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Declare your independence from tobacco

  • Published
  • By Megan Brown
  • Health and Wellness Center
McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  Independence Day will take a unique and special meaning this year as Col. Balan Ayyar, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander, has set a goal for all Airmen to choose to become tobacco-free by July 4, 2008. Civilian and contract employees are also highly encouraged to reduce their tobacco consumption in the coming months, as well as think about quitting for their own health and well-being as a part of the McGuire community.

The July Fourth holiday will allow military members to celebrate their independence from tobacco products in a symbolic way. Tobacco use is inconsistent with the Air Force goal of a healthy and fit force. The HAWC is committed to a healthy workplace, and this initiative is one of many ways to demonstrate that. That commitment does not end on July Fourth, but will be an ongoing part of our daily work life.

Millions of dollars are spent and thousands of people die each year due to tobacco-related illnesses. It is unacceptable to use our limited resources on things that are largely preventable. Consequently, the Air Force has a valid interest in ensuring the health and fitness of its force, and we are in the unique position to lead the way by displaying a healthy lifestyle.

We have tobacco prevention and cessation programs aimed at creating a healthy working environment and providing our tobacco users with encouragement and professional assistance in quitting. I encourage everyone to use all available resources to achieve the Air Force goal of a tobacco-free force.

If you have decided to step up to the challenge to become tobacco-free, there are several options to help you quit:

Health and Wellness Center classes: Comprehensive four-session class that covers nicotine addiction, stress management, nutrition obstacles and staying tobacco-free.
 
Individual counseling: One-on-one session with a tobacco cessation facilitator for those who cannot attend the classes due to schedules and shift work. 

1-866-NJSTOPS phone-based support: The New Jersey quit line is a toll-free, telephone-based, free service to help people who want to stop smoking. Trained counselors give callers information, advice, encouragement and one-on-one counseling. Counselors design an individualized program to support each smoker's effort to quit. Participants receive four counseling sessions with the option of adding sessions as needed. 

Online support: Several Web sites offer free support to those interested in quitting including, www.ucanquit2.org, www.nj.quitnet.com and www.lungusa.org Freedom From Smoking Online.

For more information, call the HAWC at (609) 754-2462.