Words inspire chief to kick monster smoking habit Published Sept. 8, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Lindsey Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Chief Master Sgt. Lester Harvey understands the power of the written word. Thanks to the clever phrases in a self-help paperback, the 24-year smoker no longer "feeds the monster" that controlled his life. The Aug. 20 edition "Airman's Roll Call: Quit Tobacco" also uses choice words to get the point across by sharing deadly statistics about smoking-related diseases. "There were so many reasons to stop smoking and take control of my life," said the 372nd Recruiting Group superintendent. "There is no doubt in my mind that quitting tobacco is a good thing." Chief Harvey tried quitting in August 2007, but wasn't committed to the idea and began smoking again about 45 days later. This time he was more determined to end the habit and the 25-year Air Force veteran has remained tobacco free since Jan. 1. The difference was a newfound understanding about the common pitfalls that made quitting tobacco more challenging earlier in the year. "Reading helped put my dependency on tobacco in perspective," the chief said. "Phrases such as 'a slave to the tobacco' and when I was smoking, I was 'feeding the monster.' It helped me see that I needed to take control of my life." Ending the habit that encompassed every aspect of his day required a lifestyle change to overcome the unhealthy results, including high blood pressure, Chief Harvey said. He now eats more nutritious meals and exercises more regularly, and as a result, the 45-year old has more energy. He also no longer gets the nicotine headaches he suffered when the drug levels in his body dipped low. The chief still takes breaks during the day, but rather than feeling compelled to spend 10 minutes at the smoke pit, he walks around the office and chats with members of the group. He has since inspired the group's two other tobacco users to kick the habit and currently the unit is smoke free. Airmen who are ready to end the habit, but prefer structured support and medical assistance, can tap into Health and Wellness Center smoking cessation classes and support resources such as the American Cancer Society Freshstart program. Another HAWC-promoted program, the American Lung Association Tobacco Quit Line, offers online support for those who serve away from home base often on temporary duty or work odd schedules. For details about either program, call the nearest base HAWC. Additionally, the Department of Defense Web site, Quit Tobacco-Make Everyone Proud, at www.ucanquit2.org provides support, games, plans, news and more. Success rates for quitting tobacco dependency vary, but dedication is absolutely necessary to ensure success, said Lorri Tibbetts, Randolph Air Force Base HAWC. Dedication to quit tobacco use is even more potent than medications designed to reduce and eventually end nicotine dependency, the health educator said. Regardless of how Airmen choose to end their tobacco use, the results are well worth the effort, Chief Harvey said. "I now have more energy, stamina, money and health, smell better and have an expanded group of friends to hang out with," he said. "I used to know of these benefits, but now I live with the benefits."