The Adverse Effects of Tobacco Use

            According to the American Lung Association, each year over 300,000 people will die from tobacco-related illnesses. It is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States. Exposure to second hand smoke also has severe consequences such as the development of chronic diseases like asthma and emphysema. Taking the steps to prevent tobacco use must begin with our children. Many smokers admit to having their first cigarette by the age 14 and becoming regular smokers by age 21.

            Woodbridge High School is very pleased to announce it has again received a mini-grant for the 2009-2010 school years from the Delaware Division of Public Health’s Tobacco prevention community contract. Funding for this contract is provided by the Delaware Health Fund and managed by the American Lung Association of Delaware.  The money received from the grant, totaling $9000.00, will be used for various activities throughout the school year to promote an anti-tobacco message.

            The High School’s Wellness Center coordinated efforts to spread the message to students. All of the ninth grade health classes and the med tech students will receive information and participate in presentations on the hazards of tobacco use. Faculty and community members too can benefit from the program, receiving information on tobacco prevention and cessation. Teachers will be given pamphlets on smoking cessation. The Wellness Center sponsored a booth at the Apple Scrapple Festival’s health fair. Displays on the effects of tobacco use were provided and information on tobacco cessation and prevention was available for community members. Over 1500 people visited the booth. Students spread the message at the festival with the assistance of the Mr. Ciggy Butts costume.

            The Wellness Center at Woodbridge High School offers counseling sessions for any student requesting assistance with tobacco addiction. Our Counselors are trained to help each student individually with their personal struggle with addiction and cessation. We are pleased to have been a positive influence in helping some students “kick the habit”. Although prevention is the key, it is important that students have a place to turn to for assistance with quitting.

            Several resources are available for adults who desire assistance with tobacco addiction. The following web sites and phone number are excellent guides to direct your road to tobacco cessation.

                                                                                  http://www.de.quitnet.com/

http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dph/dpc/quitline.html

1-866-409-1858