The American Cancer Society bought its 32nd annual Great American Smokeout to the Lower Hudson Valley with programs at Peekskill High and Nyack High. Thousands of students participated in meetings where doctors and anti-smoking activists told them about the dangers of smoking.

Official events were only held at those two schools, but youth groups at other schools throughout Westchester, Rockland and Putnam also took part, encouraging classmates to avoid smoking or to give up the habit.

A key focus of the forums was to blunt the effect tobacco advertising has on teens. Students were told how tobacco companies subtly advertise to them in local stores, on television and in magazines. From our story running tomorrow:

Though it’s illegal for stores to sell cigarettes to minors and for tobacco companies to advertise to them, Makeda James, Westchester coalition coordinator for the anti-smoking coalition POW’R Against Tobacco, said both are done routinely, hooking a new generation of smokers.

“They’re trying to subliminally force you to spend money on something that’s going to kill you,” said James, 26. “Be careful who you look up to and emulate because it just might cost you your life.”

Also, organizers offered these tips for teens considering smoking or who want to quit:
• Don’t start. Consider the considerable health risks and financial burden.
• Encourage parents to quit. Talk with them about kicking the habit and, if they can’t, ask them to keep a smoke-free house to reduce the risk of secondhand smoke.
• Talk to store owners. Ask them to remove cigarette advertisements that might target teens.
• Quit now. For help, call 866-697-8487 or visit www.nysmokefree.com.

One more thing: The American Cancer Society and ENT and Allergy Associates of Tarrytown are sponsoring a contest for teens to create an anti-smoking video. Principals will select their high school’s best videos, which will be entered into a Westchester County-wide contest for a $2,000 prize. For rules and information, see your principal or e-mail dfranklin@entandallergy.com.