Quit tobacco - Make everyone proud

  • Published
  • 509th Medical Group
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Whiteman Air Force Base will observe the Great American Smokeout Nov. 18, as a way to inspire and encourage smokers to quit.

For more than 30 years, the American Cancer Society has held the Great American Smokeout, which is recognized as a U.S. Air Force Health Observance that challenges and motivates tobacco users across the Air Force to quit for one day.

Tobacco-related diseases are the most preventable cause of death, according to most healthcare professionals and tobacco users. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that smokers die 13 to 14 years sooner than non-smokers. Encompassing Air Force Global Strike Command values, the 509th Medical Group Health and Wellness Center provides several resources and programs to assist Airmen in kicking the habit.

Medical group statistics say that 28 percent of active duty members assigned to Whiteman use tobacco products. Those Airmen are among an estimated 45 million adults in the U.S. currently smoke and half of those are expected to die prematurely form tobacco-related disease.

"The Whiteman Health and Wellness Center is committed to assisting anyone who wants to quit smoking," said Nita Hawk, HAWC director. "Those that strive to quit are invited to sign a pledge sheet anytime at the HAWC and pick up related support materials. We also offer carbon monoxide level testing before, during and after the Great American Smokeout."

The pledge sheet is a document a member can sign as an agreement to participate in the 2010 Smokeout, and offers suggestions such as informing family members of participation; hiding cigarettes, ashtrays, lighters and matches; refraining from being around others who are smoking; and not to smoking during the 24-hour period.

During the Great American Smokeout, representatives from the HAWC will be at the Exchange hosting a resource table from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"The idea is to challenge people to pledge to not smoke for the day," said Joel Urdang, HAWC health promotion educator. "By sticking with their pledge, we hope the smoker will consider how they could feel if they gave up smoking for good."

HAWC personnel also encourage servicemembers to visit www.ucanquit2.org, a Department of Defense website dedicated to assisting military members to quit smoking.

"The (DoD) website provides excellent tools and resources for everyone to use to help them kick the habit," Mr. Urdang said. "The HAWC and the website are both available year-round for anyone who wants to make a plan to quit. It doesn't have to happen just on Nov. 18."

TriWest Healthcare Alliance also offers support sources for those who want to quit through a discussion board on their Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/triwest. The discussion board allows those wanting to quit to get tips and support from each other.

TriWest also has a dedicated toll-free phone line to assist those wanting to quit. The number is 1-866-244-6870 and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"Tobacco use is one of the most harmful things people can do to themselves," Mr. Urdang said. "It's also one of the easiest habits to stop given enough support and dedication."

For more information on the Great American Smokeout or other tobacco cessation programs, contact the HAWC at (660) 687-7662 or visit www.triwest.com/tobacco.

(Courtesy of the Health and Wellness Center)