PRC2 Prevention Project

Beware of tricky SNUS advertising

2010-07-05T23:32:00.003-05:00

It seems, that Big Tobacco may know our kids even better than we do at times. We like to think that teaching prevention, trusting our kids desire to care about health and wellness, even their future, will always prevail, but the honest truth is that many kids/teens would do just about anything to purposely "not fit in." Wish we could tell them that their motive to not fit in inherently brings them together with other not-fit-inners and thus a new group is formed, but I digress,check out these new ads from Camel about SNUS: http://tobaccocommons.com/category/camel-snus/

Parents - Keep an "Eye" Out for Dangerous Drinking Games

2010-06-16T14:22:00.002-05:00

Drinking games are as old as alcohol itself. Who can drink more? Who can drink faster? We know those competitions are obviously dangerous, but some newer games can be just as harmful with less volume. Here are some new games for parents to be aware of, and to warn their kids against. I've also included some games that have been around for a while just as a refresher:
Eyeballing - pouring alcohol (typically vodka) into the eye. Supposedly the alcohol is absorbed through the mucous membranes, often a saline bottle or eye-dropper is used. This can cause permanent damage to the eyes.
video - http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,593570,00.html
Waterfall - a card game...google it.
Icing - A game where you basically "tag" a friend with a Smirnoff Ice and they have to drink it. The strategy to use is the element of surprise, so hiding a bottle in someone's purse would be a way to "tag" that person.
article - http://www.jointogether.org/news/headlines/inthenews/2010/icing-drinking-game-goes.html
Flip Cup, or Cups - A team-based game where one flips the cup off the side of a table until it lands on the table mouth-side down. Each failed attempt means drinking another glass or shot or whatever the criteria.
Beer Pong - google it, there are 1,000 of websites if you don't know what this is. It's a basic variation of "Quarters."
If you notice ping pong balls and solo cups conveniently located on the alcohol isle at your grocery/convenience store...this is why.

So if your kids are going out for the night and they ask you for quarters, cards, ping pong balls, saline drops, and I don't know - your ID...get suspicious, and have a talk about underage drinking. They may genuinely have a new interest in card-playing but it never hurts to ask. No amount is safe to drink if you are under 21...you can get fined even for holding a beer at a party (Minor in Possession) not to mention all brain is not completely developed until age 24 - 25...and I think we can use all the brain cells we can get for the next generation ;)

Well said...

2010-05-28T11:48:00.001-05:00

New Online Resource

2010-05-11T13:48:00.002-05:00

New online resource for all things prevention: check it out!
www.drugfreetexas.org

Drug Policy News

2010-05-11T13:41:00.002-05:00

News from the White House:

Press Release

http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/news/press10/051110.html
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, May 11, 2010

President Obama Releases National Strategy To Reduce Drug Use and Its Consequences

New Balanced and Collaborative Approach Emphasizes Prevention, Treatment, Enforcement, International Cooperation

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, President Obama released the Administration's inaugural National Drug Control Strategy, which establishes five-year goals for reducing drug use and its consequences through a balanced policy of prevention, treatment, enforcement, and international cooperation. The Strategy was developed by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) with input from a variety of Federal, State, and local partners.

"This Strategy calls for a balanced approach to confronting the complex challenge of drug use and its consequences," said President Obama. "By boosting community-based prevention, expanding treatment, strengthening law enforcement, and working collaboratively with our global partners, we will reduce drug use and the great damage it causes in our communities. I am confident that when we take the steps outlined in this Strategy, we will make our country stronger and our people healthier and safer."

The 2010 Strategy highlights a collaborative and balanced approach that emphasizes community-based prevention, integration of evidence-based treatment into the mainstream health care system, innovations in the criminal justice system to break the cycle of drug use and crime, and international partnerships to disrupt transnational drug trafficking organizations.

During a nationwide listening tour soliciting input for the development of the Strategy, National Drug Policy Director Gil Kerlikowske met with police and medical professionals, drug treatment providers and people in recovery, elected officials, corrections officials, academics, parents groups, faith leaders, and others. Throughout the consultation process, significant themes emerged which connect the drug issue to major Administration policy priorities, including the economy, health care reform, youth development, public safety, military and veterans' issues, and foreign relations.

"In following President Obama's charge to seek a broad range of input in the Strategy, I gained a renewed appreciation of how deeply concerned Americans are about drug use," said Director Kerlikowske. "It touches virtually all of us, whether we know a family member, a friend, or a colleague who suffers from addiction or is in recovery, a police officer working to protect the community, or a parent striving to keep a child drug free," said Director Kerlikowske.

The 2010 Strategy establishes five-year goals to reduce drug use and its consequences, including:

* Reduce the rate of youth drug use by 15 percent;
* Decrease drug use among young adults by 10 percent;
* Reduce the number of chronic drug users by 15 percent;
* Reduce the incidence of drug-induced deaths by 15 percent; and
* Reduce the prevalence of drugged driving by 10 percent.

In addition, the Strategy outlines three significant drug challenges on which the Administration will specifically focus this year: prescription drug abuse, drugged driving, and preventing drug use. Prescription drug abuse is the Nation's fastest growing drug problem, driving significant increases of drug overdoses in recent years. Drugged driving poses threats to public safety, as evidenced by a recent roadside survey which found that one in six drivers on weekend nights tested positive for the presence of drugs. Preventing drug use before it starts is the best way to keep America's youth drug-free. In addressing each of these issues, the Strategy outlines a research-driven, evidence-based, and collaborative approach.

New Strategy elements also include a focus on making recovery possible for every American addicted to drugs through an expansion of community addiction centers and the development of new medications and evidence-based treatments for addiction. Continued support for law enforcement, the criminal justice system, disrupting domestic drug traffic and production, working with partners to reduce global drug trade, and innovative community-based programs, such as drug courts, play a critical role in reducing American drug use and its effects.

For more information about the 2010 National Drug Control Strategy, watch a video message from R. Gil Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy, or visit www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov.

Risky Competitive Edge for "Smarts"

2010-04-26T09:41:00.002-05:00

Drugs are typically thought to be used by underachievers, slackers, drop-outs, etc. But a growing population of overachievers, perfectionists, the academically competitive are turning to performance enhancing drugs for that "edge." Not steroids, but other pills that can feel like speed for the brain, keeping you awake and overly energized. Check out this article and video link for more information. http://bit.ly/8ZUYhe

Drug Trends Training scheduled for 4/27

2010-04-19T11:51:00.003-05:00

ARCADA will host a Local Drug Trends training, led by Sgt. Brad Birchum with the Taylor County Sheriff's office next Tuesday, April 27, from 1 - 2:30pm.
Abilene Regional Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse www.arcadatx.org
www.taylorcosheriff.com

Around Town doing Tobacco Checks

2010-04-19T11:08:00.005-05:00

Where's Keshia?
A big part of our jobs at the Prevention Resource Center is to do Tobacco Compliance Checks. We go into 100 stores a month (all over our 30 county region) and make sure that the retailer has their current Tobacco Permit, proper "18 and over" signs, etc. The most common reason a store would be out of compliance is having outdoor tobacco advertising within 1000 ft of a church or school. Here we are resolving that problem...And maybe getting a little carried away :)

Media Awareness

2010-04-19T10:59:00.006-05:00

Letter to the editor, Abilene Reporter News, sparked some interesting conversation at ARN online.

At Austin Elementary for Tobacco Free Kids Day, KTXS coverage.

Booths

2010-04-19T10:42:00.005-05:00

Sporting the new Staff shirts

Mini-booth with Red Carpet theme at the PRC Spring Meeting in Austin. These meetings give the 11 PRCs in Texas a chance to see what's going on in each others' regions, talk about drug trends, effective prevention strategies, legislation updates, etc.

What's happening?

2010-04-19T10:28:00.004-05:00

Working hard...always

Tobacco Free Kids Day in Hamlin - The students did a 1200 project, posting these healthy and diseased lungs all over the school to represent the 1200 people who die everyday in the U.S. because of Tobacco.

Work Hard...Play Hard

2010-04-06T17:08:00.001-05:00

10 Thoughts on Raising Resilient Kids.

To help our kids succeed, we must foster our kids' resilience by helping them learn to deal competently and successfully with the challenges of everyday life.
Here are ten fundamental guideposts along the path to developing your kids' resilience.
1. Be empathic. Recognize your children's point of view and acknowledge their feelings. You don't have to agree with everything they do or say, but try to appreciate and validate their viewpoint. When they know you're listening, they're more likely to look to you for guidance.
2. Communicate effectively and listen actively. Effective communication involves actively listening to your children, understanding what they are attempting to say and responding in ways that avoid power struggles. Help your children to understand your point of view and make a sincere effort to understand theirs.
3. Break free of negative scripts. If something you've said or done for a reasonable amount of time isn't working, think about what you can do differently. This teaches your children that there are alternative ways of solving problems and that you can learn from your mistakes.
4. Love your children in ways that help them to feel special and appreciated. Once children understand that you love them for who they are – and not simply for what they do or don't do – they develop the confidence to think for themselves and can be less susceptible to peer pressure.
5. Accept your children for who they are. One of the most difficult struggles as a parent is to accept your children as unique individuals. When this acceptance is present, you can successfully set expectations and goals consistent with your child's temperament.
6. Help your children find their islands of
competence. Let your children experience success by identifying and reinforcing those things they do especially well. Helping your children find their strengths will allow them to more easily accept and work on their weaknesses.
7. Help your children to recognize that we all learn from mistakes. Resilient children tend to view mistakes as opportunities for learning. In contrast, children who are not very hopeful often experience mistakes as an indication that they are failures. Helping your children to see life as a continuous learning process takes the fear out of trying new experiences.
8. Provide children with opportunities to contribute. Help your children develop a sense of responsibility and enhance their self-worth by providing them with opportunities to help others.
9. Teach your children to solve problems and make decisions. Help your children learn how to make decisions and to solve problems independently. Resilient children are able to define problems, consider different solutions and learn from the outcome.
10. Discipline your children in a manner that promotes self-discipline and self-worth. The ultimate goal is to nurture self-discipline so that your children act responsibly even when you're not around. Whenever possible, help your children understand the value in the lessons you teach them.

Alcohol Awareness Month

2010-04-06T16:56:00.003-05:00

Drunk driving is never a good idea...

Kick Butts Day

2010-03-04T13:37:00.005-06:00

March 24th is Texas Tobacco Free Kids Day! or Kick Butts Day, as some call it. Get a tobacco prevention activity organized for your school and you could win a scholarship to the Texas Teen Tobacco Summit at the Woodlands Resort (near Houston) this summer.
http://www.txssc.txstate.edu/SI/tobacco-conf

Drug Trends

2010-02-02T10:17:00.002-06:00

Wanted you all to be aware of some recent Drug Trends in TX. Also, don't forget to wear Red this Friday February 5th to support Heart Disease prevention for women (Heart disease is top killer for tobacco users)! See post below.

“Liquid O” is Heroin mixed with water put in a Visine bottle; a drop of the liquid is either snorted by nose or put in mouth and swallowed. Confirmed in an area of my region, huge issue!

Symptoms of the use of liquid heroin is constricted pupils, droopy eyelids, slow speech, slow reflexes, facial itching, dry mouth and lowered blood pressure.

"Lean", a popular drink originated from Houston Texas, you require the following for the original formula:

-Promethazine w/Codeine VC <- Sizzurp (active ingredient)
-Original Sprite Soda <- Mixing ingredient (although different flavors of sprite are now used, such as sprite remix)
-Jolly rancher candy <- Flavor additive

Put it all in a styrofoam cup and enjoy. The codeine is mainly responsible for the euphoric feeling after drinking lean. Promethazine causes motor skill impairment, lethargy, extreme drowsiness, as well as a disassociative feeling from all other parts of the body, specifically the stomach and digestive system. If it doesn't have promethazine w/ Codeine, it isn't real sizzurp.

The mixed drink combination known as "lean", is normally the color purple, due the added ingredient sizzurp, which is originally a dark purple syrup. There are other colors of sizzurp which can be added to create lean, but the purple is the true sizurp

There are drinks on the market now, in convenience and grocery stores meant to replicate the effects of "Lean." Some of these brands are Purple Drank, Slow Cow, Ex Chill, Malava Relax, all used to create the popular "slow your roll" feeling. Move over Red Bull...we're going the opposite direction now. You can imagine the side effects, slowed speech, slowed reactions, apathy, depression, etc.

Studies show continued escalation of Marijuana and prescription drug abuse among teens. Easier access with lesser penalties...prevention, intervention, parental involvement and law enforcement (even of tobacco and alcohol offenses) are the key.

Go Red For Women

2010-01-15T10:30:00.003-06:00

Feb. 5 is National "Go Red for Women" day in support of heart disease prevention. One of the number one causes of heart disease is tobacco use...and the leasing cause of death for tobacco users is heart disease. Because of this toxic relationship we want to support Go Red For Women in 3 ways:
1 - Wear red (preferably a dress!) on February 5, 2010.
2 - Tell your friends
3 - Vote at http://campbellsaddressyourheart.com/ to support the cause.

Holiday Resolutions

2009-12-22T10:12:00.002-06:00

10 Resolutions That Show Your Kids You Care:

1. Teach your children to trust you by seeing you as a role model.

2. Be patient, not just tolerant. Apologize when you make a mistake or do something you regret.

3. Ask teens what they need from you – and do whatever you can to meet those needs.

4. Listen to your teens, a lot. Avoid interrupting.

5. Teach your children about ethics, values and principles they can apply in choices and decision making.

6. Help them discover the feeling of gratitude, not just to say thank you.

7. Keep the promises you make. If you do not keep your word, acknowledge that. Help your teen understand the circumstances or choices that precipitated the change in your plans.

8. Answer your teen’s questions and be consistent. When you notice behavioral changes in them, make yourself available and encourage them to talk about what is going on in their life.

9. Be understanding when they have a difficult time and let them know you will love them no matter what.

10. Be diligent. Have ongoing conversations with your kids about the risks of drugs and alcohol.
www.timetotalk.org

ARCADA Holiday Party

2009-12-22T09:25:00.005-06:00

'Tis the season...to wear ugly sweaters :) Actually most of the Christmas attire here is pretty cute but you'll be able to spot the Goodwill variety. Merry Christmas ARCADA and PRC Staff! We want to wish everyone a safe holiday season.

PRCA - News

2009-12-07T08:35:00.001-06:00

Great news! The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) has ended its sponsorship relationship with Big Tobacco!

Now is the time to ask the PRCA to replace the US Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC) with a healthy sponsor – not another tobacco company - so that they can move closer to the mainstream in sports. Taking big tobacco out of rodeos will make them even more family-friendly.

Many kids admire cowboys and look up to them as role models. The sampling booths, scoreboards, banners, and ads that are part of tobacco sponsorship give young audience members the message that using tobacco is part of being an adult cowboy or rodeo fan. Unfortunately, 14% of 12 to 17 year old boys use smokeless tobacco, and the rates are higher in rural states.

Smokeless tobacco causes deadly and disfiguring cancers, and increases the risk of strokes and fatal heart attacks. Ending the USSTC sponsorship allows the PRCA to be a truly consistent supporter of healthy lifestyles and efforts to reduce cancer rates.

Rodeos are very appealing to children and families, and they are growing in popularity. The PRCA clearly presents profitable sponsorship opportunities to many types of companies that are appropriate for a family-friendly sport like rodeo. Let’s urge the PRCA to reject any new tobacco sponsorship in favor of a more family-friendly sponsor.

Sincerely,

Brian Hutchinson
Director, Grassroots
Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

Smokeless Tobacco Curriculum comes with Stipend!

2009-10-29T11:19:00.003-05:00

The Prevention Resource Center is offering a curriculum called "Spotlight on Smokeless" to Ag and Health teachers in rural schools. We provide the teacher's lesson guides and a workbook for each student and the teacher presents 5 sessions to either 5 classes or 100 students. Here's the great part (besides helping our students say "no" to spit-tobacco) this program comes with a $150 stipend upon completion. Let us know if you are interested in bringing this program to your school. holly.mcfarland@arcadatx.org

Red Ribbon Week Pics from Jim Ned

2009-10-29T11:05:00.005-05:00

Kids excited about the Red Ribbons!
Media Awareness (KTXS)
Drug-free activity books

Jim Ned Stuco Sponsored this event

Great American Smokeout

2009-10-28T15:39:00.004-05:00

Every Year the Great American Smokeout encourages smokers (and dippers) to quit their disgusting/unhealthy/expensive/burdensome habit. This year the big day is November 19. There are a few websites you may want to promote in your area for the smokeout: http://www.greatamericansmokeout.com/

http://www.mylastdip.com/

or you can encourage smoker's to call 1-877-YES-QUIT...they may even be eligible for free nicotine therapy!

PREVENTION:

Here are some interesting Anti-Tobacco media images that may be useful if you are getting some print or web material together.

SPOTLIGHT:

The Merkel High School Badgers Against Tobacco group organized a week-long event for Tobacco-Free Kids day in March 2009. Check-out this picture of one of their activities that is on the homepage of The Texas School Safety Center's website!

Speaking of Texas Tobacco-Free Kids Day (Kick Butts Day)...it's never too early to start planning. For 2010, Kick Butts Day will be on March 24. Here are some websites to get you started in the planning process for annual event.

http://www.txssc.txstate.edu/

www.kickbuttsday.org

www.tobaccofreekids.org

Be sure to check out that first link for the Texas School Safety Center b/c there are free Teen Summit Weekend Regional Trainings that you could go to this winter!

Red Ribbon Week 2009

2009-10-28T15:19:00.005-05:00

Red Ribbon Week 2009 was busy for PRC2 as well as for school counselors, student council sponsors and others who planned, organized, and executed their creative ideas to promote drug-free schools and communities. Here is a picture from the Red Ribbon Week Rally held in Austin on Oct. 15th.

Here are some Awesome Red Ribbon Theme Day Ideas we collected from the different schools we work with...jot these down for next year to implement into your Red Ribbon Festivities:

-Give drugs the boot (Wear Boots)

-Doing Drugs is Nerdy (dress nerdy)

-Sport a drug-free lifestyle (wear college/pro/school jerseys)

-Use your head, don't use drugs (crazy hair of hats)

-Turn your back on drugs (wear clothes backward)

-Give drugs the slip (wear slippers)

-I may be crazy but I don't do drugs (crazy clothes/hair)

-Sock it to Drugs (crazy socks)

-Na-cho ordinary Red Ribbon Week (Fiesta themed dress or party)

-Join our drug-free team (wear favorite team clothes)

-My future is bright without drugs (neon colors or career day dress)

-Drugs and I don't match (mis-match clothes)

-Lei off Drugs (Hawaiin theme)

The PRC gave drug, alcohol and tobacco presentations to schools in our area and also helped with Red Ribbon booths and school carnivals, here are some pictures of Door Prize winners at Cooper High School.

BOO at the ZOO

2009-10-23T16:50:00.002-05:00

Over 8,000 people attended this year's Boo at the Zoo at the Abilene Zoological Gardens. The PRC had a Ninja Turtle themed booth and gave out posters, stickers and candy from Pizza boxes in true Ninja Turtle fashion. Our booth was awarded "horrible-mention" (honorable mention). Happy Halloween!

Cooper Cougar at Head Start Fair

2009-10-23T16:43:00.005-05:00

The Cooper Cougar was loving our Happy Bunny Stickers at the Head Start Fair.

Abilene Head Start Resource Fair

2009-10-23T16:21:00.003-05:00

Head Start and Early Head Start of AISD hosted their annual Community Resource Fair on October 15th. This is a GREAT event...the organizers of this fair went ALL OUT! The mascots from the local High Schools and Universities were there...the Hot Rods of the Police Department were there and tons of other booths, volunteers, and donations made this a really festive event. Thanks for letting us be a part!

Fall Prevention Provider Meeting

2009-10-23T16:14:00.004-05:00

There are 11 Prevention Resource Centers in Texas, funded by DSHS, to do the important work of creating and supporting prevention efforts in our regions. Twice a year we get together for some professional development, training, brainstorming and encouragement. Here are is a pictures from our "booth" at the fall meeting. Please ignore the oil painting...hotel art mounted to the wall...

45 Life Lessons

2009-09-30T22:27:00.002-05:00

45 Life Lessons by Columnist Regina Brett:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

Red Ribbon Week

2009-09-29T14:53:00.003-05:00

Red Ribbon Week is October 19 - 23! Contact us if you are in one of our counties and would like to receive Red Ribbon Week supplies: Ribbons, bracelets, stickers, bookmarks, posters, activity books, literature, etc. We also do Tobacco Presentations for all grade levels if you would like to set one up.
1-888-PRC-TEXX or holly.mcfarland@arcadatx.org
http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/ongoing/red_ribbon/redribbon_factsheet.html

PRC2 Booth at Jack Co. Health Fair

2009-09-29T14:39:00.003-05:00

PRC2 sets up booths throughout the year at Health Fairs and other community events. On September 19 we headed to Jack County and set up a booth to hand out literature and incentives on substance abuse and mental health. Check out these pictures of the staff visiting the other booths and playing dress-up.
http://www.jackcounty.org/
For more info on Jack County, location and upcoming events.