Sheppard to hold Great American Smokeout 2010

  • Published
  • By Debi Smith
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sheppard Air Force Base will observe the Great American Smokeout Nov. 18 with a goal to motivate tobacco users to unite with others across the nation to stop smoking for one day.

Brian Todd, Health Education coordinator with the Health and Wellness Center, said quitting for the day helps raise awareness on smoking behaviors, triggers and barriers.
"This can be the first step in a tobacco cessation plan," he said. "By using this opportunity, a person can study their personal smoking habits and identify the resources needed to help them quit. "

The HAWC staff is available to help anyone using the Great American Smokeout to make that commitment to quit.

"Even if you are not ready to quit now, you can use the day to get prepared for the day when you will quit for good," Mr. Todd said. "With education, support and practice, we all have the ability to quit tobacco successfully, and with the Great American Smokeout, there is no better time to make tobacco a part of the past ...your past."

About 47 million adults in the United States currently smoke and about half will die prematurely from smoking. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for men and women. This year alone there will be about 169,500 new cases diagnosed in the United States. More than 80 percent of lung cancers are thought to result from smoking.

Statistics show that it takes several tries to stop using tobacco products entirely. The best advice is to keep trying. Tobacco cessation is a process, not an event. The secret to quitting involves some work, determination and commitment.

In addition to second-hand smoke, tobacco smoke has added a new potential danger to its list of hazards: third-hand smoke. Third-hand smoke is the residue left on surfaces from second-hand smoke, and can remain on or in the smoker long enough to settle in places considered smoke-free.

Babies and toddlers are of particular concern, since they have far greater exposure to contaminated surfaces. Although adults are discouraged from smoking when children are present, this is not enough.

This year, the HAWC staff will set up information tables at the fitness centers and pharmacy area of the base clinic. The Exchange will spotlight fitness and tobacco cessation products in a display.

For information on how to quit smoking, visit the Department of Defense's Quit Tobacco website, the American Lung Association Freedom from Smoking website and the American Cancer Society Fresh Start Program website.

For more information about the Great American Smokeout or programs available to assist you with quitting tobacco, call the HAWC at 676-3035.