March 19 marks the 19^th annual Kick Butts Day! 

What exactly is Kick Butts Day? 

This day was marked by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids to encourage youth to take a stand against ‘Big Tobacco’.  Youth and adults nationwide are encouraged to contribute to this cause by raising awareness of tobacco companies’ deceptive marketing strategies toward youth, reaching out to elected representatives about this issue, and ultimately advocating for others to remain tobacco-free.

What’s the issue?

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, more than 600,000 middle school students and 3 million high school students smoke cigarettes.  An estimated 18% of Indiana high school students smoke, and while approximately 1,200 people die each day from a tobacco-related illness, at least twice as many young people will become regular smokers on a daily basis.

Tobacco companies are smart.  The nicotine found in tobacco is extremely addictive and once a young person becomes addicted, tobacco companies will likely have a lifelong customer.  They understand that youth and young adults are prime targets for their products, and thus pour millions of dollars per day into relentless marketing efforts.

What can you do?

Check out the official Kick Butts Day website for more information and activities you can participate in.

For more information about HealthNet’s Smoking Cessation program, please visit www.indyhealthnet.org or call a HealthNet location near you.