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 TAMPA, Fla. (Ivanhoe Broadcast News) -- Each year, many smokers swear this is the year they are going to kick the habit. Now, there's a new smoking cessation program that could help them keep that promise. It's a program that's been used in Europe for more than a decade, and is now available in the United States.
A novel red laser is going to help Astrid Struck break an 18-year-old habit. "Hopeful that it will be the last day that I smoke," she says.
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Anne Penman found out about the therapy 14 years ago. A heavy smoker at the time, she reluctantly went for the treatment. She tells Ivanhoe, "I went along, had one session, came out of there and haven't had a cigarette since."
 Penman developed a program around the laser therapy helping thousands quit smoking in Europe. Now, Anne Penman Laser Therapy Centers are open in the United States. During the therapy, the laser is placed on pressure points on the ears, nose, hands and wrists to release endorphins.
"A smoker's endorphins are constantly going up and down like that," she says. "What we do with the laser is create a nice balanced effect."
The therapy is under clinical study. Diane Poirier, R.N., is the principal investigator and reviews the results each month. "Right now, they are averaging a 69 percent success rate," she tells Ivanhoe. That means 31 percent of patients won't benefit. But more research is backing the therapy. A study done at Middlesex University found nearly all 340 smokers who had four laser therapy sessions stopped smoking.
 Andy Solo smoked for 35 years. For the first time, he can drive his truck without lighting up. "It makes you feel good. I don't have the cravings that I thought I would have," he says, and he finally came true on a promise he made to his grandson. He no longer smokes.
There are more than 30 Anne Penman Laser Therapy Centers in the United States with 60 more planned to open soon. The therapy costs $299 and includes two to four therapy sessions, counseling and a 24-hour hotline. This cold laser therapy is also used to help people lose weight and reduce stress. So far, researchers say there are no unwanted side effects associated with the therapy.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
If you would like more information, please contact:
Margy Jennings
Anne Penman Laser Therapy
1502 S. MacDill Ave.
Tampa, FL
33629
(813) 258-9100
http://www.apltweb.com
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