Aviano youth encouraged to 'kick butts'

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Areca Wilson | Kick Butts Day, which aims to cease the consumption of tobacco products, will be recognized for a third year on March 18, 2015 at Aviano Air Base, Italy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly nine out of 10 smokers first tried cigarettes by age 18, and 99 percent first tried cigarettes by age 26. To help combat to these statistics, several activities such as informational booths, a play and a Touch and Learn will take place at 3:30 p.m., at the Aviano Youth Program Gym. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Areca T. Wilson/Released)  

AVIANO AIR BASE, ITALY

03.12.2015

Story by Senior Airman Areca Wilson 

31st Fighter Wing

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy-- Youth across Aviano community will be presented with the opportunity to pledge and follow a healthier lifestyle during Kick Butts Day on March 18, 2015 at the Aviano Youth Program Gym.

Kick Butts Day aims to cease youth consumption of tobacco products, as smoking and smokeless tobacco are often introduced during adolescence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each day in the United States nearly nine out of 10 smokers first try cigarettes by age 18.

"Kick Butts Day is a day of activism that empowers youth to stand out, speak up and take control [of their health]," said Kevin Egger, 31st Aerospace Medicine Squadron health promotion coordinator. The ultimate goal is to become a tobacco-free generation."

According to Egger, fighting against their pledge are the tobacco companies, who spend billions marketing their products hoping to attract a younger audience.

"The tobacco industry spends approximately $23 million every day on marketing," said Egger. "This is the perfect time for parents and teachers to spend a few extra minutes with their children and discuss the dangers of tobacco use. [Children need to know] how marketing techniques work to make smoking or vaping appear cool, when it is actually found to be addictive and deadly."

The program celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and will be recognized here for a third time. During 2013 and 2014, the 31st AMDS Health Promotion office worked with the AYP to set up educational seminars for program participants.

This year, to help combat these statistics, local organizers of the Kick Butts Day program have encouraged youth to step up and take charge of the events. Activities will begin at 3:30 p.m. and include informational booths, a play and a Touch and Learn, where participants will represent several areas of smoking, to communicate the dangers of tobacco products.

All individuals with base access are invited to attend not only to educate themselves, but also for spreading the word on tobacco hazards.

"Kick Butts Day is not about adults telling teens what to do, but rather teens tell adults what they shouldn't be persuaded to do, especially with something known to be so addictive and dangerous for one's health," Egger explained.

In addition to participating in these events, those interested can visit the Kick Butts Day website at www.kickbuttsday.org and utilize the tools available to help eliminate tobacco use.

• Date Taken: 03.12.2015
• Date Posted: 03.13.2015 05:00
• Story ID: 156897
• Location: AVIANO AIR BASE, IT