“Quit2Day” with Great American Smokeout

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class James L. Miller
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Every third Thursday of November, the Great American Smokeout is hosted by the American Cancer Society, challenging people throughout the nation to quit smoking for one day.

For the 7th year in a row, Ellsworth participated in the Smokeout by providing Airmen with several programs to aid in tobacco cessation.

"Ellsworth has partnered with the American Lung Association to offer health coaching for participants who would like to quit tobacco use," said Geri Seal, 28th Medical Group health promotion program manager. "The ALA hosts a telephone support system, which is available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. The line is geared toward answering questions about lung health, smoking and smokeless medications, as well as providing support for those wishing to quit."

This program in continuing from last year, and is producing results. An Ellsworth AFB report from October shows only 12 percent of Airmen smoke, down 6 percent from previous years.

But despite the improvement, Seal says that number is too high.

According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the U.S. and, in the last 50 years, can be attributed to approximately 20 million deaths.

The Great American Smokeout was established approximately 50 years ago, and has continued to strive to create a smoke free future. The American Cancer Society reported from 1965 to present day, smoking among adults has decreased from 42 to 18 percent.

"Although the numbers are lower than they have been in the past, we can still get them even lower by supporting those trying to quit," Seal said.

For more information or to sign up for telephonic coaching, call (877) 695-7848 and inform them you are from Ellsworth AFB.

Additionally, visit www.cancer.org to learn more about smoking cessation, improving your health, or getting involved with the Great American Smokeout in your community. You can also contact the American Cancer Society directly at (800) 227-2345.

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