HAWC helps BLAZE Team stop smoking Published Nov. 7, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Danielle Powell 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. -- It's time to put away the tobacco and start down the path to a healthier lifestyle. The Health and Wellness Center will be celebrating the Great American Smokeout Thursday. The Great American Smokeout is held annually on the third Thursday of November. This event helps motivate tobacco users across the U.S. to quit smoking. "Are you thinking about quitting? Perhaps, you want to but have some hesitation. The Health and Wellness Center staff wants to help you use the Great American Smokeout to make that commitment to quit. Even if you are not ready to quit now, you can use the day to get prepared for the day when you will quit for good," said Tech. Sgt. David Kelley, 14th Medical Operations Squadron. Participants can stop by the HAWC from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to pick up their "Tobacco Toolkit to Quit." This package of material will help to work through the reasons behind using tobacco and reasons to quit. "As part of your plan you will want to quit for one day, Nov. 15, along with thousands of individuals across the nation. Quitting for even one day will help raise awareness of your tobacco habits and help identify the resources you need to help you quit. The HAWC has an incentive to help tobacco user's quit by exchanging a 'smoke break' for a 'coffee break.' Users will give up a few cigarettes in exchange for a free coffee at the Daily Grind Coffee Shop. Another incentive the HAWC staff is promoting will be a 'Cold Turkey' Sandwich Lunch and Learn Seminar Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.," said Sergeant Kelley. For more information on the Great American Smokeout or other opportunities to help kick the nicotine addiction, call the HAWC at 434-2477.
