Noblesville sophomore encourages smokers to quit during Red Ribbon Week

Dear Editor:

Each year, from Oct. 23 to 31, a national event called Red Ribbon Week takes place. This campaign is dedicated to drug prevention efforts and helping those addicted to or affected by drugs. Did you know that nicotine is one of our planet’s most addictive drugs? It’s this fact that prompted me to write to share how harmful tobacco and nicotine use is and how you can get help or help someone in your life.

Over one billion people across the planet use tobacco and nicotine products, which causes serious damage to the body, most notably the heart, lungs, and brain. Tobacco and nicotine use increases cancer rates, causes respiratory problems, decreases life expectancy, and creates a multitude of other health issues. Tobacco and nicotine use are also incredibly expensive, especially for those who choose to smoke multiple packs a day. On average, an adult smoker spends over $3,000 per year on cigarettes. In the current economy, that can be a costly choice. Not only that, but paying for cigarettes is basically paying to die faster; and, smoking and vaping affects not only the user, but those around them through second-hand smoke and vapor. Even your beloved pets can be affected.

Noblesville High School sophomore Michael Bruner (left) and other VOICE Hamilton County members at IU Health Carmel removing tobacco litter and other trash from the hospital grounds. (Photo provided)

As a baseball player, it’s important to me that athletes realize how harmful smoking, vaping, and nicotine pouches can be to their athletic performance. Athletes who use tobacco and nicotine are totally disregarding the damage it does to their lungs, which in turn can make breathing and sport participation more challenging and can cause disease that ends athletic careers.

For those who are using tobacco and nicotine, Indiana offers free resources that can help you quit. The Indiana Quit Line (1-800-QUIT-NOW/1-800-784-8669) is a free program for adults, and Live Vape Free (livevapefree.com) is a free program for teens. Another way to quit is to consult your primary care physician; or, if you’re a teen, seek help from a trusted adult.

It’s my hope that Red Ribbon Week will give those using tobacco and nicotine a push toward quitting and remind those not using to never start.

Michael Bruner
Noblesville High School Sophomore & Hamilton County VOICE Member