Recreational Activities: An Alternative to Prevent the Smoking Habit in the Youth from Oscar Lucero Community

Abstract

Smoking is a systemic chronic disease included within the addiction group, and it is also an environmental problem that requires proper attention. Such matter is included within the Estrategia de la Cátedra de Medio Ambiente from the Sports Major Faculty. In Holguin, the smoking habit is growing; around 50 % of youth are active smokers. It was developed a diagnostic in Oscar Lucero Community, Holguin, through surveys, interviews, observation, and document perusal regarding this habit and the recreational activities in the neighborhood. It revealed insufficient knowledge about the harmful effects of this habit; lack of recreational activities for the young to spend their spare time; and a rise of the smoking habit in 14 to 18-year-old- young. The sample was made up of 25 out of the 40 smokers, for 62.5 %. Among the activities developed can be mentioned: showing of video; camping out; volleyball championships and cross-country running. Implementing the aforementioned program allowed positive results such as the recreational activities in the community increased and the knowledge and awareness by the youth and their families regarding the negative consequences for the health of the smoking habit; hence, this habit in the youth decreased. Other community members joined the proposed activities.