EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, ALASKA --
Tobacco cessation can be a challenge for many people, but the number of smokers has fallen drastically in the past decade. An increase in awareness, and programs, such as the Great American Smokeout have helped millions of Americans kick the habit.
The GAS is November 16, it’s held each year by the American Cancer Society; the event challenges people across the nation to stop using tobacco while raising awareness about the many tools people can use to help them quit.
Smokers can make a plan to quit on the day of the smokeout, or use this date to contact quitlines and start the process of quitting.
Tobacco use damages the body from the inside out and can negatively affect a person’s ability to be fit to fight.
“Tobacco use cuts down on a person's cardiorespiratory endurance,” said Dana Baugh, the 354th Medical Operations Squadron health promotion coordinator. “Tobacco affects lung function, which increases risk for injury and means lost days from work. Not only is the cardiorespiratory and skeletal system affected, but eyesight-especially at night-can be affected by tobacco use. Tobacco affects a person's physical ability to fight; users are linked to loss of productivity and absenteeism.”
Tobacco use isn’t only limited to cigarettes and chewing tobacco. There’s been a recent surge in the use of electronic cigarettes as a safe alternative to cigarettes, but those may not be any better.
“E-cigarettes are similar to combustibles,” said Baugh. “At this time, the FDA does not know how harmful some of the liquids in e-cigarettes are but some of the toxins are known to cause cancer. E-cigarettes are not currently regulated and the nicotine/chemical amounts can be very different from one brand to another. Unfortunately, due to some of the ‘fun’ flavors e-cigs come in, it can be easier to start using them.”
Nearly 20 percent of Eielson’s population uses some form of tobacco, compared to the Air Force usage rate of 14 percent. This puts many other military members and their families at risk for second hand smoke exposure.
Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States. Due to the risks of secondhand smoke, the base restricts tobacco to designated smoking areas.
The 49 DSAs on Eielson reduce the chance of second hand exposure to tobacco products and supports a healthy smoke-free lifestyle.
If you are is interested in quitting, call the Freedom Quitline at 1-844-I-AM-FREE (1-844-426-3733) Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 2 p.m., Health and Wellness Center at 907-377-6662, or contact your primary care manager.