SASKATCHEWAN YOUTH ARE PROUD TO BE TOBACCO FREE

Health Minister John Nilson today congratulated 400 Saskatchewan students who participated in year one of the Young Spirits: Proud to be Tobacco Free school campaign.

A Saskatchewan Health partnership with the Government of Canada, Young Spirits invites youth in grades 5 to 9 to celebrate a tobacco-free lifestyle by doing an anti-tobacco project at home, at school, or in the community.

"Youth smoking rates are a problem in our province," Nilson said. "This campaign encourages our youth to think about the negative health effects of tobacco use, and to feel positive about choosing to be tobacco-free. Most importantly, it empowers young people to make a healthy difference for themselves and others."

To date, approximately 400 students in community and Northern schools across the province have submitted a Young Spirits project form and have received a unique radio reward for their efforts. More forms are expected in the coming weeks. Completed projects include:

• creating and posting certificates to celebrate a smoke-free restaurant;

• creating anti-tobacco posters and brochures;

• producing an anti-tobacco television commercial;

• holding a mock trial on tobacco-related issues;

• producing an anti-tobacco colouring book for students in younger grades;

• conducting a survey among peers regarding tobacco use;

• designing cigarette package warning labels;

• providing support for efforts to quit smoking; and

• lobbying municipal officials for a smoke-free bylaw.

Young Spirits: Proud to be Tobacco Free is a three-year campaign funded by Saskatchewan Health and the Federal Tobacco Control Strategy mass media program. The Federal Tobacco Control Strategy is a comprehensive, integrated and sustained approach to tobacco control in Canada that aims to significantly reduce disease and death due to tobacco use.

The Young Spirit campaign includes:

• radio ads in English, Cree and Dene produced and aired by Missinipi Broadcasting;

• a school-based package of teacher resources and anti-tobacco project ideas for students; and

• a poster, featuring students from Connaught School in Regina, one of the campaign's targeted community schools.

"We are very pleased with the results of the first year of the Young Spirits campaign," Nilson said. "I congratulate these young people on their courage and creativity in coming up with meaningful ways to share an anti-tobacco message, which makes our province a healthier place for us all."

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For More Information, Contact:

Vanessa Gooliaff Beaupre Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083