The Great American Spit Out: Pitch the dip

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. David Tolson
  • Health and Wellness Center
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Those wishing to kick the tobacco habit can look to the Great American Spit Out, an annual campaign held each February as a means to raise awareness of the dangers associated with smokeless tobacco.

Commitment to quitting is the first step in overcoming the use of tobacco products, so step up to the plate and swing for the fences with a four-step quit plan towards a tobacco free life. The benefits of being tobacco free can be valuable, both physically and financially.

Tobacco has several negative impacts. Its use causes cancer, strokes, heart disease and lung disease. It can also cause other problems, such as reduced endurance, decreased night vision, hearing loss, decreased wound healing, and increased post-operative complications. The Department of Defense estimates tobacco use costs $1.6 billion in medical expenses yearly.

Quitting tobacco is difficult and can involve dealing with withdrawal, rationalization, avoiding temptation, and changing habits. It is beneficial in the quitting phase to have resilience and a good support network. Tell your friends, co-workers, and/or spouse of your intent to stop usage. You'd be surprised by how helpful your support group can be.

The American Cancer Society recommends a four-step plan for quitting. There's no one right way, but there are some things that can help you quit for good. The four key factors are:
  • Make the decision to quit
  • Pick a "quit day" and making a quit plan
  • Deal with withdrawal
  • Stay quit, or maintenance
There are multiple programs available to help one quit. Consider consulting with your healthcare provider for guidance or utilizing the Military OneSource Living Free: Smoking Cessation Program. The "Quit Tobacco-Make Everyone Proud," is a DOD-sponsored website, http://www.ucanquit2.org, designed to assist military members in their efforts to quit smoking and chewing tobacco. The money feature on this site indicates that you can potentially save up to $3,741 annually by quitting the purchase of tobacco products.

You can also sign up with the Health and Wellness Center to facilitate the future four steps to success in quitting the use of tobacco products. The HAWC hosts a tobacco cessation class every fourth Thursday of the month. The next session is Feb. 27 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at the 377th Medical Group. To register, call 846-1186.