Smoking is the nation’s largest preventable cause of disease and death. Approximately one in four Americans — 68 million people — uses a tobacco product. The majority (83 percent) of tobacco users smoke cigarettes, and millions of people also use other types of tobacco, such as cigars, chewing tobacco, and snuff.

The consequences of using tobacco in any form can be devastating: increased risk of cancer, reproductive issues, heart disease, stroke, and death.  But prevention is possible and is as important now as ever before, especially among young people. It’s also important for individuals who currently smoke or use tobacco — even if only occasionally — to stop. The longer a person smokes, the more damage is done to the body. Quitting at any age has benefits.

Do your part to be tobacco-free, and take action to help family, friends, and members of your community do the same.

Learn more by downloading the Fact Sheet for Prevention and Cessation of Tobacco Use in the U.S. [PDF] from SAMHSA.

On Ellsworth AFB, contact the Health and Wellness Center (HAWC) at 385-2349 to find out what tobacco cessation programs they provide.

Other Resources:

• BeTobaccoFree.HHS.gov – Provides user-friendly information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) about tobacco products and the health effects of tobacco use, as well as resources for quitting and tobacco use prevention.
• The SAMHSA-HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions – Offers information and resources about tobacco use and cessation for providers, state organizations, and consumers.
• The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Provides a variety of fact sheets on tobacco use and cessation.
• Tips for Teens – The Truth About Tobacco [PDF | 453KB] – Summarizes facts about tobacco use and its consequences and lists signs that a friend may be using tobacco.
• Preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth and Young Adults [PDF | 17.6MB] – A report from the Surgeon General containing detailed information and data about youth tobacco use and prevention strategies.
• The HHS Office of Adolescent Health (OAH) – Summarizes risk and protective factors that contribute to teen tobacco use. Guidance about how to talk to teens about not smoking is also available.
• The Smoking Cessation Leadership Center – Offers webinars, technical assistance, and resources to promote smoking cessation.
• Break the Chain – An educational campaign to help tobacco retailers comply with FDA regulations.