"If we can make it a little bit more difficult for teenagers to start smoking then hopefully by the time they get tobe a bit older they will be more aware that they are not immune to the effects of smoking, " said Dr Sarah Jarvis from the Royal College of GPs.
At the same time, civil society needs tobe made more aware of the tremendous change they can bring about by encouraging a preference for responsible companies.
Unfortunately, unless the Obama effect wears off soon, by the time the American people become aware of this fact it may be too late to make a difference.