"It was thought provoking, fun and well-received by the teens." - Jill, OPTIONS Coordinator, Hamilton County Juvenile Services

"As gross as the lungs were, I definitely didn't want to do anything to make my lungs look like that." - Student, Summit Middle School

"The program is probably going to stop a lot of kids from smoking." - Student, Franklin Township Middle School

Lungs for Life for Youth Education

Download Smoking Education Brochure here.

Download presentation on the History of Tobacco by Dr. Nasser Hanna

Where we have been and where we are going!

While substantial advances continue to be made in our understanding of lung cancer and an ever increasing number of effective drugs are being developed, the simplest, but sometimes most difficult, solution to this problem is education about tobacco, its addictive nature, and its potential to cause cancer.

Approximately 80% of smokers begin before the age of 18. Once addicted, 80% will remain lifelong smokers. Half of them will die prematurely from tobacco-related illnesses, including half before mid-life. If you find these facts disturbing, continue below to find more facts.

• Each day in the U.S. approximately 4000 youths age 12-17 try their first cigarette

• 22% of high school students report current cigarette use

• 30% of high school senior girls smoke

• 8% of middle school students in this country are current smokers

Lungs for Life has developed a Smoking Education Program designed to reduce the burden of lung cancer and other tobacco-related illnesses throughout Indiana. We are directing our efforts towards young individuals (recognizing that most people start smoking when they are teenagers) by providing information about tobacco, personalized messages on how lung cancer can affect an individual and their family, and engage the students in an interactive discussion on this subject. The Program consists of:

1) PowerPoint presentation (10 minutes) with the objectives of

• Understanding the effects of tobacco on health in general

• Understanding the relationship of tobacco and cancer

• Addressing the �myths� of smoking

• Understanding the impact of lung cancer on the family

• Understanding the process of dying from cancer

• Understanding the tools necessary to survive cancer and prevent its occurrence (and re-occurrence)

• Having a frank discussion about smoking

• Providing information on how to quit smoking

• Overcoming the barriers that kids face regarding peer pressure and smoking

• Quizzing the audience through �Game Show� format

Our organization has developed this program through the efforts of approximately 10 members of our Lungs for Life Board, including oncologists, pulmonologists, nurses, lung cancer patients, and family members of those affected by lung cancer. The Program is focused on Middle through High School students ranging from ages 11-18. Our goal is to reach as many youths as possible with the help of Indiana school districts.

If you feel this is an important program that should be presented in your school district or to local youth groups, please contact Lungs for Life at 317-578-3521.