TOP STORY >> Tobacco Cessation classes offered at HAWC

By Airman 1st Class Scott Poe
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

“My mother died at age 49 from lung cancer, she smoked two packs a day. I want to live a little bit longer to spend a little more time to see my nieces and nephews grow up.”

Staff Sgt. Darrell Lara, a 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron craftsman, explains why he wants to quit smoking.

He had attended the Tobacco Cessation class held at the Health and Wellness Center for two months. Lara has been tobacco free for five months.

 “Tobacco Cessation is assistance to those who are ready to quit smoking,” said Jeffery Vaughn, 19th Medical Group HAWC Flight Chief.

Any active duty, retiree, DOD civilian, spouse, or family member may attend counseling for tobacco cessation, but only active duty, retirees, spouses, and family members or those that have access to the pharmacy may be able to get prescribed medications.

The first step for someone wishing to quit smoking is to see a doctor at the HAWC, and they will advise them on what or if they should take medication to help stop using tobacco, said Vaughn. Doctors are available every Thursday from 1-2:45 p.m. After receiving the doctor’s advice, they will be encouraged to attend at least four counseling sessions where they can share their problems, get advice and also talk with fellow peers who are trying to quit. Class is held every Thursday at 1 p.m. at the HAWC. Aircrew or anyone on flying status must see flight medicine before attending the class.

Lara has tried to quit multiple times on his own, but to no avail. The class is helping him stay focused on quitting.

“I have tried to quit three other times,” said Lara. “Once, I made it a year then started back right before a permanent change of station. The other two times I made it a few months. At first I coughed a lot. But after a while I noticed improved breathing during PT. I was somewhat irritable at first but that tapered off.”

 It is very tough to stop using tobacco. Some people just need motivation and guidance, others just the medication to help fight the urge or help with withdrawal symptoms, but at the HAWC, you get both, said Vaughn.

“We have three different prescriptions, a nicotine replacement patch, and two other oral medications,” said Vaughn. “We also have three types of counseling, the class counseling, the telephone quit line and computer based training as well.”

Though medications help, Lara believes that the peer counseling he gets in the class helps the most by keeping him motivated and dedicated to quitting.

“I believe that being able to meet with other smokers who are trying to quit and offer support is beneficial to my own quitting. I think what’s helping me most is the weekly meetings” said Lara.

To reach the HAWC with questions or to stop smoking call (501) 987-7288. If someone is ready to quit, the HAWC is ready to help.