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The Great American Smokeout: Breathing Just Got Easier

By Kellie Burdette Mendonca, Public Affairs Specialist

Friday, October 28, 2011

If you’ve ever thought about giving up smoking or tobacco use (or pondered giving away your spouse because they smoke and you don’t), read on!

Our event kicks off November 8 at 12 noon in Building 200, 1st Floor, Room 1A122, with Dr. Suzaynn Schick, Assistant Adjunct Professor of Medicine, UCSF. You're invited to hear her talk on "What you Don't Know About Second-hand Smoke." What you learn may surprise you!

Besides feeling better, having fresher breath, and more money to spend, there are many good reasons to consider giving up tobacco use. Did you know smoking is the leading preventable cause of premature death, and a leading cause of illness?

So, mark your calendar for some personal coaching and clinical support to help you quit, offered free 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on November 10 in the SFVAMC Auditorium, Building 7, Room 112.

Be sure to come back on November 17 to participate in “Walk Away for a Day” for Veterans and staff. Activities will include: coaching, clinical support and oral health screenings in the Human Resources training room, Building 7, Room 218 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.—just stop by, no appointment needed. We’ll also offer chair massage, Zumba dance, aerobics and yoga in Auditorium B, Building 7, Room 112, from 12 noon to 4 p.m.

If you’re still feeling a little unsure, check out VA’s telephone-based smoking cessation program called TeleQuit—it’s free for Veterans and staff. You get confidential counseling conducted by telephone at your convenience, and educational materials and nicotine replacement therapy sent directly to you by mail. For more information about TeleQuit call toll-free (650) 493-5000, ext 60557.

VA has teamed up with the Department of Defense/TRICARE to give Veterans access to personalized quit plans, online tools, and the opportunity to chat online or over the phone with a real person for support. Here’s a tool to help you get started, a Savings Calculator to show you the money you'll save when you quit tobacco.  

It’s the Great American Smokeout, and the first step for a healthier you. Join us!

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