2016 Great American Smokeout
Veterans get help quitting smoking at George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center as part of the Great American Smokeout.
Dozens of Veterans took the first steps in snuffing out smoking as part of the part of a Great America Smokeout event held at the George E. Whalen VA Medical Center.
VA providers from pharmacy, behavioral health, and nutrition provided encouragement to Veterans to consider cutting back or quitting tobacco and listening to our Veterans reflect on their achievements. The event celebrated Veterans on their journey to reduce or quit tobacco and to reach out to those thinking about quitting.
More than 50 Veterans stopped by the display to share past attempts to quit, struggles, and success stories. Informational handouts were provided regarding the many health benefits of eliminating tobacco use including improvements in cardiovascular health, pain management, and respiratory health.
12 Veterans created individualized Quit-Trigger Plans, including targeted and specific strategies to help work around barriers to remaining tobacco free and improve chances to quit successfully. Some of those Veterans signed up for the 6-week tobacco cessation program offered by VA.
The Great American Smokeout is one of many initiatives offered by the VA Health Promotion and Disease Prevention program to help Veterans build and maintain healthier lifestyles. VA has many resources to help Veterans quit smoking including a Smoking Quitline (1-855-QUITVET), Smoke Free Veteran text messaging service, Smoke Free mobile site, and the Stay Quit Coach Mobile App. Head to http://www.publichealth.va.gov/smoking/ for more information.
