Kicking the tobacco habit one day at a time

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  On Nov. 20, several Moody members joined millions of tobacco users all over the country to quit smoking for one day. The 32-year-old campaign is dubbed the Great American Smokeout.

The first Great American Smokeout was held in 1977 in an effort to educate the public on the dangers associated with tobacco use and show smokers that if they can quit for one day, they could quit for a lifetime. In addition to the event, Moody also dedicated November as Tobacco Awareness Month.

"Our goal for today and this month is to provide educational materials for people so they can make their own decisions about tobacco," said Tara Vig, Health and Wellness Center health education program manager. "Once they are ready to quit, the HAWC can assist in their quitting efforts."

Smokeout booths were set up at the 23rd Medical Group, the Base Exchange, the Military Personnel Flight and the Commissary. There were also displays set up at various maintenance units and security forces squadrons throughout base.

"We wanted the widest dissemination of information possible," said Mrs. Vig. "That's why we had displays everywhere."

The Smokeout also supports the DOD-sponsored educational campaign, Quit Tobacco--Make Everyone Proud. Its mission is to assist active-duty service members in their efforts to quit tobacco, for themselves, for the people who look up to them and for those who care about them.

According to their Web site, www.ucanquit2.org, tobacco can induce problems such impairing night vision and the body's ability to heal itself. Research shows that smoking cigarettes is directly related to 87 percent of lung cancer cases and causes most cases of emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Other than the campaigns, the HAWC staff is willing to provide one-on-one and group counseling sessions for people who would like more information or to begin the commitment to quit. Individuals can also enroll in the Moody Quit Line program by calling (800) 548-8252.

"We're here to help when people are ready to quit," said Mrs. Vig. "When people come in, I typically start with an assessment on what triggers their tobacco habits and we assist in modifying their behaviors so that it will be easier for them to stay quit."

The HAWC is always available to support living a tobacco-free life, she said.

For more information on quitting tobacco, call the HAWC at 257-4292.