The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians launched a statewide Illinois Tar Wars effort in the fall of 1998.  In the current school year, over 175 healthcare professionals and medical students taught Tar Wars to over 250 elementary schools across the state.  “The health educators at McLean County health department are among our longest serving presenters and greatest allies,” said Ginnie Flynn, who coordinates the Tar Wars program for IAFP Foundation.  “They have developed an outstanding tradition with the county schools and built tremendous support from their community.  We are grateful for all their support dating back seven years now.”  

All 16 state poster contest finalists will receive a prize pack, including a certificate, Tar Wars T-shirt and also bracelets and jump ropes donated by the Midwest Dairy Council.  “The Midwest Dairy Council is proud to support the Illinois Tar Wars program,” said Melissa Dobbins-Buoscio , MS, RD, CDE – a registered dietician and representative of the Midwest Dairy Council.  “We share the common goal of teaching healthy decisions to Illinois children.  Avoiding tobacco will keep you healthy, just as good eating habits, plenty of calcium and exercise builds stronger bodies.”   The Dairy Council’s “3-A-Day” of dairy is a simple way for families to enjoy three daily servings of milk, cheese or yogurt for stronger bones and healthy bodies.  Visit www.3aday.org for nutrition tips and great tasting recipes.

“Nearly 30 percent (29.2%) of Illinois high school kids are smokers.  We need to reach kids before they get hooked,” Arvind K. Goyal, M.D., Illinois Academy of Family Physicians Foundation board chair and a Tar Wars presenter.  “We give them the facts to make the right decision, because the tobacco industry continues to falsely portray smoking as essential to fun, glamour, romance and success.”  

Tar Wars teaches tobacco prevention in fourth and fifth grades by focusing on the short term negative effects of tobacco use and trains children how to recognize deceptive elements in tobacco advertising.   

Tar Wars, a program of the American Academy of Family Physicians, is at work in schools around the country, as well as Canada and overseas.   The program is free for schools and for volunteers to teach in their local schools.  For more information, including the complete program curriculum, visit www.tarwars.org.

EDITORS NOTE:  Photos of the top three posters can be sent to you by e-mail. Contact Ginnie Flynn (630) 435-0356 x118 or gflynn@iafp.com if you would like photos of the posters e-mailed to you.