A plastic butt attached to a posterboard is enough to get anyone to stop and pay attention. And that is exactly what the Student Health Advocates had in mind Tuesday in Free Speech Alley as they encouraged anyone who walked by to stop smoking and to help their friends kick the habit as part of their Kick the Butts campaign. Advocates handed out stress-reliever balls and packets that contained tips and trinkets to help people quit smoking. Students who wanted more information were directed to Wellness Education Coordinator Hope McPhatter, who staffed a table inside the Student Union with pamphlets on how to stop smoking. “There were a number of people coming up earlier just because of the signs,” McPhatter said. The Kick the Butts campaign on campus was put on to advertise Smoking Sensations, a program the University’s Wellness Education department uses to help students stop smoking. Kick the Butts is sponsored by the Student Health Advocates and the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco Free Living. Jaleesa Auzenne, liberal arts junior and Student Health Advocate, said wearing the board with the butt on it was very important because it caught people’s eyes and got them to come to the table. Auzenne said Kick the Butts is important because a lot of people on campus smoke, and this campaign is something positive to help them stop. “We just saw someone who was trying to help their friend stop smoking,” Auzenne said. Megan Pelletteri, pre-nursing freshman, stopped by the table to pick up a packet and stress ball. She said she has a friend who smokes that she is trying to help stop. “Smoking is a very serious issue because it involves people’s health,” Pelletteri said. The Student Health Advocates are currently looking for members interested in health issues. Students interested in quitting smoking can set up individual appointments with Wellness Education coordinators in the Student Health Center.
—-Contact Allen Womble at [email protected]