JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- In an effort to bring awareness and encourage tobacco-free living, the Health and Wellness Center at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson joins the American Cancer Society’s campaign called The Great American Smokeout scheduled for Nov. 16 across the nation.
The campaign provides an opportunity for all who use various forms of tobacco – and might have thoughts about quitting – to commit or recommit to healthy, tobacco-free living.
“Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States,” said Lisa Schuette, Health Promotion Coordinator for JBER. “According to the American Cancer Society, in the past, this campaign would tell people to quit cold turkey in one day. We all know now just how addictive tobacco is and how unattainable this goal is for most. We recognize quitting is a process. It starts with a realistic plan, taking small steps to make a big change.”
At JBER there are currently several tobacco cessation classes, programs and options to improve the rate of success at quitting tobacco. The campaign highlights these options.
“Our classes are meant to educate individuals on methods of quitting and the harms of tobacco, as well as relapse and weight-gain prevention,” Schuette said. “They are for anyone with base access and require no referral to attend: just call and schedule to participate at the Health and Wellness Center. I find through education and a lot of support, people are able to be proactive about the things they may face when trying to quit.”
If tobacco cessation classes sound intimidating, there are two other programs to consider. The Freedom Quitline Research Study is for active duty, retirees and dependents. UCanQuit2.org is another option, which is an online and telephone support operation available 24 hours a day, 7 days week and has immediate tools to help in the process of quitting all forms of tobacco.
“The importance of tobacco cessation cannot be understated,” said Air Force Capt. Jason Ptak, a physician’s assistant with the 673d Medical Group Family Health Clinic. “Through our programs we have been able to educate people on the importance of quitting– not only for the smokers’ health, but for a multitude of other factors including the health of other family members and the financial burdens associated with smoking.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure; even brief exposure can be harmful to health. Since 1964, approximately 2.5 million nonsmokers have died from health problems caused by exposure to secondhand smoke.
“We hope The Great American Smokeout is used as an opportunity to make a plan to quit using tobacco,” Schuette said. “For some, they might just be at a place where they need a little nudge, a tangible time to begin the process. For others, it might be a seed planted for future thought. Ultimately, we just don’t want anyone to die prematurely from a preventable cause.”
For more information about the programs offered on JBER, call the Health and Wellness Center at 551-2361.
For more information or questions about The Great American Smokeout, visit cancer.org/smokeout.