Saturday, April 1, 2006

Students battle against tobacco

Amy M. Nodden News-Bulletin Staff Writer; anodden@news-bulletin.com

Los Lunas Thousands of kids across the country participated on March 29 in events for Kick Butts Day, an initiative that makes kids leaders in the effort to stop tobacco use. This is an annual event that focuses on thousands of elementary, middle and high school students.

They are standing out, speaking up and grabbing control in the fight against tobacco. On Wednesday, people participated in a free community event at Daniel Fernandez Park.

This spring break event featured games such as a basketball toss that included around the world in which the kids had to answer questions on smoking. A free cake walk made it possible for you to win a sweet treat — and there was a game of musical chairs where you could win pastries and feel like a first-grader again. A bean bag toss became an educational game with the attachment of a long piece of paper that asked: "Second hand smoke, is your child in danger?"

The Los Lunas Fire Department was there to let kids wear drunk goggles. Each child would wear them and learn what how it feels to be drunk and try to walk in a straight line. During the game, a police officer stands there to give facts about the dangers of drinking and driving. They also were conducting blood pressure and glucose checks.

A rock climbing wall came complete with the National Guard talking about smoking and how it affects your breathing.

Most importantly, a memorial wall made to honor people who have died or become sick because of tobacco use was displayed.

Taylor Meyers, 9, is one of those folks affected — she lost her aunt on Christmas Eve in 2003. Her aunt Karen Meyers died of lung cancer; she was a tobacco chewer.

"She was a good person. She was nice and very patient. She would always call me to come over on the weekends during the summer. She lived in Truth or Consequences. I really miss her and I love her very much," Meyers said.

"She was a very special person to Taylor. She will always keep lots of beautiful memories of her," Taylor's grandma, Dolores Garcia, said.

Theresa Renteria, program coordinator for Youth Development Inc., was very pleased with the turn-out. "We want to thank all of the people who helped out and donated. Some of the donations were made by the Wal-Mart Distribution Center, Wal-Mart in Belen and Los Lunas, Smith's, Solo Cups and Valencia County students Concerned About Tobacco (VCSCAT). We want the community to know that tobacco is bad and we do not want the kids to start smoking. This is a good cause."

The event was sponsored by the New Mexico Department of Health's Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Program.

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