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Currently the percentage of military members who smoke cigarettes (25 percent) is higher than the percentage of the adult population of the U.S (18 percent). More than 30 percent of service members from the rank of E1 to E4 use tobacco and a third of them don’t start using tobacco until after joining the military. (U.S. Air Force graphic/ Airman 1st Class Sean Campbell)

Breathe better, run better

Published Nov. 19, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Sean Campbell
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Currently, the percentage of military members who smoke cigarettes (25 percent) is higher than the percentage of the general adult population of the U.S (18 percent).

Smoking cigarettes slows down endurance and diminishes your body's ability to heal. On average, smokers' run times are 30 seconds slower than someone of the same age who is a nonsmoker.

More than 30 percent of service members from the ranks of E1 to E4 use tobacco, and a third of them don't start using tobacco until after joining the military.

Since 2011 the percentage of smokers at Fairchild AFB has gone from 15.85 percent down to 9.67 percent, said Will Saultes 92nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron, health promotion manager.

Earlier in 2015, Air Force Instruction 40-102 Tobacco Use in the Air Force was put into place to make quitting tobacco easier because it removes barriers that were previously preventing Airmen from getting nicotine substitutes.

'It's easier than ever to try and quit tobacco," said Will Saultes. "Before, individuals would need several classroom consults before being able to get a nicotine substitute."

For more information on quitting smoking call Will Saultes at (509) 247-5590 or contact the American Lung Association's Lung Helpline directly at 1-877-695-7848.