RI had the lowest rate of cigarette use in the nation in 2015 for both middle school and high school students, but the soaring popularity of e-cigarettes in those age groups is offsetting that progress.
E-cigarette use and "vaping" among young adults has increased considerably in recent years. In 2015, more than a quarter of students in grades 6 through 12 and more than a third of young adults had ever tried e-cigarettes.
E-cigarette use poses a significant – and avoidable – health risk to young people. Besides increasing the possibility of addiction and long-term harm to brain development and respiratory health, e-cigarette use is associated with the use of other tobacco products that can do even more damage to the body.
Fortunately, RI recently passed legislation that requires child resistant packaging for e-liquid used in electronic nicotine-delivery systems such as e-cigarettes. In addition, the legislation prohibits use of electronic nicotine delivery systems on school property, the same way cigarettes are banned.
Halloween is a time when ghosts and goblins of all ages go out to play. Remind you teen that before the night turns dark and stormy, keep this in mind:
Stick with apple cider and soda. Binge drinking alcohol can lead to lead to some very scary outcomes. Alcohol in any amount is dangerous for teens to drink because it can change the developing brain (which is why it is illegal). But binge drinking—five or more drinks for guys and four or more for girls—has the potential for more immediate terrors—it contributes to alcohol poisoning and car crashes.
Each year, 5,000 people under age 21 die from alcohol-related car crashes, homicides, suicides, poisoning, and other injuries such as falls, burns, and drowning.
Halloween is a time when there are lots of parties, so be smart. And if you need a ride home, make sure the driver is sober.
Fun times with friends don’t mean that you need to get wasted. Throwing up, falling, car accidents, …definitely sounds like there are much better ways to enjoy Halloween with beasties and buddies. Check out the classic horror movies or hand out candy to trick-or-treaters. Whatever you decide, stay safe.
Drug Take Back Day
October 28, 2017, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
North Kingstown Police Station
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe means of disposing of rx drugs.
Please take a few minutes to remove all unused or expired medications from your home and drop them off at a local police station. Thank you for being part of the solution to our state's opiate crisis. Every action helps!
Join us for this important presentation! 10/16 at 6:30 in the NKHS auditorium!
Congrats to our very own Robin Monica and Jammie Boullier - honored by MADD for their tireless work raising awareness about the dangers of impaired driving. Thank you!
Concerned about today's technology and your teen? Check out this article for a chance to dig deeper on this issue: Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?
