MR. BUTTS PROMOTES `NO SMOKING' TO KIDS

Preschoolers, too young to have tried their first cigarette, are being targeted by local organizers of the Great American Smoke-Out with their smoke-free message.

The Smoke-Out, planned for Nov. 19, is an annual nationwide event encouraging smokers to give up tobacco for 24 hours in hopes smokers will then give up the habit for good.

Mr. Butts, a character of Gary Troudeau, has been adopted by the Smoke-Out as a mascot. Mr. Butts made a debut appearance at toddler exercise classes Friday in Jackson.

Debbie Leoni, a registered nurse and wellness coordinator for Southeast Missouri Hospital, teaches the class.

"We want to get kids as early as possible. Adults have heard the message, but these kids are young. It's new to them."

The youngsters meeting Mr. Butts Friday ranged in age from 2-5.

"Little kids hear everything and watch everything," Leoni said. "You're never sure what they absorb, but I know they absorb a lot.

"Kids model their parents, but if you tell kids smoking is bad, they will nag their parents to stop smoking."

Leoni said, "Part of the idea of Mr. Butts is to generate new interest in the Smoke-Out."

The character will make appearances throughout the area promoting the Smoke-Out.

Dr. Richard Martin is chairman of this year's local Smoke-Out.

Karen Green, publicity chairman for the American Cancer Society, said, "The Smoke-Out is aimed at helping promote healthy lifestyles. We're offering materials and programs in public school systems, both hospitals and the university."

This year, the campaign is expanding to worksites. "We are asking local businesses to help their employees stay smoke-free for 24-hours," Green said. "We have brochures, videos, survival kits all kinds of thing available to help."