Ellsworth participates in Great American Smokeout

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rebecca Imwalle
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Every year on the 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.

This year, Ellsworth is participating in the Great American Smokeout, providing Airmen with several programs to help stop tobacco use for good.

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

The base pharmacy offers several types of nicotine replacement options for Airmen who are ready to start the path to a healthier lifestyle. Members wishing to pick up medications must enroll in the ALA telephonic coaching program.

"Telephonic coaching makes it convenient for those members to fit the program into their schedule," Seal said. "This makes their chances of quitting much higher, given that they can receive coaching when it is most suitable."

Seal noted that statistics show a higher cessation rate for members who use telephonic coaching along with the prescribed medication to help quit the addiction. 

"Studies show the percentage of smokers in the Air Force has been dropping," Seal said. "In 2008, more than 18 percent of Airmen smoked [cigarettes]. In 2012, the percentage [of smokers] dropped to 14."

For more information or to sign up for the telephonic coaching, call 1-877-695-7848 and tell them you are from Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Visit www.cancer.org to learn more about quitting smoking, improving your health, or getting involved with the Great American Smokeout in your community. You can also contact the American Cancer Society directly at 1-800-227-2345.