US antismoking campaign works!

A 3 month, Federally funded national anti-smoking campaign that employed graphic images and messages about the effects of smoking has helped thousands to quit smoking.

The three-month long campaign was funded by the Affordable Care Act.  Initially it led 200,000 smokers to quit; of these, over 100,000 are expected to stop permanently.

The advertising campaign raised eyebrows due to the jarring images and blunt message about the dangers of smoking.  Tim McAfee, Director of the CDC, said: “I wish we could make upbeat, happy ads,” but unfortunately, smokers indicated they wouldn’t be motivated to quit by ads of that type.

—  David Epstein, MD