The Navy Environmental Health Center (NEHC) has launched "The Smoking Lamp is Out," a new Web-based health promotion tool to help tobacco users "kick the habit."

The "Smoking Lamp is Out" is a user-friendly, Web-based program offering a wide variety of proven strategies and techniques for tobacco users preparing to quit. Additionally, it allows users the opportunity to design a tobacco cessation program based upon their own time-table and busy schedules.

According to Dr. Mark Long, Tobacco Cessation Program specialist with NEHC, the program is a self-study and self-paced Web product and is geared to help the individual stop smoking. It may be used by the active-duty or Reserve Sailor or Marine, family member or retiree as their primary means to quit tobacco. This Web program many also be used in combination with individual counseling or with a formal tobacco cessation program.

Although tobacco cessation is typically promoted heavily during the month of November for the "Great American Smokeout," tobacco use has increased significantly throughout the Navy and Marine Corps, necessitating an immediate and focused effort to help address the problem.

"Most smokers and dippers know that cigarettes and spit are bad for their health, yet they may downplay the terrible effects and believe that it won't occur for many, many years" noted Long. "There are many positive reasons to kick the habit ranging from the monetary savings gained and extra cash to be used for other positives, to improved fitness and better health; more time for other activities; being a positive role model; and probably most importantly - enhanced military readiness."

Statistically, the Department of Defense's smoking rates are much higher that the civilian population. Within the Department of the Navy (DON), 36 percent of Sailors and 38.7 percent of Marines smoke cigarettes. Cigar smoking is also fashionable among the DON population, with 33.6 percent of Sailors and 42.5 percent of Marines identified in studies. The prevalence rate for smokeless tobacco among Sailors is 9 percent, and noticeably higher for Marines at 20 percent.