Extend Your Life by 14 Years—Quit Smoking

Published March 10, 2011
By Shari Lopatin
TriWest Healthcare Alliance

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- On average, smokers die 13 to 14 years sooner than nonsmokers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Since about 20 percent of the United States' population smokes, that means almost a fifth of the country could live at least a full decade longer. Are you one of them?

If you're not ready to take the plunge, try quitting for a month. Or even for a week.

Been thinking about this for awhile or not sure where to find the best resources? TriWest and TRICARE can help:

· TriWest's dedicated toll-free Tobacco Quitline, 1-866-244-6870, is available 24/7/365. Talk one-on-one with a tobacco cessation coach about your concerns or questions about accomplishing your goal.
· TriWest's tobacco cessation page, www.triwest.com/tobacco, provides information about local and statewide resources, as well as quitting tools and tips.
· www.ucanquit2.org is an interactive site sponsored by the Department of Defense. Here, one can develop a quit plan, join a message board, or, if an eligible TRICARE beneficiary, chat live and get help quitting tobacco.

Want to connect with other smokers/former smokers? Join the Facebook discussion!

TriWest is hosting a discussion board on its company Facebook page called, "What Makes a Good Quitter?"

Dozens of participants have joined and posted their best success tips on how they quit for good--from using a pacifier to quitting for the sake of their children. To join the discussion:
1) Sign into your personal Facebook account
2) "Like" the TriWest Facebook page at www.facebook.com/triwest
3) Click on the "discussions" tab at the top
4) Click on the discussion entitled, "What Makes a Good Quitter?"