Great American Smokeout 2008

  • Published
  • 355th Fighter Wing Health and Wellness Center
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE. Ariz. --  On Nov. 20, Davis Monthan Air Force Base will celebrate the Great American Smokeout. Held the third Thursday in November, the Great American Smokeout motivates tobacco users across the country to quit for one day.

Are you thinking about quitting? Perhaps, you want to but have some hesitation. The Health and Wellness Center (HAWC) staff wants to help you use 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.

Nov. 20, from 8:00-11:30a.m., stop by the Hospital Pharmacy and get personalized feedback on carbon monoxide levels, peak flows of pulmonary functioning and body fat percentages so you can learn first hand how your own tobacco use or the use of those around you affects your physical performance. Supportive literature and valuable referrals will be made available to you to help you work through the reasons why you use tobacco and how motivated you are to quit. Finally, you can be considered for any medications that also might assist with this process. These services will be offered again in the afternoon in front of the BX from 12:30-3:30 that same day.

As part of your plan you will want to quit for one day, Nov. 20, along with thousands of individuals across the nation. Quitting for even one day will help raise awareness of your tobacco habits and help identify the resources you need to help you quit.

There is a lot of help available to support you becoming tobacco free. For one, the HAWC stands ready to help you! We offer monthly tobacco cessation classes (November classes are Tuesdays at noon), call in 'Quitline' Assistance at 1-800-548-8252 from health professionals, access to medical providers through a health educator, online resources, weekly registration briefings (Wednesdays at noon at the HAWC) and follow up support. For more information about the Great American Smokeout or programs available to you please call the HAWC at 228-2294 and ask for Laurie Krupski.

According to the AFCHIPS, 27% of Active Duty members use tobacco products. Let's get that number to zero and let's start with you. Be Fit, Be Ready. Quit Tobacco and Make Everyone Proud!