New Year brings new tools to quit tobacco Published Dec. 17, 2008 By Ric Carlson 21st Medical Group PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The U.S Department of Defense and Tricare are offering new online tools to help military service and family members keep their New Year's resolution to quit tobacco. The DOD-sponsored educational campaign,"Quit Tobacco - Make Everyone Proud," is expanding its interactive Web site at www.ucanquit2.org. Users can now create a blog when they register at the site to share their experiences with family and friends and sign an electronic "I Resolve to Quit" bulletin board to publicly announce their resolution to become tobacco free. Participants will also have access to a customizable quit calendar after Jan. 4 to record milestones and track progress. The expanded networking capabilities allow users to share ideas, tips and advice with fellow servicemembers, as well as their family and friends. Deciding to quit tobacco is the first step, but becoming tobacco free may take more than one try. On average, it takes 11 attempts before a person can quit tobacco for good. Motivation and support are key factors in giving up tobacco products. Studies show that if a person attempts to quit with a friend, they are 36 percent more likely to remain smoke free. The Web site allows service members to get the support they need from family and friends, no matter where they live. Studies also show that quitters who seek counseling and support increase their chances of remaining tobacco free to 15.8 percent, as compared to only 10.8 percent for those who do not seek counseling. "Quit Tobacco - Make Everyone Proud" is aimed at supporting enlisted active-duty military personnel in their efforts to quit tobacco. The DOD urges servicemembers to log on and take advantage of the Web site to increase their chances of becoming tobacco free. The new features build on the interactive support tools already available on the Web site. Servicemembers can listen to podcasts, chat anonymously with a trained tobacco cessation coach, browse articles, locate local cessation programs, calculate how much money they'll save when they quit tobacco, and create personalized quit plans. Individuals who want to help someone they know quit tobacco can visit the Web site to find information on giving up tobacco, send motivational e-cards, and view their friend's and/or family member's progress to support them in reaching their goals.