Category Archives: Health

Trying To Quit Smoking? Get All The Help You Need.

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My entire immediate family smoke. Yes, my parents and my two brothers all smoke. I am the only non smoker in my family, and I am incredibly anti-smoking. I have nagged my family for years and finally they are listening to me and are all trying to quit. But this is easier said than done. Smoking is addictive and it takes willpower of steel to go cold turkey.
Smoking is by far the worst thing you can do for your health. According to Cancer Research UK, more than one in five people smoke in the UK. Smoking is an expensive habit and smoking is also directly linked to multiple health concerns and can shorten life expectancy. I have never understood why people smoke, you are basically paying money to get health problems, it also ruins your clothes, and make you smell of smoke. It’s not nice.

If you need help to quit Dr Winwood, who is the clinical director for psychological health at AXA PPP, will be on hand to answer your questions on smoking and the effect it can have on your health. Dr Mitra M Shahidi  is a Consultant in General & Respiratory Medicine with a specific interest is all aspects of respiratory medicine and Tuberculosis.

Join in! Dr Mitra M Shahidi will be available to answer all your questions here on Wednesday 13 March 11am-1pm.

The health conditions that smoking causes range from cancer to heart disease, and is proven to be detrimental to your overall well-being.

Often the withdrawal from nicotine can cause a range of side effects such as anxiety, depression and difficulty sleeping. Despite the huge benefits of quitting the habit, these side effects can often lead to the temptation to smoke again to make them go away. AXA PPP healthcare will be hosting a live chat with expert Dr Mark Winwood to help you tackle the anxiety of giving up, whether you are currently attempting to quit or are planning to in the future.

Dr Winwood is the clinical director for psychological health at AXA PPP and his extensive knowledge of mental health means he will be well equipped to address your concerns and worries on smoking-related anxiety and stress.

Join in! If you have any questions about anxiety and smoking, or even just needing advice on how to kick the habit, please join our chat here on Friday 15 March 11-1pm.

You can tweet your questions either before or during the live chats on each day using #axapppexpert – those taking part will be entered to win £100 pamper pack from The Sanctuary.

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Can Regenovex Stop You Doing a Lady Gaga?

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regenovexFor people with injuries or arthritis the cold weather can really hurt joints. No matter what your age, as the health problems of Lady Gaga show. So when Frost got sent some Regenovex to review we send it to some writers with joint problems. Here is what they thought.

Regenovex® Capsules. An advanced formulation designed for daily joint health, one-a-day Regenovex® Capsules are very small and easy to swallow.

Regenovex® Gel is for targeted application on individual joints. Easy to use Regenovex® Gel is dispensed via a pump and can be rubbed on the joint up to 3 times per day.

Our writer said:

It said on the pack that you could take two for the first 10 days and I wanted quick results so I did this. I have had a dodgy knee for a while. It even hurts when I go up and down stairs. I started taking these but t o be honest I did not expect results.

I also put the gel on my knee three times a day when I remember. Which is not all the time. To be honest, the gel does not smell nice, but it is not too bad.

I use both the pills and the gel. The pills until they run out, and the gel even until this day. Is there a difference? Absolutely. The pills and gel worked so much that I did not even notice. I was just walking up some stairs and I realised that my knee had stopped hurting. I had not had a pang of pain for ages. I am going to continue to use the products. I am very impressed.

· Regenovex® Patch is flexible and can be worn for up to 12 hours, making it ideal for day and night use.

Our writer said:

I have shoulder pain. It is a sport injury and it really bloody hurts. I think I have probably just worn my joint away. Which is a nice thought! I use the patch for the full 12 hours. It is easy to use. You can just cut it down to any size you want. Do I think it works? Yes. It does bring relief. I reckon I will be investing in some more.

Regenovex® Unveils How Cold, Damp, British Weather Can Really Affect Our Joints

The link between bad weather and an increase in discomfort from joint problems has been revealed in groundbreaking new research.

In the UK, about 10 million people suffer from osteoarthritis (OA) and many more have undiagnosed joint stiffness. The prevalence of osteoarthritis increases with age and is greater in women than in men. About 20% of adults aged 45-64 years and 35% of women aged 75 years or over have osteoarthritis in the knee while about 25% of adults over 50 report disability from severe knee discomfort. All too often, the early warning signs and symptoms of joint problems are ignored or just put down to old age, until they become serious and potentially crippling.

People with joint health issues often complain that the weather and climate can badly affect their health. However, scientists have struggled to prove the association and doctors can assume the perception of increased discomfort is in a patient’s mind.

Now new research from the makers of Regenovex® – a pioneering formulation backed by research to help maintain the health of joints – has shone light on the relationship between changes in weather and an increase in joint health problems such as stiffness. Four out of 10 respondents have even considered moving from the UK to a warmer country because of their joint problems. One in nine (11%) are actively contemplating relocation. Containing two functional ingredients from natural sources – a marine oil and hyaluronic acid – Regenovex® Capsules, from the smart technology experts at Mentholatum, is specifically formulated to help keep joints healthy. The Regenovex® range includes one-a-day capsules, a gel and a patch, all containing a marine oil.

Weather misery…

Adults aged 35 to 75 – with an average age of 50 – who suffer from joint health problems or stiffness were questioned about their experiences with weather-related joint issues.

· More than half (55%) said it was during cold periods, followed by damp weather (45%), wet weather (38%) and frosty weather (19%). Just 4% thought hot weather could trigger joint problems.

· A staggering 72% of respondents agreed that they suffered more from joint problems such as discomfort and stiffness because of the weather.

The biggest joint problem symptoms triggered by weather were:

· Discomfort (63%)

· Stiffness (56%)

· Difficulty getting up when seated (30%)

· Difficulty going up or down stairs (24%)

· Difficulty moving (23%).

Other problems included getting out of bed (20%), bending down (17%) and exercising (15%).

When it comes to the areas of the body that are most affected by stiffness, respondents from the Regenovex® survey cited knees as the worst by more than half (56%), followed by the back (39%), the fingers (26%), hips (25%), hands and neck (both 20%).

Reactions to stiffness triggered by the weather varied:

· A third (32%) said they just put up with it and don’t take any further action

· One in seven would take over the counter painkillers (14%)

· 12% would opt for a hot bath

· Other coping strategies included using a hot water bottle (7%) and seeing a GP or pharmacist (5%).

Physiotherapist, Paul Hobrough says, “Joint discomfort and joint health issues are a huge problem in the UK, with millions of diagnosed sufferers and many others who struggle on in silence. Joints that are stiff or cause discomfort can badly affect quality of life, with many activities we take for granted proving difficult or even impossible, including the health benefits of taking regular exercise.

“I see a large number of patients in my clinics nationally, that report bad weather or the cold and damp as a trigger for their joint aches or make them worse. For a long time these people have been told that it is in their mind however I was delighted to read the latest research from Regenovex, building on a growing body of evidence, that supports the association between weather – especially temperature and air pressure – and increased levels of joint discomfort and stiffness. The Regenovex survey found nearly three quarters of those questioned said the weather could be a joint health trigger, with cold and damp conditions blamed the most and Scientists are now investigating the mechanisms behind this phenomenon.”

Paul adds, “Regenovex is a new generation of joint care preparation, with a unique formulation that helps to support joint health, backed by extensive scientific research. The key ingredients are Bionovex Oil, a marine oil derived from New Zealand green lipped mussels and hyaluronic acid. The Bionovex Oil has a proven anti-inflammatory effect which could relieve the pressure build up in the joint, while hyaluronic acid acts to lubricate and cushion your joints. Regenovex could be a major help in treating joint health problems. It not only helps tackle inflammation along a range of pathways, but it may also improve and maintain the synovial fluid in joints. No other product works this way.”

“I am thankful to Regenovex for providing a possible answer to scores of patients who have until now, found themselves suffering without a solution. Only time will tell the extent to which Regenovex will help these people but vast progress has been made and people feel like they are finally being listened to by the healthcare industry.”

Regenovex is available from Amazon UK and Ebay. Prices include:

· Regenovex® Capsules, pack of 30 capsules: RSP £23.99.

· Regenovex® Gel, 40ml: RSP £11.29.

· Regenovex® Patch, single patch: RSP £2.49.

Spring Clean Your Body

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Christmas may be a mere memory now but some of us are still in need of a spring clean for our body. I know I certainly do. So with spring on the way I started to finally detox myself and get in the best shape of my life. Here are some of the things I kick-started the spring clean with.

Pukka Wheatgrass Juice Powder

Wheatgrass?! Yes, I know it is very LA, but not only did it make me feel energised and healthy, but I also liked the taste. Wheatgrass is one of the most nourishing foods in the world and you can tell when you are drinking it. It just makes you feel instantly better. It is health in a glass.

Wheat Grass Juice naturally supports the body’s ability to cleanse itself due to its high chlorophyll content. It is one of the most nourishing foods in the world containing an easy to digest broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins and antioxidants, but daily juicing can be a real pain – who really has time to pick and juice fresh Wheat Grass every day!?

Why not try Pukka Herb’s easy-to-use Wheat Grass Juice Powder instead? Unlike many other wheat grass products available, to ensure optimum potency, we use only concentrated fresh cold dried organic wheat grass juice, and now, for the first time, it is even available in a hand handbag friendly sachet for juicing on the go!

Pukka Herbs’ Fibre Plus

The fibre plus, like the wheatgrass, is in a handy sachet. You just add it to 250ml to water and you are good to go. It doesn’t taste as good as the wheatgrass but still leaves you feeling cleansed. It is a brilliant idea and has a lot of goodness in a condensed form.

Overindulging rich foods and alcohol can often result in indigestion. Pukka’s powerful new Fibre Plus sachets can help alleviate your digestive dramas. Containing a powerful blend of soluble and insoluble organic fibre blended to support and maintain a healthy and regular digestive system, its high fibre content lubricates the bowels, heals inflammation, and replenishes gut flora.

Clean Greens

Drinking this just gave me energy. Instantly. It made me feel healthy. I am inspired to buy these in bulk along with the wheatgrass. You can read below to find out exactly what it does, but I swear by these now. They just leaves you feeling cleansed and healthy. I have been trying to find a natural way to get more energy and I really think I have found it. They get the Frost thumbs up.

Alkalises & Oxygenates: Helps carry oxygen to the blood.

Mineralises: Minerals in these super-green foods help reduce food cravings.

Detoxifies: Removes unwanted substances causing stagnation, congestion from the body channels, organs, tissues and cells.

Reduces inflammation: Reduces inflammation throughout the digestive tract and liver.

The chlorophyll rich ingredients in Clean Greens helps carry out all of these vital functions and acts as a potent food based antioxidant that is intended to reduce premature ageing and bring you lasting vitality.

Pukka Herbs are available from Amazon UK and health stores.

After looking after your insides it is time to give your skin some attention.

 

As Jameela Jamil lands her dream job presenting the Radio One chart show, she also reveals the secret to her glowing skin and guess what?… It doesn’t cost a bomb!

Jameela credits the Dr Organic Manuka Honey Skincare range to her glowing skin and when asked what her top beauty tip is, she describes how “I throw on my Dr Organic Manuka Honey Rescue Cream, and go about my day”. She also loves the Dr Organic Manuka Honey Skin Lotion stating: “It smells so delicious I could eat my face!”

Dr Organic’s Manuka Honey Rescue Cream provides deep nourishment to skin leaving it feeling protected and intensely hydrated. Apply a small amount to the face, gently work into the skin and enjoy the gorgeous scent of Manuka Honey that will leave your skin silky and soft. Available from Holland & Barrett.

White Tea

Super healthy white tea is best brew for 2013 detox

Health-conscious shoppers have began searching for healthier alternatives to the morning caffeine hit or post-work pint.

This ‘detox January’ trend has driven brands like Tetley to launch green tea ranges, plugging the health benefits that the lower-caffeine and antioxidant-rich alternative to black tea is known to possess.

But east London tea entrepreneur Joe Kinch is backing a different, whiter horse – he knows that white tea is the perfect way to kick-start a healthy 2013.

Packed with antioxidants that boost the immune system, improve brain function, and can help prevent diseases like cancer and heart disease, and with very little caffeine, white tea is green tea’s healthier younger brother.

Both white and green teas come from the same tea plant, Camellia sinensis, but white tealeaves are harvested at a younger age than green tea leaves.

Because white and green teas are treated gently and not overly processed, they retain most of their beneficial antioxidants. White tea is the least processed of the two, as it isn’t fermented at all, but is simply steamed and dried. Since white tea is less processed, it retains a higher amount of antioxidants.

The antioxidants found in white tea have many health promoting properties from boosting cardiovascular health, helping to lower cholesterol, and enhancing weight loss.

In fact, a 2009 study by Kingston University and Neal’s Yard Remedies, found that white tea not only boosts health but can also combat age-associated wrinkles and other signs of ageing.

While green tea contains around 20g of caffeine, white has around 15g, making it perfect for people trying to avoid the less pleasant side effects of too much caffeinated stimulation.

White tea is considered rare and is usually more expensive than green, as it can only be hand picked during a few days of early spring and has to be handled with such care. But Joe’s Tea Co’s is set be the first tea company to make the health benefits of white tea available to the average Joe. Health-conscious shoppers can get a box of ‘Whiter than White’ online or in Harvey Nichols’ stores across the UK for less than a fiver.

Joe Kinch, owner of Joe’s Tea Co, said:

“I’ve been drinking white tea this January as I returned to work after a few days of over-indulgence – I hope people embrace it for its great flavour and super health benefits!”

Pharmacy-assured bespoke vitamins at the click of a mouse

A new way of taking vitamins has been launched which will change the way millions of people can access this important part of the health market, using innovative new daily vitamin pouches.

thrivevitamins.co.uk tailors the supply of vitamins to the user’s own lifestyle and brings pharmacy assured service to the online marketplace.

The service, established by retail expert Alan Beesley and pharmacist Brian Duggan, with support from Peter Batty, the chief executive of one of the North of England’s largest pharmacy groups, provides a personalised 28 day supply of vitamins unique to the customer’s own lifestyle and health and wellbeing needs.

The daily pouches instil a regimented approach to taking vitamins, which is both convenient and portable.

Using state of the art robotics, alongside the company’s professional experience in pharmacy and e-commerce, the vitamins are sealed in convenient teabag sized daily pouches, each printed with the customer’s name and the contents.

Brian Duggan said: “Prior to the launch of Thrive Vitamins, the marketplace could not cope with the requirements for individualised vitamin programmes, but we have developed a system which learns about the customer and recommends vitamin plans to suit their lifestyle.

“Rather than a bottle of one specific supplement, such as Zinc, the bespoke packs contain the mix of vitamins needed at regular intervals, meaning the service is efficient, removing the over-selling of products, which are in excess of the customer’s needs.”

Alan Beesley, who created the Thrive Vitamins brand, said: “We wanted to provide a more convenient, personalised service to compliment a customers lifestyle. So, we created an easy way to ensure customers receive the supplements they need, when they need them and in handy daily dose pouches.

“Our team includes pharmacists, retailers and even has a former member of the Royal Logistics Corps, whose organisation skills were utilised for 13 years ensuring the British Army had the equipment it needs. All together, we have developed an unique, professional and simple system which we believe will be popular with individuals and families alike.”

 

Training for the Marathon?

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Give yourself a running chance with the right preparation

The London Marathon is just around the corner (21st April) and so thousands of people across the country will be donning their running shoes to train for the demanding twenty-six miles to marathon glory. Training for such a grueling distance can put the body under huge physical strain and so it is not enough to just run your way to success – you also need to eat well and take care of your feet as you make your way to the finish line.

Blisters, nausea and sore inflamed feet are just a few of the side effects from running. Don’t let these get the better of you though with these simple steps to success.

Planning snacks around your training can prove to be a problem for most people.

It is crucial that you eat something nutritious that will provide you with enough energy for your run, but is not so big that it will hamper your efforts. Olympic Gold medalist, Ed Clancy recommends eating a Peanut 9bar before starting a run, commenting: ‘Finding a nutritionally balanced food that has both fast and slow release energy for endurance sport has always been a struggle. After suffering stomach problems using other energy bars and gels my nutritionist recommended I try 9bar and I haven’t looked back since’. Peanut 9bars are jam-packed with roasted peanuts, sunflower, poppy and sesame seeds. The Peanut 9bar contains all 20 amino acids and 9 that are essential building blocks for good health, allowing you to fuel your way to success.

Running such long distances can leave your joints sore and inflamed.

It is important to use an effective joint care product. Dr. Wendy Denning, Harley Street GP recommends using Phytodol, an all-natural, topical treatment designed to help care for joints. Wendy comments that ‘topical application of the essential oils found in Phytodol – ginger, zedoary and cinnamon – which have their own anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties – along with the MSM and glucosamine may be particularly beneficial to reduce inflammatory pain’. Phytodol is available in both a cream and spray formulation. Both are rapidly absorbed, providing fast effective relief and the convenient sized 100ml bottles means that they can be used anywhere when pain strikes – allowing you to carry on running pain free.

Running can cause painful blisters and sore feet.

During running your feet will rub against your footwear and so it is important to take precautions when training. Carnation Footcare’s Anti-BlisterStick is a roll-on protective balm that helps shield the feet from blisters caused by rubbing trainers. Carnation Footcare expert podiatrist Dave Wain says: ‘The Anti-Blister Stick is designed to immediately ease friction and stop blisters from developing by providing an extra protective layer to the affected area’ enabling you to carry on running pain-free’

Dave also recommends Carnation Footcare’s PediRoller for long distance runners. The PediRoller is a simple ridged device that, when rolled under the foot, provides on-the-spot comfort, helping to relieve any discomfort. It works by stretching the muscles of the foot to help relieve heel and arch pain that may be caused by running. For an extra inflammatory effect, the PediRoller can also be frozen before use, which helps to reduce any swelling that running may cause.

During running the feet perspire, creating the perfect conditions for bacteria to multiply.
Keep your feet feeling refreshed with Thursday Plantation’s Foot Spray. The 100% Tea Tree formulation with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties will ensure that your feet are kept feeling and looking fresh after a long run. The great smell also acts as a foot deodorant, maintaining a healthy smell in your footwear allowing you to avoid the embarrassment of smelly feet!

Available from Holland & Barret or Superdrug

 

Nivea Express Hydration Primer Review

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Nivea is a brand I have been using for years. It is a classic brand with some great products in it’s range. Their new product of the moment is their newish primer, Daily Essentials Express Hydration Primer.

It comes in a pot, which I love. There is no wastage and it looks great. The texture is jelly like and it smells great. Really fresh. When you apply you feel like you are splashing your face with water. It is super hydrating. It reminds me of the more expensive Lancome Aqua Fusion moisturiser, but it is a primer.

It keeps your face fresh all day long. It does make your make up last and you can even wear it without make up. It is light and makes skin feel silky. It is a really good base. You also only need a small amount as it spreads well and it is not tested on animals. My only gripe is that it comes in a bigger box than the pot needs, which is a little misleading.

I love this primer. It is inexpensive – about £3.99 from Superdrug.com – and it is highly moisturising while keeping make up in place. A Frost favourite.

Do You Have Food Intolerance? Frost’s Editor Finds Out

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It is often said that we are what we eat, and like most clichés it has a ring of truth to it. I know that when I eat junk food my body does not like it. Other foods are harder to define as good or bad though. They change from individual. I have always thought I had a food intolerance and I decided to find out once and for all by taking a York Test.

I take a First Step Test. It arrives via the post and consists of a lance to piece the finger, antiseptic wipes, a cotton bud wrapped in plastic to soak up the blood and a test tube to put it into. It also comes with step-by-step instructions which are easy to follow. I pierce my finger, massage it so it bleeds more and then put the cotton swap in the test tube when I am finished. It is relatively easy, even if you have to work up that little bit of courage to pierce the finger. After I have finished I post it away immediately.

Ten days later the results come back and I have tested positive for food intolerance. I suspected as much. I would rather not have an intolerance but it is better to know. Following the first step test you can then do a Foodscan or a Food & Drink Scan. They are quite pricey but worth it if you can afford it.

The First Step Test is available for the offer price of £9.99 (usually £19.99). Following the First Step, if your result is positive you can then progress to either the FoodScan, which tests for intolerances to 113 trigger foods for £250, or the full Food & Drink Scan for £299. For a limited time, if you progress to the full Food & DrinkScan after taking the First Step, the initial test price will be discounted from the cost of your full test.

Food & DrinkScan can be purchased from www.yorktest.com or by calling free phone 0800 074 6185.

Free Fitness Workout Videos For A Better Body In 12 Weeks

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Sick of your workout? Really want to get in shape? Frost has teamed up with the 2013 USN Makeover Challenge to bring you five free workout videos. They guarantee a better body in 12 weeks. Enjoy and let us know how you get on.

1. The Perfect Exercises to Firm up your Legs and Bums

The 2013 USN Makeover Challenge presents to you their legs and bums workout video. Taken from the highly proclaimed work out challenge, these exercises will tone your legs and bum in a routine that will take you less than half an hour.

2. Lose those love handles and firm up those Abs – exercises from the USN Makeover Challenge.

Taken from the 2013 USN Makeover challenge, these ab and love handle exercises guarantee results. The USN Makeover Challenge is a weight loss programme that will help you shape up and get fit fast.

3. Be Proud of your Arms with these must-do Exercises from the USN Makeover Challenge.

Taken from the 2013 USN Makeover challenge, these bingo wings and bicep workouts guarantee results. The USN Makeover Challenge is a weight loss programme that will help you shape up and get fit fast.

4. USN Present to you the Full Body Workout from their 2013 Makeover Challenge.

Fitness Challenges don’t come more rewarding than this. These full body exercises combine cardio and strength and are taken from the USN Body Makeover Challenge where the exercises and health benefits guarantee results.

5. The Best Circuit Training for your Body from the USN Makeover Challenge

These full circuit training exercises are taken from the USN Body Makeover Challenge and can be performed anywhere which is perfect for people always on the go. The USN Makeover Challenge is a proclaimed weight loss programme that will help you shape up and get fit fast through a series of exercises and diet plans.

For more information visit www.usn.co.uk

SkyCig Review. An Alternative To Smoking?

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Our writer, Mark, has been trying to quit smoking for a few years now, so we passed on Skycig to him and waited for the results. Here is what he said:

“I have been trying to quit smoking but have found it really hard. I liked how Skycig looks. The packaging if really stylish and the e-cigarette looks like a proper cigarette. So thumbs up for presentation.

The Skycig has different flavours and I am not a fan of them all, but there is plenty of selection and apart from the cherry one I like them. At first the e-cigarette is a little strange. It is like a cigarette but not. After a while I find something amazing happening though: I really cut down the amount of real cigarettes I smoke. I have not quit completely yet but I smoke Skycig instead. I can recommend it and will definitely keep using it.”

Many smokers yearn for a product which allows them to enjoy the physical act of smoking, without the obvious health implications (or unsocial outdoor restrictions!) associated with smoking traditional tobacco. The UK’s leading provider of e-cigarettes – SKYCIG – has the answer to this particular smokers’ daily dilemma, with the SKYCIG Freedom Pack. It provides customers with the most realistic smoking experience available, and is designed to be enjoyed virtually anywhere you see a ‘no smoking’ sign!

Designed to simulate the act of smoking tobacco, a SKYCIG e-cigarette contains just a small dose of nicotine, delivered in the form of water vapour, allowing you to enjoy the act of smoking, without the 4,000 harmful chemicals found in traditional cigarettes – making it an indispensable tool in the pathway to quitting!

Now with ‘push-to-charge’ technology, resulting in a longer lasting battery, the Freedom Pack conveniently allows customers to charge their e-cig on the move, without the complicated charging process of old.

With a selection of seven unique and great tasting flavours– Classic Tobacco, Tobacco Gold, Menthol, Vanilla, Cherry, Cinnamon, Crown Tobacco – and available in three varying strengths – Bold, Regular and Light – SKYCIG is a product which guarantees satisfaction, without compromising on taste or the user’s enjoyment of the product and experience.

With a cutting-edge and user friendly design, intended to mimic the look and appearance of a traditional cigarette, you can be sure to enjoy the product in style, knowing that it won’t stain your nails or teeth, or leave your clothes smelling like an ashtray!

SKYCIG costs up to 75 per cent less than traditional cigarettes.