The Navy's Annual Smokeout, in cooperation with the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout, will be held Nov. 20. The Navy endeavors to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce tobacco use so as to improve the overall health of Sailors and Navy civilians. Although Navy smoking rates continue to drop slowly, the 35 percent average still exceeds the national average of 31 percent. The Bureau of Naval Personnel has provided fleet commanders and major overseas activities smokeout materials for distribution to the fleet. Research has determined that smoking causes heart disease, cancer, bronchitis, emphysema and other illnesses.
Smokeless tobacco can lead to oral cancer, mouth sores and disfigurement.
All of these maladies are preventable and have an impact on readiness.