Each year, about 443,000 deaths in the United States can be attributed to smoking, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite solid evidence that smoking is harmful, people still continue to do so. In fact, the CDC also reports that 21 percent of adults, 18 years and older, smoke.
On a mission to tackle nicotine addiction and help smokers kick the habit, representatives of Zerosmoke, a new, drug free smoking cessation product, have been spearheading a campaign thought NFL stadiums this fall to help people kick the habit. Two-time Super Bowl champion and director of operations for Zerosmoke, Leonard Marshall, along with Miss America, Katie Stam, and other sports celebrities, are appearing at the stadiums to enforce reasons why smoking is harmful. They are also distributing samples of Zerosmoke.
Comprised of two 24-karat gold encapsulated biomagnets, Zerosmoke works based on auricular therapy, or the stimulation of acupressure points on the ear. Placed on the front and back of the outer ear, the pressure of the magnets releases neurotransmitters in the brain that can decrease or eliminate nicotine cravings, according to Marshall.
It is recommended for use from two to four hours a day. For the first week, smokers can continue to smoke as usual, but most notice their cravings considerably diminish. The average length of use is from about 21 to 30 days, some less, explains, Marshall.
Last year, the makers of Zerosmoke conducted a case study in Ecru, Mississippi called “Make Ecru Smoke Free.” For ten days they talked to community members about their habits and provided them with encouragement, support and the Zerosmoke magnets.
“Eighty percent of the people in that area we gave the magnets to ended up reducing their smoking,” says Marshall.
To this date, over a thousand have used the product and the company continues, through local government, to ship Zerosmoke free of charge, to the blue collar community of Ecru.
Perhaps the best testimonial comes from the companys president, Paolo Internicola, who discovered the product while on a business trip to Italy, where the product is manufactured.
“I like it because you dont need to quit cold turkey,” he explains. After using the product, his cravings were reduced to two cigarettes a day for about a month. Then gradually, after almost 20 years as a smoker, he quit completely.
He adds that its important for anyone who is trying to quit smoking with any program – to remember they need to adjust their lifestyle – from that of a smoker to a non-smoker as well.
Since landing on the market in September of 2007, sales of Zerosmoke have jumped 38%, says Marshall. And they continue to grow.
“Our goal is to place the product where the masses can get their arms around it,” he says. Efforts are being made presently to market the product to large retailers. Its currently available at Winn Dixie, Kerr Drug stores and Amazon.com for $39.95.
The company also offers a workplace wellness program in which corporations contribute to the cost of the magnets. Once successfully completing the program, employees can ultimately reduce their healthcare costs. According to company literature, corporations can save $3,487 for each employee who quits smoking.
Many who begin using the Zerosmoke magnets have the attitude that they have nothing to lose, explains Marshall. And after a week of use, several have told him personally that they can breathe easier, have more energy and are smoking less, it at all.
Each year, about 443,000 deaths in the United States can be attributed to smoking, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite solid evidence that smoking is harmful, people still continue to do so. In fact, the CDC also reports that 21 percent of adults, 18 years and older, smoke. 
