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To the editor: April is National Alcohol Awareness Month. So
parents, talk to your children about alcohol before they get
misinformation from someone else. National studies show that their
curiosity leads to experimentation with alcohol around age 11. No
matter how old or young your children are, they want to hear what
you have to say, so help to shape their thinking with good, honest
information.
Alcohol is the No. 1 drug of choice among teens. When a person
begins drinking, inhibitions are lowered. The brain is not able to
make decisions, think critically or respond quickly enough when a
life-or-death situation occurs. Since alcohol acts as a depressant,
it decreases the activity of the nervous system. The liver attempts
to filter out the toxins found in alcohol, and over time diseases
such as hepatitis or cirrhosis may occur. Alcohol use also affects
the heart, especially binge drinking (having five or more "standard"
drinks in a row for men, and four or more in a row for women). Binge
drinking can lead to health risks such as hemorrhagic stroke, high
blood pressure and increased risk for heart muscle disease.
[to top of second column in this letter]
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 Be aware of the signs that your child is experimenting with
alcohol or is at risk of doing so. Here are a few warning signs that
may indicate a need for concern: change of friends; carelessness
about personal appearance; decline in participation at home or in
favorite activities, hobbies and sports; irritability (avoids family
contact); lack of appreciation for values that used to be important;
or secretive phone calls and lying.
Here are a few suggestions for prevention and early intervention:
listen carefully, encourage choice, provide age-appropriate
information, be a good example and know your child's friends.
Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Task Force
Contact person: Jenna Hellmann, health educator,
Logan County Health
Department
[Posted
April 16, 2008]
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