HEAL Club Spreads Awareness About Lung Cancer in Honor the Great American Smokeout

Briana McMullen and Christopher Bowden

December 1, 2023

HEAL Club’s Marcos Juarez, Jocelyn Lopez and Ashly Rojas Mallqui talk to Ms. Griffith’s 6th period Zoology class about the dangers of smoking as part of their Great American Smokeout presentation.

Colton, CA—On Wednesday, November 29th, the Colton High HEAL Club traveled around campus, presenting about the Great American Smokeout.

The Great American Smokeout is held annually on the third Thursday of November, coinciding with Lung Cancer Awareness Month. The tradition is meant to spread awareness about the risks of smoking and addiction.

The HEAL Club shared information to the students who are vulnerable to addiction and the health risks that come along with it.

“They provide good information about lung cancer, COPD, and not only the negative effects of smoking but also ways that people who are addicted to smoking can quit and provide community for those who need it,” said HEAL Club coordinator Stacey Baker. “I think it is an important issue that maybe people aren’t aware of. A lot of our students use vaping pens or, maybe smoke marijuana, and it’s a good way for them to find out about what damage they might be doing to their bodies.”

SAMHSA National Helpline Phone Number is +1 (800) 662-4357. “Something interesting I learned today was that there is an addiction hotline to call for those struggling with smoking addictions,” said Senior Marcus Perez.

“The Great American Smokeout does leave a positive long-lasting effect,” shared Yvette Flores, HEAL Club junior. “Not only do the quitting smokers make bonds with people there to help them. But the support people also get to make special, meaningful bonds with them.”

Presenters taught students valuable lessons, one thing that stuck out to Arelly Aragon was “Smoking can cause infertility. If you smoke you could have trouble getting pregnant or not be able to get pregnant.”

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About the Contributors

Briana McMullen, Editor

Briana McMullen is a junior at Colton High School. Some of her interests include skating (both rollerskating and skateboarding), reading and hanging out with friends. She loves listening to music. Some of her favorite artists are the Beatles, the Doors, Pink Floyd, $uicideboy$, Tyler the Creator, The Police, Nirvana, Pantera, Metallica and Megadeath.

Christopher Bowden, Staff Writer

Christopher Bowden is currently a junior at Colton High School. This is his second year working on stories for the Pepper Bough. He likes to spend time with the homies playing "Modern Warfare" all night, or going out to skate with them. When he's alone, he spends time with his dog Rockwell, listens to music, and watches Marvel movies. Bro doesn't know what he wants to do in the future, but whatever happens is gonna happen.