Many adults as well as children enjoy watching Major League Baseball. In our home its a priority! How many times though have you been watching a game with your child and the camera switches to your child's favorite MLB player only to see him put a dip or chew of tobacco in his mouth! Wow! Try explaining the dangers of tobacco to a 12 year old that thinks the tobacco is what makes their favorite player so excellant on the diamond...
Thankfully, I just received some fantastic news from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids! Major League Baseball (MLB) and the players’ union announced new restrictions on the use of tobacco products on and off the field, starting with the 2012 season. While this isn't everything we had hoped for, it is an important (and historic) step in the right direction! Please check out the following website with all the details of these restrictions and how to keep your kids tobacco free! www.tobacco-freekids.org
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Even if you believe your teen is just “experimenting” it’s important to take action right away.

Casual drug use can quickly turn into drug abuse, dependence or addiction and can lead to accidents, legal trouble and serious health issues.

If you are at all concerned about your child – or even just have a bad feeling – you can and should intervene by:
  • Setting tighter limits with clear consequences

  • Getting outside help and support if necessary

  • Having productive conversations with your child -- remain calm, share your concerns and listen.

  • Closely monitoring your child's behavior and activities

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Most states have not increased alcohol taxes in decades and there values have dwindled with inflation. Dormant tax rates have also contributed to gradual and substantial declines in the prices of alcoholic beverages.
Increases in the tax on alcohol provide new revenue for the states, deter underage use, reduce traffic-crash fatalities and certain crimes, and decrease alcohol related health problems such as cirrhosis. In some states, the new revenue may be available for public health and safety programs to enforce liquor laws, prevent teen drinking, provide treatment for alcoholism, or support traffic safety.
The Center for Sciencein the Public Interest has developed a range of alcohol tax policy resources for advocates, including: a state alcohol tax calculator, sample state reports, up-to-date information on state and federal policy, and other tools to support increasing alcohol taxes.
http://www.cspinet.org/alcohol/taxes.html
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Summer is almost here and with it comes time off from school for Texas students. Many are already making plans to attend 'this graduation party' or that 'end of school' party.
It's important to ask questions of your child when they are attending or giving a party. Many parents have the misconception that if their child is at home when they are drinking then it is safe or believe that at least they won't be drinking and driving. However, alcohol use before 21-25 years of age can have severe negative effects on a child's physical and social development.
In addition, risky sexual behavior, negative effects of physical development of the brain, and alcohol poisioning are just a few negative consequences. According to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), adults who provide alcohol to minors face a Class A misdemeanor that is punishable by a fine up to $4,000 per incident, confinement in jail for up to a year, or both. Also, someone who provides will have their driver's license suspended for 180 days upon conviction. That is 6 months without a drivers license! If a minor consumes alcohol in your home or on your property and you are aware of it, you can be held liable for damages caused by intoxication. 

To be on the safe side, be sure that alcohol is not available in your home or on your property, and supervise all parties. And when your child attends a party, it's okay to ask questions such as who will be the chaperones or will alcohol be available. And last, to report underage drinking and/or if someone is providing alcohol to a minor, please call 1-888-THE-TABC.
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TEXT FOR HELP! 04/28/2010
 
Teens, if you or someone you know finds yourself in a situation where you are in danger, you can text the word: SAFE, your current location (street address, city, state) to 69866 for immediate help!
Within seconds you will receive a text message with the closest SAFE PLACE location, youth shelter or hotline number. For more information contact National Safe Place at 1-888-290-7233 or www.nationalsafeplace.org
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Drugs In the Workplace are more common than you may think. Studies show that if you have a substance abusing employee; 
        - they are working at 67% of their capacity
        - are 2.2 times more likely to request early dismissal or time off
        - 2.5 times more likely to have absences of 8 days or more
        - 3 times more likely to be late for work
        - have a higher chance of being fired, injured or even killed 
        - cost their employers twice as much in medical claims

If you suspect someone is under the influence on the job,
        - Let the person know you are concerned and you've noticed a change in them
        - Avoid accusing them of being a drug addict or alcoholic
        - Convince the person to get help and offer to assist them.

If there is an immediate threat to someone's health and safety, speak to your supervisor or management at once. Every job is important, especially in these days and times. Drugs can have bad effects for the user, their family, their coworkers, their company and our whole economy. Recovery from drug and alcohol addiction isn't easy but it can be done. Many people do it every day. Every employee has a right and responsibility to work drug free!
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Just when you think things couldn't get any crazier...A different drug is on the horizon in the United States, a product known as K2 - or "Spice," Genie" and "Zohai." - This drug is commonly sold in head shops as incense. Produced in China and Korea, the mixture of herbs and spices is sprayed with a synthetic compound chemically similar to THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Users roll it up in joints or inhale it from pipes, just like the real thing.

Currently, it's not regulated in the United States, a urine test cannot detect these synthetic compounds and a child can walk right in to a head shop and buy it. This product has been banned in Missouri and Kansas and all branches of the Military have banned the substance as well. Other states have pending legislation.

Side Effects include delusions, hallusinations, loss of consciousness, paranoia, increased aggravation, panic attacks, dilated pupils, elevated blood pressure, heart rate and vomiting.

Currently, it is being sold in head shops, smoke shops and online but the US Customs Service has placed a ban on the importation of "Spice" products.

posted by Brenda Barrier
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