"In 1989, millions of cases of imported fruit were banned after a small amount of cyanide was found in just two grapes. There's 33 times more cyanide in a single cigarette than was found in two grapes."

This is just one of the many facts found at TheTruth.com, an organization that seeks to inform about the truth of cigarettes, cigarette smoke and tobacco companies.

"Smoking attributes to 30 percent of all cancer deaths and 87 percent of lung cancer deaths. Smoking also is the main culprit in heart disease, strokes, bronchitis and emphysema and gastric ulcers."

This is a fact found at the UT Medical Center web site. In an effort not only to educate but to aid smokers in "kicking the habit," the UT Medical Center will hold an eight-week clinic called "Freedom From Smoking." It has been a very successful program so far. In the last session, held in November 2006, 50 percent of the class quit smoking.

"Freedom From Smoking" is a program that was founded by the American Lung Association in 1975 that focuses on "positive behavior change."

"It's a behavioral modification program. It's just breaking that bad habit up and finding new alternatives," Georgette Samaras, the education coordinator for the Cancer Institute, said. "It's a great program we're happy to be affiliated with." 

The classes will start March 27 at 6 p.m. on the fourth floor conference room in the Cancer Institute of the UT Medical Center, and they will continue through May 15.

The program will not stop there, as they plan to take the clinic to the high schools. "We are currently working with our facility [to bring] a similar program to teens in the community," Samaras said, adding that nicotine addiction is something frequently acquired at an early age.

There is a $50 deposit required; however, each participant's full deposit will be refunded if he or she attends every session. Return of the deposit does not depend on attendees quitting.

For more information and to register, call (865) 544–8577.