Quitters can win Published Nov. 17, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Kali Gradishar 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Throughout the year, Incirlik's Health and Wellness Center offers tobacco cessation classes to aid service members, family members and retirees in kicking the habit. In November, specifically, members are encouraged to quit during the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout campaign to be held Nov. 17. The Smokeout, supported by the Department of Defense, brings to light the many positive consequences of quitting tobacco, as well as provides tips for success and an abundance of information. Whether it's smoke-free for a day or smoke-free for a lifetime, the Great American Smokeout campaign is aimed at helping smokers realize just how beneficial a smoke-free lifestyle can be. The American Cancer Society compiled a timeline relaying what positive effects quitting tobacco can have on the body. Effects can occur immediately, and the body continues to recover over a long period of time. According to the ACS, your heart rate and blood pressure drop a mere 20 minutes after quitting. Twelve hours after quitting, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal. Your circulation improves and your lung function increases two to three months after quitting. One to nine months after quitting, coughing and shortness of breath decrease; and cilia, the tiny hair-like structures that move mucus out of the lungs, start to regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs and reduce the risk of infection. Even 15 years later, the effects are noticed as the risk of coronary heart disease reaches that of a non-smoker. The repercussions of smoking or using tobacco reach far beyond the bad breath, smelly clothes and risk of setting your home ablaze. It can also impair your night vision, reduce the body's ability to heal, decrease energy and make breathing more difficult. Quitting decreases your chances of dying at a young age, can improve your physical performance, enhance your environment, and increase your senses of taste and smell. That's reality for the 30.5 percent of service members who smoke, according to a 2008 DoD Survey of Health-Related Behaviors. The DoD website, ucanquit2.org, also gathered that smoking is becoming less prevalent as 40 percent of American adults smoked in 1964 and now only 20.5 percent smoke. People may be realizing the benefits of quitting. Quitting can not only be beneficial to the smoker, but also to those around the smoker. Secondhand smoke is just as harmful to non-smokers, affecting infants, children, adults and even pets. Infants are at greater risk of sudden infant death syndrome, and young children are more susceptible to asthma if surrounded by secondhand smoke. Smokeless tobacco is also considerably harmful to the body. Benefits of quitting chewing tobacco include eliminating sore gums and white patches in your mouth, getting fewer cavities, and having better breath, states ucanquit2.org. "Your risk of cancers caused by smokeless tobacco (cheek, gums, mouth, tongue, throat, stomach) lessens each year, to the point where it is almost as if you'd never used smokeless tobacco." Additionally, quitting either cigarettes or smokeless tobacco can lead to more money in your pocket as you won't be doling out a significant amount of money to the habit. Whether it's for yourself or for the health of those around you, making the decision to quit may not be easy; quitting will likely be much harder. Making the commitment to a smoke-free lifestyle may require the assistance of others. Fortunately, there's help surrounding you. Information is abundant on the American Cancer Society website, ucanquit2.org, the HAWC and other places, relaying the hazards of tobacco use. The HAWC also provides classes and information about tobacco cessation. The bottom line? It's likely not going to be easy, and you may have the desire to light up or dip after experiencing some of the nicotine withdrawal symptoms that may include strong cravings, headaches, moodiness and others. When those symptoms strike, consider the multitude of health benefits that should far outweigh the craving. For more information about quitting tobacco, call the HAWC at DSN 676-4292. Information from the American Cancer Society website and ucanquit2.org was used in this article.