Is tobacco dangerous? The answer is an overwhelming yes! Smoking damages just about every organ in the human body. Why then are children smoking? The answer is a bit more complicated. Peer pressure, advertising, education, and family environment all play a role. Ninety percent of smokers start using tobacco before the age of 18. In high school, 18.1% of students report smoking in the past month. One thousand kids under the age of 18 become new smokers every day. The tobacco industry spends 23 millions dollars a day on advertising. Coincidence? I think not. If you want more statistics with references please
click here.
March 20th was Kick Butts Day. This is an national event organized by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids that focuses on protecting children from the dangers of tobacco. This
article talks about Kick Butts Day activities in Otsego County schools.
Kick Butts Day has been held for the last eighteen years. It is exciting to see investment in the health of children, however their parents should not be forgotten. Second hand smoke is often left out of the conversation. Smoking cessation for parents is an important and difficult undertaking.
