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NEWS RELEASE

November 1 ,2006 Contact: Lauri Howell Phone: (800) 729-0941

Great American Smokeout 2006
Quit Smoking For Good With Acupuncture

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.

In an effort to help smokers who want to kick the habit Pacific College’s San Diego and Chicago Campus Clinics are offering a $10 treatment to new patients and $10 off treatment to current patients, Thursday, November 16, 2006. Pacific’s New York Campus is offering free introductory community style acupuncture for Smoking Cessation, Saturday, November 18, 2006.

Acupuncture treatments help to curb cravings and ease the stress of quitting by utilizing 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.

According to current research an estimated 45 million Americans smoke. Continual use of tobacco can cause lung cancer, as well as heart disease and lung disease. Smoking is responsible for 1 in 3 cancer deaths, and 1 in 5 deaths from all causes. Another 8.6 million people are living with serious illnesses caused by smoking.

The Great American Smokeout provides smokers with the opportunity to quit. Smokers who quit smoking gain almost immediate benefits, regardless of age, or how long you have been a smoker. 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.

Millions of Americans will stub out their cigarettes on November 16. For individuals truly motivated to stop smoking, acupuncture can be just the help they need. Join Pacific College and make the Great American Smokeout the first day of your smoke-free life!

For more information contact Pacific College at (800) 729-0941 or visit www.PacificCollege.edu.

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