Nature World News, August 29, 2013
"Drinking alcohol during teens and early adulthood increases risk of breast cancer in women, a new study reported.
Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis said that they have found a link between alcohol consumption in early age and breast cancer later in life. Previous research had usually assessed alcohol consumption in women mid or post-childbearing years. The current study shows that teen girls who drink excess amounts of alcohol might be at a greater risk of breast cancer.
About 25 percent of youth aged between 12 and 20 years reported drinking alcohol and about 16 percent said that they binge drink, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health ( 2011)." Read More
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Under Age Drinking
WTNH News-8, August 28, 2013
"Pat Rehmer, Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services was in the studio to discuss a disturbing trend taking place right here in Connecticut. Underage drinking, particularly binge drinking, is a public health problem and often leads to alcohol dependence or abuse in persons who first use alcohol before the age of 21 or older. Therefore,a group of state and community agencies have gotten together to try to decrease underage drinking. While rates of underage drinking are starting to decrease they are still unacceptably high." Read More
"Pat Rehmer, Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services was in the studio to discuss a disturbing trend taking place right here in Connecticut. Underage drinking, particularly binge drinking, is a public health problem and often leads to alcohol dependence or abuse in persons who first use alcohol before the age of 21 or older. Therefore,a group of state and community agencies have gotten together to try to decrease underage drinking. While rates of underage drinking are starting to decrease they are still unacceptably high." Read More
Bullying and suicide can go hand-in-hand
CT Post, August 28, 2013
"Bullying and suicide too often go hand-in-hand.
When a teen is being harassed, he or she can feel dejected and hopeless. 'It can really leave you in a place where you wonder `What is the point anymore?'' said Dr. Robin Stern, assistant director of special projects for Yale University's Center for Emotional Intelligence.
Thus it's unsurprising, if profoundly sad, to hear that the suicide of 15-year-old Greenwich High School student Bartlomiej 'Bart' Palosz might have been linked to bullying." Read More
"Bullying and suicide too often go hand-in-hand.
When a teen is being harassed, he or she can feel dejected and hopeless. 'It can really leave you in a place where you wonder `What is the point anymore?'' said Dr. Robin Stern, assistant director of special projects for Yale University's Center for Emotional Intelligence.
Thus it's unsurprising, if profoundly sad, to hear that the suicide of 15-year-old Greenwich High School student Bartlomiej 'Bart' Palosz might have been linked to bullying." Read More
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
When Protection Hurts: Educating and Empowering Students of All Abilities
The Huffington Post, August 27, 2013
"On Tuesday, the Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) issued a Dear Colleague letter outlining the all too familiar negative effects of bullying. The piece focused on students with disabilities, who experience significantly higher rates of bullying than their typical-peers. In the letter, OSERS reminded schools of their 'obligation to ensure that a student with a disability who is the target of bullying behavior continues to receive FAPE (Free and Appropriate Public Education) in accordance with his or her IEP (Individualized Education Plan)'.
That obligation might seem obvious to most, but there's more to it. We all know bullying harms students. But, is it possible that efforts to prevent or end bullying could also deny students' educational rights, particularly their right to be included?" Read More
Report: Underage tobacco sales at record lows
CT Post, August 27, 2013
"New statistics show that the sale of tobacco to minors in the U.S. were held near all-time lows last year under a federal-state inspection program intended to curb underage usage.
The violation rate of tobacco sales to underage youth at retailers nationwide has fallen from about 40 percent in 1997 to 9.1 percent in the last fiscal year, according to a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration report released Tuesday. The rate, which reached an all-time low of 8.5 percent in 2011, is based on the results of random, unannounced inspections conducted at stores to see whether they'd sell tobacco products to a customer under the age of 18." Read More
"New statistics show that the sale of tobacco to minors in the U.S. were held near all-time lows last year under a federal-state inspection program intended to curb underage usage.
The violation rate of tobacco sales to underage youth at retailers nationwide has fallen from about 40 percent in 1997 to 9.1 percent in the last fiscal year, according to a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration report released Tuesday. The rate, which reached an all-time low of 8.5 percent in 2011, is based on the results of random, unannounced inspections conducted at stores to see whether they'd sell tobacco products to a customer under the age of 18." Read More
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
What Does Assertiveness Have to Do with Stopping Bullying?
Huffington Post, August 26, 2013
"Round-the-clock internet availability and 24/7 cell phone access gives kids the opportunity to be in touch at any (and every) moment. For many tweens and teens, it is a thrill to be able to connect with friends beyond the school day or a traditional curfew. For those who are targeted by cruel peers, however, it can seem as if there is no escape from cruel teasing, taunting, and texting. In this world of constant contact, children need to know how to communicate effectively.
Assertiveness is a style of communication in which a person expresses his thoughts and feelings in a verbal, non-blaming, respectful way (Long, Long & Whitson, 2008). When considered in the context of young people targeted by bullies, assertive communication is the essential middle ground between an aggressive comeback that escalates a bully's hostility and a passive response that projects a target's lack of power." Read More
"Round-the-clock internet availability and 24/7 cell phone access gives kids the opportunity to be in touch at any (and every) moment. For many tweens and teens, it is a thrill to be able to connect with friends beyond the school day or a traditional curfew. For those who are targeted by cruel peers, however, it can seem as if there is no escape from cruel teasing, taunting, and texting. In this world of constant contact, children need to know how to communicate effectively.
Assertiveness is a style of communication in which a person expresses his thoughts and feelings in a verbal, non-blaming, respectful way (Long, Long & Whitson, 2008). When considered in the context of young people targeted by bullies, assertive communication is the essential middle ground between an aggressive comeback that escalates a bully's hostility and a passive response that projects a target's lack of power." Read More
Parents can help teens who have problem with drinking
Nevada Appeal, August 26, 2013
"If you as a parent think your teen hasn’t experimented with alcohol, the statistics could shake up your assumptions.
In 2012, one-fourth of twelfth graders reported binge drinking and 11 percent of eighth-graders said they consumed alcohol in a 30-day period prior to a survey conducted by the Institute for Social Research at The University of Michigan.
But you can take steps to forestall your teen’s interest in drinking." Read More
"If you as a parent think your teen hasn’t experimented with alcohol, the statistics could shake up your assumptions.
In 2012, one-fourth of twelfth graders reported binge drinking and 11 percent of eighth-graders said they consumed alcohol in a 30-day period prior to a survey conducted by the Institute for Social Research at The University of Michigan.
But you can take steps to forestall your teen’s interest in drinking." Read More
Party Busted: Southington Police Cracking Down on Underage Drinking
Southington Patch (Southington, CT) August 26, 2013
"The Southington Police Department has a message for those under 21-years-old: if you make the decision to drink alcoholic beverages, be prepared to pay the price.
Just one day after citing four for underage drinking, the department responded to a noise complaint on Friday evening and proceeded to cite 11 others, including three people under the age of 18, for taking part in an underage drinking party on Berlin Street." Read More
"The Southington Police Department has a message for those under 21-years-old: if you make the decision to drink alcoholic beverages, be prepared to pay the price.
Just one day after citing four for underage drinking, the department responded to a noise complaint on Friday evening and proceeded to cite 11 others, including three people under the age of 18, for taking part in an underage drinking party on Berlin Street." Read More
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Parents Beware: Heroin Use Rising Among Teens
CBN News, August 19, 2013
"The drug that was once relegated to the homeless and rock stars is now popping up at highschool parties in the suburbs.
Heroin's renewed popularity is directly related to the increase in prescription drug abuse.
Millions of American adults and teenagers are addicted to the prescription pain killers vicodin and oxycontin, so much so that they'll do anything to get them -- even kill.
But finding the drugs and paying for them is hard. Sometimes just one pill sells for $80." Read More
"The drug that was once relegated to the homeless and rock stars is now popping up at highschool parties in the suburbs.
Heroin's renewed popularity is directly related to the increase in prescription drug abuse.
Millions of American adults and teenagers are addicted to the prescription pain killers vicodin and oxycontin, so much so that they'll do anything to get them -- even kill.
But finding the drugs and paying for them is hard. Sometimes just one pill sells for $80." Read More
Feds Urge Schools To Tackle Bullying Of Kids With Disabilities
DisabilityScoop, August 21, 2013
"In new guidance sent to educators across the country, federal education officials say that schools may be liable if they don’t properly address bullying of students with disabilities.
The guidance issued Tuesday in a four-page “Dear Colleague” letter details the unique obligations that schools have under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to ensure that children with disabilities are not victimized.
Specifically, officials from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services said that bullying can lead to a denial of a student’s right to a free and appropriate public education, or FAPE, if it "results in the student not receiving meaningful educational benefit.'" Read More
"In new guidance sent to educators across the country, federal education officials say that schools may be liable if they don’t properly address bullying of students with disabilities.
The guidance issued Tuesday in a four-page “Dear Colleague” letter details the unique obligations that schools have under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to ensure that children with disabilities are not victimized.
Specifically, officials from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services said that bullying can lead to a denial of a student’s right to a free and appropriate public education, or FAPE, if it "results in the student not receiving meaningful educational benefit.'" Read More
Face The State Special - Underage Drinking
WFSB Channel 3 Eyewitness News (Hartford, CT) August 18, 2013
"A 30-minute segment of Face the State dedicated to underage drinking in Connecticut." Read More
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
CDC: Heavy Drinking a Costly Burden to U.S.
HealthDay News, August 13, 2013
"Excessive drinking is a major economic problem in the United States, costing billions of dollars in health care costs, lost worker productivity and other consequences involved, the federal government reported Tuesday.
The nationwide economic burden of excessive drinking in 2006 was $223.5 billion. The cost for each state ranged from $420 million in North Dakota to $32 billion in California. The median cost per state for each single alcoholic drink was $1.91, the report said." Read More
"Excessive drinking is a major economic problem in the United States, costing billions of dollars in health care costs, lost worker productivity and other consequences involved, the federal government reported Tuesday.
The nationwide economic burden of excessive drinking in 2006 was $223.5 billion. The cost for each state ranged from $420 million in North Dakota to $32 billion in California. The median cost per state for each single alcoholic drink was $1.91, the report said." Read More
WSU tries new tactics against booze
CT Post (Spokane, WA) August 12, 2013
"Washington State University will take new steps to try to reduce binge drinking and drug use by students, including scheduling more Friday morning classes and notifying parents if an underage student is caught drinking or using drugs, university officials announced Monday.
The Pullman-based school started examining ways to address drug and alcohol use by students after a student died of alcohol poisoning in October." Read More
"Washington State University will take new steps to try to reduce binge drinking and drug use by students, including scheduling more Friday morning classes and notifying parents if an underage student is caught drinking or using drugs, university officials announced Monday.
The Pullman-based school started examining ways to address drug and alcohol use by students after a student died of alcohol poisoning in October." Read More
Teens Have The Power To Make A Better Choice Than Drinking And Drugs
Hartford Courant (Hartford, CT) August 13, 2013
"In every health class, students learn about real people who have escaped unhealthy friendships and managed to live substance-free lives. I am one of those people.
When I was in middle school, I started hanging out with a group of people who I thought were my true friends and could do no wrong. We traveled through middle school as a tight-knit group, and everyone seemed to be very innocent. But once high school rolled around, things changed.
Early into freshman year, this group ended up going down the wrong path and began abusing alcohol. It was at first tough for me to decide which path to take, even though I knew the right one in my heart." Read More
"In every health class, students learn about real people who have escaped unhealthy friendships and managed to live substance-free lives. I am one of those people.
When I was in middle school, I started hanging out with a group of people who I thought were my true friends and could do no wrong. We traveled through middle school as a tight-knit group, and everyone seemed to be very innocent. But once high school rolled around, things changed.
Early into freshman year, this group ended up going down the wrong path and began abusing alcohol. It was at first tough for me to decide which path to take, even though I knew the right one in my heart." Read More
Monday, August 12, 2013
In Teen Girls, Alcohol Habits Tend to Differ By Race
Psych Central, August 11, 2013
"A new study reveals racial differences in the alcohol habits of high school females, with alcohol use more common among white girls than black girls.
And among those who do drink, black girls tend to consume more liquor, whereas white girls generally drink both beer and liquor.
'This study is timely because only by understanding racial differences in the type of alcohol consumed can researchers and community decision-makers better tailor policies and preventive interventions to reduce the negative consequences of excessive alcohol use,' said Mildred Maldonado Molina, Ph.D., associate professor in the department of health outcomes and policy at the University of Florida." Read More
"A new study reveals racial differences in the alcohol habits of high school females, with alcohol use more common among white girls than black girls.
And among those who do drink, black girls tend to consume more liquor, whereas white girls generally drink both beer and liquor.
'This study is timely because only by understanding racial differences in the type of alcohol consumed can researchers and community decision-makers better tailor policies and preventive interventions to reduce the negative consequences of excessive alcohol use,' said Mildred Maldonado Molina, Ph.D., associate professor in the department of health outcomes and policy at the University of Florida." Read More
YMCA Of Greater Hartford To Offer National Mentoring Program For Kids And Teens In Hartford
Hartford Courant (Hartford, CT) August 10, 2013
"Nearly one in five youth live in poverty and are at risk of falling prey to crime, drugs and other hurdles that could keep them from reaching productive adulthood, obtaining an education and successfully entering the workforce. Also, research shows that youth are more likely to succeed with the support of a caring adult.
In an effort to help more kids and teens achieve, the YMCA of Greater Hartford, through its Wilson-Gray YMCA Youth and Family Center branch, will begin offering the Building Futures Mentoring Program. The national YMCA program, supported by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), connects youth ages 6 to 17 with adult mentors for 12 to 18 months." Read More
"Nearly one in five youth live in poverty and are at risk of falling prey to crime, drugs and other hurdles that could keep them from reaching productive adulthood, obtaining an education and successfully entering the workforce. Also, research shows that youth are more likely to succeed with the support of a caring adult.
In an effort to help more kids and teens achieve, the YMCA of Greater Hartford, through its Wilson-Gray YMCA Youth and Family Center branch, will begin offering the Building Futures Mentoring Program. The national YMCA program, supported by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), connects youth ages 6 to 17 with adult mentors for 12 to 18 months." Read More
Plainville Sets Antibullying Program For Middle-Schoolers
Hartford Courant (Plainville, CT) August 9, 2013
"Bullying, in person or online, is harmful and stopping it is the focus of a workshop scheduled Monday for middle school students.
'Becoming an Ally: Responding to Name-Calling And Bullying,' sponsored by the national Anti-Defamation League, will be presented to about 30 seventh- and eighth-graders who have had prior training in confronting cruel behavior by classmates and helping victims,Thomas Laudadio, the middle school dean of students, said Friday.
The session is the latest in a series of anti-bullying programs and workshops the school system has organized in the nine years since the schools began teaching students and staff how to combat bullying, which includes emotional, as well as physical torture, he said." Read More
"Bullying, in person or online, is harmful and stopping it is the focus of a workshop scheduled Monday for middle school students.
'Becoming an Ally: Responding to Name-Calling And Bullying,' sponsored by the national Anti-Defamation League, will be presented to about 30 seventh- and eighth-graders who have had prior training in confronting cruel behavior by classmates and helping victims,Thomas Laudadio, the middle school dean of students, said Friday.
The session is the latest in a series of anti-bullying programs and workshops the school system has organized in the nine years since the schools began teaching students and staff how to combat bullying, which includes emotional, as well as physical torture, he said." Read More
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Help your special needs child with bullies
Chicago Parent (Chicago, IL) August 5, 2013
"It's a given that parents will always worry about their kids and try to do what it takes to keep them safe. But when it comes to the bullying a child with special needs may face, it's hard for parents to know how to help.
And, unfortunately, it's not uncommon for children with special needs to be the target of bullies. Statistics from AbilityPath.org's Walk a Mile in Their Shoes report show that children with special needs are two to three times more likely to be bullied than their peers.
Kathy Ruffulo, vice president of children's services at Aspire Children's Services, believes bullies are something on every parent's radar. She says education and building a child's selfesteem can help protect them from getting emotionally injured by bullying." Read More
"It's a given that parents will always worry about their kids and try to do what it takes to keep them safe. But when it comes to the bullying a child with special needs may face, it's hard for parents to know how to help.
And, unfortunately, it's not uncommon for children with special needs to be the target of bullies. Statistics from AbilityPath.org's Walk a Mile in Their Shoes report show that children with special needs are two to three times more likely to be bullied than their peers.
Kathy Ruffulo, vice president of children's services at Aspire Children's Services, believes bullies are something on every parent's radar. She says education and building a child's selfesteem can help protect them from getting emotionally injured by bullying." Read More
Research throws new light on why children with autism are often bullied
Medical Xpress, August 7, 2013
"A study of hundreds of teachers and parents of children on the autistic spectrum has revealed factors why they are more or less likely to be bullied.
Dr Judith Hebron and Professor Neil Humphrey from The University of Manchester, say older autistic children are more likely to be bullied than youngsters – going against prevailing thought.
The survey of 722 teachers and 119 parents also revealed that the children would be more likely to be bullied at mainstream, rather than special schools. However, smaller class sizes and a higher ratio of adults to pupils are two of a number of reasons why there may be fewer opportunities for bullying in special schools." Read More
"A study of hundreds of teachers and parents of children on the autistic spectrum has revealed factors why they are more or less likely to be bullied.
Dr Judith Hebron and Professor Neil Humphrey from The University of Manchester, say older autistic children are more likely to be bullied than youngsters – going against prevailing thought.
The survey of 722 teachers and 119 parents also revealed that the children would be more likely to be bullied at mainstream, rather than special schools. However, smaller class sizes and a higher ratio of adults to pupils are two of a number of reasons why there may be fewer opportunities for bullying in special schools." Read More
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Vulnerability to alcohol and drug abuse may begin in the womb
Business Standard, August 4, 2013
"A new study has revealed that a mum's high-fat, sugary diets may lead to birth of an offspring with a taste for alcohol and sensitivity to drugs.
According to findings from animal lab experiments presented at APA's 121st Annual Convention, vulnerability to alcohol and drug abuse may begin in the womb and be linked to how much fatty and sugary foods a mother eats during pregnancy.
'The majority of women in the U.S. at child-bearing age are overweight, and this is most likely due to overeating the tasty, high-fat, high-sugar foods you find everywhere in our society. The rise in prenatal and childhood obesity and the rise in number of youths abusing alcohol and drugs merits looking into all the possible roots of these growing problems,' Nicole Avena, PhD, a research neuroscientist with the University of Florida's McKnight Brain Institute, said." Read More
"A new study has revealed that a mum's high-fat, sugary diets may lead to birth of an offspring with a taste for alcohol and sensitivity to drugs.
According to findings from animal lab experiments presented at APA's 121st Annual Convention, vulnerability to alcohol and drug abuse may begin in the womb and be linked to how much fatty and sugary foods a mother eats during pregnancy.
'The majority of women in the U.S. at child-bearing age are overweight, and this is most likely due to overeating the tasty, high-fat, high-sugar foods you find everywhere in our society. The rise in prenatal and childhood obesity and the rise in number of youths abusing alcohol and drugs merits looking into all the possible roots of these growing problems,' Nicole Avena, PhD, a research neuroscientist with the University of Florida's McKnight Brain Institute, said." Read More
Monday, August 5, 2013
Trying to be cool parent can be deadly mistake
The Day (New London, CT) August 4, 2013
"It is mid-summer and prime time for vacations and other recreational activities. It's also a prime time when teenagers may drink alcohol.
This is not only dangerous, but potentially lethal. Attention is growing on teen's drinking alcohol in large quantities, or binge drinking. It occurs at teen gatherings in places such as a friend's house, in the woods or fields, at concerts or on the beach.
Often the teens are unsupervised, but occasionally a misguided adult is present and aware of the drinking. Underage drinking can cause health problems and cause teens to take risks; the results can be alarming and sometimes catastrophic. Adults who are aware of underage drinking on their premises can face legal charges such as fines and imprisonment." Read More
"It is mid-summer and prime time for vacations and other recreational activities. It's also a prime time when teenagers may drink alcohol.
This is not only dangerous, but potentially lethal. Attention is growing on teen's drinking alcohol in large quantities, or binge drinking. It occurs at teen gatherings in places such as a friend's house, in the woods or fields, at concerts or on the beach.
Often the teens are unsupervised, but occasionally a misguided adult is present and aware of the drinking. Underage drinking can cause health problems and cause teens to take risks; the results can be alarming and sometimes catastrophic. Adults who are aware of underage drinking on their premises can face legal charges such as fines and imprisonment." Read More
Thursday, August 1, 2013
One In 3 US Youths Victimized By Dating Violence — With Girls Nearly As Aggressive
Medical Daily, July 31, 2013
"One in three American youths say they have been victimized by dating violence, and nearly as many admit to perpetrating it — girls included.
A new study presented at the American Psychological Association's annual meeting on Wednesday described rates of physical, sexual, or psychological violence toward partners in a dating relationship among youths ages 14-20.
Interestingly, one-third of girls admitted to waging forms of abuse toward a dating partner, though they were more likely to perpetrate acts of psychological violence than physical or sexual violence." Read More
"One in three American youths say they have been victimized by dating violence, and nearly as many admit to perpetrating it — girls included.
A new study presented at the American Psychological Association's annual meeting on Wednesday described rates of physical, sexual, or psychological violence toward partners in a dating relationship among youths ages 14-20.
Interestingly, one-third of girls admitted to waging forms of abuse toward a dating partner, though they were more likely to perpetrate acts of psychological violence than physical or sexual violence." Read More
Several local students participate in ‘Don’t be a bully’
New Britain Herald (New Britain, CT) July 31, 2013
"Several dozen city middle school students shared an important message with family and fellow students Thursday: 'Don’t be a bully, be unique.'
The children, members of ConnCAP — the Connecticut Collegiate Awareness and Preparation Program — performed the play “A Day in the Life of New Berry Middle School” at Copernicus Hall at CCSU.
The ConnCAP program is a state-funded preparatory program for students planning to attend New Britain High School. The program’s academic sessions, which consist of academic advising and enrichment, high school preparation information, holistic development, career development, college admission information and campus visits, and cultural enrichment activities are held for six weeks during the summer at CCSU." Read More
"Several dozen city middle school students shared an important message with family and fellow students Thursday: 'Don’t be a bully, be unique.'
The children, members of ConnCAP — the Connecticut Collegiate Awareness and Preparation Program — performed the play “A Day in the Life of New Berry Middle School” at Copernicus Hall at CCSU.
The ConnCAP program is a state-funded preparatory program for students planning to attend New Britain High School. The program’s academic sessions, which consist of academic advising and enrichment, high school preparation information, holistic development, career development, college admission information and campus visits, and cultural enrichment activities are held for six weeks during the summer at CCSU." Read More
Steroid Abuse Among Connecticut Teenagers is a Growing Problem
CT.com (Hartford, CT) July 31, 2013
"Brian Cunningham says no one asked him where he got the 200 doses of illegal steroids found in his Southington High School locker back in April. Nor did anyone ask the 18-year-old who among his friends or teammates might also be doping.
Not the cops, not school officials. One Southington High administrator told a reporter he believed Cunningham, a defensive end on the Blue Knights varsity football team for two years, was an isolated case." Read More
"Brian Cunningham says no one asked him where he got the 200 doses of illegal steroids found in his Southington High School locker back in April. Nor did anyone ask the 18-year-old who among his friends or teammates might also be doping.
Not the cops, not school officials. One Southington High administrator told a reporter he believed Cunningham, a defensive end on the Blue Knights varsity football team for two years, was an isolated case." Read More
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