The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Entries invited for essay competition

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Sunday, Aug 03, 2008
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Entries invited for essay competition

Special Correspondent

Theme this year is “Stay Away From Tobacco and Alcohol, Save Your Life”
“It is important to involve youngsters as habit formation begins early”

CHENNAI: The Government Royapettah Hospital invites students from schools and colleges to send in essays on the ill effects of consuming tobacco and alcohol, as part of its department of Surgical Gastroenterology’s annual awareness generation campaign.

The theme this year is “Stay Away From Tobacco and Alcohol, Save Your Life,” aiming to address two of the leading causes of ill-health and disease among the general population.

Habitual use of tobacco and alcohol invariably becomes addictive in a large number of cases, according to S.M. Chandramohan, head of the department of Surgical Gastroenterology.

There is strong research evidence linking the use of these materials and conditions such as cancer, compromised liver function and liver disease, among others.

Medical science was firmly opposed to the use of these agents for casual or recreational purposes, he added.

Starting early

It was important to involve youngsters as habit formation begins during the teenage years and young adulthood, which is why the essay contest was organised for students, he said.

The competition is open to students in recognised educational institutions in the State, in three categories: high school — classes IX to XII; undergraduate and postgraduate college students; and medical college students.

The essays must be original, and not more than 1,000 words in length. They should be emailed before midnight of August 8 to royapettahhealth@gmail.com. The two best essays in each category will be awarded a medal and a certificate each at the Independence Day function at the hospital. All participants will get certificates of appreciation. Prize winners will be intimated by email before August 12.

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