40 days and 40 nights

Probably to your disappointment, I'm not going to discuss that raunchy Josh Hartnett comedy (though I'm glad the title caught your attention). I'm going to talk about gorgeous, smoking hot celebrities… with a twist. They're still hot celebrities, but these days, smoking no more. Here's why:

Recent studies show that 40 days is the sufficient time to help smokers quit and that includes the period for withdrawal symptoms, says Dr. Salvador Castaneda, a Pfizer medical consultant for tobacco dependence.

Last August 24, 2006, famous showbiz personalities Amanda Griffin, Rica Peralejo, Vitto Lazatin and Epy Quizon, took on this 40-day challenge in the "Kick It! Beat It!" quit-smoking advocacy campaign of Pfizer in support of the smoking cessation program of the Department of Health (DOH). Each is armed with a quit diary, a piggy bank to measure their savings from scrimping on cigarettes and a whole lot of determination. Their finish line is October 1. Will they make it?

It's interesting that when the two separate worlds of celebrities and social issues meet, it paves way for something commendable. These young stars are making use of their celebrity status in a unique effort to promote health and society awareness. In short, they're setting a good example and I salute them for it.

I don't mean that young smokers are probably going to quit smoking just because a handful of their TV idols are trying to but because they're reminded once again that cigarette smoking is dangerous to your health. And it's ten times more attention-grabbing to have the warning come from an attractive celebrity, rather than from the nameless "Surgeon-General".

In our society where many people young and old are more interested in showbiz names and gossip rather than in political or economic events, it really helps to throw in some celebrity endorsement. This is especially true in endorsing underestimated society ideals, such as kicking the nicotine habit.

The thing is, with endorsements coming from famous, credible personalities, it's encouraging, sometimes even inspiring, to follow suit. So, dear reader, are you a smoker who intends to quit? Or do you know a smoker who's always wanted to? Well, there's no time like the present. You might as well start now. In only 40 days and 40 nights, you can breathe, sleep, think, smell and live so much better (not to mention you could save a lot of money). It's only 40 days. A whole lifetime of better health is well worth 40 days of sacrifice.

And one day, you just might find yourself in a fancy restaurant, seated at a table next to Amanda Griffin or Rica Peralejo. A rewarding view, isn't it? In the non-smoking section, of course.

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