Neighbor News
Reality Check students at Brentwood Freshman Center #TakeDownTobacco
Reality Check students shared anti-smoking messages to raise awareness about the negative effects of tobacco and e-cigarettes use.
Brentwood, NY – Reality Check Students from the Brentwood Freshman Center participated in a Chalk the Walk activity in recognition of Taking Down Tobacco Day. This is a National Day of Action that empowers community members to speak out against the tobacco industry, while educating about the dangers of smoking and the tobacco industry's predatory ways.
Reality Check students took their anti-smoking messages to the entrance of the school and Chalked the Walk in a colorful display to raise awareness about the negative effects of tobacco and e-cigarettes use. Reality Check students learned about the toll of tobacco in New York State and the harmful effects of smoking and vaping. The students wanted to share the following messages with their peers so they can be the first tobacco-free generation:
- Smoking is the #1 preventable cause of death.
- The average age of a new smoker is 13 years old.
- E-cigarette’s aerosol can deliver nicotine, toxic chemicals, volatile compounds, heavy metals, and ultrafine particles that can reach deep into the lungs.
Reality Check is a youth-led movement in New York State that empowers teens to become leaders in their communities by working to change the social norms about smoking and exposing the deceptive marketing tactics of the tobacco industry through youth led activities and civic engagement. Throughout the year, Reality Check youth mobilize their peers and community to act through participating in national campaigns, such as Take Down Tobacco Day, to raise awareness in their communities.
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The Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island
The Tobacco Action Coalition of LI is one of 21 Advancing Tobacco-Free Communities grants funded by the NYS DOH’s Bureau of Tobacco Control and administered by the American Lung Association. Our grant is comprised of a community engagement and youth action component, Reality Check, working collaboratively to promote environments open to creating a tobacco-free norm as well as educating and empowering our youth to become change agents within their communities.
