WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The Professional Development Center hosted an afternoon highlighting The Great American Smokeout Nov. 21, 2013. This event has occurred nationwide every third Thursday in November for the past 38 years.

The day is as an opportunity for current smokers to pledge not to smoke for a full day while making plans to quit. They are offered guidance on effective methods and techniques from both health professionals and former smokers, which can help them, kick the habit for good. The Great American Smokeout also serves as a platform to publicize the health hazards of smoking in an effort to deter teenagers who could become potential smokers.

Brian Kirby, the Health Promotion Director for Whiteman's Health and Wellness Center, said individuals who quit are helping not only themselves but the Department of Defense as well.

"Not only is tobacco use the number one cause of premature death in Americans today, with more than 440,000 killed last year alone, it costs the DOD $1.6 billion annually in combined direct health care costs, and costs associated with loss of productivity, absence from work, lowered resilience, and more", said Kirby. "Collaborating with the American Cancer Society in celebrating their annual 'Smokeout' day allows us to focus some attention on the potential for improved health and performance of Team Whiteman if we further reduce the use of tobacco within our community."

Though progress is slow, Kirby says he is pleased to see positive trends in Airmen living tobacco-free. However, despite success with cigarettes, smokeless tobacco is on the rise and the HAWC is ready to work to improve health in this area as well.

For more information or help quitting, contact the Whiteman HAWC at 660-687-7662 or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WhitemanHAWC.