The Norwich GuidonThe Norwich Guidon, student newspaper of Norwich University, is published twice monthly and has won numerous awards for excellence in its class. Reporters, editors, and managers for The Norwich Guidon are students at the university who work under the guidance of a Communications faculty advisor. Student editors learn electronic pagination using state of the art computer equipment. If you have any questions or comments about the paper, please contact Professor Ken Bush at kbush@norwich.edu. |
In The NewsFebruary 13, 2003 NU students continue chewing tobacco use despite dangersBy Chris Gleeson A hard day of class, a chance to relax and get rid of the stress of the day -- he grabs a bit and tosses the tin of tobacco to his roommate, who also packs his lip full of "dip." It seems a harmless enough habit, but they don't realize that all forms of smokeless tobacco contain high concentrations of cancer-causing agents. These substances subject users to increased cancer risk not only of the oral cavity, but also the pharynx, larynx and esophagus, according to the US Surgeon General Report and QuitTobacco.com The young, seemingly healthy, students pass an old soda bottle back and forth to one another to spit into as they reflect upon their stressful days, and take deep sighs of relaxation. "I dip as often as possible while I'm at Norwich," said Teras Senenko, a 21-year-old business major from Syracuse, N.Y. "It helps me keep my sanity here." "I always dip," said Carmen Zeolla, a 20-year-old criminal justice major from Syracuse, NY"I've been dipping since I was 16-years-old. It keeps me sane," said Zeolla. The nicotine that the chewing tobacco distributes throughout the body does, in fact, provide a relaxing feeling to the users' central nervous system. However, this feeling doesn't come without a price. This is the major problem with chewing tobacco, because it easily becomes an addiction. "I lose count how often I actually chew tobacco here at Norwich," said Tom Sheep, a 20-year-old history major from Chambersburg, Pa. " My friends and I once filled a trash bag with empty tins during finals week alone." A tin of tobacco costs around $4 to $5, depending on where you go to buy it. It is, according to these students, cheaper in the South, where it is grown, and a little more expensive in New England. It is obviously something that is an unneeded expense to college students, who sometimes have little or no time to work long hours at jobs in the community. Zeolla spends between $30 and $40 a week on tins, while Mathew Wignall, a 22-year-old business management major from Cumberland, RI. dips about 5 to 10 times a day and spends around $10 dollars on tins a week. "I think, for me," said Wignall, "it's actually an oral fixation that started when I was 16-years-old. I was a hockey player and couldn't smoke, and it was also trendy." Because it is viewed as "trendy" many people chew while out a bars or at parties. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF) web site, "When tobacco and alcohol use are combined, the risk of oral cancer increases 15 times more than non-users of tobacco and alcohol products." (http://www.oralcancer.org/) Many people are using chewing tobacco to get the effects that nicotine provides without having to smoke. "I'm an athlete, so I can't smoke, and 90 percent of my friends
do it, too," said Zeolla. "I actually don't dip while I'm at home, because my parents don't like my habit and, actually, pretty much anyone not from Norwich dislikes it, too," said Derrick Draper, a 22-year-old psychology major from Gardiner, Maine. "I tried it at airborne school and just never stopped," said Draper "I dip about 5 times a day." Smokeless tobacco also increases heart rate, blood pressure, and blood levels of nicotine, just like those of cigarette smokers. Both Zeolla and Wignall said that their gums get sore sometimes. "Side effects? Not yet, knock on wood!" Senenko said. The largest population at Norwich is between the ages of 18-25. Therefore, out of those people, the users feel that they are too young to have this happen to them. And, according to OCF, they are. "About 95 percent of all oral cancers occur in persons over 40 years of age," reported their web site. But the fact to remember is that these "persons" didn't just recently start chewing tobacco when they were 40 years old. |
Nine Norwich student Reservists receive orders as part of nationwide National Guard activiation NU students continue chewing tobacco despite dangers McIntyre to teach leadership classes each week NU students tackle Green Mountain Experience in Vermont outdoors Shock Platoon prepares for spring competitions Muzzleloader hunting requires unique skills, experience Area resorts offer low, special rates for college students Students find workstudy in library pleasant environment Foxtrot company hosts dining in at Milano Ballroom Alumni Assoc, office provide guidance for graduating seniors Equipment room functions to help sports teams with supplies |
| Copyright 2003 by the President and Trustees of Norwich University. |