GASO gives smokers a chance to quit Published Nov. 6, 2015 By Kimberly Woodruff Staff Writer TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- It's time to be a quitter. The Great American Smokeout, sponsored by the American Cancer Society and Make Everyone Proud - Quit Tobacco, is Nov. 19. This year's theme, "Ditch the Lighter, Trash the Pack," is in line with trying to help smokers lower their risk of lung cancer and perhaps lead them to quitting tobacco use for good. "Studies have shown that a person could double their chances of quitting for good when they practice by quitting for 24 hours, such as during the Great American Smokeout," said Laura Crowder, Tinker's Health Promotion manager. "Research also shows that smokers who have support are more likely to quit for good." She added that the military statistics for tobacco use are higher than the national average, with almost a quarter of the military using some sort of tobacco, including smokeless tobacco and vaping. "Prepare ahead of time and have a plan for the smokeout," said Ms. Crowder. "Talk to your doctor about nicotine replacement therapy or medications, or call me for a tobacco cessation consult." There are all sorts of ways to plan ahead. On the day of GASO, tobacco users are encouraged to participate in clean air breaks either by taking a walk or go to a "clean air break" station and pick up giveaways that can help manage stress and nicotine withdrawal. "Even if they use smokeless tobacco, they wouldn't necessarily take a break from work, but are encouraged to participate in a clean air break and pick up a fun incentive item to take their mind off the nicotine craving," said Ms. Crowder. To kick off GASO week, Health Promotion will hold a Cold Turkey Trot, 5k run/2.4k walk. It starts at 3 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Tinker Club. "We've partnered with the Force Support Squadron to have a drawing for two smoked turkeys," said Ms. Crowder. "Anyone who participates in the run/walk is automatically entered to win the drawing." There will be "quit kits" and all sorts of other giveaways available. Even non-tobacco users can participate in GASO by sponsoring a friend or family member who is a smoker to encourage them to quit for the day. The sponsor can pick up a quit kit from Health Promotion, plan a clean air break, and provide support for the smoker during the 24 hours. Other tools to help quit tobacco include the Ready2Quit website at www.ucanquit2.org/Ready2Quit. The site is run by TRICARE and is an all online, interactive and confidential smoking cessation program that anyone can use anywhere. Additionally, military personnel and civilians can visit www.smokefree.gov or call the Oklahoma Tobacco Help Line at 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669). Text message support and web coaching are available from the websites and the 1-800 number. Ms. Crowder said the Air Force and University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center's FREEDOM Quit Line 1-844-I-AM-FREE (1-844-426-3733) is for anyone who is a TRICARE beneficiary. "They receive four free phone counseling sessions and nicotine replacement medications delivered to their home," she said. Turkey Trot seeks helpers The November Turkey Trot Fun Run needs more volunteers. Organizers are looking for course marshals and people to help with bib pick-up and registration. The free 5K/2.4K event starts at 3 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Tinker Club. To volunteer, go to www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f4caeaa29a0fb6-turkey. To sign up for the run, visit https://org.eis.afmc.af.mil/sites/72MDG/72AMDS/HAWC/FunRuns/default.aspx. A volunteer meeting will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 13 at the Health and Wellness Center, Bldg. 5922. For more information, call 734-5505.