Tobacco users - challenge yourself during 24-hour smokeout Published Nov. 4, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Bekah Phy 305th Air Mobility Wing public affairs McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- The American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout will be held Nov. 20 to encourage smokers to quit for a day in the hope they may quit for good. McGuire's Health and Wellness Center is following in their footsteps and hosting several events to support the smokeout. "I encourage all tobacco users to participate in the Great American Smokeout," said Megan Smith, HAWC health education program manager. "Even if you aren't 100 percent ready to quit, taking the 24-hour challenge to quit tobacco can help move you along in the process. It can take one attempt or several attempts at quitting, but the important thing is that you keep trying until you get it right." There are several activities Team McGuire members can participate in during the Great American Smokeout Nov. 20: The "Walk Your Butts Off" event will be held at noon on the track next to the HAWC. Share motivational stories and quotes from your quitting experience. Contact Ms. Smith at the HAWC to fill out a "Spotlight on Quitters" form to be featured on the base Web site and in the paper. Schedule a brief on tobacco cessation for your unit. The HAWC staff will come to your office location to talk about the benefits of quitting tobacco. Sign up to take the 24-hour pledge to give up tobacco or Adopt-A-Tobacco user. Trade in your cigarette packs/smokeless tobacco at the HAWC for gear. Non-tobacco users can also show support for friends and co-workers during the Great American Smokeout. Give up something such as coffee, chocolate or soft drinks or come out to the "Walk Your Butts Off" event to show your support to those trying to quit tobacco, Ms. Smith said. There are several benefits to participating in the Great American Smokeout -- past participants have proved it. "People who have taken the challenge in the past report that they felt a sense of accomplishment against something that has had a hold over them for so many years," Ms. Smith said. "Take control over your life and make the decision to quit -- show tobacco who's boss for a change. Ideally, we like to see participants who continue to reduce their consumption and eventually quit by getting a jumpstart through the Great American Smokeout." Ms. Smith and the HAWC staff encourage all Team McGuire members to consider quitting the use of tobacco and offer advice to those who are in the process. "There are a million reasons to quit using tobacco -- the reduction in health risks such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, the money you can save, etc.," Ms. Smith said. "If you are thinking about quitting tobacco, my challenge to you is to find something that truly motivates you from within and use that as your strength when you are dealing with a craving," she said. "Your motivation has to be your own in order to be successful. If you're ready and motivated, you can quit -- it just takes a little patience and support from those around you." In addition to the event for the Great American Smokeout Nov. 20, the HAWC offers a comprehensive four-session tobacco cessation program for anyone ready to take the next step and quit tobacco. Classes cover health risks associated with using tobacco, learning about personal habits and it helps participants weigh the pros and cons to tobacco cessation. Participants also receive medical counseling to determine if a prescription is the right choice in their journey to quitting tobacco. For more information on the Great American Smokeout or tobacco cessation, call the HAWC at (609) 754-2462.