Great American Smokeout enhances commitment to quit

  • Published
  • By Dr. Laurie Krupski
  • Health and Wellness Center
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Are you a smoker who's thinking about quitting?

On Nov. 15, the base will celebrate the Great American Smokeout, held nationally the third Thursday in November to help motivate tobacco users across the country to quit for one day.

The base Health and Wellness Center staff wants to specifically help those smokers who want to quit, but aren't if they can. For those people, the Smokeout can help to make that extra 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.

First, wake up on Nov. 15th and refrain from smoking. Then, between 12 and 4 p.m., stop by the HAWC display outside of the base exchange to pick up your "Tobacco Toolkit to Quit." Use this package of materials to help you work through the reasons why you use tobacco and how motivated you are to quit. This toolkit will help you make your final quit plan. Finally, you can be considered for any medications that also might assist with this process.

On the Great American Smokeout day, thousands of smokers across the nation will simultaneously stave off their cravings for an entire day. Quitting for even one day will help raise awareness of tobacco addiction and help identify resources needed to help people quit.

Don't forget - there's a lot of help available to support becoming tobacco-free. The HAWC is ready to help you!

Tobacco cessation classes are held at the HAWC monthly - November classes are Fridays at noon). Also, health professionals are available on the "Quitline" at 1-800-548-8252, and they can provide access to medical providers through a health educator, online resources, individual attention 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 recent studies, 27% of active-duty members use tobacco products. Let's get that number down to zero - starting with you. Be Fit, Be Ready, Be Tobacco Free!