Vance Supports Anti Smoking Programs

  • Published
  • By 2ndLt. Tyler Gross
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
Vance Air Force Base, Okla --  The Health and Wellness Center is now offering free classes to help tobacco users kick the bad habit, through their brand new "Fresh Start" and "Quit Tobacco" programs. The "Quit Tobacco" program is scheduled at the HAWC, Bldg. 316, running Nov 4 from noon to 1 p.m,. The Fresh Start program is scheduled for 9 November at the same time.

The HAWC will be combining elements from the American Cancer Society's Fresh Start program with the Air Force wide Quit Tobacco program to provide an all encompassing, personalized course which will help tobacco users stop their use through lifestyle changes and even free supplemental medication for Tricare beneficiaries.

"This program is designed to help smokers quit by assessing their individual needs," said Elizabeth Moss the programs director. "The program not only helps the smoker, but it helps their family understand and cope with the difficulties of quitting."

The classes will include everything from advice from former smokers to family participation to medication counseling from the Vance pharmacy. "While there isn't a magic pill to get someone to quit smoking, tobacco cessation medication can be effective at reducing cravings and the effects of quitting especially when it is combined with effective counseling and monitoring," said Capt. Christine Tolbert the Diagnostics and Therapeutics Flight Commander. "If we help someone quit, it could save their life."

One of the programs strongest assets is it draws on the needs of the individual and helps them based on how they want to change. "If it hadn't been for Air Force help, I would not have been able to stop smoking," attests Joe Wiles a retired Air Force Master Sergeant and former smoker. " I was always a click away from lighting up a cigarette, but both the pharmaceutical and moral support kept me going. I have now been smoke free for more than 15 years."

The Quit Tobacco program is an informational seminar while the Fresh Start program will meet once a week for nine weeks.

All retirees, family members and Vance personnel looking to quit are encouraged to attend. Former smokers looking to help others quit are also welcome to volunteer by calling Ms. Moss, 213-6420.