Great American Smokeout aims to douse all types of nicotine use Published Nov. 17, 2016 By John Davis Defense Health Agency FALLS CHURCH, Va. -- Military Health System officials warn that while on the surface smokeless tobacco might appear to be healthier it can do some of the same damage as lighting up cigarettes. “A lot of the effects smoking has on the body – causing blood vessels to narrow, raising blood pressure, and causing several cancers – are the same for smokeless tobacco,” said Col. Thomas Moore, a preventive medicine doctor in charge of health promotions for the Air Force Medical Support Agency. “In addition, smokeless tobacco contains nicotine, one of the most addictive substances known.” That’s why officials do not recommend turning to smokeless tobacco as an alternative to lighting up a cigarette as Nov. 17, the Great American Smokeout, approaches. The Great American Smokeout is a day when smokers are encouraged to put out their cigarettes for at least 24 hours, hopefully leading to a lifetime of kicking the habit (another event, the Great American Spit Out on Feb. 18, specifically targets smokeless tobacco). “You’re really not gaining anything by giving up cigarettes just to put in a load of chew,” said Moore. Unfortunately, he said, while smoking in many parts of the military population is lower than its civilian counterparts, reported use of smokeless tobacco is actually higher among those in active duty ranks, as compared to those who aren’t in the service. He said it could be because it still provides many of the same kicks, such as the nicotine boost, without many of the socially unacceptable parts, such as secondhand smoke. In addition, it might be easier for troops in the field and even in an office to use smokeless tobacco without anyone else really knowing. The biggest hurdle to getting servicemembers to quit might be the fact that smokeless tobacco contains two to three times the amount of nicotine than cigarettes. The MHS offers many resources to help active duty, retirees and family members kick the habit. The UCanQuit2.org website has live support with expert coaches ready to chat, helps find local tobacco cessation programs, and offers advice on how to take those first steps to crushing out cigarettes and spitting out that chew truly for the final time. In addition, MHS is working with the National Cancer Institute to find winners who can outsmart Big Tobacco. A tobacco trivia contest called tXtobacco tests knowledge of the dangers of tobacco use and directs participants to resources for quitting. The contest aims to reduce the number of military personnel who begin or reinitiate tobacco use. “Whether it’s cigarettes or smokeless tobacco, we want to provide people with all the resources they need to quit,” said Paul Fitzpatrick, manager of the Defense Health Agency’s Quit Tobacco program. “The more knowledge you have and the better the resources, the more likely you are to succeed.” He added after you decide to quit, you need to make a plan and set a quit date, put that plan into action and stick with it. Fitzpatrick pointed to the nationwide Cold Turkey Trot, also Nov. 17, when military installations around the world will hold fun runs and walks to help distract people from tobacco. Users and non-users of all tobacco are encouraged to participate, and it is also a way to burn off a few extra calories going into the upcoming holiday season. Moore added kicking the tobacco habit is a high priority for military medicine. “We know that if given the right information and the help to make good choices, our military members, retirees and their families will choose a tobacco-free lifestyle,” said Moore. USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)