Strong enough to quit? VA Eastern Colorado can help you this Great American Smokeout
By Jesus Flores, VISN 19 writer & editor
Veterans, it’s time to reclaim your health—VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System can help you quit tobacco for good!
The Great American Smokeout on November 21, 2024, is a chance for Veterans to start living a healthier, smoke-free life. If you’ve been considering quitting, VA Eastern Colorado has the resources and support to help make that happen.
How Smoking Impacts Your Health
A lot of Veterans smoke to deal with stress but smoking only offers temporary relief. Quitting can help improve your mood while reducing feelings of depression and anxiety. Smoking can affect every organ in your body, including your brain. Worse, secondhand smoke endangers the people—and even pets—around you. Quitting helps not just you but everyone you care about.
Take the First Step to Better Health
When you quit smoking, your body starts to heal. You’ll sleep better, have more energy, and enjoy life without being tied to smoke breaks. You’ll also have more time and money to spend on things that matter.
VA’s Tools to Help You Quit
VA has a range of tobacco cessation options specifically for Veterans trying to quit tobacco:
- Tobacco cessation counseling and medications: Available at all VA medical centers to help you quit smoking. For information about the VA location closest to you, visit VA Facility Locator.
- Quit VET: VA’s quitline is available in English and Spanish. Call 1-855-QUIT-VET
8) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. MT, Monday through Friday, to talk to a coach who can help you build a plan to quit and provide ongoing support. - SmokefreeVET: VA’s quit tobacco text messaging program provides regular tips and support. Text “VET” to 47848 to sign up in English or “VETesp” for Spanish. You can also visit SmokefreeVET for more information.
- Stay Quit Coach: This interactive VA app helps Veterans stay on track with their quitting journey. You can download it at Stay Quit Coach.
Quitting smoking is challenging, but with the right tools and support, you can do it. This Great American Smokeout, decide to quit. Talk to your VA provider or visit a local VA clinic to get started.
It’s time to clear the air—for yourself and the people you love
Please contact Health Psychologist and Lead Tobacco Cessation Clinician, Dr. Helen Weng-Ian Chao, at 720-723-3177 if you have questions or are ready to quit using tobacco.
Jesus Flores is a writer and editor on the VISN 19 Creative Task Force and a Marine Corps Veteran.