You all know that I am anti-smoking - not much of a shocker. People are motivated to quit for a variety of reasons, with health and beauty topping the list. If you smoke and are looking for reasons to quit this new study on smoking might just be the motivation you are looking for.

The Archives of Dermatology just released a
a study on smoking, the skin and aging. Not only does smoke create wrinkles on the face, it affects the skin all over the body, even skin protected from the sun. WOW. Smokers had an increased number of fine wrinkles on their inner arms than non-smokers. It seems that smoking can also damage the connective tissue that supports both the skin and the internal organs.

Participants in the study were in their 40's and older, so if you smoke and you care about your skin you should stop now. And guess what? New research indicates that exercise, as little as five minutes, seems to help curb cravings for a cigarette. Of course I think that is so great that exercise can help reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Researchers found that exercise was just as effective as the patch. How great is that? Exercise helps you quit smoking and quitting smoking helps you exercise. So if you are quitting, a brisk walk around the block could be just the thing to get you past that craving.

If are considering quitting check out these tips from the American Cancer Society.