Guest speaker John Nicols used his experience and strength to convey the risks attached to smoking when he addressed the students at Magen David Yeshivah High School, Yeshivah of Flatbush High School and Hillel Yeshiva High School recently.
You dont have to die for a cigarette! One of the worst addictions is to nicotine. These wise words are just a microcosm of the dangers and risks of tobacco use.
My name is John Nicols and I would like to educate you on the dangers of cigarette smoking and nicotine. The theme is a simple one, as is my message. It is supported by an audiovisual presentation on the dangers of tobacco. I use the effect that smoking has had on my life to drive the point home. Being a cancer patient has had a significant impact on my life. I use these experiences to illustrate the real life consequences of tobacco use, with down to earth, everyday situations and examples, he said.
In 2007, John was treated for throat cancer, and at that time his larynx was surgically removed and a radical neck dissection was performed to remove cancerous lymph nodes. The surgery was then followed by 26 radiation treatments. John has taken the time to present his story to many high school and middle school assemblies and classes. The presentation leaves not only a vivid image in the eyes of the students, but an answer.
Cigarette use has declined in adults but it has risen with teenagers. We are very grateful to the SAFE Foundation and to Arthur Braunstein for bringing the dangers of tobacco use to MDY, said Mrs. Esther Tokayer, Assistant Principal.
Many believe that nicotine is limited to cigarette use, which is not the case. Hookah pipes and cigar smoking are just as dangerous. By smoking you are not only putting yourself in danger, but the secondhand smoke you are creating can affect all those around you.
The presentation was very well received by the students. The comprehensive and insightful questions that they asked revealed the impact that Johns story had on them, said Dr. Daniel Herman, school psychologist in Hillel Yeshiva.
Rabbi Ronald Levy, principal of Yeshivah of Flatbush imparted, I think this program had the biggest impact on our students. If Johns story prevents one student from jeopardizing his health, it was worthwhile. YOF Associate Principal, Mrs. Sari Bacon added, John was able to relate to the teens, and he helped the students realize the consequences of their actions.
With the aide of an electronic larynx, John gave the students a brief history of his medical condition and how his life has been permanently altered because of tobacco use. He revealed his struggles breathing, the loss of his senses, and his trouble speaking. He candidly answered questions about how he lives daily with his condition. Seven and a half years ago I had my last cigarette. I can do little of what I used to be able to do. It has been five years since I was first diagnosed, and I am looking forward to that anniversary. I advise you all to choose your battles. Dont smoke and drink. You are in control of your own behavior.
Thank you to Shira Berkowitz, Director of Project SAFE and to Arthur Brounstein, Director of Special Programs at the SAFE Foundation, for playing an integral part in our childrens education. Please visit the SAFE Foundation website www.thesafefoundation.org for more information. If you would like to contact SAFE, please call (866) 569-SAFE or email ask@thesafefoundation.org. Please friend The SAFE Foundation on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
Long Term Effects Of Tobacco Use:
Smoking can cause chronic lung disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke, as well as cancer of the lungs, larynx, esophagus, mouth, and bladder.
Smoking is known to contribute to cancer of the cervix, pancreas, and kidneys. Researchers have identified more than 40 chemicals in tobacco smoke that cause cancer in humans and animals.
Smokeless tobacco and cigars also have deadly consequences, including lung, larynx, esophageal, and oral cancer.
Women who use tobacco during pregnancy are more likely to have adverse birth outcomes, including babies with low birth weight, which is linked with a variety of infant health disorders.
The health of nonsmokers is adversely affected by environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Each year, exposure to ETS causes an estimated 3,000 non-smoking Americans to die of lung cancer and causes up to 300,000 children to suffer from lower respiratory-tract infections. Evidence also indicates that exposure to ETS increases the risk of coronary heart disease.
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Randi Shomer is a mother of four children, a community member, and a freelance writer.
