Everyone Proud Can Help Airmen Quit Tobacco Published Oct. 22, 2008 Health and Wellness Center EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Great American Smokeout is Nov. 20, and Eglin's Health and Wellness Center is giving smokers a hand to kick the habit. The HAWC is offering "Commit to Quit" kits for anyone who registers for a tobacco cessation class. But, if you're not ready to take that step, a commitment to quit for just one day will have its rewards--that also earns a kit. According to Kathryn Halliday-Fields, the HAWC is teaming with the 96th Services Squadron to register people for a 5K walk/run that day. Anyone who registers for the run is entered into a drawing for a workout bag stuffed with goodies that includes a massage from the massage therapist here on base. Thirty-seven percent of male airmen aged 18 to 25 smoke, and more than 16 percent of 18- to 24-year-old male Airmen dip. Of male Airmen aged 18 to 25, 19.2 percent start smoking and 11.1 percent start using smokeless tobacco after joining the service. And once starting tobacco use, it's hard to quit. Very few people quit tobacco the first time they try. On average, it takes 8 to 11 attempts to quit successfully. But now there is help for Airmen who want to quit using tobacco. The Quit Tobacco--Make Everyone Proud Web site (www.ucanquit2.org) is loaded with great information and interactive support features to help get ready to quit tobacco and stay quit. On the Web site, users can develop a personalized quit plan (www.ucanquit2.org/ QuitPlanSteps/); get information ww.ucanquit2.org/facts/default.aspx); listen to podcasts (www.ucanquit2.org/rss/quitcast_details.aspx); connect to federal, military, state, local, and online cessation programs (www.ucanquit2.org/HelpLocator/default.aspx); and find diversion tactics such as playing games (www.ucanquit2.org/games/). Additionally, a trained cessation counselor is available via instant messenger, seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., e.s.t. Support is just a click away (www.ucanquit2.org/LiveHelp/default.aspx). The online help locator is designed to help find local resources for cessation programs. Anyone can search by type of installation or state (http://www.ucanquit2.org/HelpLocator/default.aspx). The multimedia section (www.ucanquit2.org/ Multimedia/default.aspx) contains a variety of high-tech features such as podcasts, RSS feeds, e-cards, radio ads, testimonials, and posters. Choose what's right. There is something for everyone! No matter how long a person has used tobacco, the benefits of quitting (www.ucanquit2.org/facts/ NewYear/RewardsQuitting.aspx) begin just minutes after stomping out that last cigarette or spit out that dip or chew. Giving up tobacco is a tough process. But with a clear plan and some practice, anyone can quit and stay quit Are you up for the challenge? Set your quit date (www.ucanquit2.org/QuitPlanSteps/) and stop using tobacco. You can feel proud of yourself for doing something that's good for you, for your loved ones, and for your country. Quit Tobacco--Make Everyone Proud! ***************************************** Quit Tobacco--Make Everyone Proud (www.ucanquit2.org) is an educational campaign for the U.S. military, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense. The mission of the Web site is to help U.S. servicemen and -women quit tobacco--for themselves and for the people they love.