RU Puts Out Cigarettes
| Published 11/03/04

Graphic by: Tim Tuley

You see them all over campus, and you can smell them in the air. This month, Radford is trying to get rid of this common killer. RU's Nursing School along with Student Health and other off campus groups is holding classes all month to try to convince students to stop smoking in the "Great American Smokeout".

"Stop Smoking Today...Start Living For Tomorrow" is the campaign slogan. Every few days another class will be held, each with a different message. Nov. 1 was the start of the classes which dealt with cigarettes and advertising. This class along with two others are being taught by Sheila Rice, RN, in Heth Lounge B. The next class will be Nov. 9 at 7 P.M. in Heth Lounge B. This class will discuss the truth about tabacco and is being presented by the Substance Abuse Office and BACCHUS. Nov. 11's class begins at 7 P.M. and will also be in Heth Lounge B. Taught by Sheila Rice, RN, the topic will be "Smoking and Your Health". On Nov. 16, Dr. Margaret Sproule will host the game "Smoking Jeopardy". This class will take place at 3:30 P.M. in Heth Lounge A. The last class before "The Great American Smokeout", is taught by Sheila Rice, RN, in Heth Lounge B at noon. This class will help give ideas and strategies as to how to successfully quit smoking.

After the completion of all the classes, "The Great American Smokeout" will begin. From 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. on Nov. 17 and 18 everyone is to congregate at Heth Plaza to show support for those who are trying to stop smoking, or are trying to stop smoking themselves. Even if people simply quit for a day, the Radford School of Nursing feels that in itself is a success.

"I think there are too many students who smoke and they don't realize the damage they are doing to their lungs at such a young age. The classes that RU nursing is holding will hopefully make the percentage of students who smoke more aware of the risks that accompany smoking increase," explained Jen Leake, RU nursing student.