Quitting Tobacco: You can do it!

  • Published
  • 366th Dental Squadron
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Do you smoke or use chewing tobacco? Rarely a day goes by without a magazine, newspaper, or TV news report carrying a message about tobacco-related medical problems --the dangers of lung disease, cancer, heart problems and low-birth weight babies. Perhaps you even tune out those messages because you don't want to quit just yet--or you think you can't.

Here are some tobacco facts to consider: The DoD loses $564M in direct health care costs and $54M due to productivity loss related to tobacco use. Tobacco use can affect military readiness by reducing night vision and other physical abilities of its users. Tobacco is the #1 preventable cause of death in U.S. with tobacco users dying an average of 13-14 years earlier than non-users. The average tobacco user spends $2,500 per year on tobacco products.

Tobacco is also harmful to your mouth, not to mention your social life. Here are just a few reasons why: Smelly breath, stained teeth, loss of teeth and jawbone, loss of taste, gum recession, oral cancer, mouth sores and wrinkles!

Tobacco's negative effects on the body, particularly the mouth, are well documented. Smoking impairs the body's defense mechanisms and makes users more susceptible to infections like gum disease. Smoking also interferes with healing, a particular problem for patients who need treatment for periodontal disease. Once the ingredients in tobacco get into the bloodstream, they reduce the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to mouth tissues.

Chewing (spit) tobacco is not a safe substitute for smoking. It can cause oral cancer and lead to addiction. The bloodstream quickly absorbs the extremely addictive nicotine. Chewing tobacco users have similar or even higher levels of nicotine than the smoker who uses a pack or more a day. Chewing tobacco users are more susceptible to tooth decay due to the product's sugar content and chewing tobacco contains at least 28 known cancer-causing chemicals.

It's no secret that tobacco use is difficult to stop--it takes willpower and determination. Tobacco use is not just a habit; it's an addiction. You have to be ready to face this challenge before you commit to quit.

Remind yourself of the benefits of quitting. You'll reduce the risk of cancer. You'll taste and enjoy food again. You'll feel more relaxed without the jitters of nicotine. You won't be plagued by ―smoker's breath. Your sense of smell will be sharper. You'll save thousands of dollars every year. Your family and friends will thank you.

Here are some tips to get you started:

Get help from loved ones, friends and co-workers when going through the quitting process. Ask another smoker to quit with you. Call organizations such as the American Cancer Society at 1-800-4-Cancer or support groups in your area.

Attend a Tobacco Cessation class. Mountain Home AFB has one of the best programs in the Air Force with the highest quit rate in ACC! You only have to attend one 2-hour class and they offer free nicotine replacement medication. Classes are offered every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. Contact the Health and Wellness Center at 828-2175 to sign up for the next class. You owe it to yourself and your family.