Middle School Focus Groups Needed

Could your local middle school use an extra $1000?

YES you read that correctly - a cash incentive for schools!

We are looking for middle school students to participate in our marketing campaign research. For this research, there is a short ten-question survey and then follow up focus groups (which can be conducted during lunch). The time commitment is minimal for the school - just give us four homeroom classes of kids and we'll do all the work.

If you know of a school that might be interested, call or email me right away!

Calling Moms and Daughters!

As part of the Better Living Series in the Roanoke Valley, Carilion Clinics are sponsoring "Girl Talk" on Thursday December 13th at Roanoke Memorial Hospital from 6-9p.m. This interactive workshop is designed for moms and daughters (ages 9-13) to help strengthen communication and reinforce good decision making skills during the difficult adolescent years. The cost is $5 per person. To register call 1-800-422-8482 or for more information call Jill Lucas at Carilion (540-244-4958).

New Tobacco Product on the Market

Some of you learned about a new tobacco product called Snus (pronounced snoose) at our Annual Grantee Conference in Newport News. It is a smokeless tobacco pouch product that is put between your cheek and gum and is different from dip or chew in that it is "spit-free". Both Philip Morris (Marlboro Snus) and RJ Reynolds (Camel Snus) are test marketing their products now. They come with flavorings such as mint, spice and vanilla. Here is a link to the Marlboro Snus fact sheethttp://www.philipmorrisusa.com/en/popup_marlboro_snus_fact_sheet.asp

The following article from the USA Today outlines the current debate about harm reduction within the public health community. Be sure to read on....
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-08-06-snus_N.htm

Even in the field of tobacco use prevention, the old adage holds true "Change is the only constant!"

Best Practices from CDC

Check out the latest Best Practices in Tobacco Control Programs document produced by the Centers for Disease Control. Lots of good info on comprehensive programs, evaluation and administration.

http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/tobacco_control_programs/stateandcommunity/best_practices/index.htm

VTSF in the news

Today, the Richmond Times Dispatch featured a front-page article about youth and adult smoking rates and highlights one of our grantee programs. Read on....

http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/sports.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-11-15-0173.html

Great American Smokeout - November 15!

Check out this website for the Great American Health Challenge:

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/subsite/greatamericans/Smokeout.asp

This new expansion of the Smokeout now includes information on eating right, active lifestyles and health checks.

Check out the latest from Tobacco Free Press....

http://www.ttac.org/TCN/tfp/2007/october-2007/youth_prev.html