Women who smoke during pregnancy risk delivering aggressive kids according to a new Canada-Netherlands study published in the journal Development and Psychopathology. While previous studies have shown that smoking during gestation causes low birth weight, this research shows mothers who light up during pregnancy can predispose their offspring to an additional risk: violent behaviour.

Just seeing someone smoke can trigger smokers to abandon their nascent efforts to kick the habit, according to new research conducted at Duke University Medical Center. Brain scans taken during normal smoking activity and 24 hours after quitting show there is a marked increase in a particular kind of brain activity when quitters see photographs of people smoking.

Keeping the toughest New Year's resolution of them all could be made a little easier for Facebook users this year thanks to a new application - the Bupa 'QuitClock'. Bupa has exclusively designed this new application to both help and encourage any potential ex-smoker to give up cigarettes. QuitClock is a Facebook application that not only helps track the time since the last cigarette was smoked but also offers an at a glance view on how much money has been saved.

Nicotine gum has been in use for over 20 years to help smokers quit abruptly yet close to two-thirds of smokers report that they would prefer to quit gradually. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare have now found that smokers who are trying to quit gradually can also be helped by nicotine gum.

Department of Health Acting Secretary Everette James today urged Pennsylvania smokers to make quitting smoking their top New Year's resolution for 2009. "The start of a new year presents an opportunity to make positive changes in our lives," said James. "While quitting smoking is rarely easy, having a plan and seeking support can greatly increase your chances of succeeding.

One month after the Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) and the Department of Public Health (DPH) launched a joint veterans' smoking cessation program at the State House, the quit line has received over 500 calls. On average, the quit line received 15-20 calls each day. The program offers veterans and their families a free four-week supply of nicotine patches valued at $100 retail, along with informational resources on the benefits of quitting smoking, and tips on how to stop.

Montana physicians play a key role in helping people quit using tobacco products. However, a Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program (MTUPP) survey shows most people don't often ask their physician to help them quit smoking. Consequently, MTUPP sent 2,500 letters to Montana physicians urging them to take the initiative with their patients.

As the new year approaches, thousands of tobacco users have "quit" on their New Year's resolution list. But studies show that those who want to quit find it more difficult in times of stress, such as the current economic downturn. The Colorado QuitLine provides tobacco users with a free telephone coaching service and a free supply of the nicotine patch - valued at approximately $300. Financial stress can be a key smoking trigger.

In the US city of Pueblo in the state of Colorado there has been a sharp drop in the number of hospital admissions for heart attacks following the introduction of a law that made it illegal to smoke in public spaces and workplaces. And the drop was steady for three years, said the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The study assesses the effectiveness of a smoking cessation guideline relevant to the public maternity care settings with an accompanying implementation program throughout Queensland maternity hospitals. Despite high level evidence proving the effectiveness of smoking cessation programs, few Australian hospitals have adopted a systematic approach to assist pregnant women to stop smoking.