Great American Smokeout fair held at Milwaukee VA

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Thursday, November 21st marked the annual Great American Smokeout.

A Great American Smokeout fair was held Thursday at the Milwaukee VA for veterans and employees.

The main purpose of the fair is to increase awareness of the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting.

It also promotes other lifestyle changes.

"We have tips for healthy snacking, exercise, managing stress and we also have a build a quit smoking kit for patients and employees who want a little snack or some sort of treat that they can give themselves that doesn't have a lot of calories," Rita Mingesz, a Milwaukee VA registered dietitian said.

The VA also has a stop smoking hotline and text messaging program to help vets and employees in quitting.