Friday, June 28, 2013

New Teacher Guide to Prevent Prescription Drug Abuse by High Schoolers

Digital Journal (Washington D.C.) June 28, 2013

"To help tackle the serious problem of youth prescription drug abuse, high school teachers will have free access to a new resource guide, Rx for Understanding: Preventing Prescription Drug Abuse. The guide was developed by the National Education Association Health Information Network (NEA HIN) in partnership with RxSafetyMatters, a program of Purdue Pharma L.P.
This new comprehensive resource guide, is designed for educators to help students from grades 9-12 learn about the health problems caused by prescription drug abuse and misuse." Read More

Survey: 35% of Teens Think Stimulant Abuse is Major Problem

Join Together, June 25, 2013

"A new survey of young people ages 10 to 18 finds 35 percent think prescription stimulant abuse is a big problem with their peers, and 15 percent said they had used stimulants at some point. One-tenth of kids said they had diverted medications in some way.
The survey found 7.5 percent said they had used stimulants such as Adderall or Ritalin in the last month; 3.9 percent said they took the drugs for nonmedical reasons. The findings were reported at the recent annual meeting of the College on Problems of Drug Dependence, by Linda B. Cottler, PhD, MPH, Chair of the Department of Epidemiology in the College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine at the University of Florida." Read More

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

US kids start taking first sips of alcohol by age 8

Business Standard, June 24, 2013

"Over half of children in the US have tried sipping or tasting alcohol by age 11, a shocking new study has revealed.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh collected data from 452 children in one Pennsylvania county each year from ages 8 and a half through 18. The children were asked how old they were when they first sipped or tasted alcohol, had a drink, had three or more drinks in a row, or were drunk." Read More

Raised Risk of Concussion, Study Says

HealthDay News, June 25, 2013

"Concussions appear to be a common injury for teenagers, with the risk higher not only for athletes but also for kids who drink or smoke marijuana, new research indicates.
Canadian researchers found that of nearly 9,000 Ontario adolescents, 20 percent said they'd previously had a concussion, and almost 6 percent had suffered at least one in the past year." Read More

MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership and Youth Social Network Rocket21 Collaborate to Offer A New Customized On-line Platform for Mentor – Mentee Relationships

Digital Journal, June 26, 2013

"MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership and youth social network Rocket21, the only social networking platform designed to safely connect kids and teens with communities of professionals and experts representing leading institutions and brands around the world, today announced the launch of a new tool to assist mentoring professionals and mentors in supporting youth.
The program, Rocket21 Mentor Exclusives, will help mentors and mentoring programs learn more about the strengths, interests, and passions of the youth they mentor. The free online resource provides content, activities, promotions, and contests to support mentored youth in exploring their strengths and interests with professionals from hundreds of fields." Read More

Milford Students Send Message on Underage Drinking

Milford Patch (Milford, CT) June 25, 2013

"The billboards speak for the students. After all, it’s their work.
As part of an alcohol education program at Jonathan Law High School, freshmen students in the online course created billboard designs with messages meant to spread awareness about underage drinking.
The program selected seven winners from a pool of 77 students. Two of those billboards are up now (pictured above). The rest will be displayed over the summer." Read More

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Kids With Food Allergies May Be Targets for Bullies

New York Times, June 18, 2013

“In a recent survey of 251 sets of parents and children with food allergies, published in Pediatrics in January, roughly a third of the children reported being bullied for their allergies. … Surprisingly, classmates may prey on their vulnerability, plotting to switch a child’s lunch to see if she gets sick, for example, or spitting milk at a child’s face and causing a swift anaphylactic reaction. … Parents knew about the threatening behavior only half the time.” Read More

U study: Teen bullying linked to suicide factors

Star Tribune, June 19, 2013

"Bullies and their victims are both more likely to think about or attempt suicide, but whether they hurt themselves can depend on the support they think they have.
The discovery comes from a new analysis by researchers at the University of Minnesota of information from middle- and high-school students on either side of the bully equation.
Students affected by bullying were much less likely to think about or attempt suicide if they felt closely connected to their parents, liked school, or had meaningful relationships with friends or adults, such as teachers or religious leaders, the study found." Read More

Connecticut Selected for National Initiative to Address Prescription Drug Abuse

Connecticut Plus (Hartford, CT) June 18, 2013

"The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) on Monday announced that Connecticut has been selected by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) to participate in a national effort to address policy options and other strategies to decrease prescription drug misuse, abuse, and diversion.
Drug overdose death rates in the United States have more than tripled since 1990 and have never been higher. In 2008, more than 36,000 people died from drug overdoses, and most of these deaths were caused by prescription drugs. In Connecticut, drug poisoning is the leading cause of accidental death among adults. Connecticut is one of only 16 states in which death from overdose is more common than death from vehicular accident." Read More 

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

New Miss USA committed to fighting drug, alcohol abuse

Delaware Online (Las Vegas, NV) June 17, 2013

"A 25-year-old accountant from Connecticut with a secret glamorous side is the new Miss USA.
Erin Brady of South Glastonbury, Conn., won the beauty pageant Sunday night after strutting in a white sparkly gown and answering a question about the U.S. Supreme Court's decision upholding widespread DNA tests.
She beat out 51 other beauty queens every U.S. state and Washington, D.C., at the Planet Hollywood casino on the Las Vegas Strip to take the title from outgoing champion Miss Maryland Nana Meriwether." Read More

UConn Medical Students Lead Anti-Bullying Class

UConn Today (Farmington, CT) June 17, 2013

"Bullying – whether it’s verbal, physical or cyber – seems to be pervasive among adolescents and may lead to significant emotional and behavioral problems.
Communities may offer multiple programs to address the issue, often with variable results. That may be because some teens find it difficult talking about the issue with adults.
That’s why the University of Connecticut’s School of Medicine has embarked on a different model. The Anti-Bullying Class (ABC) is led by UConn medical students and primarily targets kids in middle school, the age when bullying typically peaks." Read More

Monday, June 17, 2013

Girl Scouts of the USA and New York Academy of Sciences to Partner as Part of Clinton Global Initiative to Provide Girls with STEM Mentoring

Market Watch (New York, NY) June 14, 2013

"The New York Academy of Sciences (the Academy) and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) today announced a joint Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) America Commitment to Action to raise $3 million for a program to provide middle school girls with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) role models and curricula activities. The announcement was made at the CGI America meeting in Chicago, hosted by former President Bill Clinton." Read More

Bullying by siblings just as damaging, research finds

USA Today, June 17, 2013

"Bullying and aggressive behavior by a sibling can be as damaging as bullying by a classmate, neighbor or other peer, finds a new study that links it to increased depression, anxiety and anger among victimized kids and teens.
And that association holds true for the various types of aggressive behavior studied, both mild and severe, from physical and psychological aggression to property victimization, researchers say." Read More

Urban Outfitters halts prescription-themed products

CNN, June 14, 2013

"The coffee mug is covered in a prescription label, with the RX#: VRY-CAF-N8D.
'Drink one mug by mouth, repeat until awake and alert,' the instructions read.
The mug is one of several Urban Outfitters prescription-themed products that have come under fire recently from safety advocates who say the items promote the misuse and abuse of painkillers." Read More

Friday, June 14, 2013

Student Group Aims to Prevent Underage Drinking With Sticker Attack

Durham-Middlefield Patch (Durham, CT) June 13, 2013

"Sticker Attack is a DMYFS/EDGE project where youth raise public awareness about the minimum drinking age and the dangers of underage drinking by placing stickers on multi-packs of beer, wine coolers and any other alcohol products at local liquor stores.
The goal of this project is to educate adults and older peers (those who are 21 or over) about the dangers of underage drinking as well as the laws about underage drinking and ultimately discourage them from providing alcohol to minors. The project was developed by area teens as part of the DMYFS Teen Power Conference in the summer of 2011." Read More

Teens getting access to online prescription drugs

Gannet Broadcasting (Washington D.C.) June 12, 2013

"More teenagers are getting their hands on prescription drugs and deterring them isn't as easy as monitoring your own medicine cabinet anymore. Controlled medications can be just a few computer clicks away.
Recently, a 15-year-old from Maryland turned to the Internet to buy prescription painkillers. In his first phone call, that you can hear in a video obtained by WUSA 9, the teen calls a hotline for an online pharmacy based overseas to place an order for Percocet. When asked if he has a prescription, the teen says, 'No, I don't have a prescription.' The operator then responds, 'No problem. Sir, we can get that, because if you do not have a prescription, we provide the medication, no problem.'" Read More

School’s out, summer’s in, so watch out for underage drinking

Ballard News-Tribune, June 12, 2013

"As school gets out, the weather gets drier and warmer and summer rolls in, its time for parents to think about their children and what they do at night. With nothing better to do, underage drinking can run rampant.
Recently, the Ballard News-Tribune acted as a passenger in a police car. Sgt. Todd Kibbee, who has worked in the North Precinct for over 20 years and knows it like the back of his hand, showed the Tribune all of the common places that officers find underage and illegal drinking. Soundview Playfield, Sunset Hill Park, Golden Gardens and private beaches are all places that kids will congregate to drink and, in their perspective, have a good time." Read More

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Local Organizations Commend Businesses In Compliance with Liquor Laws

The Haddams-Killingworth Patch (East Haddam, CT) June 11, 2013

"After four East Haddam locations failed a liquor compliance check on Friday, East Haddam Youth & Family Services and the East Haddam Local Prevention Council acknowledge those businesses in town that were found to be in compliance.
On the evening of Friday, June 7th, agents from the Department of Consumer Protection’s Division of Liquor Control and the Resident Trooper’s Office of East Haddam conducted compliance checks of package stores, grocery stores, and restaurants in East Haddam and Moodus." Read More

Bullying Bulletin Board: Is summer a bullying-free time for kids?

Norwich Bulletin (Norwich, CT) June 11, 2013

"Decades ago, a student being picked on by a classmate saw June as heralding relief. During the off-school months, targets escaped their daily tribulations.
But today, when so much bullying occurs online or outside of school, a target may know that summer doesn’t mean a true break. The school hallways may be empty, but the Internet buzzes with a newfound energy when the weather is hot. It’s certainly true that many summertime activities attempt to get children to forgo electronics – sometimes even successfully. I’ve also noticed in the field that students are becoming increasingly aware that constant connectivity is probably not healthy." Read More

Putnam package stores fail compliance checks

Norwich Bulletin (Putnam, CT) June 10, 2013

"Two Putnam package stores recently failed state compliance checks by allegedly selling alcohol to minors, according to the state Department of Consumer Protection.
On Saturday, liquor control agents and officers from the Putnam Police Department conducted compliance checks of package stores and grocery stores in town. A volunteer minor was trained and provided by the Governor’s Prevention Partnership."   Read More

Alcohol advertising influencing teen girls; should contain health warnings

Edmonton Journal, June 10, 2013

"The Canadian Medical Association Journal is raising concerns about alcohol advertising, saying young girls are being influenced by the ads the industry says are aimed at young women.
The editorial in this week's issue of the journal calls for health warnings to be embedded in alcohol ads so that young girls understand the risks of drinking.
Dr. Ken Flegel, author of the editorial, said studies from the United States show that adolescent girls see about 68 per cent of alcohol advertisements aimed at young women, where drinking-aged women see about one-quarter of the ads." Read More

Monday, June 10, 2013

Group Urges Caution in Hosting Teen Parties

Voices News (Southbury, CT) June 8, 2013

"Southbury and Middlebury Acting Responsibly Together suggests that parents and influencing adults should consider some important factors because many people will be hosting parties for their children during this graduation season.
There are many consequences to hosting a party where underage drinking occurs.
The host may have his or driver’s license suspended, pay a fine, and/or serve jail time." Read More

New drug on the rise in teens

Livingston Daily, June 6, 2013

"It’s referred to as 'wax,' 'honey oil' or 'BHO' –– and a little dab is enough to do you, says Karen Bergbower.
The licensed substance-abuse-prevention expert said butane hash oil contains up to 80 percent to 90 percent tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the high-inducing compound found in marijuana. Livingston County teens have not overlooked the new form of substance abuse, Bergbower said.
Students from one local high school reportedly left prom early to head down to 'the city to purchase some wax,' according to information provided by students to the Livingston County Community Alliance project success coordinators, she said, declining to provide more details." Read More

Cyberbullying Puts Teens at Risk

Health Behavior News Service, June 4, 2013

"Teenage victims of cyberbullying, defined as the use of the internet or cell phones to send hurtful and harassing messages, are more likely to develop symptoms of depression, substance abuse and internet addiction, reports a new study in the Journal of Adolescent Health.
Conversely, teens who are depressed or who abuse drugs are also often targets of cyberbullies. 
Understanding the link between cyberbullying and health behaviors in adolescence is critical, said the study’s lead author, Manuel Gamez-Guadix, Ph.D. of the University of Deusto in Spain. 'A number of adolescents are both victims of cyberbullying and perpetrators of cyberbullying, but victims are at higher risk for psychological and behavior health problems, like substance abuse, after six months of bullying.'" Read More

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Young adults reduce drug misuse if they are part of community-based prevention effort

News Medical, June 5, 2013

"Prevention is often the best medicine, not only for physical health, but also public health, according to researchers at Penn State and Iowa State University.
According to the researchers, young adults reduce their overall prescription drug misuse up to 65 percent if they are part of a community-based prevention effort while still in middle school." Read More

Anti-bullying advocate Tina Meier shares stories with Torrington parents

The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT) June 5, 2013

"Tina Meier remembers the exact words that led to her 13-year-old daughter’s suicide.
'I don’t know if I want to be friends with you anymore because I’ve heard that you are not very nice to your friends.'
Her daughter, Megan, received the words through a message on MySpace from a boy that ended up being a fake account created as part of an elaborate prank by a neighbor. She had spoken to the boy for several weeks, and the message seemed erratic." Read More

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Study: Big Brothers/Big Sister Program Impacts Mental Health

Hays Post, June 3, 2013

"About a year after being paired with mentors, youth evaluated in a recent study, many of whom had multiple risk factors for delinquency, school failure, teen pregnancy and mental health problems, had fewer symptoms of depression.
The young people were part of the first large-scale evaluation to assess how mentoring affects 'higher-risk' youth. Noted mentoring researchers, Carla Herrera, David DuBois, and Jean Grossman studied more than 1,300 youth enrolled in seven mentoring programs, including five Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies." Read More

Prevention Partnership salutes corporate leadership

Hartford Business (Hartford, CT) June 3, 2013

"The Governor's Prevention Partnership recently honored its corporate partners as a leadership reception at the Governor's Residence. The partnership works to make sure that Connecticut's young people can grow up in a safe and drug-free environment where they can focus on education and taking their place in our future workforce." Read More

Drop Box To Collect And Safely Dispose Of Unneeded, Outdated Medications

Hartford Courant (New Haven, CT) June 2, 2013

"The New Haven Local Prevention Council in collaboration with the New Haven Police Department, the Greater Valley Substance Action Council (VSAAC), The Connection's Prevention Services Program and Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital is pleased to announce the new initiative of the first permanent disposal location to help area residents safely dispose of unused, unneeded medications at any time. 'This is the first time collaboration of its type in New Haven, and we're all looking forward to a very successful launch,' said Simone Powell of The Connection. 'We recognize the importance of the box as well as the health and safety benefits' said Beth Gaillard of VSAAC." Read More