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Quit now: Grissom to offer smoking cessation classes

  • Published
  • By By Staff Sgt. Ben Mota
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  The time to quit is now, and Grissom is ready to help.

In January, Grissom will offer a four-class tobacco cessation course designed to provide tobacco users assistance with leading a tobacco free life.

"Twenty percent of the total Air Force uses some source of a tobacco product," said Juli Phelps, 434th Force Support Squadron exercise physiologist. "That number is alarming considering the number of health problems associated with tobacco use."

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of disease, disability and death in the United States.

Phelps added that tobacco use is associated with health problems that reduce life expectancy including: high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease and cancer.

"Conquering nicotine addiction consists of much more than just quitting the habit," she explained. "Other factors are associated with quitting, and all of those factors are addressed in the four classes we are offering."

The hour-long classes will cover multiple topics including: nicotine addiction and habit, consequences of tobacco use, information and tips on how to quit, tools for coping with withdrawal symptoms, social supports, avoiding weight gain, and managing stress through relaxation techniques.

All Grissom personnel, their family members and civilian employees can attend the course free of charge.
The classes will be held on Wednesdays starting Jan. 16 at 3:30 p.m. Phelps highly recommended that individuals interested in the course attend all four classes in order to gain the full benefits of the material covered.

Grissom is home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

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Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer