Ellsworth fosters change for tobacco free Air Force

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Airmen from the 28th Medical Operations Squadron conducted events Nov. 15 and 16, designed to encourage Airmen and their families to stop using tobacco products.

The two-day event, done in conjunction with the Great American Smokeout Nov. 15, included an informational booth in the base Exchange, followed by the Cold Turkey Combat Challenge in the Pride Hangar.

Those who stopped by the booth learned more about tobacco cessation programs offered by the Health and Wellness Center, and committed to stop using tobacco products for at least one day. During the combat challenge, several four-person teams tackled an obstacle course and muscled their way through a variety of exercises including a sled pull, leap frogs and sandbag carry.

Minda Parsons, 28th MDOS health promotion manager, said the goal of the activities was to help foster positive behavioral changes by raising awareness about the negative effects of tobacco use.

"We tried to make this year's activities visible and fun for everyone," Parsons said. "We're making it easier for people to get the help they need to make a healthy lifestyle change. "

Airman 1st Class Justin Parsons, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems technician, committed to being tobacco free for one day, something that has been a challenge for him.

"It's nice to get support," he said. "I've been trying to quit smoking for awhile. I feel like this is the push I needed to get it done for good."

Parsons noted that the social norm regarding tobacco use is changing in the Air Force. For example, the 28th Medical Group is designated as a tobacco-free campus as of Nov. 9.

"I encourage everyone to give up smoking," Parsons said, adding that the HAWC staff is available to help. "If you're struggling with quitting, don't give up - don't be discouraged. The HAWC has four different tobacco cessation options that are easy to use and convenient."

For more information on quitting tobacco use, or to sign up for the next smoking cessation class, call the HAWC at (605) 385-2349.