Image courtesy of Flickr: chaubaby - Colin Chau Photography - www.colinchau.com

It seems nowadays, more and more celebrities are vaping electronic cigarettes as oppose to puffing away on regular old cancer sticks!

Leonardo DiCaprio is the latest celeb to be snapped using an e-cig while on the set of his latest production: Django Unchained.

He shot to fame as a fresh faced heartthrob in the likes of Romeo and Juliet and Titanic.

And it seems Leonardo DiCaprio is keen on maintaining his famous face, as he was spotted puffing away voraciously on an electronic cigarette in New Orleans yesterday.

The 37-year-old used the device, which helps smokers quit their addiction, while he waited around between takes of Django Unchained.

Of course the handsome actor has another excuse for practicing with the fake cigarette, as his plantation owner character in the Quentin Tarantino-helmed film is also a smoker.

And the committed environmentalist is surely concerned about polluting his own lungs, if his use of the aid is anything to go by.

Leo looked in good shape in his polo shirt, jeans trainers, and topped off his looked with an Andy Capp-style hat.

Photo Courtesy Of Flikr User: "pixelblume"

The anti-electronic cigarette campaign doesn’t seem to end anytime soon unfortunately. You may have heard already about the so called “study” done by Dr Vardavas in Greece claiming negative effects of using an electronic cigarette:

Researchers in Greece conducted a study on e-cigarettes which suggests that the use of the devices produces immediate changes in user’s airways. The small study, led by Dr. Constantine Vardavas from the Center for Global Tobacco of the Harvard School of Public Health, determined that e-cig users showed sign of airway constriction and of inflammation. The scientists infer that that the use of e-cigarettes has “immediate adverse physiologic effects after short term use,” thus raising concerns about the safety of the devices, although it’s unclear what the response to long-term use of e-cigs may be.

Both the FDA and scientists agree that further testing is required to determine if electronic cigarettes should be widely used by consumers. However, many e-cigarette advocates, including physicians, and organizations such as the American Council on Science and Health  (ACSH) argued that studies  like the one conducted by Dr. Vardavas are just “amateur propaganda”. “So what?” asks ACSH’s Dr. Gilbert Ross. “Anything you inhale will affect your airways. Airway constriction is non-specific and has nothing to do with lung problems like emphysema or lung cancer, which are associated with smoking. You can’t assume from this data that there would be any long-term harm. Further, I wonder what tests these folks used to detect airway ‘inflammation,’ which is not reflected in the airway dynamics they measured.”

Source: Read More

Ok think about this for a second. The overwhelming majority of electronic cigarette users used to be regular smokers before making the switch. Electronic cigarettes filter out over 4500 harmful chemicals found in regular cigarettes including carbon monoxide and tar.

This one fact alone tells you that it is better for you to “vape” an e-cig as oppose to “smoke” a regular cigarette. Sure if you go from a non smoker to using the electronic cigarette then it is obviously worse than being a non smoker but when compared to real cigarettes . . . No Contest!

You only have to read what people say in the forums about how much better and healthier they feel after switching to the electronic cigarette.

So if most users are ex smokers then what’s the problem?

Hmmm . . Think about this. Electronic cigarettes are a threat to the tobacco companies who produce regular cigarettes. They are also a threat to pharmaceutical companies who produce quit smoking products. These two giants make an astonishing amount of money . . . and pay an astonishing amount of money in taxes!

I’m not saying the above is the reason for any negativity around the electronic cigarette or that there is any evidence, I’m simply reciting what many people have been pointing out on the forums etc.

My Verdict: If you are an ex smoker and want to filter most if not all (except nicotine) harmful chemicals found in regular cigarettes then try the e-cig for yourself and see if you feel better after a few weeks.

Mike from Sandwich:

“I thought I was going to be a smoker for the rest of my life. I was so hooked to nicotine. I never even attempted to quit before, because I knew I couldn’t. Then I remember hearing on the television, whilst I was doing the ironing in the other room, about the electronic cigarette. I didn’t understand what it meant; I couldn’t fathom how a cigarette could be electronic. It was only a snippet on the TV which didn’t give me a lot of information, so I decided to look it up on the internet. There were varied sites that came up in the search, but the first I clicked took me to a forum which detailed other people’s opinion of the e cig. Everyone was saying how good it was, and some even said they used it to give up smoking. I decided to buy it for myself, along with a few spare e liquids. When it came through the post, I was surprised at how much it looked and felt like a real cigarette. It fit between my fingers like a real one, and when inhaled the kick of nicotine gave me everything I needed. I knew it was a healthier way to smoke, as there was no tar or carbon monoxide. I felt healthier and now can’t be without it. I have even used it to cut down on my nicotine intake, which is great news.”

Jane from Devon:

“I heard of the e cigarette because my friend had one. The only reason he had one is because he saw Johnny Depp had one in one of his latest films. He had seen it and wanted to be like him! I then followed him. At first it was just a fashion statement, a sort of “we’re not really smoking” statement which we hoped would get others to give up real smoking, too. After a few weeks of using it, we realised it worked as an aide to quit smoking, too. In fact since getting the e cig I haven’t ever had a normal cigarette since. It has really helped me to clean up my act; no more smelly fingers, hair and furniture, and what’s more, no second hand smoke either.”

A USB pass-through device is another new invention which makes it easier than ever to use your e cig. The USB pass through device allows the user of the e cig to use their electronic cigarette without the need for batteries because it links up directly to the battery of the inhaling device and takes its power from the computer’s USB port. This is like when you plug in your computer mouse or any other add on device.

The USB port is low in voltage so you have no need to worry that it will inhibit your computer’s performance, either.

The USB pass-through device is beneficial because it means that users of the e cig don’t have to carry spare batteries around. They can simply charge from their computer and use it whenever they are away from their desk.

A USB charger is another useful lead you might want to take to your office. The USB lead is plugged into any wall socket to re-charge a battery. It is discreet and looks like any other plug and lead, much like a mobile phone charger. No one will know any difference!

The new inventions for the e cigarette mean that the electronic cigarette is something which can easily fit into your life. Without this ease of use, many people might simply revert back to their old ways of smoking and use normal cigarettes.

Being able to vape at work, means that you can also use the vape stick in the office. This increases staff productivity as it means staff are no longer taking a break every few of hours for a smoke outside, coming in smelling of cigarettes. Because they are able to vape during their commute into work as well means they no longer have to sit out in the cold and smoke on their own. E cigarettes are fast becoming an easy life time switch, with the added benefit of being better for your health than normal cigarettes.

The 64 year old, who is known for his heavy smoking of regular cigarettes, is looking to clean up his act and choose the healthier alternative to smoking.

Ever since the public became aware about how dangerous smoking was, people have been trying to quit. However, it is not that easy for many smokers, especially heavy smokers. Companies all over the world have been trying to think of innovate ways for people to cut back on smoking, releasing products like nicotine patches and gum, and now the electronic cigarette.

Electronic cigarettes are designed to look like real cigarettes, so some people can’t even tell the difference. The person using the e cig inhales a dose of nicotine through the device which releases vapour that is considered far safer due to the fact the e cigs filter out over 4500 harmful chemicals that are found in regular cigarettes. This vapour does not have any of the carcinogens found in tobacco smoke which means it is believed to be safer in terms of second hand smoke too.

The electronic cigarette has not only been used by Ronnie Wood, Johnny Depp has also been pictured with the e cigarette. The electronic cigarette consists of a nicotine cartridge, a battery and an atomizer. This is what turns the liquid nicotine into vapour.

The e cigarette is considered by many to be a quit smoking aid although not officially recognised as one. This is because the nicotine comes in various strengths so many smokers can effectively use it to wean themselves off of the smoking habit. This is a more flexible, sensible way of trying to quit.

The main advantage of the electronic cigarette is that the user can have their nicotine hit much quicker than patches or gums. They get an immediate hit which is much like a normal cigarette. The e cig also mimics a normal cigarette, making it feel like the user really has had a smoke.

The electronic cigarette is also cost effective. Normal cigarettes can be very expensive to buy, in fact a recent study showed that an average smoker spends £1000 a year on cigarettes. However, with the electronic cigarette, a pack of five cartridges costs approximately £8 which equates to the same as around 500 cigarettes! This means after the initial set up costs, you can save a vast amount of money in the long run.

Electronic cigarettes can even be personalized to suit your style.

E liquid can be bought in various strengths and flavours. E liquid contains two main ingredients; nicotine – providing 4 dose types; 18-24mg as its highest, 11-16 mg and its lowest 0-6 mg, and also the gel (this contains the flavour). This gel is what burns and the vapour emitted is not believed to be harmful to you although further research is needed to determine this.

When you look online you will see that there are so many flavours to choose from. The flavours you can choose include chocolate or ice-cream, vanilla, fruit, or even coffee flavour. Some people like to experiment and buy a new flavour each time they purchase their e liquid, others like to keep to the same flavour.

Some people like to choose their traditional cigar flavour or even their old cigarette flavour to really mimic the taste of a normal cigarette! This is ideal for people who really want to cut down on smoking and who still need to feel like they have had a cigarette.

This product is believed to be healthier for you to use than normal cigarettes seeing as it claims to filter out over 4500 harmful chemicals found in regular cigarettes. This means that electronic cigarettes are a popular choice for many people who are after a healthier way of smoking after years of smoking normal cigarettes. They may use the e liquid as an aide to quitting smoking (although the product is not an official quit smoking product) or as a permanent replacement to normal cigarette smoking.

To buy the e liquid you first need to buy the e cig. The e cig comes in a range of different products, like the Galaxy device, the LITE device and so on.

Many e cigs allow you to personalise the product as it comes in different colours. You can also get a variety of accessories for your e cig, this includes:

• an in car charger,
• a carry case
• mini bottles of e liquid
• a handy bag to keep everything in
• an emergency charger

The benefit of this is that you can tailor your e cig and your e liquid around you, so every user will probably have slightly different products, flavours and strengths for their preferences.

You can even choose the flavour of the e cigarette, which is based in the e liquid which you drop into the atomizer of the inhaler. This could be anything from chocolate to vanilla to peach and cranberry as well as traditional tobacco flavours, whatever you can think of, there is probably a flavour for it.

E cigarettes have become popular amongst two types of people:

1. Those who want to quit smoking. Like with the ability to change the flavour of the e liquid, you can also change the strength of the nicotine inside it. This means you can effectively wean yourself off smoking by reducing your nicotine intake over time.

2. Those who want to continue smoking, but want a healthier way of doing it. People who want to remain smokers and do not want to quit believe e cigs are an ideal way of doing this, because you can get the same hit of the nicotine as you can with normal cigarettes- there are even super high nicotine strengths which you can try for the very heavy smoker.

But where can you buy electronic cigarettes? There are many retailers which are selling the device but you will probably find that your best bet is online.

This is because you can compare products as there are many different types of e-cig inhaler to choose from. You can even get them personalised and get travel kits or cases for them to go in.

Many reputable online suppliers will also give out discounts for repeat orders or if you pay over a certain amount you could receive free delivery or money off an accessory. Doing a simple internet search will help you to find a good supplier.

You can also buy e liquids online. There are many flavours to choose from and by choosing to shop online you can easily compare items and see which ones would work for you. You might also be interested to buy on-the-go chargers for people who are constantly travelling or away from charging points regularly. There are many different items to choose from!

1. Improved fertility. Non-smokers find it easier to conceive and this is a medical fact. Quitting smoking improves the health of the mother and father, and therefore increases the condition of the bodies of the parents. It also means if you do have a baby, it is more healthy.

2. Better skin. Stopping smoking slows down facial ageing and delay the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

3. Better teeth. Giving up smoking means your teeth stop becoming stained, and you’ll have fresher breath too which will be noticeable.

4. Improved breathing. The moment you stop smoking, you will feel a difference in your breathing within a couple of days. Lung capacity improves by up to 10% within nine months of non smoking. You will be less likely to suffer bronchitis and COPDs.

5. Longer life. Men who quit smoking by 30 add 10 years to their life expectancy. People who stop smoking at the age of 60 will add three years to their life. Quitting can only help your life!

6. Stress levels. Scientific research shows that people’s stress levels are lower after they stop smoking. Many people feel that their stress increases but actually, scientifically, it doesn’t. The nice feeling of satisfying that nicotine craving is only temporary and is not a real cure.

7. Improved senses.  Quitting smoking gives your senses of smell and taste a much needed boost.

8. Energy levels increase. Within 2 to 12 weeks of quitting smoking, the circulation in your body and general health improves. This means that all physical activity is much easier to do. Quitting smoking also boosts the immune system so you will be less likely to fall ill.

9. The people around you benefit, too. By stopping smoking you’ll be protecting the health of your non-smoking family who live and breathe around you. This is known as passive smoking. Passive smoking increases a non-smoker’s risk of lung cancer and heart disease.

Second-hand smoke in the home or car also makes children twice as likely to be at risk of chest illnesses. These children are also three times more likely to get lung cancer in later life compared with children who live with people who do not smoke. This means you have no excuse to not quitting your habit in 2012, starting today!

Have you thought about the electronic cigarette to quit smoking? Check out the ELIPS Tank ECig.

Of those surveyed, 78% said that they felt healthier after using the e cig compared to normal smoking.

E-cigarettes are the latest craze across the globe. They are deemed to be healthier alternatives to smoking, with many claiming their real time effects and instant benefits.

Electronic Cigarettes and the associated e liquid come in all shapes, sizes, flavours and colours. You can even personalise them to suit your mood or style.

Some e cigs even have the appearance of a ball-point pen to give it a discreet look. The batteries and the device are portable so you can take these absolutely anywhere (except in water) making it possible to use them anywhere, at any time, even on the go.

In some places, the electronic cigarette is not included in the no-smoking ban in public areas such as parks, pubs etc. This is an added bonus for those trying to quit as they do not have to stand outside in the cold or exclude themselves form social occasions. The vapour from electronic cigarettes filters out 4500 harmful chemicals found in regular cigarettes which is why it is allowed in most public places.

The e liquid is also revolutionary, as it contains 4 nicotine dose level choices and propylene glycol gel. This contains the flavouring of the e cig. There is a choice of different flavours, berry, mint, coffee, nut – any taste that you can imagine!

Everyone spends their money on cigarettes monthly, weekly and for the majority daily, leaving them no money for the finer things in life. With products such as the electronic cigarette you are able to smoke like normal but without this constant ongoing expense as it works out cheaper. With nicotine still present in most e liquids, you are still fulfilling your cravings but with greater control and less cost.

One mother from Stockport said, “I wanted to find a healthier way of smoking around others. The e cig helped me to achieve this. I am pleased with the product, it really does work! All people are different, and it may take longer for other people to realise the full effects that smoking this instead of real cigs has on you and your body. I am also saving money, after the initial investment I only have to pay for e liquid which lasts for ages. I am really pleased with the electronic cigarette product.”

Coffee e liquid is one of the many flavours of e liquid which you can choose from as a user of the electronic cigarette. If you don’t like coffee and this doesn’t appeal to you, you should try this anyway as you may still like it. Also, the coffee flavour e liquid is not the only flavour of e liquid you can try. You might be interested to try flavours like peach, apple, pear, banana etc. These fruit flavours are refreshing and crisp. You could also try chocolate flavour which is very popular for all the chocolate lovers out there!

As for the coffee flavour, we think this flavour is ideal for people who love coffee and want to combine their nicotine and their coffee fix in one! If you are trying to cut back on the amount of caffeine you consume, having the flavour of this coffee e liquid will help you to feel like you’ve had coffee when you haven’t.

Coffee e liquid is one of the most popular flavours, the bottle itself is handy as it is a plastic bottle which can be put into your pocket or bag really easily. This means no one will even know what it is.

The e liquid also comes in a bottle designed to be dispensed per drop which is so useful for when you’re on the go so your hands stay clean and don’t get messy. This means that all you need to do with this e liquid is put 2-3 drops into your cartridge and away you go.

The bottle is also cost effective as it gives you a lot of e liquid substance for your money. It basically works out as 1 Bottle of 30ml E-Liquid equating to 120 cartridges. This means you can keep your coffee e liquid going for a long time. It will be a while before you need to replace it for a new one.

The coffee flavour e liquid comes in a super high strength. For heavier smokers, this is a good way to start your e cig use. It means the nicotine level matches that of what you’re used to. If you are looking to quit your nicotine intake over time, then it is best to try and cut down gradually. You can gradually wean yourself off the nicotine by going down lower and lower on nicotine strength.