Quitting just got easier

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Justin Weaver
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Quitting the habit just got a bit easier thanks to a DoD Quit Tobbacco--Make Everyone Proud campaign and the launch of their new Web site, www.ucanquit2.org.

The Web site has several new innovative ways to help Airmen quit smoking to include making an online pledge to give up tobacco for good this year. 

"We encourage people to quit smoking to improve their short and long term health, physical fitness and quality of life," said Maj. Lori Pietszak, 31st Aeromedical Squadron flight commander. "Quitting will help keep their family healthy and they will be a better role model for their family."

Airmen can pledge to give up tobacco by signing an online resolution at http://www.ucanquit2.org/facts/newyears/default.aspx. Users who take advantage of the site's free registration can create a personal blog -- either public or private -- to document and share their quitting experience.

"This site is helping to raise the level of tobacco awareness for military members and getting out the message that quitting or not starting is a positive thing," said Maj. Pietszak. "People who quit notice their taste, smell and health improves and they save money as well."

Aside from the DoD Web site, Airmen can use the local resources at the Health and Wellness Center. A tobacco cessation class began Jan. 6 and runs for six weeks from noon to 1 p.m. or from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

"Although the class has started, we will continue to allow individuals to sign up until Jan. 13," said Staff Sgt. April Jnofinn, HAWC tobacco cessation program manager. "We offer a class during and after duty hours to try to accommodate most people. I also will do one-on-one sessions with anyone who cannot attend the classes, or I'll go to their work section to teach if they have at least four people wanting to do the class."

Sergeant Jnofinn and the HAWC staff hope to help curb the numbers of tobacco users at Aviano to the Air Force's goal of 12 percent or less Airmen using tobacco by 2010. Currently, the Air Force is at 23.5 percent, and Aviano is at 25.7 percent.

For more information on tobacco cessation classes and available resources, call the HAWC at 632-4573.