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Show 10 ;11 2/3 1 HILLTOP TIMES Service members do more and perform better after they quit tobacco Ucanquit2.com F ALLS CHURCH, VA. — Service members who use tobacco are not as fit as they could be. Tobacco use prevents individuals from reaching peak physical performance, affects military readiness and poses serious short-term health problems. Many studies show that military personnel who smoke score lower on fitness tests — an average of 32-35 points lower than their nonsmoker counterparts, according to one study. In another study, smokers ran slower and did fewer sit-ups and push-ups than former smokers or those who had never smoked. "Even service members who easily pass their regular physical-training or physical-readiness tests while using tobacco are not achieving their full physical potential," said Cmdr. Aileen Buckler, M.D., M.P.H., U.S. Public Health Service officer and chairman of the DoD Alcohol and Tobacco Advisory Committee. Smoking diminishes lung capacity and lowers oxygen levels in the blood, causing muscles to tire more quickly during physical exertion. Both cigarettes and smokeless tobacco increase heart rates, which lowers endurance. Researchers looked at runners in a 16K race and estimated that the time for smokers to complete the run was increased by 40 seconds for each cigarette smoked per day. Tobacco can also impair military readiness. Because the nicotine in cigarettes and smokeless tobacco is addictive, tobacco users need to regularly feed their habit or go through periods of withdrawal. With withdrawal come some annoying side effects — irritability, restlessness, anxiety, depression and anger. But even more troubling is the loss Shopping the Hill AFB Exchange pays dividends Army & Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs T he Hill AFB Exchange is paying dividends in more ways than one as Airmen exercising their benefit by dining at and shopping on Base last year generated a dividend of $522,227.38. These funds are critical to Air Force Service's ability to enhance local programs and facilities including the base gym, library and bowling center. "The Exchange's dual mission is to provide goods and services at competitively low prices and generate earnings to support Service's programs," said the Hill AFB Exchange's General Manager Steve Collier. "As a result, the dollars that troops and their families use to shop the "The Exchang e 's dual mission is to provide goods and services at competitively low prices and generate earnings to support Service's programs. As a result, the dollars that troops and their families use to shop the Exchange or eat at Taco Bell generates a healthy return by directly improving Air Force quality of life efforts," STEVE COLLIER, Hill Air Force Base Exchange's general manager Exchange or eat at Taco Bell generates a healthy return by directly improving Air Force quality of life efforts." This dual benefit goes far beyond clothes, electronics or consumables. In fact, worldwide purchases made in the past 10 years have provided more than $2.4 billion to military morale, welfare and recreation programs such as Youth Services, post functions and aquatic centers. vice members become tobacco-free, get mission ready and reach peak performance, both physically and mentally, DoD offers its Quit and Fit Center and a variety of helpful tools at http://www.ucanquit2.org/. Quit Tobacco — Make Everyone Proud is the tobacco counter-marketing program of the U.S. Department of Defense/TriCare and the Department of Veterans Affairs. It offers education and support to active-duty service members, veterans, retirees and family members to help them quit smoking and using smokeless tobacco. The campaign's award-winning website, http://www. ucanquit2.org , features interactive, customizable tools and resources, including tobacco cessation training, real-time live help with expert quit coaches, quit plans and calendars, text message tips, a savings calculator, games and social networking connections. of concentration, slower reaction time and reduced attention span that can accompany withdrawal. Should these occur during a critical assignment, service members can place themselves and their mission in jeopardy. "Young adults may find it easy to ignore the long-term consequences of tobacco, including cancer, emphysema, heart disease and premature death, but may be surprised to learn of the immediate effects," Buckler adds. Service personnel who smoke have poorer night vision and more exercise-related injuries than their nonsmoking buddies. They are also at higher risk for motor vehicle crashes, infection, surgical complications and difficulty healing. But there is good news. Tobacco users can stop, and reverse, the immediate, short-term and long-term ill effects of tobacco. To help ser- Give him life, donate 131 asma. " Donate blood-plasma twice a week " Provide life-saving therapies to patients in need GRIFOLS Earn up to Biomat USA 375 South State I Clearfield, UT 84015 $320 801-825-1999 your first month www.BiomatUSA.Grifols.com ASHFORD UNIVERSITY .11 b ERVESAIR FORCE STUDENTS ANYWHERE IN THEANORLD're * * * * * L•e: • Historically, roughly two-thirds of Exchange earnings are paid to quality of life programs. In addition to funding these efforts, Exchange earnings are used to build new stores or renovate existing facilities without expense to the federal government. Funds to contract these new or replacement facilities also come entirely from sales of merchandise and services. r IL r CAMP From page 9 is really excited about what she learned," he said. In order to get into the camp, the girls had to go through a strict selection process, including a letter of recommendation, a copy of their high school transcript and a letter addressing why they want to attend. "Almost all of them have teachers who have pulled them aside and suggested attending the camp," said Deidra Schoenfeld, Hi GEAR program director. Fran Bradshaw, the National Defense Education Program, or NDEP, and STEM outreach coordinator, spoke highly of the camp, saying, "This isn't a camp where your parents just put you during the summer." The STEM outreach program, which is funded by an NDEP grant, also does other events. "This is just a piece of the pie," Bradshaw said regarding the scholarships for the Hi GEAR camps. She mentioned sponsoring other events taking place on base including elementary school kids coming to the Hill Aerospace Museum to hear a presentation from F-16 pilots and tour the facility. For questions regarding the STEM outreach program, or opportunities to volunteer, contact frances.bradshaw.ctr@hill.af.mil . EARN YOUR ASSOCIATE'S, BACHELOR'S, OR MASTER'S DEGREE ONLINE Your Ashford Military Tuition Grant covers all required course materials, including books, and you pay only $250 a credit for undergraduate courses. Your military training counts. Transfer up to 99 previously earned credits from prior college and work experience. • There is no fee to apply, and the Technology Services Fee is waived by your Ashford Military Tuition Grant, a $1,290 savings. www.facebook.com/hilLatmil „TEAM Ham • 5-6 week courses are taken one at a time, so you can earn your degree without disrupting your life. 460 TOP .**** y. „v. MILITARY 111# 10A FRIENDLY /WA COLLEGE WINV `4,04. . i fs 2008-2010 Become a fan today and stay current on news, events and other happenings on Hill Air Force Base. 0 DUTY. HONOR. EDUCATION. 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