The tobacco industry uses smoking in movies to influence youth

NEWMARKET – York Region Health Services, York YEL!T (York Youth Exposing Lies !n Tobacco) is
hosting the second annual Smoke-Free Movie Night.  The goal of this event is to raise awareness among
youth and adults about the increase of tobacco use in movies. Youth are especially influenced by the
image their favourite actors portray and smoking in movies sends the message that tobacco use is
desirable. Each year, the tobacco industry spends billions of dollars paying actors to use tobacco in their
movies.  It remains their number one form of advertising.

 

WHEN:  Friday, February 16, 2007

 

WHERE:  The Gem Movie Theatre
  11 Church Street, Keswick

 

WHAT: Photo opportunity:
• Feature Display 6:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
A free interactive display will provide movie goers with a first hand look at the negative effects of tobacco use.  Interested youth can sign a petition requesting the elimination of tobacco use by actors in G, PG and PG-13 rated movies and participate in a speak out, speaker’s corner. 

 

WHO:  Peer leaders from York YEL!T
 York Region Health Services
Smoke-Free Ontario Program
Georgina residents 

 

York Region’s Youth Action Alliance Program (York YEL!T) aims to prevent and reduce smoking in youth by directly engaging them as key participants in the development and execution of York Region Wide campaigns. Youth Action Alliances are meant to be the cornerstone of community-based youth tobacco control programs in Ontario.  These Smoke-Free Ontario peer leadership programs engage youth in local action campaigns to prevent smoking, encourage quit attempts, reduce exposure to second-hand smoke, and increase awareness of tobacco issues in local communities across the province.  

 

For more information on this or other health-related questions, contact York Region Services Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or visit www.york.ca

 

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Media Contact: Jennifer Mitchell-Emmerson, York Region Health Services
 Phone:  (905) 830-4444, ext. 4016 or After-hours cell (905) 716-2717
 Email: jennifer.mitchellemmerson@york.ca