January Matters of Substance
Are you a parent or an adult who works with teenagers? Have you ever found yourself asking the question, “What were you thinking”?
As adults, we often forget that youth do not think the same way that we do. In fact, adolescent brain development continues to the age of 25 and parts of the brain that we use every day to make decisions are not fully developed until then. In previous columns I’ve written about the impact of substance abuse and in particular marijuana on the brain. Today I’d like to take a step back and talk about adolescent brain development from a more general perspective.
Last month, a colleague and I led thirty 7th grade students in an activity discussing brain development and substance use. The purpose of the activity was to empower youth to lead healthy substance free lives by giving them the tools and information they need to make healthy choices. Helping youth and parents understand brain development is a necessary step in helping teens to make these healthy choices.
Parenting Young Children Class
The Brattleboro Area Prevention Coalition (BAPC) is pleased to announce a free course for parents/guardians of young children, on Saturday January 28th, 2012 from 9:00am to 12:00pm.
Parenting Young Children Wisely teaches parents skills and techniques to help them better understand and deal with children ages 3-9. Two trained facilitators will guide participants to help build understanding and communication among all members of the family. The course teaches constructive skills proven to improve family relationships by illustrating typical family situations and the common ways in which parents try to handle them. All participants will receive a Parenting Wisely Young Children workbook, a parent resource packet, a certificate of completion and a $25.00 gift card upon completion. Childcare and snacks will also be provided during the course.
This program is sponsored locally by BAPC, space is limited for more information and/or register, contact Cate Runge, Program and Policy Coordinator, at 257-2175 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or download a class flyer HERE.
2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Let’s take a moment to focus on something positive. While our community has faced tremendous adversity in the past year we have come together and supported one another. In particular, our youth have shown an amazing amount of resiliency through these difficult times. How do we know? Well in addition, to the overwhelming energy youth have poured into recent disaster relief efforts we see an overall increase their resiliency. For example, statewide we see a 12% increase in youth who volunteer in their communities and a 9% increase students who agree they feel they matter to people!
This data comes from the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) and the Department of Education’s 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). What is the Youth Risk Behavior Survey and what does it tell us? The YRBS is a statewide survey administered in schools that measures the prevalence of risky behaviors that contribute to the leading cause of death, disease and injury among youth. These include but are not limited to alcohol and drug use, seat belt use, and sexual activity. The survey is part of a state wide effort to help communities promote the “resiliency” of youth by reducing high risk behaviors and increasing healthy behaviors.
What does the YRBS tell us? Read more...
Community groups making a big impact through small changes in local retail stores
Community groups from across southern Vermont are collaborating with the Vermont Department of Health to promote healthy options within local retail outlets. These groups are working with independent grocery store, convenience store and gas station owners to create retail environments that encourage healthier food and beverage choices and discourage tobacco and alcohol use.
Read more: Community groups making a big impact through small changes in local retail stores
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