As a student and an athlete, counteracting tobacco is something I care deeply about. I wrestle and stay very active, so my health, endurance and lungs matter to me every day. Being involved with the CounterAct Tobacco campaign has opened my eyes to how dangerous tobacco and nicotine products really are, especially for teens.
In athletics, especially wrestling, lung capacity and conditioning are extremely important. Nicotine can make it harder to breathe, recover, and perform at your best. Even products like vapes, which are often advertised as “safer,” still contain nicotine and harmful chemicals that can hurt athletic performance. As someone who trains hard and pushes my body, I don’t want anything holding me back or damaging my future.
Tobacco is also something I know can ruin families. I’ve had people in my life develop lung cancer because of tobacco use. Watching how it affected their health and the people around them made me realize that tobacco doesn’t just hurt one person — it impacts entire families. Medical issues, stress and loss can all come from something many people start using without realizing the long-term consequences.
What makes this even more upsetting is how tobacco companies target young people. Flavored products, cool packaging, and social media ads make nicotine seem harmless or normal. CounterAct Tobacco helps expose these tactics and shows the truth behind them. Teens deserve honest information, not manipulation.
Being part of CounterAct Tobacco has taught me that youth voices matter. When students speak up, we can help change the culture around nicotine use. We can support tobacco-free schools, educate our peers and encourage healthier choices. As an athlete, I want to set an example that taking care of your body is important, not just for sports, but for life.
Counteracting tobacco is about protecting our health, our families and our future. I’m proud to be part of a movement that stands up to Big Tobacco and empowers teens to make informed decisions. No trend or product is worth risking your life, your goals, or the people you love.
By: Zané Dyches, Oologah High School
