FORT LEE, Va. (Nov. 13, 2014) -- If you are a smoker, you've probably heard every reason why you should quit.
In fact, there's likely no one who knows why better than you. Information and evidence on the impact of smoking has been available for quite some time -- tobacco use continues to cause needless deaths and related illnesses.
As we at Kenner Army Health Clinic coach individuals and support them through their process of quitting, we celebrate their success every step of the way because the key to a successful quit attempt is you. Perhaps the best motivator toward living tobacco-free is because you want to.
Quitting a romance with tobacco is no small task. Ask someone who has quit more times than they want to admit. On Nov. 20, during this year's Great American Smokeout, join KAHC in supporting and celebrating those who have decided to take that first step to freedom from nicotine addiction.
On that day, the entire KAHC team and Fort Lee family is asked to support each other, especially those who have a romance with tobacco and those who are doing their best to get their loved ones to quit. Now is the best time to quit because the first step is planning for it.
Let smokers know that they are not alone -- all across the country people will make a big step toward healthier living by quitting for just one day. Think one day can't make a difference? See the sidebar about Louise Graham who quit for one day and has been smoke-free for two years.
Even if you don't smoke, everyone knows or loves someone who has a "romance" with tobacco. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 480,000 Americans die each year as a result of smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke. That's more deaths than caused by HIV infections, murder, suicide, motor vehicle injuries, alcohol and illegal drug use combined. Another 16 million are suffering from smoke-related disease. Like most difficult decisions, people might ask, "What's in it for me?" Here are just a few benefits of quitting:
Twenty minutes after your last cigarette, your body begins to heal:
• Your blood pressure decreases
• Your pulse rate drops
• The body temperature of your hands and feet increases
Eight hours after your last cigarette:
• The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
• The oxygen level in your blood rises to normal.
After twenty-four hours:
• The chances of a heart attack decrease.
After forty-eight hours:
• Nerve endings begin regrowth
• Your ability to smell and taste improves.
KAHC offers the best resources for care and treatment to individuals who want to quit using tobacco. Our Tobacco Use Cessation Program and the Army Wellness Center have certified cessation staff available to provide education and support to individuals and groups as well as referral to providers for treatment.
For more information, contact Preventative Medicine at (804) 734-9652.
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