You already know tobacco use is bad for you, your health, your fitness, your wallet, your social life and how you feel about yourself. There are lots of great reasons to quit tobacco. Make 2010 the year to say farewell to tobacco for good.

When it comes to great ways to salute America’s service members, helping them quit tobacco ranks high on the list. Department of Defense studies show that junior enlisted military service members are more likely to use tobacco than their civilian counterparts.

Fortunately, quitting tobacco has become a matter of pride for many members of the armed forces, and research shows that more than half of all smokers in the military tried to quit at least once in the past year.

A campaign called Quit Tobacco-Make Everyone Proud has tools and information that offer help to those who want to quit or are thinking about it. The website www.ucanquit2.org offers customizable support that allows users to create personalized quit plans and quit calendars and to blog. People can even chat live with trained cessation coaches from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST every day. They can also sign up to receive regular quitting tips via text messages.

Some tips to use when quitting:

•Set a quit date for yourself and list your reasons for kicking the habit. They might include setting a good example for your kids or younger siblings, saving money and making yourself, family and friends proud.

•When quitting smoking or chewing tobacco, plan a strategy in advance and get ready psychologically. A good step is to know what tools are at your disposal, including cessation programs, medication and support from friends and family.

•Cravings happen, so know what to do when they strike. Go for a run, drink a glass of water, chew a mint, do 100 push-ups or walk around the block. Do anything that will take your mind off smoking or chewing tobacco. Do whatever works, and remember, you are tougher than tobacco.

For more information, visit www.ucanquit2.org.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.