[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 51 (Wednesday, April 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E641]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF KICK BUTTS DAY

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                           HON. PETER T. KING

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 14, 1999

  Mr. KING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize McKenna Elementary 
School in Massapequa, New York, for their participation in the national 
anti-smoking campaign, ``Kick Butts Day.'' This truly motivational 
program has been diligently organized by the students of this 
elementary school.
  As we all know, young people are easy targets for the tobacco 
industry and this is evidenced by the increase in teen smoking 
throughout the nation. Smoking hurts young people's physical well-
being. It can be associated with poor overall health and can lead to 
more severe conditions if continued. Many children are pressured into 
smoking. The younger a child begins smoking, the more likely he is to 
become strongly addicted to nicotine. Nicotine is a drug that causes 
cancer, heart disease and emphysema. Statistics show that teens who 
smoke are more likely than nonsmokers to use alcohol, marijuana, and 
cocaine. Children are only putting themselves at risk by starting to 
smoke.
  Again, it is important to recognize all the schools throughout the 
nation participating in ``Kick Butts Day.'' Mr. Speaker, I would 
especially like to commend Principal John Gleason and all the staff and 
students of McKenna Elementary School in Massapequa, New York for their 
outstanding work promoting their message: ``Don't start smoking! If you 
smoke, stop!''

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