The Great American Smoke Out Published Oct. 31, 2007 By Melissa DeLa Vega 52nd Medical Group SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- What is black and grey with red lining all over and can cost from $500-$3000 per year to maintain? It is not the latest sport's car, but a smoker's lung. How can that be? Even at the most conservative cigarette prices, a nicotine-dependent individual can easily spend that amount each year to maintain their habit. The reasons to quit smoking are endless. For starters, cigarette smoking is the most preventable cause of premature death in the U.S. and accounts for nearly 440,000 deaths annually. Statistics from the Center for Disease Control also report that cigarette smoking slashes 22 years off the average user's life with debilitating, often painful diseases, such as lung cancer, emphysema and cardiovascular disease. In addition, smoking ruins good looks, stains teeth, hands and clothes. It also causes premature facial wrinkles because nicotine constricts blood vessels and hinders oxygen from getting the skin cells. Despite this public information on the hazards of tobacco-use, the American Heart Association estimates that 25.1 million men, 23.4 percent, and 20.9 million women, 18.5 percent, in the U.S. are regular smokers. This fact puzzles the non-smoker, and many of us continue to ask, "How can so many Americans choose to continue such an unhealthy lifestyle?" Much of the choice to smoke is related to how nicotine works on the brain. Nicotine triggers the release of dopamine (a natural chemical) within the brain. This chemical can cause a "good" feeling that makes the smoker want to continue the habit. Whether the smoker is tired, stressed, bored or just having their morning cup of coffee, a cigarette just seems to make the situation better. Just ask a smoker, understanding the brain's response to nicotine is the first step in helping a friend or loved one quit. It can also be the first step in helping yourself if you are a tobacco-user. Quitting the habit is not an easy journey, but definitely one that is worth the work. So, how can you quit and what can help in the process? First, set a date and make an oath to yourself to quit smoking. Throw out your ashtrays and lighters and pick up some flavored toothpicks or sugarless gum to keep your hands and mouth busy. Avoid places that tempt you in the beginning stages, such as bars and outdoor cafes, that draw the smoking crowd. Do not beat yourself up if you have a moment of weakness and pick up a cigarette. Quitting is not easy and some days will be worse than others. Identify the trigger, make a plan to avoid it and try again. If you are accustomed to taking your daily smoke breaks to ease your day, keep taking them ... without the smoke. Take a moment for yourself to enjoy the fresh air with some deep breaths and a leisurely walk. Take it one day at a time and always stay positive. Do not feed into others negative energy and focus on your goals and your new outlook on life. If you are reading this, you are either on your way to quitting smoking or thinking of helping someone you care about kick the habit. If you are a smoker, save your life, health and vitality by making the choice to quit smoking today. Use the money you would have used on cigarettes to treat yourself to a massage, clothes or even a vacation. If you are not a smoker, don't start. Support a friend or loved one in their efforts to quit and provide positive reinforcement. For more information, or to get started on a smoking cessation program, contact the Spangdahlem Health andWellness Center at 452-6269.