2011 Great american Smokeout Published Nov. 17, 2011 By Todd Brian 82nd Training Wing Health and Wellness Center SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Thinking about quitting tobacco? Perhaps some people want to, but have some hesitation. Consider kicking the habit for good starting with one day. Held the third Thursday in November, the Great American Smoke-out motivates tobacco users across the country to quit for one day and this year it is being observed Nov. 17. As part of the tobacco cessation game plan, people who want to quit start with the GASO along with thousands of individuals across the nation. Quitting for the day helps raise awareness on smoking behaviors, triggers and barriers. It is an opportunity to study personal smoking habits and identify the resources needed to help individuals quit. The Health and Wellness Center (HAWC) staff participated by using the Great American Smoke-out to make that commitment to quit. Even if individuals are not ready to quit now, they can use one day to prepare for the day they will quit for good. There is a lot of help available to support people in becoming tobacco free. The HAWC stands ready to help. For more information about the GASO or programs available to assist you with quitting tobacco, please call the HAWC at 676-3035. Remember that tobacco cessation is a process, not an event. The secret to quitting involves some work, determination, and commitment. Please don't give up on giving up. With education, support and practice, we all have the ability to quit tobacco successfully and with the GASO, there is no better time to make tobacco a thing of the past. For questions, comments or more information related to this article and tobacco cessation, please contact the HAWC at 676-3035.