Letter: Board takes big steps to protect students’ health

Thursday, June 24, 2004 | 9:07 a.m.

The Clark County School Board should be commended for initiating school policy that will protect the health of Clark County school students, faculty and staff. The board's bold moves at the June 17 meeting -- passing a total ban on smoking on school properties and a ban on the sale of junk food to students -- will make a definite impact on Southern Nevada's most serious health crises: smoking and obesity.

Board member Denise Brodsky deserves applause for championing the nation's strictest ban on the sale of junk food and sodas on campus. No longer will our schools send a confusing message to students by teaching healthy choices while encouraging unhealthy access to foods with no nutritional value. With obesity on the rise at an alarming rate, this ban is an important step in getting the obesity epidemic under control.

Superintendent Carlos Garcia and Brodsky deserve accolades for their work to establish a school smoking ban. Both have been tireless advocates of such a ban, and their dedication in the face of heavy opposition is admirable. The new policy provides support to those teachers who want to quit smoking as well.

These actions by the Clark County School Board will result in fewer deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke. By encouraging students to eat healthy and to avoid tobacco, we are helping our students achieve their personal best. The American Heart Association encourages the Clark County School Board to next consider the issue of physical activity in our schools as another important means to support the good health of our students.

ROBIN D. CAMACHO

Editor's note: Robin D. Camacho is the director of advocacy for the American Heart Association in Nevada.