For many smokers, this is the day that they will finally kick the habit for good. The event is highly publicized that day and many volunteers from various agencies will be available to help and support the tobacco users with their desire to quit.

The Great American Smoke Out also draws attention to the many illnesses, diseases and deaths attributed to tobacco usage. It also

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 45 million US adults smoke cigarettes. Over 8 million people have an illness attributed to smoking. The use of tobacco can cause lung and other cancers, heart disease, and lung disease such as emphysema and copd. 1 out of 3 cancer deaths are attributed to smoking.

Over the years, people have tried various methods to try and break the nicotine habit. Many people have had success with patches, pills, gums and hypnosis. Recently, low level (lllt) was introduced to aid people in quitting smoking.

Low level laser therapy is the use of a cold, low level laser to stimulate acupuncture points on the body that decrease the urge for nicotine. The therapy stimulates the body and assists in production of endorphins which are your body's natural healers. The endorphin production helps to eliminate the cravings that are generated by nicotine. Most people report a feeling of calm and well being after undergoing the laser therapy for smoking cessation.

The great thing about the low level laser therapy that sets itself apart from most of the other therapies is that there are no reported side effects with the treatment. There are very few contraindications for the therapy so most people can be treated. Because the therapy is currently undergoing FDA clinical trials, people with active cancers or pregnant women can not be treated. People who are sensitive to light, currently taking antibiotics or steroids are also ineligible for the treatment.

I was a smoker of 20 years who quit with this therapy. My father, a smoker of 44 years also quit with low level laser therapy. I can also cite countless people who were long term smokers who successfully quit with low level laser therapy and experienced no side effects aside from a feeling of relaxation.

Did you know what positive changes happen to the body at the very moment that you decide to quit smoking? Check out these facts:

20 minutes after quitting smoking: your blood pressure drops to a level close to that before your last cigarette. The temperature of your hands and feet increases, returning to normal.

8 hours after quitting smoking: the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal, your body is now getting more oxygen.

24 hours after quitting smoking: you have better circulation and your lung function increases up to 30%

1 to 9 months after quitting smoking: coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue and shortness of breath decrease. Your lungs start to function better, lowering your risk of lung infections.

1 year after quitting smoking: you reduce your risk of heart disease by 50%.

5-15 years after quitting smoking: your risk of having a stroke is the same as someone who has never smoked.

10 years after quitting smoking: your risk of dying from lung cancer is about half of a continuing smoker's. Your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat esophagus, kidney and pancreas also decrease.

15 years after quitting smoking: your risk of heart disease is now the same as someone who has never smoked.

After being smoke free for 2 years, I feel great! I now play tennis, golf and ride my bike for hours. I was never able to do these things when I smoked because I became too winded. Whatever method you chose to quit smoking during the Great American Smoke Out, I wish you the best of luck. You can do it!

For more information regarding laser therapy for smoking cessation, visit