NEWS RELEASE

Great American Smokeout^TM 2007: It’s Never Too Late to Quit

San Francisco, CA––Did you know if you’re a smoker, you could gain almost immediate benefits as soon as you quit, regardless of your age? Within 20 minutes, blood pressure and pulse rates drop to normal. Eight hours after quitting, the oxygen level in the blood increases to normal. One day after quitting, the odds of having a heart attack start to drop. Within 48 hours nerve endings start re-growing and the ability to smell and taste is enhanced. Within two weeks, lung function will have increased by up to 30 percent. Two weeks to 3 months after quitting, circulation improves and walking becomes easier. One year, the body’s energy level increases and the risk of coronary heart disease will be half that of a smoker.

Since 1977, the American Cancer Society and Citizens for a Smokefree America have sponsored the Great American SmokeoutTM each November, an event based on the idea that smokers who can manage to quit for a day can quit for good. In support of kicking the habit, clinical interns at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine will be offering ear acupuncture treatments to the public at it’s donation-based clinic in Potrero Hill. The ear clinic operates Mondays from 1:30 – 4:30pm, and Wednesdays from 9am to 12 noon. The Ear Clinic is located at 555 De Haro Street in San Francisco. No appointments are necessary, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

In the treatment of addictions, Traditional Chinese Medicine utilizes auricular (ear) acupuncture, where four to five very small needles are inserted into points corresponding to the lung, kidney and nervous system. It is thought that these needles increase the flow of endorphins, morphine- like hormones that induce a deep state of relaxation. This state is prolonged and leads to a lessening of cravings for nicotine and other drugs. Acupuncture can also help ease the jitters, irritability and restlessness people commonly complain about when trying to quit.

Acupuncture as an alternative approach to smoking cessation has a growing number of converts. In fact, acupuncture is often a court-mandated treatment for drug addicts because of its ability to curb withdrawal symptoms and manage cravings. Ear acupuncture is a safe and effective option for people looking for treatment with few to no side effects.

Cigarette smoking is the most preventable cause of death in the U.S., says the American Cancer Society, but each year it kills more Americans than AIDS, alcohol, car accidents, suicides, murders and fires combined. According to the American Lung Association, 1 in 5 adults smoke, and smoking-related diseases claim an estimated 440,000 American lives each year. Cigarettes and cigarette smoke contain over 4,000 chemicals, including 60 known to cause cancer. An estimated 8.6 million people suffer from smoking-caused chronic conditions such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other cardiovascular diseases. Smoking greatly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, cancer, heart disease, asthma, and women’s reproductive disorders.

Millions of Americans will stub out their cigarettes on November 15, 2007. For individuals truly motivated to stop smoking, acupuncture can be just the help they need. Join American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and make the Great American Smokeout TM the first day of your smoke- free life! For more information on the donation-based ear clinic, or to make an appointment in the College’s full-service Community Clinic, please call (415) 282-9603.