The ALMAS group at Henry Sibley High School is working on decreasing teen smoking by doing some research about the tobacco companies and the consequences associated with tobacco consumption. Statistics show that one person dies every eight seconds from tobacco use. According to SoundVision.com, every day nearly 3,000 young people under the age of 18 become regular smokers.
On September 18th, Mr. Hanson and his group took action on this major social problem. They participated in La Familia Expo which was held at the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center. La Familia Expo is an annual event that ALMAS usually performs at. This year though, the group focused on the lesser-known problems associated with chewing tobacco. The group presented some facts about tobacco consumption to the guests at the Expo. Chewing tobacco is a smokeless tobacco product. It is not a safe alternative to cigarettes; it is addictive and can cause cancer. The newest forms of chewing tobacco come in a variety of flavors including apple, cherry, cinnamon, mango, and mint. The main targets of these new products are young people, and, in particular, teenagers. Tobacco products are also taking new forms. Now, nicotine tabs meant to look like mint tabs and fruit-flavored roll-ups known as "blunt wraps" are being sold. The ALMAS group and Mr. Hanson are working hard to convince young people to stay away from tobacco products because of the long term problems it can cause. Tobacco can cause oral and lung cancer, bad breath, early decay of teeth, and death. ALMAS will continue to inform the community about the negative effects of tobacco.
Recently, the group received a grant from the Association of Non Smokers MN. From now until the end of November, ALMAS will be investigating all stores that sell tobacco in West St. Paul. In August, a new law was passed which stated that all tobacco products must be stored behind the counter, and ALMAS will be checking to see that all West St. Paul stores selling tobacco are in compliance with this law.
