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Tobacco-Free Living

Photo: Cigarettes in an ash tray.

Tobacco-free living is avoiding use of all types of tobacco products — including cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, pipes and hookahs — and also living free from secondhand smoke exposure.

The Military Health System (MHS) is dedicated to helping active duty service members, veterans, retirees, and their families succeed in their attempt to quit tobacco. To that end, we have created the Anti-Vaping Communications Toolkit, which provides an overview of MHS products highlighting resources to quit tobacco products, articles about the risks of e-cigarette use, and links to other resources.

Anti-Vaping Communications Toolkit

For information on the health risks of tobacco use and resources on how to stop using it or avoid starting, please visit the following sites:

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Spit smokeless tobacco out – for good

Article
2/20/2020
Smokeless tobacco is not a healthier alternative to smoking. Links exist to its use and several cancers – not to mention leathery patches in the mouth, stained teeth, and bad breath. Users can take advantage of the Great American Spit Out Feb. 20 to begin their path to a tobacco-free lifestyle. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Paul Peterson)

Many forms of help available to become tobacco-free

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Air Force warns Airmen of e-cigarette risks

Article
12/16/2019
An Airman holds an electronic cigarette at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating the more than 2,000 cases of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury that have occurred across the country. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Erica Crossen)

Many e-cigarette products have a higher concentration of nicotine

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DHA brings big guns to bear in the war against tobacco use

Article
11/21/2019
Activities like this barbecue for the Great American Smokeout at the 22 Area Single Marine Program recreational center on Camp Pendleton, Calif., are among many efforts to educate service members and beneficiaries about dangers related to tobacco and nicotine use. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anabel Abreu-Rodriguez)

An “edgy and honest” approach to educating service members and beneficiaries

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Anti-Vaping Communications Toolkit 2019

Publication
10/22/2019

This toolkit provides an overview of MHS products highlighting resources to quit tobacco products, articles about the risks of e-cigarette use, and links to other resources.

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Tobacco-Free Living

Military exchanges extinguish vape sales

Article
10/18/2019
Vape products, including e-cigs, e-cigarettes, vapes, and e-hookahs, are electronic nicotine delivery devices that heat a sometimes flavored nicotine-infused liquid into a vapor that users inhale. The Army and Air Force Exchange Service and the Navy Exchange Service have discontinued the sale of vape products. (DoD photo by Marvin D. Lynchard)

The long-term effects of vaping are unknown and not understood

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Public Health | Tobacco-Free Living

Health agencies investigating severe lung illnesses linked to e-cigarette use

Article
9/12/2019
"While the CDC investigation of the possible cases of lung illness and deaths reportedly associated with the use of e-cigarette products is ongoing, Service members and their families or dependents are encouraged not to use e-cigarette products,” advised Dr. Terry Adirim, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Health Services Policy and Oversight. (DoD photo)

Thirty-three states report 450 possible cases, six deaths

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Smoking in disguise: Electronic smoking devices labeled ‘healthy’ can be misleading

Article
9/25/2018
Vaping and using e-cigarettes have become very popular in recent years, but users should be aware of known risks and potential dangers. Electronic nicotine delivery systems use noncombustible tobacco products and typically contain nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. (DoD file photo)

E-cigarette, vaping on the rise among teens and young adults

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Getting off tobacco road leads to renewed relief

Article
8/10/2018
Stopping smoking can be difficult, but healthy living is a daily effort. Take command of your health today. (U.S. Army graphic by Karin Martinez)

One service member’s struggle to become smoke-free

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Medical Encounters for Tobacco Dependence, U.S. Armed Forces 2015 and 2016

Infographic
5/30/2017
• In 2016, there were 11,617 medical encounters for tobacco dependence with 7,209 individuals affected from the U.S. Armed Forces. • In 2015, there were 16,985 medical encounters for tobacco dependence, with 10,244 individuals affected from the U.S. Armed Forces. PIE CHART: • 10,244 individuals affected from the U.S. Armed Forces in 2015. •16,985 medical encounters for tobacco dependence in 2015. •7,209 individuals affected from the U.S. Armed Forces in 2016. •11,617 medical encounters for tobacco dependence in 2016. That’s a 31.60% decrease of medical encounters; 29.63% less individuals affected from the U.S. Armed Forces between 2015 and 2016. Background behind pie chart shows used cigarettes on the ground. Don’t forget to text MIL to 47848 on World No Tobacco Day (May 31st) to receive advice on being tobacco free. This is a great resource for service members wanting to quit tobacco. Pictured below this text is a service member sending a text message for tips on quitting tobacco. #JoinTheMovement #NoTobacco Source: Defense Health Agency, Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch. Absolute and Relative Morbidity Burdens Attributable to Various Illnesses and Injuries, Active Component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2016. MSMR. 2017; 24 (4): 2-8. Source: Defense Health Agency, Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch. Absolute and Relative Morbidity Burdens Attributable to Various Illnesses and Injuries, Active Component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2015. MSMR. 2016; 23(4): 2-7.

This infographic documents medical encounters for tobacco dependence and individuals affected from the U.S. Armed Forces between 2015 and 2016.

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Smokeless Tobacco Use in the US Military

Presentation
11/1/2016

Smokeless Tobacco Use in the US Military briefing to the Defense Health Board, Nov. 1, 2016.

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Practice Healthy Living Habits

Infographic
1/19/2016
Infographic listing 5 key healthy habits for the new year

A list of healthy living habits you can take on in 2016.

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Operation Live Well | Nutrition | Physical Activity | Tobacco-Free Living
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