Re: Re: QUESTIONS about JOINING THE RESERVES

[kona_mtb]

I have my swear in date to the Rocky Mountain Rangers in September and was just wondering the rules regarding chewing tobacco. I know lots of the men chew but when and where is appropriate?

 

[Occam]

Chewing tobacco is no longer appropriate unless you swallow it.  Similarly, smoking tobacco is permitted, but exhaling is strictly prohibited.

;D

Seriously, though...from the Dress Manual

2. Behaviour. Personnel in uniform shall
comport themselves in a manner which projects a
positive military appearance. Behaviour such as
chewing gum, slouching, placing hands in pockets,
smoking or eating on the street and walking hand in
hand, is forbidden. This instruction’s objective is to
project an image of a disciplined and self-controlled
force.

All that to say - if it's not in public (or on parade...<gasp>), chew away to your heart's content, or 'til you get oral cancer, whichever happens first.  ;D

 

[Blackadder1916]

And the military medical view of the practice.
http://www.forces.gc.ca/health-sante/ps/hpp-pps/aap-sdp/sl-sf-eng.asp

Smokeless But Not Harmless

As more and more CF members are deployed in developing countries, their exposure to various forms of smokeless tobacco is increasing.

Smokeless tobacco use is a significant but under-recognized public health problem. The reality is that smokeless tobacco is just as addictive and fatal as cigarettes.

Although the term "smokeless tobacco" is commonly used for tobacco products used orally, this is a term promoted by the tobacco industry that suggests that the product is harmless. To avoid that innocuous connotation, the term "spit tobacco" is increasingly used.

Smokeless tobacco appears in two common forms: chewing tobacco and snuff. Chewing tobacco is usually sold as leaf tobacco (packaged in a pouch) or plug tobacco (brick form) and both are put between the cheek and the gum. Users keep chewing tobacco in their mouths for several hours to get a continuous high from the nicotine in the tobacco. Snuff is a powdered tobacco (usually sold in cans) that is put between the lower lip and the gum. Just a pinch is all that is needed to release the nicotine, which is swiftly absorbed into the blood stream.

Traditionally, the main users of smokeless tobacco in Canada have been largely Aboriginal people in Northern communities and some athletes, particularly baseball players. But results of HLIS-2000 Survey indicated that more than 1,500 (2-3%) CF Regular Force members reported using chewing or snuff tobacco. This raises concerns because some people think that smokeless tobacco is a safe substitute for cigarettes. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Like cigarettes, chewing tobacco and snuff contain many chemicals that can be harmful to your health. The nicotine content of chewing tobacco can be 4 times that of 1 cigarette. Nicotine in chewing tobacco can cause measurable increases in heart rate and blood pressure within 5 minutes of use. It contains at least 28 cancer-causing agents.

Chewing tobacco can cause inflammation of the gums, a pre-cancerous condition wherein the gums whiten and harden in patches, usually in areas where the tobacco is chewed in the oral cavity; the risk of developing this type of cancer is 2-11 times higher for chewers compared to those who do not have this habit. The risk increases as tobacco is chewed over longer periods of time. Only half of oral cancer patients are still alive 5 years after diagnosis.

The social consequences of smokeless tobacco are not pleasant either. Bad breath, gunk stuck on your teeth and constant spitting can have a very negative effect on your social and love life.

If you are, or a family member is using smokeless tobacco, see your doctor or pharmacist about getting help with quitting. Since the process of quitting is similar for chewing and smoking tobacco use, using pharmaceutical aids and joining a Butt Out group are excellent options. CF military members are eligible to get pharmacological therapy under some conditions.

If a buddy suggests trying smokeless tobacco or your teenage son points out that baseball players use it, let them know about the damage it can cause. It may be smokeless, but it is not harmless!

INFORMATION:

Donald Déry, M. Sc. Addiction Educator,
DCOS FHP/Strengthening the Forces
613-945-8062 /3156

 

[vonGarvin]

As already stated, it is permissible; however, don't do it in places where you may have to speak as a lecturer/instructor.  Anyway, tobacco is a legal product, available throughout Canada.  If you are deploying overseas, ensure your supply: you won't always have access to a tobacconist.

(PS: The really cool kids smoke, the wannabes chew) ;D

(j/k)

 

[medicineman]

I wouldn't have a wad of chew in my mouth if on parade either - best saved for in the platoon room or field, as RSM's/CSM's get a little apoplectic over someone drooling chew spit or launching some during inspection  ;D.

MM