REPULSE BAY
Students at Tusarvik School in Repulse Bay took part in a number of activities this past month aimed at reducing the number of cigarette smokers in the territory.
Guest elder and former smoker Mary Tuktudjuk, right, presents the prize from the Step Challenge draw to Melanie Kaunak during the Tobacco Has No Place On Our Land program at Tusarvik School in Repulse Bay this past month. - photo courtesy of Tusarvik School |
Grade 7 teacher Carol Kennedy said the students showed great enthusiasm while taking part in the anti-tobacco events that rallied around the slogan, Tobacco Has No Place On Our Land.
She said the more the students learned about the negative effects of smoking, the more concerned they became over friends and family members who still smoke.
"My Grade 7 students were interested in the material and very concerned over the impact smoking can have on people in their lives," said Kennedy.
"They had it in their minds they were going to tell their parents they should quit.
"A connection was being made as they understood more about smoking."
Kennedy said another positive aspect of the program was that it encouraged a number of teachers and staff members to try and quit. She said there were teachers, teaching assistants and other staff members who all tried the nicotine patch or chewing gum while the program ran at the school.
"The biggest success of doing this program at our school, in my opinion, was it got us talking about it. The kids were really educated in a good way.
"So much so, they went home and passed the information on to their parents."
Kennedy said another positive aspect of the program is the fact it shows people different techniques that can help them quit, instead of just preaching smoking is bad and you should never try it.
She said preaching not to smoke or chew tobacco does nothing for those who already have the habit.
"We really stressed ways you can go about getting help when you make the decision to quit. Having the elders speak to the kids really made a big impression on them.
"So, having the little ones educated by the teachers and then talked to by the elders was big.
"It's hard to quit tobacco, but, even if you find yourself starting to think about quitting, that's a step in the right direction."
The program featured a poster contest, Step Challenge, Jeopardy game and healthy lunch, among other activities.
Kennedy said despite all the available information, not everyone is aware of some of the things they can do to help them quit. She said steps such as partnering with someone can greatly increase one's odds of success when quitting.
"Making sure you get lots of sleep, drinking lots of water, and trying to stay away from caffeine as much as possible are all things that can help you be successful.
"It's also scary how prevalent chewing snuff is in our schools, because people don't see it as being as dangerous as smoking, but, in fact, it's worse," Kennedy said.
"It's very dangerous and just making kids aware of that fact will help keep some of them away from it.
"Another point we reminded the kids about during the program is, traditionally, tobacco was not part of Inuit culture, but, rather, was introduced here."
