Health News
NATIONAL CENTER ON ADDICTION AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE (CASA) RELEASES 2009 TEEN SURVEY RESULTS
In a press release dated August 26, 2009, the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University announced results of the 2009 CASA Teen Survey. According to the press release, teens who have seen their parents drunk are more than twice as likely to get drunk in a typical month, and three times more likely to use marijuana and smoke cigarettes, when compared to teens who have not seen their parents drunk. Other findings from the survey—National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse XIV: Teens and Parents, the 14th annual back-to-school survey conducted by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University—include:
- 51 percent of 17-year olds have seen one or both of their parents drunk and 34 percent of 12- to 17-year olds have seen one or both of their parents drunk;
- Compared to teens who believe their father is against their drinking, teens who believe their father is okay with their drinking are two and a half times more likely to get drunk in a typical month;
- Five percent of 12- to 15-year old girls and nine percent of 12- to 15-year old boys say their fathers are okay with their drinking. Thirteen percent of 16- and 17-year old girls and 20 percent of 16- and 17-year old boys say their fathers are okay with their drinking.
- 65 percent of 12- to 17-year olds who drink monthly report that they get drunk at least once in a typical month. Eighty-five percent of 17-year old drinkers get drunk at least once in a typical month;
- One third of teen drinkers usually drink with the intention of getting drunk. Eighty-five percent of teen drinkers, who say that when they drink, they usually drink to get drunk, do so at least once a month. Of those teens who do NOT set out to get drunk, 33 percent find themselves drunk at least once a month.
- Compared to teens who have never tried alcohol, teens who get drunk monthly are
- 18 times more likely to have tried marijuana;
- Four times more likely to be able to get marijuana in an hour;
- Almost four times more likely to know someone their age who abuses prescription drugs;
- More than three times more likely to have friends who use marijuana; and
- More than twice as likely to know someone their age who uses meth, ecstasy, or other drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or LSD.
- Compared to teens who have never tried alcohol, those who get drunk at least once a month are
- Twice as likely to know a girl who was forced to do something sexual she didn't want to do; and
- Nearly four times more likely to know a guy who uses drugs or alcohol.
Joseph A. Califano, Jr., CASA's chairman and founder and former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare had this to say about the findings, "Some Moms' and Dads' behavior and attitudes make them parent enablers—parents who send their 12- to 17-year olds a message that it's okay to smoke, drink, get drunk and use illegal drugs like marijuana.... Teens' behavior is strongly associated with their parents' behavior and expectations, so parents who expect their children to drink and use drugs will have children who drink and use drugs."
For More Info Information contact http://www.casacolumbia.org/
New Survey Reveals Health-Related Fitness as Primary Focus of Middle and High School Physical Education Programs
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- With growing concerns among parents and policymakers about the rise in childhood obesity - heightened by the recent CDC report showing that obesity rose 37% between 1998 and 2006 - approximately two-thirds of middle and high school physical education teachers say that health-related fitness is the primary focus of their programs, according to a new survey conducted by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and Polar.
The national survey of K-12 physical education teachers revealed that, in contrast to middle and high schools, at the elementary school level, 53% of the programs have an emphasis on motor skills and movement forms. Movement is critical to child growth and development while motor skill competency provides a foundation for successful and enjoyable participation in a variety of physical activities.
"The goal of physical education is to develop individuals who have the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of physical activity," said NASPE Executive Director Charlene Burgeson. "Because the role of middle and high schools is to prepare adolescents to make good choices and become responsible adults, the focus on health-related fitness is appropriate and important."
Technology is also playing an important role in today's PE classrooms. According to the survey, 51% of teachers said technology increases student motivation.
"With today's tech-savvy students, incorporating technology, such as heart rate monitors and exergames, into physical education programs is a great way to engage and motivate students," said Jeff Padovan, President, Polar USA. "Technology is also helping teachers and schools to collect valid, reliable data that can be used to assess and monitor student progress."
In fact, 59% of teachers said that technology enhances communication with school and district administrators about student performance and achievement. Additionally, 60% said technology provides data for assessment and grading.
A variety of technologies are being incorporated into classroom instruction. For instance, 70% of PE programs use pedometers; 51% use fitness assessment tools such as TriFit, a system that allows teachers to analyze individual student health and fitness; 39% use heart rate monitors; and 32% use exergames such as Dance Dance Revolution and Wii Fit.
"As physical educators, it's our responsibility to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to lead healthy, physically active lives," Burgeson explained. "To achieve this, we need resources and support to create a motivating environment and offer a variety of sports and activities that meet the needs and interests of all students."
Physical education programs are offering diverse activities such as dance (70%), disc sports (69%) including Frisbee golf, tennis (56%), lacrosse (31%), yoga (28%) and rock wall climbing (22%).
"There is no quick fix to reversing childhood obesity," Padovan said. "We must take a multi-pronged approach that focuses on nutrition, prevention, regular physical activity and a comprehensive physical education program. By giving our schools and communities the tools and resources they need, we'll be better prepared to address this issue and educate our children - helping them to lead longer, healthier lives."
The survey was conducted by Polar, the leading manufacturer of heart rate monitors and fitness assessment technology with a 10-year history of providing high-tech tools to schools across the country and NASPE, the preeminent national authority on physical education and a recognized leader in sport and physical activity. A total of 1,375 physical education teachers participated in the survey between May 28 and June 15, 2009. Of this, 1,164 K-12 physical education teachers completed the survey.
About NASPE
The preeminent national authority on physical education and a recognized leader in sport and physical activity, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) is a non-profit professional membership associate that sets the standard for practice in physical education and sport. NASPE's 16,000 members include: K-12 physical education teachers, coaches, athletic directors, athletic trainers, sport management professionals, researchers, and college/university faculty who prepare physical activity professionals. The mission of NASPE is to enhance knowledge, improve professional practice, and increase support for high quality physical education, sport and physical activity programs. It is the largest of the five national associations that make the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD).
About Polar
Headquartered in Lake Success, NY, Polar is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Finland-based Polar Electro OY, which invented the first wireless heart rate monitor (HRM) in 1977. Since its founding over thirty years ago, Polar has been pioneering a revolution in training and leading the heart rate monitoring and fitness assessment technology category with innovative products and solutions that deliver valuable feedback and guidance to help individuals reach their personal goals by improving their well-being and sports performance through a profound understanding of the human body. Today, Polar training computers are the number one choice among consumers worldwide. Polar products and technologies are also used by leading fitness facilities, athletic teams, corporate wellness facilities and by thousands of physical educations programs around the country. For more information, visit www.polarusa.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jasmine Lyons Paula Keyes Kun
CooperKatz for Polar USA NASPE
917-595-3046 703-476-3461
SOURCE National Association for Sport and Physical Education; Polar
America's Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2009
The Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics has released its annual update on the well-being of children and families in the United States across a range of domains. The report includes indicators of emotional and behavioral difficulties, adolescent depression, and alcohol and drug use. The 2009 report includes a important feature about Children with Special Health Care Needs.
Trends in Adolescent and Young Adult Health in the United States This article reviews health trends for adolescents and young adults, providing a single source for a national health profile. Data are presented on demographics, mortality, health-related behaviors, and healthcare access and utilization and major gender and racial/ethnic disparities are highlighted. The authors outline recommendations to improve health during these critical periods in the lifespan. This article replaces the National Adolescent Health Information Center¹s monograph "America¹s Adolescents: Are They Healthy?" which focused exclusively on adolescents. It also updates the authors¹ 2006 article on young adult health. The article is available free at the Journal of Adolescent Health website: http://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(09)00124-4/abstract
Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) are pleased to provide you with a copy of the sixth annual edition of the report, F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies Are Failing in America 2009. The report contains rankings of state obesity rates, reviews federal and state government policies aimed at reducing or preventing obesity, and provides recommendations for addressing obesity within health reform. An online version of the report with state rankings in all categories will be available at 10:00 a.m. this morning on TFAH’s Web site at www.healthyamericans.org and RWJF’s Web site at www.rwjf.org.
The report finds that in the past year adult obesity rates increased in 23 states while no state saw a decrease. In addition, the percentage of obese and overweight children is at or above 30 percent in 30 states. Mississippi had the highest rate of adult obesity at 32.5 percent, making it the fifth year in a row that the state topped the list. Mississippi also had the highest rate of obese and overweight children at 44.4 percent. Eight of the 10 states with the highest percentage of obese adults are in the South. Colorado continued to have the lowest percentage of obese adults at 18.9 percent.
HHS’ SAMHSA’s NSDUH REPORT FINDS THAT MORE THAN ONE IN TEN U.S. CHILDREN LIVE WITH SUBSTANCE-ABUSING OR SUBSTANCE-DEPENDENT PARENT
An estimated 8.3 million children—11.9%—live with at least one parent (biological, step-, adoptive, or foster) who had abused or was dependent on alcohol or an illicit drug in the past year, according to a recent analysis of data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Younger children were slightly more likely than older children to live with a substance-abusing or –dependent parent (14% vs. 10%). Since “substance use disorders can have a profound influence on the lives of individuals and their families, particularly their children, ”the authors believe that these findings “highlight the potential breadth of needs for the whole family—from substance abuse treatment for the affected adults to prevention and supportive services for the children”. Full report available online at http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/2k9/SAparents/SAparents.cfm
Do you want to help a school become a healthier place for students to learn and for staff to work, but you don’t know where to begin? Do you recognize the positive benefits of healthy eating and physical activity for students, but you don’t know how to incorporate these lessons into your work? Are you convinced that you cannot get any assistance in creating a healthier school environment without paying for this kind of support? For the help and tools you need, join the Healthy Schools Program’s Network for free!
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation – a joint partnership between the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation working to combat childhood obesity across the U.S. – knows schools are powerful places to not only teach children the academic skills they need to succeed, but also healthy habits for life.
The Alliance Healthy Schools Program provides free, comprehensive support and recognition to develop healthier school environments.
Anyone interested in making schools healthier places for students to learn and staff to work can join the Healthy Schools Program’s Network at HealthierGeneration.org/schools and receive access to a wealth of resources at no cost. Sign-up is quick and easy, so join today for immediate access to tools and support for a healthier school.
http://www.kahperd.com/07/pages/uploads/enrollmentFlyer_1-1.pdf
NATIONAL CENTER ON ADDICTION AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE (CASA) RELEASES 2009 TEEN SURVEY RESULTS
In a press release dated August 26, 2009, the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University announced results of the 2009 CASA Teen Survey. According to the press release, teens who have seen their parents drunk are more than twice as likely to get drunk in a typical month, and three times more likely to use marijuana and smoke cigarettes, when compared to teens who have not seen their parents drunk. Other findings from the survey—National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse XIV: Teens and Parents, the 14th annual back-to-school survey conducted by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University—include:
- 51 percent of 17-year olds have seen one or both of their parents drunk and 34 percent of 12- to 17-year olds have seen one or both of their parents drunk;
- Compared to teens who believe their father is against their drinking, teens who believe their father is okay with their drinking are two and a half times more likely to get drunk in a typical month;
- Five percent of 12- to 15-year old girls and nine percent of 12- to 15-year old boys say their fathers are okay with their drinking. Thirteen percent of 16- and 17-year old girls and 20 percent of 16- and 17-year old boys say their fathers are okay with their drinking.
- 65 percent of 12- to 17-year olds who drink monthly report that they get drunk at least once in a typical month. Eighty-five percent of 17-year old drinkers get drunk at least once in a typical month;
- One third of teen drinkers usually drink with the intention of getting drunk. Eighty-five percent of teen drinkers, who say that when they drink, they usually drink to get drunk, do so at least once a month. Of those teens who do NOT set out to get drunk, 33 percent find themselves drunk at least once a month.
- Compared to teens who have never tried alcohol, teens who get drunk monthly are
- 18 times more likely to have tried marijuana;
- Four times more likely to be able to get marijuana in an hour;
- Almost four times more likely to know someone their age who abuses prescription drugs;
- More than three times more likely to have friends who use marijuana; and
- More than twice as likely to know someone their age who uses meth, ecstasy, or other drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or LSD.
- Compared to teens who have never tried alcohol, those who get drunk at least once a month are
- Twice as likely to know a girl who was forced to do something sexual she didn't want to do; and
- Nearly four times more likely to know a guy who uses drugs or alcohol.
Joseph A. Califano, Jr., CASA's chairman and founder and former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare had this to say about the findings, "Some Moms' and Dads' behavior and attitudes make them parent enablers—parents who send their 12- to 17-year olds a message that it's okay to smoke, drink, get drunk and use illegal drugs like marijuana.... Teens' behavior is strongly associated with their parents' behavior and expectations, so parents who expect their children to drink and use drugs will have children who drink and use drugs."
For More Info Information contact http://www.casacolumbia.org/
New Survey Reveals Health-Related Fitness as Primary Focus of Middle and High School Physical Education Programs
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- With growing concerns among parents and policymakers about the rise in childhood obesity - heightened by the recent CDC report showing that obesity rose 37% between 1998 and 2006 - approximately two-thirds of middle and high school physical education teachers say that health-related fitness is the primary focus of their programs, according to a new survey conducted by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and Polar.
The national survey of K-12 physical education teachers revealed that, in contrast to middle and high schools, at the elementary school level, 53% of the programs have an emphasis on motor skills and movement forms. Movement is critical to child growth and development while motor skill competency provides a foundation for successful and enjoyable participation in a variety of physical activities.
"The goal of physical education is to develop individuals who have the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of physical activity," said NASPE Executive Director Charlene Burgeson. "Because the role of middle and high schools is to prepare adolescents to make good choices and become responsible adults, the focus on health-related fitness is appropriate and important."
Technology is also playing an important role in today's PE classrooms. According to the survey, 51% of teachers said technology increases student motivation.
"With today's tech-savvy students, incorporating technology, such as heart rate monitors and exergames, into physical education programs is a great way to engage and motivate students," said Jeff Padovan, President, Polar USA. "Technology is also helping teachers and schools to collect valid, reliable data that can be used to assess and monitor student progress."
In fact, 59% of teachers said that technology enhances communication with school and district administrators about student performance and achievement. Additionally, 60% said technology provides data for assessment and grading.
A variety of technologies are being incorporated into classroom instruction. For instance, 70% of PE programs use pedometers; 51% use fitness assessment tools such as TriFit, a system that allows teachers to analyze individual student health and fitness; 39% use heart rate monitors; and 32% use exergames such as Dance Dance Revolution and Wii Fit.
"As physical educators, it's our responsibility to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to lead healthy, physically active lives," Burgeson explained. "To achieve this, we need resources and support to create a motivating environment and offer a variety of sports and activities that meet the needs and interests of all students."
Physical education programs are offering diverse activities such as dance (70%), disc sports (69%) including Frisbee golf, tennis (56%), lacrosse (31%), yoga (28%) and rock wall climbing (22%).
"There is no quick fix to reversing childhood obesity," Padovan said. "We must take a multi-pronged approach that focuses on nutrition, prevention, regular physical activity and a comprehensive physical education program. By giving our schools and communities the tools and resources they need, we'll be better prepared to address this issue and educate our children - helping them to lead longer, healthier lives."
The survey was conducted by Polar, the leading manufacturer of heart rate monitors and fitness assessment technology with a 10-year history of providing high-tech tools to schools across the country and NASPE, the preeminent national authority on physical education and a recognized leader in sport and physical activity. A total of 1,375 physical education teachers participated in the survey between May 28 and June 15, 2009. Of this, 1,164 K-12 physical education teachers completed the survey.
About NASPE
The preeminent national authority on physical education and a recognized leader in sport and physical activity, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) is a non-profit professional membership associate that sets the standard for practice in physical education and sport. NASPE's 16,000 members include: K-12 physical education teachers, coaches, athletic directors, athletic trainers, sport management professionals, researchers, and college/university faculty who prepare physical activity professionals. The mission of NASPE is to enhance knowledge, improve professional practice, and increase support for high quality physical education, sport and physical activity programs. It is the largest of the five national associations that make the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD).
About Polar
Headquartered in Lake Success, NY, Polar is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Finland-based Polar Electro OY, which invented the first wireless heart rate monitor (HRM) in 1977. Since its founding over thirty years ago, Polar has been pioneering a revolution in training and leading the heart rate monitoring and fitness assessment technology category with innovative products and solutions that deliver valuable feedback and guidance to help individuals reach their personal goals by improving their well-being and sports performance through a profound understanding of the human body. Today, Polar training computers are the number one choice among consumers worldwide. Polar products and technologies are also used by leading fitness facilities, athletic teams, corporate wellness facilities and by thousands of physical educations programs around the country. For more information, visit www.polarusa.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jasmine Lyons Paula Keyes Kun
CooperKatz for Polar USA NASPE
917-595-3046 703-476-3461
SOURCE National Association for Sport and Physical Education; Polar
NATIONAL CENTER ON ADDICTION AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE (CASA) RELEASES 2009 TEEN SURVEY RESULTS
In a press release dated August 26, 2009, the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University announced results of the 2009 CASA Teen Survey. According to the press release, teens who have seen their parents drunk are more than twice as likely to get drunk in a typical month, and three times more likely to use marijuana and smoke cigarettes, when compared to teens who have not seen their parents drunk. Other findings from the survey—National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse XIV: Teens and Parents, the 14th annual back-to-school survey conducted by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University—include:
- 51 percent of 17-year olds have seen one or both of their parents drunk and 34 percent of 12- to 17-year olds have seen one or both of their parents drunk;
- Compared to teens who believe their father is against their drinking, teens who believe their father is okay with their drinking are two and a half times more likely to get drunk in a typical month;
- Five percent of 12- to 15-year old girls and nine percent of 12- to 15-year old boys say their fathers are okay with their drinking. Thirteen percent of 16- and 17-year old girls and 20 percent of 16- and 17-year old boys say their fathers are okay with their drinking.
- 65 percent of 12- to 17-year olds who drink monthly report that they get drunk at least once in a typical month. Eighty-five percent of 17-year old drinkers get drunk at least once in a typical month;
- One third of teen drinkers usually drink with the intention of getting drunk. Eighty-five percent of teen drinkers, who say that when they drink, they usually drink to get drunk, do so at least once a month. Of those teens who do NOT set out to get drunk, 33 percent find themselves drunk at least once a month.
- Compared to teens who have never tried alcohol, teens who get drunk monthly are
- 18 times more likely to have tried marijuana;
- Four times more likely to be able to get marijuana in an hour;
- Almost four times more likely to know someone their age who abuses prescription drugs;
- More than three times more likely to have friends who use marijuana; and
- More than twice as likely to know someone their age who uses meth, ecstasy, or other drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or LSD.
- Compared to teens who have never tried alcohol, those who get drunk at least once a month are
- Twice as likely to know a girl who was forced to do something sexual she didn't want to do; and
- Nearly four times more likely to know a guy who uses drugs or alcohol.
Joseph A. Califano, Jr., CASA's chairman and founder and former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare had this to say about the findings, "Some Moms' and Dads' behavior and attitudes make them parent enablers—parents who send their 12- to 17-year olds a message that it's okay to smoke, drink, get drunk and use illegal drugs like marijuana.... Teens' behavior is strongly associated with their parents' behavior and expectations, so parents who expect their children to drink and use drugs will have children who drink and use drugs."For More Info Information contact http://www.casacolumbia.org/New Survey Reveals Health-Related Fitness as Primary Focus of Middle and High School Physical Education Programs
America's Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2009
The Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics has released its annual update on the well-being of children and families in the United States across a range of domains. The report includes indicators of emotional and behavioral difficulties, adolescent depression, and alcohol and drug use. The 2009 report includes a important feature about Children with Special Health Care Needs.
The report finds that in the past year adult obesity rates increased in 23 states while no state saw a decrease. In addition, the percentage of obese and overweight children is at or above 30 percent in 30 states. Mississippi had the highest rate of adult obesity at 32.5 percent, making it the fifth year in a row that the state topped the list. Mississippi also had the highest rate of obese and overweight children at 44.4 percent. Eight of the 10 states with the highest percentage of obese adults are in the South. Colorado continued to have the lowest percentage of obese adults at 18.9 percent.
An estimated 8.3 million children—11.9%—live with at least one parent (biological, step-, adoptive, or foster) who had abused or was dependent on alcohol or an illicit drug in the past year, according to a recent analysis of data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Younger children were slightly more likely than older children to live with a substance-abusing or –dependent parent (14% vs. 10%). Since “substance use disorders can have a profound influence on the lives of individuals and their families, particularly their children, ”the authors believe that these findings “highlight the potential breadth of needs for the whole family—from substance abuse treatment for the affected adults to prevention and supportive services for the children”. Full report available online at http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/2k9/SAparents/SAparents.cfm
NDEP's 4 Steps to Control Your Diabetes. For Life. brochure is a widely used resource for newly diagnosed people with diabetes as well as those living with diabetes for years. 4 Steps is an easy-to-read guide developed to empower people with diabetes to manage their disease by encouraging them to learn about diabetes; know their diabetes ABCs – as measured by the A1C test, blood pressure, and cholesterol; manage their diabetes; and get routine care to avoid problems.
"Cheese" is a combination of black tar heroin and crushed up Tylenol PM tablets and hits of it sell for $1 or $2. Like any type of heroin, "cheese" is highly addic tive and deadly.
"They're looking for a new consumer," says James Capra, the special agent in charge of the DEA office in Dallas, Texas. "They've taken the tactic that ad vertising people have taken for years; you want to sell a product, you've got do a good marketing approach to it."
There is also a type of crystal meth (speed) going around that looks like strawberry pop rocks (the candy that sizzles and "pops" in your mouth). It also smells like strawberry and it is being handed out to kids in schoolyards. The dealers are calling it "strawberry meth" or "strawberry quick."
Thinking that it is candy, kids are ingesting strawberry meth and then being rushed off to the hospital in dire condition. It also comes in chocolate, peanut butter, cola, cherry, grape and orange.
I invite readers to call me at (609) 396-5874 if they want more information.
-- CHIP MEARA, Trenton The writer is community educator for the Mercer Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction, which has been providing alcohol and drug education, assessment and referral services for more than 25 years.
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