The harmful effects of tobacco product use on Army readiness include reduced physical performance, delayed healing from injury, and increased likelihood of illness. These effects may harm and jeopardize the present and the future for not only the Soldier who uses the product, but also for their unit, their family, and their community.
Tobacco-free living is adopting a lifestyle that avoids using all tobacco product types and living free from second-hand smoke exposure. Tobacco-Free Living benefits the Army community as a whole because tobacco-free individuals are stronger, healthier, and better able to perform their mission and responsibilities. Tobacco-free living requires the full cooperation of the Total Army Family to ensure people are protected from the harmful effects of tobacco products.
Smokeless Tobacco
11% of Active duty Soldiers report smokeless tobacco product use, nearly 3 times the national estimate. Take the first step to a healthier you by ditching the dip for the Great American Spit Out on 23 February 2023. Got questions about smokeless tobacco? Click here.
Are you ready to quit tobacco? Check out the TFL Education for Individuals webpage for quit resources and how your benefits can support you TFL efforts!
Article highlighting the risks of oral cancer with the signs and symptoms of oral cancer from experts at Army Public Health Center.
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized a set of e-cigarette products for sale in the United States after it concluded that the benefit to adult cigarette smokers outweighed the risk posed to young people. Despite the recent FDA approval, caution is warranted:
- E-cigarettes are not FDA-approved quit smoking devices.
- E-cigarettes are not safe for youth, young adults, and pregnant women, as well as adults who do not currently use tobacco products.
- E-cigarettes may have the potential to benefit adult smokers who are not pregnant if used as a complete substitute for regular cigarettes and other smoked tobacco products.
- If you have never smoked or used other tobacco products or e-cigarettes, do not start.
