November: National Smoking Cessation Month and Lung Cancer Awareness Month Published Nov. 13, 2012 By Capt (Dr.) Robert Hilton 779 Dental Squadron JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- November is National Smoking Cessation Month as well as Lung Cancer Awareness Month and with that, the 779th Medical Group Dental Squadron wants to increase awareness about the resources available to Airmen at Joint Base Andrews, Md. "Each month, the JBA Health and Wellness Center begins a four-week Smoking Cessation Course on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.," said Airman 1st Class Kyle Durante, 779th Medical Group Dental Squadron. "Also, medication and nicotine replacement therapies are available for Tricare beneficiaries." In honor of the month, here are some shocking anti-smoking statistics: · It is estimated that smoking causes 90 percent of lung cancer deaths in men and 80 percent of lung cancer deaths in women · Every year 400,000 people die from disease caused by tobacco · 50,000 people die from second hand smoke, including babies · According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention more deaths are caused each year by tobacco use than by all deaths from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle injuries, suicides, and murders combined "The damage tobacco causes to the lungs and mouth is substantial, but tobacco doesn't discriminate against the rest of the body," said Capt. (Dr.) Rose Tran, 779 MDG Dental Squadron. "Smoking has been demonstrated to cause leukemia, bladder cancer, cancer of the cervix, cancer of the esophagus, kidney cancer, cancer of the larynx (voice box), cancer of the pharynx (throat), pancreatic cancer, and stomach cancer." On top of the long-term effects tobacco use has on the body, many short term results also exist. "In your mouth, tobacco causes bad breath, tooth discoloration, increased plaque and tartar, loss of bone that supports teeth, decreased wound healing, and increased risk for gum disease. Tobacco use during pregnancy increases the risks for high blood pressure, fluid retention, swelling, premature birth, and low birth weight. In addition to reduced sperm count, tobacco use by men results in abnormal sperm cells," said Capt. (Dr.) David Welch, 779 MDG Dental Squadron. What is the financial impact of smoking? "For a smoker in Maryland that smokes a pack a day, it will cost $197.71 a month, $2,374.13 a year, $23,741.25 after 10 years, and nearly $50,000 for 20 years of smoking," said Capt. (Dr.) Nicolas Pelachyk, 579th Medical Group Dental Squadron. "If you took that money and invested it toward retirement instead of smoking the difference is quite startling. Starting at the age of 18 and retiring at the age of 58, assuming 6% growth, you could save $367,425. Look at how much money you are paying to destroy your body." The 779 MDG staff reminds all Airmen that smokers have avenues to help them quit and quitting today will reap benefits tomorrow. "If you decide to stop smoking, your body will start the recovery process within hours. Decreasing the level of nicotine in your system will allow your blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature to return to better levels," said Capt. (Dr.) Jasmine Beauchamp, 779 MDG Dental Squadron. "Your lung capacity will increase as your bronchial tubes are able to relax, helping you to breathe easier." Contact Tech. Sgt. Erin Connolly, 79 MDW HAWC, now to register yourself or a friend for a Smoking Cessation Course at 240-857-5601 or erin.connolly@afncr.af.mil.