Last week, students from Wrangell got the chance to learn about the dangers of tobacco use and the challenges of quitting at the 36th annual Great American Smokeout.
The event, which is sponsored by the American Cancer Society, came to the borough on Thursday, Nov. 17, and is a day frequently used as a quit date for many users
According to event planner and Alaska Island Community Services therapist Rachael Woods, the event is a reminder of the benefits of living a tobacco-free life.
“The highlights of the Great American Smokeout day in Wrangell were the “Don’t Let Smoking be an Obstacle” courses at the elementary school for K-5 students grade and at the community gym for students in the 6-12 grades,” Woods said. “Students worked their way through obstacle courses of giant cigarettes and smoke rings preceded by a short discussion on how smoking could make this physical challenge more difficult to complete.
According to Woods, students of all ages reported that they enjoyed participating in the event.
“Many students, along with a few adults also attended a free presentation of the movie Reel Steel, a movie that earned a “pink lung” rating from the Thumbs Up! Thumbs Down! Project,” Woods added. “Moviegoers also viewed a short video clip designed to raise awareness of how being exposed to tobacco through movies can influence youth to start using tobacco.”
Thumbs Up! Thumbs Down! is a nonprofit organization that rates movies based on how much tobacco is featured they feature.
Smoking cessation information was also available at both City Market and Bob’s IGA.
Woods said the informational areas at both stores offered a chance for former smokers to tell their story.
“Many community members who have successfully quit smoking stopped by the City Market table to share their inspirational stories,” Woods said.
Woods also said she hopes to make the Great American Smokeout day an annual event in Wrangell by offering more opportunities for community members and local businesses to participate.
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