December is National Drunk and Drugged Driver Awareness Month

<br /><div style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqfanZXYhdYFGeB8pKGm_5cucUtCdcwP-EFcSWHBxl3wH1Pdu_s1HmeL5Rk4C8ZUcrOWgNb_20X5kCvAvSsfylKxWKqPUSCDE_wWE56HqJZREkZnX1vHnZYJP1aM07egTdfMnwD9Gh1Gy/s1600/druggeddrunkstats.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqfanZXYhdYFGeB8pKGm_5cucUtCdcwP-EFcSWHBxl3wH1Pdu_s1HmeL5Rk4C8ZUcrOWgNb_20X5kCvAvSsfylKxWKqPUSCDE_wWE56HqJZREkZnX1vHnZYJP1aM07egTdfMnwD9Gh1Gy/s200/druggeddrunkstats.bmp" width="200" /></a>Did you know that every day, almost 30 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. This amounts to one death every 48 minutes. The annual cost of alcohol-related crashes totals more than $51 billion.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><br /><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> People who drink and drive put everyone on the road in danger:</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/images/campaigns/vitalsigns/drinking-driving-150x172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="1 in 3 crash diver deaths involves a drunk driver. CDC Vital Signs. www.cdc.gov/VitalSigns/DrinkingAndDriving/" border="0" src="http://www.cdc.gov/images/campaigns/vitalsigns/drinking-driving-150x172.jpg" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; height: 172px; width: 150px;" /></a></div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><u>Certain groups are more likely to drink and drive than others.</u></div><br /><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Men were responsible for 4 in 5 episodes (81%) of drinking and driving in 2010. </li><li>Young men ages 21-34 made up only 11% of the U.S. adult population in 2010, yet were responsible for 32% of all instances of drinking and driving.</li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">85% of drinking and driving episodes were reported by people who also reported binge drinking. Binge drinking means 5 or more drinks for men or 4 or more drinks for women during a short period of time.</li></ul><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>What can you do to prevention Drunk and Drugged Driving?</strong></div><ul><li>Do not drink and drive.</li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8zmgTobSZKfyAnHjOi_2WNLRBnFIr94yx0wWhLHVVMFnLtFPFXYVjna6OtWOqTpudfE6G9L3pxnkwHjlvwYINxvC-N5oeTWvbVSxDroFip1cp85dG09QXYEh5h30d0hmeBgKj3c-oVrG/s1600/drunkdriving.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8zmgTobSZKfyAnHjOi_2WNLRBnFIr94yx0wWhLHVVMFnLtFPFXYVjna6OtWOqTpudfE6G9L3pxnkwHjlvwYINxvC-N5oeTWvbVSxDroFip1cp85dG09QXYEh5h30d0hmeBgKj3c-oVrG/s320/drunkdriving.gif" width="320" /></a>Buckle up at all times when you are in a vehicle</li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Report drunk or impaired drivers</li><li>Talk to your children regarding driving impaired.</li></ul><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>

December is National Drunk and Drugged Driver Awareness Month

Did you know that every day, almost 30 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. Thi...

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Stop Child Sexual Abuse

<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLrT79mG2fdQ2E_b49jYH5E5plOrCtDNC46lF0kHoJE8gLOjpzcVEc5vZUxCxVEDCB9_bxW8rDaVhO9qpu6THHnQEG3asjTg0PvxaJTusGaXFyd271ppOSajheWqHoqaxryMBiZp7sfJa/s1600/untitled.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLrT79mG2fdQ2E_b49jYH5E5plOrCtDNC46lF0kHoJE8gLOjpzcVEc5vZUxCxVEDCB9_bxW8rDaVhO9qpu6THHnQEG3asjTg0PvxaJTusGaXFyd271ppOSajheWqHoqaxryMBiZp7sfJa/s200/untitled.bmp" width="153" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">By Robert Tornabene</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Since the incident that has permeated Penn State University there have been many people who have asked me to write an article on the issue of grooming, how it happens and how to protect against it. As with everything, I freely admit I am not an expert, especially in this area, I do however having first hand knowledge in my personal life that allows me draw upon as a resource. This is an issue that is very important to me and I believe that all parents, care givers and adults should be aware of. <strong><em>We are the protectors of our young, we should best be prepared to do just that.</em></strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">But let me start by giving you some numbers</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></strong></div><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The median age for reported sexual abuse is 9 years old.</span></div></li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">30-40% of Children are abused by family members.</span></div></li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 in 5 children are sexually solicited while on the internet.</span></div></li><li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Approximately 20% of the victims of sexual abuse are under age eight.</span></div></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Here's what the predators do</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">When you hear of grooming, the image that comes to mind of a normal person is personal care; hair, skin, face etc. But in the world of predators grooming actually refers to a deliberate action with the aim of befriending and establishing an emotional connection with a child. The purpose is to lower the child’s inhibitions in preparation for sexual activity with the child or to exploit the child.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-yjUYGiwJxGfmpe9Nnl_wKoh8xvMcB61Te0xQ1xUoUgzURwVimwjmby7UlUH3qyAXgNu9oaVydgqESTqnkTMLG141fzWjIf3hEbqG2E4sl9ravLkeO9w-Tftf704ndYu2tt_2vnAlLhf/s1600/childsexabuse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-yjUYGiwJxGfmpe9Nnl_wKoh8xvMcB61Te0xQ1xUoUgzURwVimwjmby7UlUH3qyAXgNu9oaVydgqESTqnkTMLG141fzWjIf3hEbqG2E4sl9ravLkeO9w-Tftf704ndYu2tt_2vnAlLhf/s200/childsexabuse.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The actual act of grooming is a process that does not happen quickly. But I should add that generally child sexual abuse occurs at the hands of someone personally close and well known to that particular child. That actual abuse is typically preceded by grooming.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The actual process of grooming begins by the predator picking a target area. He may visit places where children are likely to go: schools, shopping malls, playgrounds, parks, and the like. He may work or volunteer at businesses that cater to children, such as what Sandusky is alleged to have done. Other predators will strike up relationships with adults who have children in the home—single parent families make particularly good targets. In these tough economic times, having someone help with child care or babysitting, makes adults with children even easier targets. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The next step is selecting the victim. While there is not single profile of a victim of child sexual abuse, as any child can be victimized, many predators target children that have obvious vulnerabilities. A child who is a loner, isolated who desires attention will reach out for that attention like a sponge to water. Children with family problems, those in particular who spend time alone and unsupervised may be targets. Children who lack self-esteem, confidence and who are isolated from their peers become likely targets.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">A child who feels unloved and unpopular will soak up adult attention like a sponge. Children with family problems, who spend time alone and unsupervised, who lack confidence and self-esteem, and who are isolated from their peers are all likely targets. The goal of targeting teens with obvious issues is two fold; first it’s easier to desensitize a child with these issues. Secondly, by building trust and confidence while increasing the target child’s isolation is imperative. The entire goal of the predator is to desensitize your child into accepting sexual abuse.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Predators engage or "recruit" their victims in different ways. Many use a combination of forced teaming and charm. They may offer to play games, give rides, or buy treats and gifts as tokens of friendship. They may offer drugs or alcohol to older children or teenagers, as John Wayne Gacy did in the late 1970’s. The predator may try to win a parents confidence with a child by offering your support by having a quick conversation with you about a lie the child told or by suggesting that there is something unbalanced to about your child. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLahmqsNLXuteLvA9Rd5ywYavUF21gDpQPt9fBZTAmuB5MDdk8av0kQEzhXlX4ahsvFpG1DCobYOMIu3X-7FPG2xAx2vPO1GqNwT_qAsim9747FzZBbRlwOgDqif3douSjR7oL-zbiFpsK/s1600/Child-Sexual-Abuse-Has-Declined-by-5-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLahmqsNLXuteLvA9Rd5ywYavUF21gDpQPt9fBZTAmuB5MDdk8av0kQEzhXlX4ahsvFpG1DCobYOMIu3X-7FPG2xAx2vPO1GqNwT_qAsim9747FzZBbRlwOgDqif3douSjR7oL-zbiFpsK/s200/Child-Sexual-Abuse-Has-Declined-by-5-2.jpg" width="159" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Towards the targeted child they will almost always offer a sympathetic, understanding ear. Using the lines such as, “Your parents don't understand or respect you? I do.” “Other kids make fun of you? I know what that's like—it was the same way for me when I was your age.” Nobody trusts you? Boy, I know what that's like—your parents never really want you to grow up. But I trust you. I respect you.” </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Successful predators find and fill voids in a child's life</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The predator’s goal is to promote secrecy at some point during the grooming process. The secrecy binds the victim to the predator: "Here's some candy. But don't tell your friends because they'll be jealous, and don't tell your mother because she won't like you snacking between meals." As the process continues the secrecy joins hands with threats: "If you tell your mother what happened, she'll hate you. It'll kill her. Or I'll kill her. Or I'll kill you." </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ultimately the process used by the predator creates that emotional bond which through grooming leads to physical contact. Predators use the grooming process to break down a child's defenses and increase the child's acceptance of touch. The first physical contact between predator and victim is often nonsexual touching designed to identify limits: They may even tell an inappropriate joke to the targeted child, a touch on an upper arm that lingers a little too long or a kiss on the lips to test whether your child is likely to tell on them. If the predator is satisfied that your child won’t tell, the predator moves on to other forms of inappropriate touching. It breaks down inhibitions and leads to more overt sexual touching—the predator's ultimate goal.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>How to recognize it</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The best way to recognize grooming behavior is to pay attention to your child and the people in your child's life. Because children have not developed mentally to the point in which they fear people, or can intuit their intentions or have sufficient experience to support their beliefs it is an adults responsibility to protect children. The demands that are placed upon, should never – ever- be more important than the welfare of a child. When surrender responsibility for them to others without question, we invite trouble, particularly when that trust or responsibility is blindly given. Parents should know their child's teachers, coaches, day care providers, youth group leaders, and other significant adults in their lives. Make unannounced visits. Ask questions. Stay involved.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The organization <a href="http://www.d2l.org/" target="_blank">Darkness to Light</a> which seeks to protect young people from abuse through education and awareness and offers these <a href="http://www.d2l.org/atf/cf/%7B64AF78C4-5EB8-45AA-BC28-F7EE2B581919%7D/7%20Steps%20to%20Protecting%20Our%20Children.pdf" target="_blank">7 steps to protecting Children from Sexual Abuse.</a> They have an excellent on handout these steps to help protect children available for download.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><ol><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Learn the facts</span></div></li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Minimize the opportunity</span></div></li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Talk about it</span></div></li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Stay Alert</span></div></li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Make a plan</span></div></li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Act on Suspicions</span></div></li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Get Involved </span></div></li></ol><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Wrapping it up</strong> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lastly —talk to your children. Teach them to recognize grooming behavior. Teach them to be wary of any physical contact initiated by an adult. And teach them to trust you with their problems and their pain. The safest child is the child who knows he can bring his problems and concerns to parents and adult caregivers without reproach or retaliation</span>.</span></span></div>

Stop Child Sexual Abuse

By Robert Tornabene Since the incident that has permeated Penn State University there have been many people who have asked me to write an ar...

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Instructor Training - Last two days

GATE Instructor Training  - The Bronx New York at St. Barnabas Hospital.<br /><br />The attendees at the latest Instructor Certification Course has revealed an outstanding group of people working to curb drug, gang and youth related violence. These men and women are working daily to reduce the violence in The Bronx. Here is what they learned today.<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lesson Plans for Grade 7<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br /><br /><ul><li>Street Gangs andit’s subculture, <span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span>Gang ViolenceCycle,<span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span>Gang words ofloyalty<o:p></o:p></li><li><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span>Decision Making<o:p></o:p></li><li><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">T</span></span>ypes of DecisionMakers<o:p></o:p></li><li>Anger Management<o:p></o:p></li><li><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span>Alternatives toJoining a gang</li><li><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span>The Law</li><li><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span>School Violenceand Assaults</li><li><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span>Drug Prevention</li><li><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span>Realities ofUsing Drugs</li></ul><br /><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Lesson Plans for Grade 8<o:p></o:p></span></b><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;">St</span></span></span></span>reet Gangs andSubculture<o:p></o:p></li><li><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">l</span></span>eadership andProblem Solving<o:p></o:p></li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Alternatives toJoining a gang</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Violence</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Being a victim</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Drug Abuse:Altered States</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Peer Pressure</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Class Exercises & Role Playing<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Alternative Exercises and <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Mock Court</st1:address></st1:street><o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><br /><div> </div>

Instructor Training - Last two days

GATE Instructor Training  - The Bronx New York at St. Barnabas Hospital. The attendees at the latest Instructor Certification Course has rev...

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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Day Two of our Instructor Training has lead us to learning about the lesson plans in the 5th and 6th Grade. </span><br /><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lesson Plans for Grade 5</span></span></div><ol><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><span>Anger</span></span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span></span><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Responding toStress</span></span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span></span><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gangs, What’s theallure</span></span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span></span><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drugs lead toviolence</span></span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span></span><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drug Addiction</span></span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span></span><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weapons, Sowhat’s so dangerous?</span></span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span></span><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gateway Drugs<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></li></ol><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span>Lesson Plans for Grade 6</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><ol><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><span>Bullying</span></span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><span>Groups, packs,cliques and gangs</span></span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><span>Where do you wantto be</span></span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span></span><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s no longerblack and white.</span></span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span><span>Media Influenceson Youth.</span></span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span></span><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gateway Drugs</span></span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Inhalants</span></span></span></div></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Follow our updates on twitter @gateamerica</span></span></div>

Day Two of our Instructor Training has lead us to learning about the lesson plans in the 5th and 6th Grade. Lesson Plans for Grade 5 An...

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GATE Instructor Training in NY day One!

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The potential instructors will be covering many topics during day one the 40 hour Instructor Certification Course. Attendees from prevention and outreach groups through The Bronx are present to be able to deliver the curriculum in the community.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Topics:</u></strong></span><br /><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Introduction & Lesson layout<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Teaching Format<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Course Objectives 1 through 7<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Facts – Gangs, Drugs, youth violence issue<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trends – Emerging trends gangs, drugs and violence<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instructors Class issues and how to address them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Parent Education and Community Presentations<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in 1.25in;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gang Identifiers<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in 1.25in;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Male versus Females<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in 1.25in;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recruitment<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in 1.25in;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gang Clothing and Appearance<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in 1.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gang Tattoos and Identification</span></span></span></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in 1.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Follow are twitter feed at @gateamerica to get up todate information about the our Instructor Certification Program.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><br /></div>

GATE Instructor Training in NY day One!

The potential instructors will be covering many topics during day one the 40 hour Instructor Certification Course. Attendees from prevention...

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Hello Lee County Florida

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZMUvZAy4XA-nE0BNAeONZznoGz7h109Ar1TzCoy88KqFSXhmYcU8wAh0_Cy1AEwI3Ox_sxzZPc3w7Wg9uH6Uo67UF1eTM67Mg8pNnP1inQFBScPCO7chjQ9cjpyKkUQomHL7EhW_hOpp/s1600/leecountybadge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZMUvZAy4XA-nE0BNAeONZznoGz7h109Ar1TzCoy88KqFSXhmYcU8wAh0_Cy1AEwI3Ox_sxzZPc3w7Wg9uH6Uo67UF1eTM67Mg8pNnP1inQFBScPCO7chjQ9cjpyKkUQomHL7EhW_hOpp/s1600/leecountybadge.jpg" /></a>GATE America, is proud to be in Lee County once again to conduct GATE Instructor Certification. This marks a whole new spectrum of prevention efforts by the<a href="http://www.sheriffleefl.org/"> Lee County Sheriff's Office</a> in Lee County Florida. We look forward to working with <a href="http://www.leememorial.org/">Lee Memorial Hospital</a> and their prevention efforts throughout Lee and Collier County. <br /><br />Follow our <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/gateamerica">Tweets</a> about the upcoming three days of Instructor Training!

Hello Lee County Florida

GATE America, is proud to be in Lee County once again to conduct GATE Instructor Certification. This marks a whole new spectrum of preventio...

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New Gang Awareness & Recognition Course Added

<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQd8zulIFinFf2-bDUwfoQE2Dd-rVnuEM5eXXTGycQXteD5KyaqGRTdgSSaqd6FGrwm22Yx7pojLWlIaT7lWObaFXvXq2qbcfxC-foptEA9bWE8h-FZ1mqFFF89pYrMaI6XxcC0uDB4_a/s1600/imagesCADL1VJ9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQd8zulIFinFf2-bDUwfoQE2Dd-rVnuEM5eXXTGycQXteD5KyaqGRTdgSSaqd6FGrwm22Yx7pojLWlIaT7lWObaFXvXq2qbcfxC-foptEA9bWE8h-FZ1mqFFF89pYrMaI6XxcC0uDB4_a/s200/imagesCADL1VJ9.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The Misahawaka Police Department (Indiana) will be hosting our two day Gang Awareness & Recognition Course <span style="color: yellow;"><strong>November 29-30</strong></span>. The course is open to Police Officers, Educators, Social Workers, Security Directors, Mall Security Directors and Youth Out Reach Workers. For more information follow this <a href="http://bit.ly/pGKFxH">link.</a>

New Gang Awareness & Recognition Course Added

The Misahawaka Police Department (Indiana) will be hosting our two day Gang Awareness & Recognition Course November 29-30 . The course i...

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GATE Instructor Training

<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHY-gMmTj0OHf5cWu0I_vpidETeGeYFOi53rR1e-hiqJRf_KZtk881ZqX0s4cz2DTzPpa3Guq4qlFgbK_RhSNlS23i53bIvvdRsHh-OqInGHoY91FfNPvYSdKcx7o-p8ygrBW6o7wADZA/s1600/new-york-city.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; height: 100px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 132px;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHY-gMmTj0OHf5cWu0I_vpidETeGeYFOi53rR1e-hiqJRf_KZtk881ZqX0s4cz2DTzPpa3Guq4qlFgbK_RhSNlS23i53bIvvdRsHh-OqInGHoY91FfNPvYSdKcx7o-p8ygrBW6o7wADZA/s200/new-york-city.jpg" width="131" /></a>The Gang Awareness Training Education Program will be coming to New York City in <span style="color: yellow;">November 2011</span>. If you are interested in a prevention program concentrating on gangs, drugs and youth violence, this is the program to you. The training will be in the Bronx and spacing is extremely limited. For further details follow this <a href="http://bit.ly/ex6BUO">link.</a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4v1QSSPlNhPB4xhfhqDyZam5_ikHprh8aj1LUkvm-Iy-1Y6-6S1vqDZ34Y-eGdAV8aC_Q5l7ENQkNkkSV3C2gqQHGboERHXQs7pKqGQLNMM2qgEJRrS76wUCe7SMMA_pQmOGP-9egFzj/s1600/RADICALNEW+copy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 90px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 156px;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4v1QSSPlNhPB4xhfhqDyZam5_ikHprh8aj1LUkvm-Iy-1Y6-6S1vqDZ34Y-eGdAV8aC_Q5l7ENQkNkkSV3C2gqQHGboERHXQs7pKqGQLNMM2qgEJRrS76wUCe7SMMA_pQmOGP-9egFzj/s200/RADICALNEW+copy.gif" width="200" /></a>The GATE Curriculum offers three distinct age groups. GATE Kids - grades K-4, GATE - grades 5-8, and RADICAL - High School. The program curriculum's have been used in education, after school, religious, youth group, probation and clinical settings. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Interested in Hosting a Training?</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rVuxag5xlBe5c-zR61g20VUqvx1v7dORUjWcr1_UXeZMztRUA5QvhfOrDV5VVOF_4gPDHNaZZCIkq4wQsc3TTYFIZLoXAvQ-yO1V0RJldM68CpYQuTIYSwufSZvuD3IvgZGgNA8Ztmiq/s1600/GATE+Kids+%25232.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rVuxag5xlBe5c-zR61g20VUqvx1v7dORUjWcr1_UXeZMztRUA5QvhfOrDV5VVOF_4gPDHNaZZCIkq4wQsc3TTYFIZLoXAvQ-yO1V0RJldM68CpYQuTIYSwufSZvuD3IvgZGgNA8Ztmiq/s200/GATE+Kids+%25232.gif" width="200" /></a>We are also looking for groups who would like to be host organizations for additional trainings in 2012. The advantages for host agencies is that costs for training are significantly reduced, no travel fees for staff, discounts for holding training and increased collaboration with other prevention/intervention groups your community. If you would be interested in hosting training please contact us by completing the form attached to this <a href="http://www.openthegate.org/pdf/onsiterequestform.pdf">link</a>.  </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>On site training requirements:</strong></div><ul><li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Minimum of 20 people required for training.*</div></li><li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Training facility that can hold a minumum of 40 people.</div></li><li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A desire to have outstanding training.</div></li></ul><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">*The minimum number of training must be met before their is a gaurantee that the training will not be cancelled. Organizations can pool together the 20 minimum with other groups to reach that minimum number required.</span></div>

GATE Instructor Training

The Gang Awareness Training Education Program will be coming to New York City in November 2011 . If you are interested in a prevention progr...

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Happy Labor Day - Do you know the history behind the holiday?

<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Happy Labor Day to everyone. But do you know what this holiday is all about? It truly is more than barbecue, picnicking and partying. Here is a bit of information about the history and where it started.</span><br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7oVoqzEyEuk0PlZlbt2-emk8ywrUept3oH43qawj1cvp4mpO5JF4iLLd5bmUruaLB0M1kJEac8i7ryoNQL7rufjsAWUd51JZsh7hQtHBLtCFaWvnj555Qk962T529_veW3O_IsF34cDvc/s1600/laborday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7oVoqzEyEuk0PlZlbt2-emk8ywrUept3oH43qawj1cvp4mpO5JF4iLLd5bmUruaLB0M1kJEac8i7ryoNQL7rufjsAWUd51JZsh7hQtHBLtCFaWvnj555Qk962T529_veW3O_IsF34cDvc/s200/laborday.jpg" /></a><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">The first Labor Day in the <country-region w:st="on">United States</country-region> was observed on August 26, 1878, in <city w:st="on">Boston</city>, by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Labor_Union" title="Central Labor Union">Central Labor Union</a> of <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">New York</place></state>, the nation's first integrated major trade union. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It became a federal holiday in 1894, when, following the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army" title="United States Army">the U.S. military</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Marshals_Service" title="United States Marshals Service">U.S. Marshals</a> during the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pullman_Strike" title="Pullman Strike">Pullman Strike</a>, President <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grover_Cleveland" title="Grover Cleveland">Grover Cleveland</a> put reconciliation with the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_movement" title="Labor movement">labor movement</a> as a top political priority. Fearing further conflict, legislation making Labor Day a national holiday was rushed through <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Congress" title="United States Congress">Congress</a> unanimously and signed into law a mere six days after the end of the strike. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The September date originally chosen by the CLU of NY and observed by many of the nation's trade unions for the past several years was selected rather than the more widespread <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Workers%27_Day" title="International Workers' Day">International Workers' Day</a> because Cleveland was concerned that observance of the latter would stir up negative emotions linked to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haymarket_affair" title="Haymarket affair">Haymarket Affair</a>, which it had been observed to commemorate. All <country-region w:st="on">U.S.</country-region> states, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/District_of_Columbia" title="District of Columbia">District of Columbia</a>, and the territories have made it a statutory holiday.</span></div>

Happy Labor Day - Do you know the history behind the holiday?

Happy Labor Day to everyone. But do you know what this holiday is all about? It truly is more than barbecue, picnicking and partying. Here i...

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Teen Tips: Girls - Surviving Middle School

<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagh7QJqrZTanRE7aNP2xXT56FB4qyBo5FZ6wAcZ2rumtXMiAswD-hHojM-6phkMaBVJERKnmG-2db_4990cPcmrcmMos5vd15lS20Q3KDw3H_sdv97Vf52IVGGuuF7c_00NygYNOJpvnM/s1600/508589071_7ff48a7ec6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagh7QJqrZTanRE7aNP2xXT56FB4qyBo5FZ6wAcZ2rumtXMiAswD-hHojM-6phkMaBVJERKnmG-2db_4990cPcmrcmMos5vd15lS20Q3KDw3H_sdv97Vf52IVGGuuF7c_00NygYNOJpvnM/s200/508589071_7ff48a7ec6.jpg" width="200" /></a>For parents sending your tween off to Middle school creates all kinds of anxiety for parents, but for your tween too! Middle school is a great time of a tweens life, including all kinds of new experiences and changes. The turmoil, emotion and hormones are all pooled together into the experience of growing into your early teen years. I think I heard it summed up the best by one of my daughters principals, for incoming Middle School parents. "Teens loose their minds for two years and by the time they come out of middle school they are normal again." . Here are some ideas about middle-school ups and downs and what parents can do -- and not do -- to help.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Middle school is full of really cool experience and stuff. While much of what goes on in school is normal and routine, there are the worries about the so called "mean girls"   But let me re-enforce that is important for parents to realize that this is a time when their daughters develop socially.While much is written about mean girls, it's important for parents to realize how much fun this time can be socially for their daughters. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Friendships</strong></div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrF8xxLHYdi7P_KjGWST8xOT2fziMBBDwXVVlwqPhQatDvBcMvinhsU1wa2D4xfsxm7s5WM240C9n2MqFWDRM-WCoZ0MZv5n5vphMGMuJ_HNVm5y_c5_ofoHuvSWn8eYeUdQOi4mbn0qr5/s1600/tween-girl-friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrF8xxLHYdi7P_KjGWST8xOT2fziMBBDwXVVlwqPhQatDvBcMvinhsU1wa2D4xfsxm7s5WM240C9n2MqFWDRM-WCoZ0MZv5n5vphMGMuJ_HNVm5y_c5_ofoHuvSWn8eYeUdQOi4mbn0qr5/s320/tween-girl-friends.jpg" width="320" /></a>One of the key issues is for parents is understanding how friendships change. At this stage, when girls get together what they mostly do is talk. They talk in person about music and clothes and boys -- and then they talk online. Communication breaks down for many parents at this time, which develops frustration for many parents.  This is a critical time for parents, not to create times of conflict but to open up lines of communication. Looking for ways to communicate or new ways to community are paramount. Most adults have embraced the texting. Take the time to text your daughter, if you are not on a social networking site, join one. Get added to a friend on your child's, its key to understanding their conversations, and pitfalls that they are experiencing. It is also a critical time to stay relevant in your child's life. Texting, instant messaging and posting on your child's social networking site make it a great way to stay right out in front of your child. Saying "here I am", "I can help."  </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><strong>The culture of media sets the tone for middle school. </strong><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMA5WRIf2DdkxRUImeKpf6gKFTPz0ssSk-61o-dV86gV7k8UXBwjoR5XREf8P5eywUv9f8THP7yQU7A3Hn9RahpMiKRa5JaO-bWecLbFawDJmU0VjrV136QQE6MYUHep4Cu_5qhzIFG0V5/s1600/article-page-main_ehow_images_a04_r1_gj_summer-makeover-teen-girls-800x800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMA5WRIf2DdkxRUImeKpf6gKFTPz0ssSk-61o-dV86gV7k8UXBwjoR5XREf8P5eywUv9f8THP7yQU7A3Hn9RahpMiKRa5JaO-bWecLbFawDJmU0VjrV136QQE6MYUHep4Cu_5qhzIFG0V5/s200/article-page-main_ehow_images_a04_r1_gj_summer-makeover-teen-girls-800x800.jpg" width="200" /></a>Girls this age are thrilled that they are about to become teenagers. The entire pulse of what goes in middle school takes on its only feeling and way of thinking for them. Girls live their lives online, doing homework, watching TV, and talking to friends simultaneously. While they can use the Internet in wonderful ways, they can sometimes use it to flame and shame each other, spread vicious rumors, and post malicious information behind girls' backs. It is at the time, that by being involved, understanding the music, the shows and what is happening will help you keep those lines of communication open. This allows you to stay right in the mix with your tween, their friends and the issues they are facing.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Hormones can affect behavior in middle school. </strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's hard to be a girl at this age and stage, like my daughters principal said the Hormones make girls edgy, crabby, cranky and teary and their bodies are going through all kinds of changes. Because this is all happening at once and at different rates it can make girls feel uncomfortable with their own. Those same raging hormones and interest in boys can also disrupt the existing social order. If you haven't had the "discussion" about sex with your tween by 10 or 11, now would the time. Listening during this key phase of your tween is paramount, especially when it involves boys. When your daughter mentions a boy, don't immediately jump to the possible attraction between them. It might or might not be there. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>The social hierarchy intensifies in middle school. </strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAynAbakv9RjbmMSdhZPjniKlI15C43tRUR-n-wk8HyXD2jkVGnxXLpjTZNVcCN3iK7VJzCtfTO0UYaSqGpx2V_JRf5whe7PGhAsHp2OfIypdYm4KrIi2NpMC7CtHhPGL7psFqxCEaN4CZ/s1600/8627763-teen-girls-whispering-and-telling-secrets-in-school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAynAbakv9RjbmMSdhZPjniKlI15C43tRUR-n-wk8HyXD2jkVGnxXLpjTZNVcCN3iK7VJzCtfTO0UYaSqGpx2V_JRf5whe7PGhAsHp2OfIypdYm4KrIi2NpMC7CtHhPGL7psFqxCEaN4CZ/s1600/8627763-teen-girls-whispering-and-telling-secrets-in-school.jpg" /></a>Cliques get clique-ier, the need to be in power intensifies, and girls can get meaner and much of this behavior stems from the intense desire to belong, the need to feel powerful, and the conditioning that many girls have to not express their feelings directly. This sense of belonging can make a tween girl also ripe to joining a gang. Early recruitment is something parents should be concerned about, but if you are involved in your daughters  Some girls function as leaders, others as followers, and the rest live outside the groups. Some of these girls don't care, while others desperately want to belong. But don't worry to much about this, by eighth grade, most girls develop a certain sense of girls being mean to each other and they learn to steer away from those girls. By eighth grade they are focused their attention towards sex, but this does not mean they are ready to act upon it.<br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Having a teenager is an extremely difficult time in both your teen and parent's life. But being involved in your teens life, you can help them navigate these turbulent times, lending them guidance and being a valuable resource to your teen. This will only set them up for success in their future into high school and adult hood.  </div>

Teen Tips: Girls - Surviving Middle School

For parents sending your tween off to Middle school creates all kinds of anxiety for parents, but for your tween too! Middle school is a gre...

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Drug Related Suicides - Up for Men!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCeXk68Mp4jYb3BHpTkNZNQVeHtaJ3p9bsms67BrAZRuIB7lNxd9ykIzqsRcbuFgSv7Nx6f1F9YlwekoQb1tqYDBZgx40jI1Xoh7zvakUo2PeDet3bPClytS1cD9nUUjgO_ZM-InzNto3/s1600/teen+drug+addict.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" /></a></div>A recent study was released that showed a 55% increase in emergency room visits for drug-related suicide attempts for men aged 21-34 from 2005-2009.  The study was conducted by the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA).  <br /><br /><div></div>The study found that in 2005 there were 19,024 ER visits for drug-related suicide attempts among men 21 to 34. The number jumped to 29,407 visits in 2009. <br /><br />Antidepressants increased over 155% among men aged 21 to 34, while suicide attempts involving anti-anxiety and insomnia medications increased by 93.4%.  In addition ER visits for suicide attempts among males 35 to 49 that involved narcotic pain relievers nearly doubled from 2005 to 2009 and these numbers almost tripled among men aged 50 and older.<br /><br />In the last several years there have been several high-profile deaths in the media where the cause of death or injury is an accidental overdose, suicide attempt, or suicide, which at times may blur the lines between the two.<br /><br />The growing problem of prescription drug abuse of painkillers, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety drugs and sleep aids. Because of the pervasiveness of the abuse the need for due diligence is imperative. According to Dr. Peter J. Delaney, the Director from SAMSHA who oversaw the study said that, "These drugs are effective, important treatments for pain, insomnia, and or depression, so we don't want to throw the baby out with bath water." Delaney said, "But we need to restrict access to prescription drugs, and keep them in safe, restricted places in homes." The latter helps prevent the medications from falling into the wrong hands. <br /><br />Suicide warning signs in teens or adults who may be considering suicide: <br /><ul><li>change in eating and sleeping habits </li><li>withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities </li><li>violent or rebellious behavior, running away </li><li>drug and alcohol use </li><li>unusual neglect of personal appearance </li><li>persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork </li><li>frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc. </li><li>not tolerating praise or rewards </li></ul><br /><div> Be alert to suicide warning signs such as those detailed above. If you see these signs, try to get the person help and if you believe them to be a danger to themselves, call 9-1-1. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 800-273-TALK.</div>

Drug Related Suicides - Up for Men!

A recent study was released that showed a 55% increase in emergency room visits for drug-related suicide attempts for men aged 21-34 from 20...

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Teens get twice the visit to the ER over 4th of July Weekend!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KKpmGZjECed_lIaUHL7Z88Uie5_NEz_GhEqhpziKWCR8ytEXkGVSuz2YJU9Gft9gqmt9kXQC2YqVtjFESZL4zi-QusZ4U_awW11i9H6yNzpp5nG12nKHElAkFGWGB1LSubR0PvgTfcr2/s1600/Thinkstock_H_040611_TeenDrinking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" /></a><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) released a report on Emergency Room visits and it found that on July 3rd and 4th teen boys who end up in emergency rooms for drinking-related injuries doubles over the July 4th weekend. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaipo-mvQqw2n9FeP1eZ5NVnSnT_73Ydf2beoHOFpg8BW4Oq3M_vwc55_ZdUDQoCrsSEasjNNy0npiXvaXn7PPT2vB1iwamgp1S1D1nTxLILc8SOMgHbrYx8c9-ljmqi-4snHCgib2I8Mz/s1600/emergency-room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">According to the report, drinking on July 3 and 4th results in a daily average of 1,000 youth under the age of 21 two thirds of them male - to the Emergency Room for problems related to alcohol use the report stated.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Drinking related injuries include actions such as fights, car accidents and other types of incidents. Drinking teens and young adults, are at a high rate of risk for all those activities. The report for SAMSHA released a statistics from July 4th, 2009, that showed 622 boys and 304 girls ended up in the emergency room. It also revealed that emergency room visits for girls held steady throughout the month of July, but that the number for boys doubled over the holiday weekend. </div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvNILUDWb2DtLCLHlWhu7phmxlCnuwaxLF0os26JT4iXQ-XGpDp_oXyNwahSlzdZR_KvF9m5NezBeRQo9np5goPw-ISfIoN9oVxlqotTqx17qTN9xGdtDbFGQovYZUP6gt6biBcFVM9LC/s1600/teen_drinking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" /></a> </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Delany said drinking-related injuries are from fights, car accidents and other mishaps. When kids drink, "they are at greater risk for all those activities that can get you hurt," he explained.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The information was gathered from the <a href="http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k10/DAWN034/EDHighlights.cfm">2009 Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) report</a>, conducted by SAMSHA, which reports drug related hospital emergency department visits around the country. </div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">When it's a holiday weekend, what we are finding now is that kids, especially young men, are ending up at the emergency room because of alcohol-related problems at almost double as what they would on any other day during July," said Peter Delany, director of SAMHSA's Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Parents take the time to monitor your children, but also take the time to have that conversation with your young adult children as well. We as adults believe our 18, 19 and 20 year olds can take care of themselves. The reality and that statistics show that they are at a higher risk. Have that conversation with them. Here are some quick tips to help you have those conversations.</div><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We are here to make it clear that we will not tolerate any drug or alcohol use by you. </li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We have rules in the family. The rules do not permit teen drug and alcohol use. </li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Even though you think everyone is using drugs or alcohol, it is illegal and not allowable. </li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">You can endanger your life and the lives of others. We don’t want anything bad to happen to you. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you. </li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We count on you as a family member. Your brothers and sisters look up to you and care about you. What would they do if you were gone? </li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Drug and alcohol use can ruin your future and chances to…graduate, go to college, get a job, and keep your driver’s license. </li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We are here to support you. What can I do to help you not use? </li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Sometimes kids use drugs and alcohol because there are other issues going on like stress, unhappiness and social issues. Have you thought about this? Are there other problems you want to talk about? </li><li>Are your friends using? How are you handling that? Is it hard to not use in that environment? </li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We won’t give up on you because we love you. We’re going to be on your case until you stop completely. If you need professional help, we will be there to support you and help make it happen.</li></ul>

Teens get twice the visit to the ER over 4th of July Weekend!

The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) released a report on Emergency Room visits and it found that on ...

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Father's Day, the search within all men.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-gdgzsggF2LqQfHAGkPoI7Ez1xK7X8FCzVzK-1h3A1E_ArA5Ob_YYv9pNPeWyPILzItGIaDdq-uQYdLh3FOBRBlIkCz8it_xFO2FIkQgCVH4-yEz0kCOVA5KAaVbH4Loxm_r10F2yTV_/s1600/001-hfdc1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-gdgzsggF2LqQfHAGkPoI7Ez1xK7X8FCzVzK-1h3A1E_ArA5Ob_YYv9pNPeWyPILzItGIaDdq-uQYdLh3FOBRBlIkCz8it_xFO2FIkQgCVH4-yEz0kCOVA5KAaVbH4Loxm_r10F2yTV_/s200/001-hfdc1.jpg" width="200" /></a> Well once again Father's Day is here and to each father amongst us the question is am I a good father? That question although valid can be result in some misleading answers. <br /><br />What does being a good father mean? First the most obvious is gathering a child does not automatically mean you will be a good father. Unfortunately, bearing off-spring does not make any man a good or bad father. Simply put, its what you do afterwards that defines our question. By that we mean, are you present in your child's life, do you take the time to interact, and most importantly do you truly listen to your child? These are the questions we should be asking ourselves.<br /><br />Being present in your child's life is more than showing up with a toy every once in a while. It means being there to change the diaper, going to the doctor, remember important events such as their first steps or words. Involvement also means playing games with them, projects, sports, and their other activities. It also means being present at there activities, school events as well as being available to them at times if trial and tribulation. Children need there fathers in there lives. That involvement makes the difference between being a father and being a Dad!<br /><br />My interactions with children and teens places me into interactions with teens that allow me to hear their concerns. They frequently express concern over being understood by there parents. So listening for all young people is imperative for parents. Now I do not mean to say that your children should do all the talking. Simply that when they talk, listen to what they have to say. Listen to the content and the context of what they are saying. Do not be so quick to judge, so quick to change the course of their direction. Teens understand the dynamic of parent and child, but what they frequently rebel against is dictator and peon Be a good listening and you will be amazed at what your will here.<br /><br />To all the father's out there and those future fathers Happy Fathers Day.

Father's Day, the search within all men.

Well once again Father's Day is here and to each father amongst us the question is am I a good father? That question although valid ca...

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Summer Safety

School is almost out and warm weather is finally upon us after a long and grueling summer. Summer is a time for having fun in the sun! Children and teens should be able to have fun, as well as being safe. Since this winter and spring made it extremely difficult to enjoy the weather everyone should take a few moments to discuss Summer Safety Tips with your sons and daughters.<br /><br /><div> </div><ol><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Children and teens shouldn’t talk to strangers</strong> – It is extremely important to remind your children and teenagers to never talk to anyone they do not know. There are numerous stores that highlight the risk of talking to adults that teens do not know. Explain to your children or teens know that if they see someone suspicious that they don’t know they should immediately either run away if they are alone or go somewhere where there or other people. Vehicles can be extremely enticing to a child or teen. Remind them to never go into a vehicle with a stranger. If someone tries to force them into a car tell your child they should run away to a public place for help or start screaming loudly. Bring as much attention to them as possible.</li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrw2HHrorJi6Z7OGZBk-R8oP7Ze9lNPMAnY3F3y4McZRPevh3PZs0BzrxJnhZA1nkiLR6lk84osmDSdn5XVEVbl9tWNWjggay1FQs5jaB9tsIcb1taREP4x1ay9NqWbYpZ2z_Q5hYFGbYJ/s1600/teen-summer-jobs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrw2HHrorJi6Z7OGZBk-R8oP7Ze9lNPMAnY3F3y4McZRPevh3PZs0BzrxJnhZA1nkiLR6lk84osmDSdn5XVEVbl9tWNWjggay1FQs5jaB9tsIcb1taREP4x1ay9NqWbYpZ2z_Q5hYFGbYJ/s200/teen-summer-jobs.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a><strong>Water Safety</strong> – In the summer time children and teens love being in the water, especially when it is hot. Whether it is a beach, pool, lake or river all children should be aware of water safety. Children or teens that don’t know how to swim should stay in the shallow end of the water. Children and teens should also always swim at places that have life guards. In the event that something was to happen they would have someone there to help them. When it comes to pool safety small children should always be accompanied by adults, never walk away assuming that a child is safe. It only takes an inch or two of water and time unattended for a tragedy to happen. For parents who own pools in their homes they should be aware that children can get into trouble when they aren’t looking. Make sure that when the pool isn’t being used there is a cover over it or a gate that children can’t get into with an adult.</li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Monitor you child or teens Internet use</strong> - During the summer time Children and youths' have more free time to use the Internet and computer. The Internet provides access to games, educational resources, social networking and it also can be a dangerous one as well. This points directly to tip number one that children and youth’s should never talk to strangers. When youth are on the Internet they may go on chat website where they have no idea who they are talking to. Some things that you can do to make sure you’re child or teen is safe is to block certain websites on you’re computer or get child monitoring software. </li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Safety in numbers</strong> - Your children and teens probably will want to go to summer camp, vacation trips with friends or teams, and other outings. Tell your child or teen to always stay with a group when they are out. This includes when walking to a friends house, the pool or even on their way home. Relying a cellular telephone to make a child feel safer by talking to them as they walk, only serves to divide their attention from their surroundings. Walk with your child, ride a bicycle, walk the dog or better yet drive them to their destination.</li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyGHe4g6DBV5S-hItT4JF4GvNHP9FKQb4G66RRtF_nzfrfxABveBfRPW4zJjh_8lKrT3wrVS4LarcnUNfUw1ADN9kBsUfPrtTTWmitEa6MUeLUCU1C52ozklFZWeEOaW7YsweHMPsdndi/s1600/pkg_summer_safety_underage_drinking_article.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyGHe4g6DBV5S-hItT4JF4GvNHP9FKQb4G66RRtF_nzfrfxABveBfRPW4zJjh_8lKrT3wrVS4LarcnUNfUw1ADN9kBsUfPrtTTWmitEa6MUeLUCU1C52ozklFZWeEOaW7YsweHMPsdndi/s200/pkg_summer_safety_underage_drinking_article.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a><strong>Educate Your Child or Teen about drug and alcohol use</strong> - Children and Teens are under constant pressure too experiment with drugs and alcohol. Teens who are talked to about drug and alcohol use by their parents are at a much lesser risk of drug and alcohol us than those parents who don’t. Summer time gives children and teens more time to associate with friends that may offer those drugs or alcohol. You can also encourage your children to talk to you about these kinds of issues so they know they don’t have to hide them.</li></ol><br /><div> </div>

Summer Safety

School is almost out and warm weather is finally upon us after a long and grueling summer. Summer is a time for having fun in the sun! Child...

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Sythetic Cannabis: Spice and their friends

<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAEiwwR0C90Yj2qUqr3SLoSXOnccuj_0DMmFtfGd4G8YeJbiFCk_KZFFrIOAQNugDRhgEjx_yIKigB219HiNbZp-SOYFsGdyuecl9I4Yl8qX4qclzHdY7DSfP4i5iHcojF6t7ocIO4-sA/s1600/800px-Spice_drug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAEiwwR0C90Yj2qUqr3SLoSXOnccuj_0DMmFtfGd4G8YeJbiFCk_KZFFrIOAQNugDRhgEjx_yIKigB219HiNbZp-SOYFsGdyuecl9I4Yl8qX4qclzHdY7DSfP4i5iHcojF6t7ocIO4-sA/s200/800px-Spice_drug.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthetic_cannabis">Spice</a> is a new herbal blend being sold legally in some locations and not in others. The ingredients according to users are herbal and natural. But when synthetic cannabis blends first went on sale in the early 2000s it was thought that they achieved an effect through a mixture of legal herbs. A Laboratory analysis in 2008 showed this was not true and that they in fact contained synthetic cannabinoids which act on the body in a similar way to cannabinoids naturally found in cannabis, such as THC. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCjDWNT3V87hyphenhyphen8Xt1aoIKDpQe0HrUwFweQKy69ZTm3CtlT87PyLaMpvjtAq6mglF8ShdgZEXNCwdz8MmoajoBHqnY5fd-3u8m2BRLEqbDskw_Qig597gxizizS1OGmYQWi6TQWZy8X5N6/s1600/234L_1_Synthetic_drug_K2_pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCjDWNT3V87hyphenhyphen8Xt1aoIKDpQe0HrUwFweQKy69ZTm3CtlT87PyLaMpvjtAq6mglF8ShdgZEXNCwdz8MmoajoBHqnY5fd-3u8m2BRLEqbDskw_Qig597gxizizS1OGmYQWi6TQWZy8X5N6/s200/234L_1_Synthetic_drug_K2_pic.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A large and complex variety of synthetic cannabinoids, most often cannabicyclohexanol, JWH-018, JWH-073, or HU-210, are used in an attempt to avoid the laws which make cannabis illegal, making synthetic cannabis a designer drug. It has been sold under various brand names, online, in head shops and at some gas stations.</div><br />Spice is smoked the same way organic cannabis is smoked. But unlike cannabis, it takes longer for the hit to take effect, but once it does, it's effects last much longer. For the novice user who may have experienced organic cannabis their belief that the drug will kick in normally might pose a risk to attempts to smoke much greater amounts than they would with the organic cannabis.   <br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-uQdIhdiuEtRTQodovdx200fIVYKc9jvrHrVmfRRNMCF6GPkIsXBWg88U5TyZR5qyMmOKYC_U-r7OBBG4AD5X8SO3h3ZHb1djmRyXVpN8y0bv0FUqejTNSAHk97yhmbbDnc8QuPTsyW0/s1600/teen-drug-use2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-uQdIhdiuEtRTQodovdx200fIVYKc9jvrHrVmfRRNMCF6GPkIsXBWg88U5TyZR5qyMmOKYC_U-r7OBBG4AD5X8SO3h3ZHb1djmRyXVpN8y0bv0FUqejTNSAHk97yhmbbDnc8QuPTsyW0/s200/teen-drug-use2.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a>Parents need to pay attention to what their children are doing and using and yes your children can say to you "No, Mom this isn't illegal!"  The difficult battle for parents, law enforcement and legislators is to stay aware of and involved in drug trends as they occur. As with these synthetic cannaboinoids, the legal system is slow to react and needs to be coaxed by legislators, parents and law enforcement. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Regardless of legality, parents, adults, educators, law enforcement and legislators need to be proactive and involved in understanding several issues. First, anything that a teen uses to create an intoxicating or hallucinating state should be a concern. There are many legal products that teens and adults use that create a brief intense "high!" Products that are readily available and legal might include glue, dust off spray, paint, paint thinner and other household products. Second, because these products skirt the legal system and were never truly intended to be used to get a "high." the risk of side effects are greatly increased.  The potential for side effects including exposure to cancer causing materials and psychological issues can be greatly increased. Lastly, you should have the <a href="http://www.theantidrug.com/advice/safeguarding-and-monitoring/conversation-tips/default.aspx">conversation </a>with your child or teen regarding their use and abuse of drugs. Parents who have those conversations greatly reduce the risk of your child experimenting or conducting risk taking behavior. This includes sending a clear unambiguous message to your child about your views of drug abuse and the risk surrounding it. </div>.

Sythetic Cannabis: Spice and their friends

Spice is a new herbal blend being sold legally in some locations and not in others. The ingredients according to users are herbal and natur...

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Legal Drug Can Cause Dangerous Effects for Children!

<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1rOL6QbKaucgqsVd-DXgFw6v0ixImwGK0qyMtbOffQ9ahWbhCe5ibmOH8vcsWov_z3_-0VzgfJl85_TScSF5Exj2ds1pmMGTvufP5UDs8rhU43G45duUWxZtFlgpL-IX3MZznqaxMzGo/s1600/lazycakes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1rOL6QbKaucgqsVd-DXgFw6v0ixImwGK0qyMtbOffQ9ahWbhCe5ibmOH8vcsWov_z3_-0VzgfJl85_TScSF5Exj2ds1pmMGTvufP5UDs8rhU43G45duUWxZtFlgpL-IX3MZznqaxMzGo/s200/lazycakes2.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a>I am sure many of you have heard about brownies that have had weed mixed into them and cooked. But I am relatively sure that most have not heard about "Lazy Cakes!" <a href="http://www.mylazycakes.com/">"Lazy Cakes!"</a> are marketed as herbal brownies designed to help adults de-stress. The brownies contain a high dosage of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melatonin">melatonin</a>, a hormone that helps people sleep. According to the "Lazy Cakes" website, each brownie contains two servings or about 8 mg of the hormone. According to medical experts most people need a much smaller does of melatonin when it is used as a sleep aid.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFduRGaFvch6pQqzj1Vam7h9IH2XoZQmZMSftOAEf5nt9deToKMRw3_-O1KLWTF4JINWv0m9K0dzd3PArxluvNI7qnMcSJSwQ8aMutiIuR0TAMw4yV1irvFSw3LD0mviw7zgYe_WEI20kC/s1600/lazycakesingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFduRGaFvch6pQqzj1Vam7h9IH2XoZQmZMSftOAEf5nt9deToKMRw3_-O1KLWTF4JINWv0m9K0dzd3PArxluvNI7qnMcSJSwQ8aMutiIuR0TAMw4yV1irvFSw3LD0mviw7zgYe_WEI20kC/s200/lazycakesingredients.jpg" t8="true" width="181" /></a>The problem with this product is that seen in the picture it's cutsie marketing and cartoon character appearance is clearly marketed at children and teenagers. Lazy Cakes are currently available in most convenience stores throughout the country. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">According to Dr. David Zich of Northwestern Memorial Hospital "Melatonin helps calm us down. It also lowers our core temperature and prepares us for sleep." But there are risks. "Melatonin can actually cause seizures in people who are predisposed to it. If you're a woman trying to get pregnant, or a man trying to start a family, it can interfere with your ability to start a family." For children and teens the effects may be more profound. Since "Lazy Cakes" have hit the market there have been several reports of children being hospitalized after eating them. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">  </div>Currently Arkansas became to first state to ban "Lazy Cakes."  Illinois Senator Dick Durbin has sent a letter to the FDA requesting them to regulate "Lazy Cakes."<br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxMBxPvWTSvbAM72FKuylgh5pG-SQzPicTNttH8PFDBcos20n3ZMLKGc5_aSZvjJxvZtdJULMli9p1naMxUTRvQ7rl71es47GemulbQ7pMCnIWN0nm75XApELzJb3Am0FfVL53DO1ic5q/s1600/kushcakes2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxMBxPvWTSvbAM72FKuylgh5pG-SQzPicTNttH8PFDBcos20n3ZMLKGc5_aSZvjJxvZtdJULMli9p1naMxUTRvQ7rl71es47GemulbQ7pMCnIWN0nm75XApELzJb3Am0FfVL53DO1ic5q/s200/kushcakes2.png" t8="true" width="170" /></a>But where there is one there are others, including <a href="http://www.kush-cakes.com/">"Kush Cakes"</a> and "Lulla Pies"  On the Kush Cakes website the warn that they should be taken with alcohol, and then contradicts itself with a this listing on the FAQ page, <em>"<span style="color: yellow;">4. Are Kush Cakes safe to eat while drinking alcohol?" "Does a 1 legged duck swim circles? Of course! You can eat a Kush Cake while enjoying a nice cold beer, or glass of wine perhaps. Be careful, you may get REALLY relaxed. Oh no!"</span></em><span style="color: yellow;"> </span>This seems extremely contradictory and can be misleading to children and teenagers. According to Kush Cakes "<span style="color: yellow;"><em>are made with more potent concentrated cakes are baked with love, our proprietary blend of natural ingredients and of course lots and lots of luscious chocolate!"</em> </span>but a listing of their ingredients are not readily available. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UBlgsKvIAFp_za_8HabZxbmR3uk7KS9PHufWe6mp3o5ML0Q5EUvF-ftVEZGVasWeZIttWzw23q-4FatlU-sFLUnE9c5dhzhpPo3x760oN9ft2qxHRcVNnTI0UTLyEzUSSNvhdo60hbWq/s1600/188167_222780781069567_8352917_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UBlgsKvIAFp_za_8HabZxbmR3uk7KS9PHufWe6mp3o5ML0Q5EUvF-ftVEZGVasWeZIttWzw23q-4FatlU-sFLUnE9c5dhzhpPo3x760oN9ft2qxHRcVNnTI0UTLyEzUSSNvhdo60hbWq/s1600/188167_222780781069567_8352917_n.jpg" t8="true" /></a>Then there are <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lulla-Pies/222780781069567">"Lulla Pies"</a> which are either a cookie or brownie. Seriously do adults need to use brownies or cookies to relax, are we all that stressed that cookies help us relax, my opinion is no! But these very items are extremely popular with children and teens "chocolate goodness" how would we feel if we labeled "heroin" with "chocolate goodness" would we feel better about it, NO! Now before you get worked up I am not saying the two are the same. But the ambiguity that we are allowing to be sent to our children is setting them up to begin using drugs or drug infused foods to help them deal with "stress" at even an earliar age! That to me is a recipe for disaster!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">These items are directly targeting the population that is looking for legal alternatives to getting high or increasing their high through poly drug use.  </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Either way this is another clear attempt of marketing that is designed to be attractive to children and teens. Otherwise why not market them like many other brownies packets in plain clear plastic with the label on them. These colorful, character driven packaging are marketed to your kids. Contact your legislature, community leader to let them hear your dissatisfaction with this really bad idea.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div>

Legal Drug Can Cause Dangerous Effects for Children!

I am sure many of you have heard about brownies that have had weed mixed into them and cooked. But I am relatively sure that most have not h...

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Communicating With Your Teenager and Fostering Self-Respect

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QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}</style> <![endif]--> </m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Preteens and adolescents often feel insecure about themselves and their social acceptability. Consequently, they are extremely vulnerable to pressure from their peers to fit in. Students who develop high self-esteem and healthy values are less likely to give in to peer pressure to drink, smoke or use other drugs. In order to build your children’s self-esteem, it is important to develop a relationship with them that is based on mutual respect.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Make time for your son or daughter</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">. Find an activity you enjoy doing together and pursue it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Listen, really listen</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">. Learn to draw your child out about things that are important to him or her and listen with your full attention. Don’t do all the talking or give long lectures.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Encourage critical thinking</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">. Eventually your child will make a decision about whether to smoke, drink, or use other drugs. Wanting to be accepted by peers is a major reason teens try these substances. Help them practice making decisions on their own. Let them know it is OK to act independently from others and to think for themselves. Part of growing up is learning to think and make decisions independently. Help your children learn to process information critically, think for themselves, make independent decisions, and accept the consequences</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">of those decisions.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Be generous with praise.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Be quick to notice and praise your child’s efforts, not only his or her accomplishments. When young people are praised regularly, they are more likely to gain self-confidence, trust their judgment, and accept constructive criticism.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Tolerate differences.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Encourage your adolescents to talk freely about their lives, school, and problems. Talk about topics where all people do not have the same opinion.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Give teenagers responsibility for their own problems.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> Let your children experience the consequences of their own behavior, even if these consequences might be embarrassing or uncomfortable.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Remove the stigma of failure from your home</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">. Young people need to understand that the only failure is in not trying. Mistakes are not failures. Mistakes simply provide us with new information that can help us to succeed.<span>  </span>We all need the freedom to be imperfect.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Encourage outside interests</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">. Children who are involved in after school activities and sports develop friendships and interests that will help to keep them away from alcohol and other drugs. Preteens and teens who learn to have fun, as well as cope with stress in healthy ways, will be less likely to turn to artificial substances to relax.</span></div>

Communicating With Your Teenager and Fostering Self-Respect

Preteens and adolescents often feel insecure about themselves and their social acceptability. Conseque...

Read more »