The Navy's Annual Smokeout, in cooperation with the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout, will be held November 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. Bethesda will have a new automated call routing system to assist patients and staff navigate the center. The automated menu available to callers provide connections to the emergency room, primary care clinics, routine appointments, customer services and many other locations. The automated call routing system is part of a voice messaging system purchased by the command earlier in the year. CAPT Thomas R. Defibaugh, MSC, NMLC's commanding officer, signed the partnership agreement with the school, renewing what has been a four year commitment.