HCTC News is a monthly newsletter with articles containing new research and insight into youth behaviors with a specific emphasis on underage drinking. The newsletter also features tips for parents on a variety of topics as well as information about the HCTC initiatives in Livingston County communities. To sign up to receive the newsletter send an e-mail to r.pena17@yahoo.com and put "subscribe" in the subject field.
HCTC News: Volume 4, Issue 8, October 29th, 2010
CADCA and Coalitions Call for Four Loko Alcoholic Energy Drink Ban
There are new concerns about energy drinks produced by a Chicago-based company that combine high levels of caffeine with alcohol. The FDA began investigating these types of beverages a year ago, but a recent Washington state college party is renewing questions about their safety. Earlier this month, nine students from Central Washington University ended up in the hospital after getting sick at an off-campus party. Police initially thought they had overdosed on drugs, but now, investigators blame their condition on a drink called "Four Loko." Four Loko is made by Chicago-based Phusion Projects and is referred to as "blackout in a can" by some college students. It has an alcohol content of 12 percent, which is comparable to four beers. Several states are considering outlawing the drinks and at least two universities have banned them from campus while the FDA reviews their safety. To Read More: http://bit.ly/aIzpnZ
Parenting in a Virtual World
Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed in the ever-changing, ever-growing worlds of technology and media? It's almost a full-time job to find a proper balance between keeping up, and staying ahead of the kids. One of the most popular and potentially harmful forms of media out there are video games. Make sure you know what's what.
Tips for all parents:
R Know the computer and video games your kids play. Not only monitor what they play at home--but find out what they play away from home.
R Limit your child's use of video and computer games to no more than one to two hours a day.
R Be aware of "mods" and "add ons" that kids can download to modify a game (and often in ways you may not approve of).
R Keep computers out of your child’s bedroom.
R Play computer and video games with your kids periodically. Have fun together.
To Read More: http://bit.ly/8Z8v2m
FOCUS ON LINKING WITH OTHER COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Coordinate your organization’s prevention efforts with other groups to reach specific sub-populations. When communities look at the issues and problems that threaten their well-being, they may not fully recognize the part that underage drinking may play in those problems. For example, agencies and coalitions addressing youth violence may not know that alcohol is a key factor in homicides, physical or sexual assaults, and manslaughters. Or, groups dealing with teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV/AIDS may not recognize the extent to which the disinhibitory effects of alcohol contribute to these problems. From litter to homicide, all communities face issues where alcohol plays a role. Being aware of how alcohol contributes to these problems, combining resources with existing organizations, and creating coalitions to fight them effectively is the prevention challenge for our times.
Facts
R Alcohol is a key factor in 33% of suicides, 50% of homicides, 62% of assaults, 68% of manslaughters, 50% of head injuries, and 41% of traffic fatalities.
R It also plays a large role in domestic abuse and injury, child abuse and neglect, and workplace injuries (Some types of youth-perpetrated homicide declined when States raised the minimum drinking age. Additionally, beer consumption rates are often used to predict youth homicide rates
R For youth, a higher drinking age is associated with fewer deaths due to suicide, pedestrian injuries, and other unintentional injuries (Jones, N. E, 1992)
What To Do:
R Get involved in National Red Ribbon Week (Last Week in October)—this can involve implementing activities such as Safe Homes/Safe Parties, educating parents on emotional, social and physical development during adolescence and the effects underage drinking on development, providing parents with quizzes and skills about media and advertising, social norms and parent peer groups
Put together a family and youth health fair: invite county agencies and organizations to provide information on local resources and educational activities and information
Want More Information? Contact Rachel Pena at 585-748-5146 or rpena@gvhp.org
For more information on HCTC, Youth Development and for the latest on upcoming HCTC Meetings and Activities Go To: http://bit.ly/an83Js
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