All You Need to Know About Tobacco in 17 Minutes

Gr 5–9—A vast amount of information about the dangers of tobacco and the additive nature of nicotine has been skillfully condensed and is presented in a clear, no-holds-barred message. Teen hosts, Aidan Shultz-Meyer and Samara Amat, are engaging as staggering statistics scroll across the screen: 1 of 5 deaths are linked to tobacco; 4700 chemicals are used in its production, 60 of which are known to cause cancer. Accompanying the stats are graphic pictures of organs and appendages that have been ravaged and destroyed by the disease. William Farone, former Director of Applied Research at Philip Morris USA, and Joseph McClernon, PhD, a neuroscientist at Duke University, offer solid insight into the marketing and neurological effects of tobacco products. Interspersed are interviews with former teen smokers who tell their stories. A variety of topics are discussed, including the chemistry of tobacco, health risks, smokeless tobacco, second- and third-hand smoke, and strategies for quitting and easing withdrawal symptoms. An must-have resource for health and physical education teachers.—Cheryl Preisendorfer, Twinsburg City Schools, OH