Is your squadron 'fit to quit?' Published April 16, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Rebekah Phy 305th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- "About 440,000 U.S. military personnel were killed in action in the wars of the 20th century," according to the Quit Tobacco -- Make Everyone Proud Web site. "But consider this: The same number of people die each year from smoking-related illnesses, most from diseases of the heart and from various types of cancer," the Web site states. "More than 127 million current or former smokers in the U.S. are living with a tobacco-related disease." Smoking is the most preventable cause of death, yet one out of every five deaths in the U.S. is related to cigarette smoking. Team McGuire is taking a stand against tobacco-related deaths and illnesses; are you up to the challenge? Col. Balan Ayyar, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander, and the McGuire Health and Wellness Center are challenging personnel to choose to be tobacco-free by July 4. Interested squadrons will compete to see which one can reduce its tobacco consumption the most by July 4. To participate, personnel must complete the Fit to Quit Survey, which will collect pre-contest tobacco-use rates. A post-survey will also be sent out to determine the squadron with the highest number of reported quitters. According to the HAWC statistics, 27 percent of active-duty Airmen assigned here (as of February) use tobacco. Of those, 22 percent smoke, 4 percent use smokeless tobacco and .9 percent report using both tobacco products. There are many reasons to quit using tobacco. According to the Quit Tobacco -- Make Everyone Proud Web site, it will be easier to enjoy physical activities, you won't be limited by the need for smoking breaks, your senses of smell and taste will revive, you'll save money, and, perhaps most important, you'll be making a big health improvement in your life. Tobacco-use affects your health and negatively impacts mission readiness. According to the HAWC, smokers have decreased night vision, wound healing, stamina, mental acuity, fine motor coordination, ability to deal with stress, and lung capacity, as well as increased injuries and a need for water. Chewing-tobacco users have increased fatigue, muscle weakness, and dizziness, as well as decreased physical performance and ability to deal with stress. The tobacco-free contest is open to all base personnel, and will continue through July 4. The HAWC will support the contest with briefings and special events, as requested. A tobacco cessation class, which covers nicotine addiction, stress management, nutrition obstacles and staying tobacco-free, will be offered. For those who cannot attend the class, individual counseling will be offered. "It's my desire to protect and preserve you -- the Airmen and Air Force civilian -- as our nation's greatest weapon system and resource," Colonel Ayyar said. "Using tobacco is only one of many unhealthy lifestyle choices, but it's one you can control. If you have the desire to quit using tobacco, I urge you to take advantage of cessation classes offered by our medical group." There are also several Web sites that offer free support to those interested in quitting tobacco, including www.ucanquit2.org, www.nj.quitnet.com, and www.lungusa.org Freedom From Smoking Online. For more information or to sign up for a HAWC event, call (609) 754-2462.