Quit for a day, quit for a lifetime

  • Published
  • By the 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The American Cancer Society marks their 34th Great American Smokeout Nov.19 by encouraging smokers to refrain from smoking on that day and to use it as a day to make a plan to quit.

The Air Force health observance for the month of November focuses on freedom from tobacco and in an effort to do just that, members from the 49th Medical Group are hosting an event at the Base Exchange from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in support of this effort.

All tobacco-users from Team Holloman are encouraged to attend the event and exchange their tobacco for a bag of tobacco-free information and products.

According to the American Cancer Society Web site, it is never too late to quit. Research shows that people who stop smoking before age 50 can cut their risk of dying in the next 15 years in half compared with those who continue to smoke. They also reduce their risk of lung cancer and after 10 years of quitting, cut their death rate from lung cancer in half.

The Health and Wellness Center offers tobacco cessation classes and medication free of charge to active-duty, retirees and dependants. Those who cannot attend the class can also use the San Antonio Military Medical Center quit line at 1-877-SAMMC-11 or Web site www.sammcquitline.com for assistance in becoming smoke-free.

For more information about tobacco cessation and kicking the habit for good, contact the HAWC at 575-572-5785.