What makes a good quitter? Published Nov. 3, 2010 By Shari Lopatin TriWest Healthcare Alliance VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On average, smokers die 13 to 14 years sooner than nonsmokers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Since about 20 percent of the United States' population smokes, that means almost a fifth of the country could live at least a full decade longer. With the Great American Smokeout just around the corner on Nov.18, now is a great time to talk about the benefits of quitting tobacco. As part of that discussion, TriWest has posed the question: What do you think makes a good quitter? Join the discussion board and share your thoughts on TriWest's Facebook page: · "Like" the TriWest Facebook page at www.facebook.com/triwest · Select the "discussions" tab near the top of the page · Join the discussion Dozens of individuals have already begun sharing their fears, frustrations, and successes. Resources to help make a successful quitter More than 1,000 people die every day in the U.S. from tobacco-caused diseases that could have been prevented, according to the American Lung Association. For those ready to take the leap and quit smoking, many resources are available to help. · www.ucanquit2.org is an interactive site sponsored by the Department of Defense. Here, one can develop a quit plan, join a message board, or, if an eligible TRICARE beneficiary, chat live and get help quitting tobacco. · TriWest's dedicated toll-free telephone Quitline, 1-866-244-6870, is available 24/7/365. · TriWest's tobacco cessation page, www.triwest.com/tobacco, provides information about local and statewide resources, as well as "quitting" tools and tips.