for example strawberry cheesecake, cola, mint, coffee, lemon, and even vanilla ice cream – to enable people to tailor their vaping experience to their own tastes and preferences.

How do I use an e-cigarette?

There are several different types of e-cigarette available, and the one that is right for you will depend on your personal needs and preferences:

• Cigalike – these are similar in appearance to a regular cigarette, have a small battery, and are either disposable or rechargeable.
• Vape pen – shaped like a pen or small tube, these have a tank for e-liquid plus replaceable coils and rechargeable batteries.
• Pod system – these compact, rechargeable devices are shaped a bit like a pebble or USB stick and are used with pre-filled or refillable e-liquid pods.
• Mod – these are the largest e-cigarette devices, with a refillable tank and long-lasting rechargeable batteries.

It’s best to speak to a vape shop about which device is best for you, as well as what strength of e-liquid to use with it. As a rough guide, however, cigalikes and vape pens are best for light smokers, and vape pens, pod systems, and mods are better for heavier smokers. It has been suggested that rechargeable models deliver nicotine more quickly and effectively than disposable ones and so are more likely to be able to help you quit smoking.

Whichever you choose, you’ll be pleased to know that using them is simple. Just charge it up, fill or attach the e-liquid capsule, and inhale (there may also be a button to press). When you run out of e-liquid, top up the tank, or replace the pod.

Can vaping help me quit smoking?

There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that e-cigarettes can be helpful when you’re trying to stop smoking. As the devices do not burn tobacco, they don’t produce the same harmful substances as real cigarettes, for example, tar and carbon monoxide. Yet by closely replicating the feel of smoking as well as providing nicotine, they can help to reduce your cigarette cravings.

To get the most benefit from vaping, it’s advisable to stop smoking actual cigarettes completely. Other tactics that can be used alongside e-cigarettes to help you quit include getting support from other people, distracting yourself when you feel the desire to smoke a cigarette, and regularly reminding yourself of your reasons for quitting.

Another benefit of using e-cigarettes is that there is no evidence that it causes harm to the people around you. This is in stark contrast to the second-hand smoke from cigarettes, which has been shown to cause a wide range of health problems in non-smokers, including lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

Are there any negative side effects of vaping?

Over the last couple of years, there have been some concerns raised about the safety of vaping, particularly for young people. However, it is undeniable that they are far less damaging than regular cigarettes. Therefore whilst it’s not advisable to pick up a vaping habit if you are a non-smoker, for people who are trying to quit smoking, they are a far preferable and safer option. The best advice is to always buy your e-liquids from reputable companies to ensure you’re not inadvertently exposed to harmful chemicals.

After years of not needing glasses, it can be strange to suddenly find yourself relying on them to read, drive, or for other activities during the day. It’s much better to wear glasses if you need them; otherwise, your eyesight will only suffer further, but for many people, it can be off-putting, irritating, or they don’t feel they recognize themselves when they first try a pair on. It can take time to adjust to new glasses, but below are a few tips that might make the change a little easier to get used to.

Check Your Prescription

Firstly, make sure the glasses that you buy are ones that match your prescription. Not all eyes are the same, and you must get the right eyewear for your specific needs. Your optometrist will be able to determine exactly what kind of lenses you will need for your prescription, so wait until they have passed this onto you before you go shopping for glasses. It’s also important to go for fairly regular eye-tests in case your needs change, and you require a new prescription.

Wear Them Regularly

You might not feel comfortable in them or like the way they look on your face at first, but the only way you’re going to get used to them is if you wear them. When you bring your new glasses home, wear them all the time, or as often as possible, to help you get used to the sensation of them on your face and to adjust to how you look wearing them. You’ll also notice a big difference if you’ve been suffering from headaches or tired eyes before getting them.

Choose a Style You Like

Everyone has different tastes, and everyone has different face shapes, and not all glasses are going to match yours. Luckily, there is a wide variety of styles to choose from, some of which are designed by luxury fashion brands for those who want to stay chic. You can find the perfect pair of glasses that match your style and flatter your face from online stores such as Just-glasses.co.uk or similar retailers.

Keep Them Clean

It might feel strange at first looking at things through a lens, but lenses with smudges, scratches, and other dirty marks are only going to make things harder. Make sure you’re keeping your glasses clean at all times to avoid frustration and further eye strain as you try to look through the smudge marks. This is also why you should keep your glasses in a case when they’re not in use, to avoid damage from being dropped or knocked against other objects.

Let Your Optometrist Know About Any Medications

Certain medications can affect your eyesight and possibly cause blurred vision, dizziness, and so on. These side effects could affect how you see through your prescribed glasses, so make sure you’re telling your optometrist of any medications you might be on so they can prescribe lenses that aren’t going to interfere with that and keep your eyesight clear.

It’s not easy adjusting to glasses when you first get them, but if you use some of the tips above, you’ll find yourself feeling more comfortable a lot quicker.