Go ahead, be a quitter ... and make everyone proud Published June 14, 2008 By Capt. Jenny McCorkle 380th Expeditionary Medical Group SOUTHWEST ASIA -- What is your goal during this deployment? I've found most people want to lose weight, save money, get fit, or quit smoking. If you want to be tobacco-free, the 380th Expeditionary Medical Group can help you achieve this goal. Each person has individualized reasons to quit using tobacco. Perhaps you've noticed a cough that just won't go away, and you're worried about the health risks. Maybe someone has joked that you're slower on the basketball court than you used to be. Maybe you've noticed all the wrinkles around another smoker's mouth and you're secretly afraid you'll start to look the same way. Is there a younger brother, sister, niece, or nephew who looks up to you and you don't want them to imitate your bad habits? Or, maybe a significant other says it tastes like an ashtray to kiss you. Yuck! Imagine the happy homecoming when you re-deploy and no longer taste like an ashtray - how's that for incentive to quit? If you want to kick the habit, call me, Capt. Jenny McCorkle, at 434-2720. I'm located on the second floor of the Medical Clinic and can help with individual or group sessions filled with information, education, and support for tobacco cessation. I can also provide nicotine replacement patches or gum. If you're interested in Zyban, the physicians in the lower level of the Medical Clinic can meet with you about this option. Together, you can decide if this is the best option for you. For more information about quitting or to develop an individualized Quit Plan, go to www.ucanquit2.org.