Students influenced by Lung Cancer Awareness program

The best way to stomp out smoking is never to start. That's why Gundersen Health System and the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders have been encouraging local students to break the habit before it begins.

A recent presentation to students in the Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau School District influenced students to think before they smoke and to understand the dangers and consequences of smoking. A letter from Barbara Hogden, G-E-T District Nurse, describes the impact on the students:

Thank you for including the Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau School District 4th and 5th grade students in your "Lung Cancer Awareness" outreach program.

Rita Von Haden, "Ro the Bear", from the Coulee Council on Addictions, was just finishing up her program "Too Good for Drugs" when your bracelets arrived. Our school guidance counselors did an additional unit on "Drug Awareness", including smoking as an addictive behavior that has real-life consequences. They talked about the dangers of smoking for the individual and those that share their world.

The bracelets were a huge hit. I see many students wearing them and have watched as some students share information with younger kids. The little ones are usually asking, "Where can I get a bracelet like yours". The bracelets are definitely a "door opener".

I asked the art teacher to get involved, so, as with many elements in education, the discussion continued in art class.

- Barbara Hogden, District Nurse for the Gale-Ettrick-Tremealeau School District:

Below are posters drawn by 5th grade students at Trempealeau Elementary:
(click on the images to view them larger)