LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
In response to the change in U.S. Air Force Instruction 40-102, Tobacco Use In the Air Force, the 633rd Medical Group will transition their entire campus at Langley Air Force Base to a tobacco free zone, beginning Sept. 26.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 443,000 people die from tobacco use every year, making it the leading preventable cause of death, disease and disability in the United States.
The removal of all forms of smoking and smokeless tobacco use on the medical campus will encourage healthy behavior for both the staff and patients.
"The AFI change will bring great things," said Col. James Forrest, 633rd MDG deputy commander. "The Medical Group is all about treatment and perhaps even more importantly, prevention."
"Smoking takes a large toll on the Department of Defense through significant medical costs and lost work time," said Forrest.
Since quitting can be hard, Forrest said the providers at the Langley Health and Wellness Center hold smoking cessation classes to help with promoting a healthy lifestyle.
The class assists smokers on behavior modification techniques and provides information about prescriptions available to help them kick the habit.
Monica Richardson, 633rd MDG HAWC health promotion manager, said the tobacco cessation class is designed for people thinking about taking the first step toward a healthier, smoke-free lifestyle.
"The class is a starting point for those of who want to make the decision to 'quit, and stay quit'," said Richardson.
After finishing the class, participants can follow up weekly with counselors from the American Lung Association who help with their progress and give support.
The class is offered most Wednesdays at the HAWC through pre-registration. To attend the class, participants must have base access privileges, and only medical beneficiaries may acquire medication. To register, call the HAWC at 764-6321.