LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Langley's Health and Wellness Center challenged military members, retirees and dependents to kick their tobacco habit during the Great American Smoke out Nov. 14.
This yearly National Cancer Society program encourages smokers to quit for 24 hours, said Judith Blitz, HAWC health education program manager. After 24 hours the body begins to heal itself from the damaging effects of tobacco and the 4,000 chemicals added to it.
The Air Force supports the program not only for the health of its personnel, but also the high price tag associated with tobacco related illnesses, said Ms. Blitz.
These illnesses cost the Department of Defense $564 million in 2007, said Ms. Blitz. With the continued rise in health care cost, tobacco use alone could impact other DoD programs.
As part of the event, HAWC personnel set up booths where people could "trade a pack for a pack," in exchange of mints, gum and other substitutions. Pamphlets were also available pertaining to tobacco products and classes to help smokers quit.
The HAWC holds a one- hour class the first three Wednesdays of every month to inform Airman of ways to quit smoking and provides supplements that can help such as the Nicotine Patch and Wellbutrin, which are free for active duty, retirees and dependents.
Every Monday, personal 30-minute tobacco cessation sessions are offered from noon until 2 p.m. at the Eagle's Wing Café. There's an internet course available at www.ffsonline.org or a one-on-one session can be scheduled by calling the HAWC.
A new program was implemented this year called, "adopt a smoker or dipper," where for 24 hours a volunteer helps the tobacco user avoid using their product of choice.
"If you know a smoker and you want to help them quit smoking you can fill out the contract and keep it as a reminder," said Staff Sgt. Dianna Netti, Medical Operations Squadron mental health technician. "This contract is only between the two of you, basically saying this person has committed to quit smoking and you have committed to help them. "
The Great American Smoke out raised awareness about the issues caused by tobacco products, said Ms. Blitz.
"Langley gives its 1,600 tobacco users -- whether they are military personnel, retirees or dependents -- choices to help them quit," Ms. Blitz. "We are only asking people to quit for 24 hours but we hope they give up tobacco completely."
For more information, call the HAWC at 764-6321.