HEAD OFF KIDS SMOKING

Regarding the editorial "Kids and cigars" (Feb. 10): I strongly agree with
stopping kids before they start smoking. When you ask a kid, "Why did you
start smoking?" the most common response to the question is, "Because my
friend smokes." Two-thirds of young smokers cite this reason. Other reasons
include, "Because my parents smoke" and, "Because it looks cool." Some kids
don't even know why they started smoking.

I suggest a campaign focused on dispelling the idea that it's "cool" to
smoke and that smoking is necessary in order to have friends. Such a
campaign could be conducted in schools and should include highlights of
some of the horrific consequences of smoking, particularly cancer of the
mouth and throat.

Being given this information at a young age, many potential smokers will
think twice before taking that first cigarette.

Annie Ho
San Leandro