Vaping Update

Author: Larry Tracey

Posted on 5/14/2020

What is the most commonly used tobacco product among youth? According to recent national studies: E-cigarettes. Studies also show youth are more likely than adults to use e-cigarettes in the U.S. The most popular brand of e-cigarettes among teens is JUUL. They are so popular, teens refer to vaping as JUULing. The devices are small...

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Verbalize Your Expectations Often

Get in the Way Quick Tip #1

Author: Larry Tracey

Posted on 5/12/2020

So who has the most influence on a teen’s choice to use drugs or alcohol? The answer: parents and peers. I mention peers just momentarily, as we’ll talk about the “peer factor” in an upcoming segment. But for now, who your kids hang with or associate with should be important to you. Numerous studies on...

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Rx & Opioid Update

Facts to Know

Author: Larry Tracey

Posted on 5/11/2020

Physical pain has a tremendous impact on the lives of millions of Americans, many of whom have been prescribed opioids to relieve their suffering. However, we now know these pain relievers are highly addictive; so much so that we now find ourselves in an “opioid crisis.” Reducing youth access to these prescription medications is important...

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Spread the Word, Not the Virus

Three Facts to Consider

Author: Paul Martinez

Posted on 4/1/2020

Americans have faced many crises such as wars, disasters and 9/11 to name a few.  One of the hallmarks of the American spirit is the generosity and caring for others that comes to the forefront during times of national need.  Americans are resilient and we mobilize to solve problems.  It’s who we are and it’s...

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How Risky is Marijuana?

Hint: Extremely.

Author: Paul Martinez

Posted on 3/21/2020

People today have the perception that Marijuana is not harmful, and this has led to its legalization for medical and recreational purposes in many states. Most people think that it’s no worse than alcohol and tobacco in general. But the facts are now showing the real risk of regular marijuana use; especially for youth, who...

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Resilience Trumps ACEs

Hope for Transformation

Author: Gayle Kazmierczak RN, MSN, PMHCNS-BC

Posted on 2/1/2020

Do you know what may be the most catastrophic public health situation of all time? Adverse Childhood Experiences, referred to as ACEs, have preventable factors that have been found to have a high correlation with risk for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, substance abuse, suicide, obesity, COPD, and premature death. There is a powerful movement sweeping the...

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Testing Hot

When a Loved One is Addicted

Author: Larry Tracey

Posted on 12/30/2019

I just got off the phone with a mother whose twenty-five-year-old son has relapsed; he just tested “hot” for opioids. The more I listened the more my heart grew heavy for her and her situation. She is beside herself to say the least. He is being admitted into drug treatment center for his substance use...

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Get in the Way

What Does "Get in the Way" Mean?

Author: Larry Tracey

Posted on 12/30/2019

Maybe you have seen the Way Out West Coalition’s Get in the Way materials throughout the city and in this magazine. But what does Get in the Way actually mean? The teen brain focuses on risk and excitement. Our job as parents, grandparents, and caring adults is to Get in the Way or foil a...

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Vaping and Marijuana Oils

The Vaping Crisis

Author: Paul Martinez

Posted on 9/16/2019

There is a rapidly growing vaping crisis highlighted by 450 illnesses and four deaths as a result of the use of e-cigarettes. Most consumers have viewed e-cigarettes and vaping marijuana oils as harmless, but health officials are now warning the public to cease the use of e-cigarettes. Especially vulnerable are youth who are attracted to...

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Opioid Crisis Update

Facts You Need to Know

Author: Larry Tracey

Posted on 9/10/2019

Physical pain has a tremendous impact on the lives of millions of Americans, many of whom have been prescribed opioids to relieve their suffering. However, we now know these pain relievers are highly addictive; so much so that we now find ourselves in an “opioid crisis.” Reducing youth access to these prescription medications is important...

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