FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2007

ARLINGTON, VA - The HealthCentral Network, Inc. (www.HealthCentral.com) today announced the launch of StopSmokingConnection.com, a website dedicated to helping smokers successfully quit. The site provides expert advice, reliable medical information and a community support network that will aid smokers in their quest to overcome addiction.

Former smoker and award-winning author Anne Mitchell will write a weekly blog for the site. Mitchell's book, Give It Up! Stop smoking for life, was published in 2003. Mitchell is also trained as a facilitator for the American Cancer Society's FreshStart stop-smoking program and will use her training and her struggle with smoking cessation to offer advice and support for the site's community members

"The HealthCentral Network's new StopSmokingConnection.com is a rich combination of helpful information and meaningful support for people trying to quit smoking," Mitchell said. "Having been a long-term smoker who desperately wanted to quit (and finally succeeded), I know how important it is to have that kind of support. Interacting with others who are experiencing the same symptoms and feeling the same sense of frustration during those all-too-common relapses is an important part of finally becoming successful."

"The health risks associated with smoking are as well known as they are serious, and quitting smoking is one of the best steps an individual can take to improve his or her overall health," said Chris Schroeder, CEO and President of The HealthCentral Network. "Providing information, tools and resources, expert advice and, above all, a community of support to those in the process of or thinking about smoking cessation is a much-needed addition to The HealthCentral Network."

The HealthCentral Network, Inc. (www.healthcentral.com) is a new and unique online offering, comprised of over 30 general health and highly specific condition and wellness web properties, each committed to offering a voice in everyday and personal language people can understand and connect with at critical points in their lives. Each site provides timely, interactive, in-depth and trusted medical information (from Harvard Health among others), and connections to leading experts and thousands of people who share their related experiences and inspiration.

The HealthCentral Network recently launched personal health tools including the most comprehensive web solution for caregivers managing their communities of friends and families (www.carecentral.com). The company also produces the nationally syndicated television show, "Medical Breakthroughs with Dr. Dean Edell," and has a library of nearly 1,000 short-form, condition-specific videos throughout its network.

The HealthCentral Network was acquired in 2005 by Polaris Ventures, Sequoia Capital, The Carlyle Group and Allen & Company, and has built a management team that combines decades of experience in interactive media and medical, science and news journalism. The company received top recognition from The International Health and Medical Media Awards with a 2006 FREDDIE Award for MyDiabetesCentral.com and the Health Care Standard of Excellence WebAward from the Web Marketing Association.