Kick the tobacco habit Published Jan. 7, 2016 By Airman 1st Class Melissa Estevez 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Il. -- The bad news: tobacco smoke contains a deadly mix of more than 7,000 chemicals; hundreds are harmful and about 70 can cause cancer. Smoking increases the risk for serious health problems, diseases, and death. The good news: People who stop smoking greatly reduce their risk for disease and early death, and while health benefits are greater for people who stop at earlier ages, there are benefits at any age. "Quitting while you are younger will reduce your health risks more, but quitting at any age can give back years of life that would be lost by continuing to smoke," said Heather Braundmeier, 375th MDG Health Promotion coordinator. Deciding to kick the habit is a huge commitment, but one that will give people a lifetime of results, said Braundmeier. To help, the 375th Medical Group Health Promotion office hosts a tobacco cessation class the first and third Monday of every month in the clinic. "The goal of the Tobacco Cessation Program is to assist individuals in breaking the physical, behavioral, and physiological addiction to tobacco by teaching the best methods for quitting, and teaching stress management and behavioral change techniques, thereby improving the overall health our active duty and retired veterans and their family members," said Braundmeier. Millions of Americans quit the addictive habit of tobacco use every year, according to the CDC, and the benefits of quitting include reducing the chances of developing cancer, respiratory, heart and periodontal disease. "Quitting smoking also lowers the risk of diabetes, lets blood vessels work better, and helps the heart and lungs," said Braundmeier. Sometimes people may need some other types of help with quitting and for that there are other treatment options available. For military members, a recent amendment to the Tobacco AFI 40-102, "Tobacco Free Living," clarifies that it's not mandatory for a member to participate in a group tobacco cessation class as a precondition for receiving tobacco cessation medications, however it is highly recommended because the support a member receives will help them quit permanently. To sign up for a class or for more information, visit the Health Promotion office and classroom, which is now located on the main floor in the Medical Group. For more information, call (618) 256-7139.