Want a healthier lifestyle? Think 'tobacco cessation'

  • Published
  • By Karen Knupp
  • Hill Air Force Base Health and Wellness Center
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Everyone can make a difference in their lives by becoming tobacco free. Think of your health and those around you. The Health and Wellness Center, located at Bldg. 533 inside the New Fitness Center and Wellness Center, is now offering Tobacco Cessation classes year round. New tobacco cessation classes are starting on Jan. 2, 2 p.m.

Second hand smoke was classified as a class "A" human cancer causing substance, like asbestos and benzene, by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992. It has been found that second hand smoke kills about 60,000 Americans each year from lung cancer, respiratory diseases such as asthma and emphysema, strokes, miscarriages, low birth weight and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Second-hand smoke contains more than 4,000 harmful chemicals. Some of the more commonly known harmful chemicals include carbon monoxide, nicotine, and ammonia. Nicotine, which causes a mild, euphoric feeling, is believed to be as addicting as heroin.
Carbon monoxide decreases oxygen absorption in the red blood cells, affecting breathing and circulation. Ammonia, used to enhance the flavor of cigarettes, causes nicotine to be absorbed more quickly by the brain, and is found in many common household cleaning products.

These are only brief descriptions of just some of the harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke.

Cigarette smoking can also cause heart disease, bad breath and brown teeth. The use of chewing tobacco, or "snuff," cigars, pipes and cigarillos causes gingivitis (gum infection), oral lesions, or sores, periodontitis (progressive infection and loss of bone from around the teeth), and throat and neck cancers.

Current tobacco users, you have the option to challenge yourself to quit by attending the Hill Air Force Base Tobacco Cessation Program offered at the HAWC. The program, modeled after the American Lung Association's Freedom from Smoking Program, facilitates members to participate in exercises designed to focus on behavior changes that lead to permanent tobacco cessation.

Stress management and relaxation techniques will be demonstrated throughout the program, and education on everything related to tobacco cessation medication will be provided by a healthcare professional. All classes are taught by trained and certified Tobacco Cessation Facilitators, who are non- or ex-smokers. Call the HAWC at 777-1215 or visit Bldg. 533 to sign up for the tobacco cessation classes.