If you are currently serving in the military, you’re more likely to smoke cigarettes than civilians. Smoking is even more common for those of you who have been deployed.
Smoking increases your risk for lung cancer, heart disease, chronic bronchitis, and many other diseases.Meet James
James, age 48, lives in New York and began smoking at age 14. He quit smoking in 2010 to reduce his risk for health problems and now bikes 10 miles every day.
Meet Mark.
Mark, age 47, lives in California and started smoking as a teenager. He continued smoking during military service in the Persian Gulf and in civilian life until he developed rectal cancer at age 42.
Meet Michael
Michael, age 57, lives in Alaska and began smoking at age 9. At 44, he was diagnosed with COPD — chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — which makes it harder and harder to breathe and can cause death.
Meet Nathan
Nathan lived in Idaho. A member of the Oglala Sioux tribe, he was exposed to secondhand smoke at work that caused permanent lung damage and triggered asthma attacks so severe he had to leave his job. His illness led to his death on October 17, 2013. He was 54.
Military OneSource is a resource available to active duty service members; immediate family members; and in some cases, civilians. (Please check their Web site for specific eligibility guidelines, which is listed under the Confidential Help tab.)
Following are helpful, free quit resources available on this site:
Cessation materials; simply type “Cessation” in the search box on the home page. These materials include
Check the Web site periodically for additional resources.
The Southwest PA Wellness Partners is a multi-county effort created to address the diverse issue of tobacco use in the southwestern health district of Pennsylvania.