Former Surgeon General Koop visits U of I

One of America’s most recognizable medical doctors will be in Iowa City today to talk to school kids statewide about the dangers of tobacco use.Former Surgeon General C-Everett Koop will deliver an “interactive” address at noon to Iowa students on the hazards of smoking. Dr. Kemp Kernstineis a professor and surgeon at the University of Iowa who’s directing the conference that’s bringing Koop to the state. In addition tothe speech over the I-C-N to 100 Iowa schools, Kernstine says Koop will hold a question and answer session and will bring kids a high-tech message using a movie from his internet website. Kernstine wants to see more money spent educating kids and adults about the dangers of smoking. He says second-hand smoke kills 53-thousand people in the U-S every year. He says the AIDS kills 42-thousand, but people pay less attention to the dangers of smoking. He says a panel discussion on Saturday will focus on Iowa’s cash settlement with the tobacco industry. Panelists will include Koop, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller and Congressman Jim Leach.