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News Release

HHS STATEMENTS
Regarding American Cancer Society's "Great American Smokeout"
November 20, 2003

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson

"Finally we've begun to change the 'culture of cool' that smoking has held on this nation. But still, far too many Americans smoke. Today there are more than 3 million teenagers who smoke and another 4,000 will try their first cigarette. This decision can have dire consequences. What starts as a single puff can become a death sentence to millions of Americans; and with that decision comes the heartache and pain suffered by families as they see their loved ones become sick and eventually die. Today I encourage all smokers to join the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout, quit smoking, and begin the path to a longer, healthier life."

Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona

"Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, resulting in more than 440,000 deaths each year. When it comes to smoking, quitters are winners," said U.S. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona. "I commend the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout for helping people to quit smoking and begin living longer, healthier lives. As soon as you quit smoking, your circulation improves and carbon monoxide levels in your blood start declining. Your pulse rate and blood pressure, which are abnormally high while smoking, immediately start returning to normal. One year after quitting, your risk of heart disease is cut in half, and over the next several years it continues to decrease. It's never to late to quit."

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Last Revised: November 19, 2003