Tobacco use is a severe problem that has plagued society for centuries. From lung cancer to heart disease, smoking damages almost every organ in the body.

Still, despite the vast availability of information and resources, the smoking epidemic remains a significant issue with over 1 billion people consuming tobacco products worldwide. In the United States alone, an estimated 34.3 million adults smoked cigarettes in 2019, and now, with the advent of e-cigarettes, young people are becoming addicted to nicotine at unprecedented rates.

To tackle this issue, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Football League (NFL) have launched a student competition.

“Kick Nicotine: Student Competition for a Smoke-Free and Vapor-Free Future” aims to raise awareness of nicotine addiction among students, facilitate discussions on nicotine cessation, and encourage a smoke-free and vapor-free future among young people.

What is the Kick Nicotine Competition All About?

The Kick Nicotine competition is a nationwide challenge open to middle and high school students. The AHA and NFL plan to provide educational resources and engagement opportunities to schools and students who participate in the competition.

The competition revolves around the three pillars of education, advocacy, and action.

Education

The education pillar aims to help students understand the dangers of nicotine and tobacco use. It helps familiarize students with the history, social impacts, and economic impacts of tobacco.

The curriculum also explores the adverse effects of nicotine addiction on the body and how it can lead to serious health problems like cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

Advocacy

The advocacy pillar encourages students to raise their voices and pursue advocacy efforts in their communities.

The program offers opportunities for participants to learn about effective advocacy, establish a social media campaign, and participate in peer-to-peer education.

Action

The action pillar focuses on implementing policy changes and community-based projects.

The competition challenges students to develop innovative ideas to support tobacco cessation in their communities, such as launching anti-tobacco campaigns, organizing campus or community events, or petitioning local governments to adopt tobacco-free policies.

What are the Benefits of the Kick Nicotine Competition?

The Kick Nicotine competition has several benefits for participating students. Here are a few of them:.

The opportunity to learn more about the history, social, and economic impact of tobacco use
The chance to develop advocacy and social media skills
The opportunity to participate in peer-to-peer education
The chance to make a difference in their communities by implementing anti-tobacco campaigns and projects
The opportunity to earn prizes and recognition for their efforts

How to Participate in the Kick Nicotine Competition?

If you are a middle or high school student interested in participating in the Kick Nicotine competition, here are the steps to follow:.

Visit the Kick Nicotine Challenge website
Register to participate in the competition by providing your school name, location, and contact information
Once you have registered, you will gain access to educational resources and engagement opportunities related to the three pillars of the competition.
Finally, develop an innovative idea to support tobacco cessation in your community and submit it before the competition deadline.

Final Thoughts

The Kick Nicotine competition is an excellent opportunity for young people to make a real difference in their communities. With the prevalence of nicotine addiction on the rise, it is essential to tackle this issue head-on.

By participating in the Kick Nicotine challenge, students raise awareness, inspire others, and advocate for a smoke-free and vapor-free future. For more information on the competition and how to participate, visit www.kicknicotinechallenge.com.