Great American Smoke Out: Exhale for good

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rommel Rosales
  • 377th Medical Group
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The Great American Smoke Out, which takes place Nov. 20, is an annual event is sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Smokers are encouraged to make a plan to quit smoking for at least 24 hours, but preferably for good. Quitting for even a day can be a smoker's first step towards a healthier and longer life. Being tobacco-free is of great value, physically and financially.

According to Department of Defense estimates, the medical cost of tobacco use in the United States is $1.6 billion yearly. It also causes cancer, strokes, heart and lung disease and can cause reduced endurance, decreased night vision, hearing loss, wounds heal more slowly, increased post-operative complications and smokers emit a strong foul odor.

Quitting can be very difficult and may involve dealing with withdrawal, rationalization, avoiding temptation and changing your habits. It is beneficial in the quitting phase to have resilience and a good support network. Tell your family, friends, and/or co-workers of your plan to quit. You'd be surprised by how helpful they can be.

The American Cancer Society recommends a four-step plan for quitting. There's no single right way, but there are some tips that can help:
 -- Make the decision to quit;
 -- Pick a "quit day" and make a plan;
 -- Expect to deal with withdrawal; and
 -- Stay quit.

A variety of programs are available to help, so consider consulting with your health care provider for guidance or use the Military OneSource Living Free: Smoking Cessation Program.

The "Quit Tobacco-Make Everyone Proud," is a Department of Defense-sponsored website, ucanquit2.org, designed to assist military members quit. The "money" feature on that site shows there is a potential to save $3,741 an year by quitting.

There's also a hotline for military callers sponsored by the American Lung Association, 1-877-695-7848 available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. The staff there is trained to help clients with behavior modification techniques and to develop a plan that will work for them.

You can also sign up with the Health Promotions Flight to help you quit, and the flight hosts a tobacco cessation class every fourth Thursday of the month most months. However, this month's session is being held today, and the next session will be Dec. 11 due to upcoming holiday breaks. The classes are 8 to 11 a.m. at the 377th Medical Group. To register, call 846-3461.