Photo By Sgt. Shannon Yount | Information packets and fact sheets were available to Marines and sailors during the...... read more read more
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – On Nov. 18 service members here participated in an event that people across the United States were also involved in, the 35th Annual Great American Smokeout, which urges people to stop using tobacco.
The medical staff from 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) visited service members around Camp Leatherneck and provided resources and support for those who wanted to quit smoking and quit using smokeless tobacco.
“The medical staff is making sure the military knows that help is available in country, and that it’s never too early to make a change,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Reginald Burton, assistant leading petty officer for Combat Logistics Battalion 2, 1st MLG (FWD).
Service members had the opportunity to talk to medical providers on-site about methods on how to quit smoking. They were given information packets on how to quit, facts about tobacco and smokeless tobacco and available resources around Camp Leatherneck and back in the U.S.
According to the Great American Smokeout website, the event is intended to encourage smokers to make a commitment to stop using tobacco for at least one day.
“To have them stop for 24 hours allows them to see that they don’t need it and that they can live without it,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Xavier Bell, corpsman with Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward).
Individuals who are committed to quitting for 24 hours are given points of contacts for classes and counseling.
“We have smoking-cessation classes, counseling and we can provide gum and patches to military personnel, [Department of Defense] civilians as well as retired military,” said Burton. “We know we helped some people make healthier choices.”
“I’ve quit before but have always gone back,” said Cpl. Thomas Davidson, refrigeration mechanic with 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. “But learning about all this stuff, the harmful chemicals, I feel better prepared.”
The corpsmen were informative about tips on how to quit and methods that have helped others quit completely, said Davidson.
“I’ve always wanted to quit but never was in the right mindset,” said Davidson, 29, from Jacksonville, Ill. “I know I will feel better quitting.”
| Date Taken: | 11.18.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 11.21.2010 13:26 |
| Story ID: | 60598 |
| Location: | CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF |
| Web Views: | 74 |
| Downloads: | 11 |
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