Say 'no' to nicotine, 'yes' to health

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Brian Stives
  • Gunfighter Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AFB, Idaho --  Years ago, nonsmoking airline passengers had no choice but to breathe in clouds of smoke as nearby passengers lit up cigarettes. Restaurant patrons inhaled tobacco smoke along with their meals. Air Force members and civilian employees had to breathe air filled with second-hand smoke as they worked at their desks. 

Smoking was the norm and accepted in these places when the American Cancer Society's "Great American Smokeout" went nationwide in November 1977. 

Today's society views tobacco promotion and tobacco use differently since the first smokeout event a quarter century ago. Many public places and work areas are now smoke-free to protect nonsmokers and support smokers who want to quit. 

This year, millions of Americans will smoke less or quit for the day Nov. 16 during the Great American Smokeout. The event challenges people to stop using tobacco while raising awareness of the many effective ways people can quit for good. 

"The idea is that one day without nicotine is the first step in quitting one of the most addictive habits known," said Maj. James Tanner, base Health and Wellness Center director. 

Today, an estimated 48 million adults smoke while continued research shows tobacco use can cause lung cancer as well as other cancers in addition to heart and respiratory disease. Smoking is responsible for one in three cancer deaths and one in five deaths from all causes. Another 8.6 million people live with serious illnesses caused by smoking. 

"Despite the hard evidence of the hazards, many people continue to smoke," said Major Tanner. "Hundreds of thousands of people die each year of lung cancer, emphysema, cardiovascular disease and many other problems directly linked to smoking. Some doctors have estimated that, on average, a pack per day for 50 years is all that the respiratory system can take, and cancer and emphysema are virtually assured." 

To combat the risks associated with smoking, research over the last 25 years made tremendous strides in changing attitudes about smoking, understanding the addiction and learning how to help people quit, according to Major Tanner. 

"No one started smoking with the intent of becoming an addict," he added. "Smoking has been a part of our culture, and many people started because of their friends or they wanted to be 'grown up' and part of a lifestyle where smoking was important. At some point, most smokers realize they would have been better off not smoking and decide to quit." 

In today's military operations tempo, many people in uniform are unaware of the dangers smoking presents in a combat environment or even problems associated with stopping suddenly when they deploy. 

"Nicotine addiction adversely impacts readiness and the military's mission," said Major Tanner. "Nicotine withdrawal decreases the tolerance to stress and the ability to concentrate, while increasing personal irritability and disturbing the sleep cycle needed for optimal performance." 

Research shows smokers are most successful in kicking the habit when they have some means of support, such as nicotine replacement products, counseling, prescription medicine to lessen cravings, guide books and the encouragement of friends and family members. Because of this, Mountain Home Air Force Base and other Air Combat Command bases partnered up with the American Lung Association to make the tobacco cessation program easier to access. 

"Our doctors and healthcare team can help all smokers successfully quit," said Major Tanner. "While simple brief advice may help a small, but significant, number of smokers, we know that through the use of additional counseling, positive social support, stress management, nutritional counseling, nicotine replacement therapy and anti-craving drugs, we can help a far greater number of people. All these options are currently available through our medical treatment facilities and health promotion programs." 

In 2004, the base's program included 700 beneficiaries compared to a yearly average of 100 before the program started here. The average "quit for good" rate here is 30 percent compared to 14 percent in the civilian world. 

"The average person tries to quit smoking five times before they are successful," said Major Tanner. "Our program allows them to talk to a certified nurse or a respiratory therapist on a weekly basis and offers the same support as the old program, just without the class time."