VICENZA, Italy -- One day is all someone needs to begin the commitment to give up smoking cigarettes, and the Great American Smokeout can be that day.
Since 1976, the Great American Smokeout has taken place on the third Thursday of November, falling this year on Nov. 16. The day is offered as a quit date for those ready to take the step of conquering addiction and beginning a smoke-free life, according to literature from the American Cancer Society.
Whether you are a smoker who has struggled through multiple quit attempts or just decided it's finally time to make it happen, the Great American Smokeout (GASO) could be the perfect day to take that step toward a healthier, tobacco-free life.
According to GASO literature, those who can get through one day being smoke free will quickly improve their health and save money.
Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States. As of 2013, there were 12.4 million cigar smokers and 2.3 million who smoke tobacco in pipes, also addictive forms of tobacco. Among the military, smoking varies significantly by service with the U.S. Marine Corps holding the highest rate of smoking at 30.9 percent, the Army coming in second with 26.7 percent, Navy at 24.4 percent and the Air Force with 16.7 percent, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
Smoking cessation represents the single most important step individuals can take to enhance the length and quality of their lives, says the U.S. Surgeon General. On average, compared to people who have never smoked, smokers suffer for years with more health problems due to their smoking and ultimately die earlier -- by a decade or more -- than non-smokers.
Here are some smoke-free milestones to keep in mind:
•Day One: The body begins to heal. Heart rate and oxygen levels return to normal.
•Day Two: Risk of heart attack decreases.
•Week Two: The lungs are working better. You will have increased endurance and stamina during physical activity.
•Month Two: You are looking good! Gums, teeth and skin look healthier without exposure to tobacco.
There are many stop-smoking programs designed to help smokers along the smoke-free journey, to include websites with tips and advice, telephone hotlines. The U.S. Army Health Center-Vicenza offers a tobacco cessation class each Tuesday at the Wellness Center located in the health clinic on Caserma Ederle.
For more information on smoking cessation, contact your primary health care provider at the health clinic. TRICARE beneficiaries may also be able to take advantage of the Freedom Quitline Program (1-844-I-AM-FREE), a telephone quit line that also provides free nicotine replacement therapy over the phone. Check with TRICARE to see if you are eligible for this program.
Save the date! The Great American Smokeout is just the beginning. Commit to quitting tobacco on Nov.16.
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