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NEWS
Purim Antismoking Campaign for Kids and Teens
By N. Katzin
Maccabi Health Services, in cooperation with Chaviv, is
launching a campaign to prevent boys and young men from
smoking on Purim. Children whose parents or teachers
confirmed they pledged not to smoke on Purim will be eligible
for prizes, recognition — and better health, of
course.
R' Moshe Schlesinger, the community liaison at Maccabi,
explains that the goal of the campaign is to keep children
from smoking their first cigarette, which often induces
teenagers to start smoking habitually. The Purim pledge will
help distance kids and teens from this undesirable habit,
which poses a serious health hazard. "The extensive
antismoking activities over the course of many years are
intended to drive home the importance of not trying out that
first cigarette," says Schlesinger. "The opinion of
gedolei Yisroel on this matter is well-known. I'm
pleased with the collaboration between educators and Maccabi
Health Services toward attaining this goal."
The campaign is now in its third year. In previous years
Maccabi received thousands of written no-smoking pledges from
children and teenagers. All year round Maccabi holds health
workshops on how to quit smoking, proper nutrition, diabetes,
etc.
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