There are many ways to say no to smoking

To the Editor:
Did you know there are actually three ways you can harm yourself and others by smoking?
First-, second-, and third-hand smoke are killing hundreds of thousands of people per year, but many people don’t even know what third-hand smoke is. Third-hand smoke happens when residue is left behind on an object after someone smokes near it. For example, if someone smokes on his or her couch, residue will be left behind and the next person to sit on the couch will breath in those harmful toxins.
On average every day 4,000 kids try their first cigarette, and TATU (Teens Against Tobacco Use) is trying to change that. They are trying to teach students the effects of tobacco and make sure that they never smoke.
In the month of March, TATU will be planning a trip to the elementary schools. TATU plans activities for the elementary schoolers to participate in. For example, TATU members might plan a bingo game which teaches the students different facts about the dangers of smoking. Members might also come up with different games or activities that go along with peer pressure, what's in cigarettes, ways to say no, how smoking is addictive, and overall why you shouldn’t smoke.
They also come up with an introduction, for example, they might say “My name is Katie and I don't smoke because I ride horses and smoking will affect my ability to ride and can even harm the horses.” This teaches the students that there are many ways to say no to smoking and that smoking affects everything. The students learn why smoking is harmful and why not to do it, this will influence their life forever.
443,000 people die from smoking each year and the goal of TATU is to lower that number every year by educating people about the dangers of smoking to themselves and others.
Katie Gandolfo
Sophomore at Delaware Valley High School