I smoked a pack and a half a day for 38 years. I had previously tried to quit smoking using the nicotine patch, gum, Chantix, and cold turkey. I was not successful in my attempts. I enjoyed smoking. I suffered from bronchitis three to four times a year. I had to have surgery a few times and it took me longer to heal. I started having shortness of breath when I walked even short distances. In August 2010 my son suggested electronic cigarettes. I bought a kit and have been using electronic cigarettes ever since. I smoke a cigarette occasionally when extremely stressed, but they no longer have a pleasant taste. I have had maybe 100 cigarettes in the last three years where I used to smoke 100 cigarettes a week. I had surgery since I quit smoking and healed many days faster. My clothes, car and house no longer smell of stale smoke. I have not had bronchitis in three years. I finished my first 5K in 2012 without shortness of breath. I have saved a lot of money from not smoking cigarettes. My health and lifestyle has improved tremendously since I changed to the electronic cigarette, which I consider a healthier alternative.