News Reader.info

“I always felt this portrayed smoking as a positive habit when deployed,” Scuderi, now a primary care physician in Florida, told _AARP Veteran Report_. “A lot of veterans who smoke started

when they first enlisted, and so smoking is part of their military or veteran identity,” Ylioja said.“Giving up smoking can feel like losing a part of who you are or were.” There is no easy

answer to this, but one approach is to focus on nostalgia and other aspects of service, like time outdoors or exercise, rather than smoking. Or turn fond memories of the past to the present,

as this anti-smoking ad does. “Try to find something that motivates you to be healthy — a family member, a trip, a longtime goal, your faith, a friend … and hold on to that ‘why,’ ” Scuderi

said. TACKLE OBSTACLES IN YOUR WAY Quitting isn’t always just about motivation and willpower. Addiction, anxiety and self-isolation are additional barriers that can make quitting difficult.

“Many vets may have some PTSD symptoms, which can manifest as avoidance and hypervigilance. These veterans tend to isolate, and many people who isolate smoke as a way to pass the time,”

Scuderi added. “Talk to your primary care physician honestly about your symptoms. There are many great resources and communities out there to support veterans that were not there previously.

Often, the hardest step is asking for help.” AIM FOR IMPROVEMENT, NOT PERFECTION Quitting might seem daunting. Instead, you can try smoking less. “Keep trying. Every day is a gift, and each

day is new,” Scuderi said. “Try to be a little better today than you were yesterday.” _You can _subscribe here_ to _AARP Veteran Report_, a free e-newsletter published every two weeks. If

you have feedback or a story idea then please _contact us here_._