Put money back in your wallet Published Oct. 25, 2012 GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- There are only three weeks to go until the Nov. 15 Great American Smoke Out. We all know that smoking causes a range of health problems, but have you thought about the impact on your wallet? In 2009, the Federal Tobacco Tax Increase added another 62 cents to the price of each pack of cigarettes. That tax increase and the current economy may be just the extra motivation you need to finally quit for good. According to the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, a pack-a-day smoker, on average, will spend $1,900 on cigarettes each year. An average military E-3 tobacco user spends one month's pay on tobacco each year. Beyond the extra savings on cigarettes, quitting smoking could also save you the cost of breath mints, cough drops, and cleaning expenses for your clothes, home, and car. And on top of these savings, you and your family will benefit even more over time. You can avoid many medical costs from doctor visits and medicines for the diseases and other health issues caused by smoking or by exposure to secondhand smoke. It takes the average person 7 to 10 attempts to quit for good, but you can beat the odds by contacting your Grand Forks Air Force Base Health & Wellness Center (HAWC) now. Put your money back in your wallet, and find out what steps you can take to stop smoking for good! The Great American Smoke Out is Nov. 15. Sign up to Walk Away for a Day or for one of the cessation classes offered on Nov. 13 at 11 a.m. and Nov. 15 at 4:30 p.m. You will receive a free quit kit plus an entry into a drawing for a free turkey. Call 747-3853 or e-mail leah.melquist.2@us.af.mil to get registered. (Courtesy of the Health & Wellness Center)