Prizes up for grabs for media talents targeting tobacco

SIMCOE MUSKOKA - High school students across Simcoe Muskoka still have time to showcase their media talents and win prizes by creating radio and television commercials that target the tobacco industry for the annual Youth Stomp Out Tobacco Media Project.

"The tobacco media project gives students a hands-on opportunity to showcase their creative talents in media, and to speak out against the tobacco industry," says Linda Quennell, a public health nurse with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit's tobacco program. "Youth are cognizant of the fact that they are being targeted by the tobacco industry as the next generation of smokers but they are much more open to hearing it from their peers rather than adults, and this project is a great way for them to do that."

High school students from across Simcoe Muskoka are eligible to participate in the project. Once produced, the up to 60-second radio and television commercials will go through a screening process with a review panel consisting of youth and adult judges to determine the winning entries.

All entrants receive a t-shirt as well as a chance to win cash prizes. The deadline for entries is May 15, 2007. Entrants will have the opportunity to showcase their productions through some local media organizations and at their local schools.

"Smoking is an addiction that claims the lives of 47,000 Canadians every year," says Quennell. "Most people who smoke started when they were teenagers, so youth need to hear the message when they are young through creative projects like this if they are going to stay smoke free."

Partners in the project include the health unit, the Simcoe County District School Board, the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, the Trillium Lakelands District School Board, Take Heart and Good for Life. For more information about the project, call Your Health Connection weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at (705) 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or check www.thephakz.ca .