Child and Family Focus Prevention Education Program Bucks County

Parents, as our teens navigate life's challenges, it's crucial to be informed and proactive. Engage in open conversations, set clear boundaries, and provide support. Together, let's guide our teens towards healthy choices and a brighter future. Try this great resource for ways to start the conversation and keep it going:

www.samhsa.gov

The PAYS survey administered in 2023 reports that almost 90.8% of Bucks County students said they see using prescribed medications inappropriately as a “great risk”. Educating youth both at home and in school settings about these risks are going to help bring this number even higher!

Source:https://www.pccd.pa.gov/Juvenile-Justice/Documents/2021%20PAYS/County%20Reports%202021%20PAYS/County%20Reports_Bucks%20County%20Profile%20Report.pdf

You may have heard a young person in your life ask: Is alcohol really that bad for you? If so, why is it legal? The truth is that regardless of legality drinking alcohol can post a risk to your health. Learn more at http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551.

Alcohol in moderation: How many drinks is that? Drinking alcohol in any amount is a health risk that increases with each drink you have. The risk peaks with heavy drinking, including binge drinking, which carries serious health risks.

With the summer months quickly approaching, now is the time to think of creative ways to keep your family cool. A healthy delicious cold treat is a great way to beat the summer heat. This easy-to-follow recipe for homemade fruit popsicles will be a hit with your family: http://ifoodreal.com/healthy-homemade-popsicles/.

Ma*****na use among young people can have significant impacts on brain development, memory, learning, and mental health. That's why it's crucial to have open conversations with our friends, family, and communities about the potential risks associated with its use. Check out this brochure created by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to help you get conversations going:

www.samhsa.gov

In 2021, 5.5% of Bucks County youth surveyed reported they have “binge” used alcohol. The same survey was administered in 2023, and this number has gone down to 4%! Educating youth on risks involved with underage drinking is important and helps decrease underage drinking. Talk with your youth today!

Source:https://prdpccd.pwpca.pa.gov/Juvenile-Justice/Documents/2021%20PAYS/County%20Reports%202021%20PAYS/County%20Reports_Bucks%20County%20Profile%20Report.pdf

Should we drink and drive? The answer is simple: NO! Alcohol can cause your vision to decline and your thinking to not be as sharp as it usually is. Studies show that in 2019 about one third of accidents that were fatal involved a drunk driver. Learn more about the risks of buzzed or drunk driving at http://www.riahealth.com/blog/dangers-of-drinking-and-driving/.

Dangers of Drinking and Driving: How Does Alcohol Affect Your Driving? You should never drink and drive, but why? Learn about how alcohol affects your driving and the dangers of driving under the influence today!

The flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, and the weather is warming up. Take the family for a stroll around the neighborhood, the local park, or on a hiking trail. Nature has a way of relieving stress and improving our mental health. For a list of local hiking trails please visit: http://www.visitbuckscounty.com/blog/post/7-outdoor-walking-trails-in-bucks-county/.

Less than 0.3% of middle school students reported they tried other drugs besides ma*****na (such as crack, co***ne, or methamphetamines). Educating youth on the risks and lifelong challenges they may face by using these substances is critical to their future!
https://www.pccd.pa.gov/Juvenile-Justice/Documents/2021%20PAYS/County%20Reports%202021%20PAYS/County%20Reports_Bucks%20County%20Profile%20Report.pdf

Parents/caregivers, did you know that there are short and long-term health risks of binge-drinking alcohol? Short-term risks include accidents such as falls, drownings, car crashes, and homicide. Long-term risks linked to binge drinking can lead to social, physical, and mental health problems. Keep the conversation going with your young person about the risks. Visit this website for more information: Drinking too much alcohol can harm your health. Learn the facts | CDC.

www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm

Looking for a Memorial Day craft? Try creating this paper plate flag with the young people in your life.

Simple Paper Plate Flag Craft For Kids | Craft Corner DIY Super simple paper plate flag craft to make with your kids. Celebrate Memorial Day or 4th of July with this patriotic craft.

Parent/caregivers, did you know from 2020-2021 there were over 177,000 alcohol related deaths in the United States? 1 in 5 deaths for adults ages 20 to 49 were due to excessive alcohol use. For more information on how excessive drinking affects health please checkout this website: Drinking too much alcohol can harm your health. Learn the facts | CDC.

www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm

10% of middle schoolers reported they have used a vape/e-cigarette in the last 30 days. This statistic has dropped by 50% since 2017! It is very important for us to educate our youth on the risk factors associated with vaping/e-cigarette products.
https://prdpccd.pwpca.pa.gov/Juvenile-Justice/Documents/2021%20PAYS/County%20Reports%202021%20PAYS/County%20Reports_Bucks%20County%20Profile%20Report.pdf

Myth: Ma*****na can heighten your ability to think faster and solve problems.

Fact: Ma*****na impairs your judgement. It affects your ability to learn, memorize, and concentrate. This can have a negative affect on decision making and problem-solving skills.

Parents/caregivers, for more information on the risks of ma*****na please check out this fact sheet: Ma*****na: The Risks are Real.

www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/ma*****na-infographic-risks-are-real.pdf

Create a fun craft for Mom on Mother’s Day using your very own handprints. She’ll love it!

Adorable Mother’s Day Handprint Flower Craft and Free Template Kids can give mom a bouquet of HANDPRINT FLOWERS for a special Mother’s Day and place the flowers in the FREE printable VASE or FLOWER...

Myth: Women can smoke ma*****na while pregnant and/or nursing infants. Ma*****na will not affect the baby’s health.

Fact: Ma*****na use while pregnant can result in birth defects such as premature birth, an underdeveloped fetus, or stillbirth. Nursing mothers can pass THC and other chemicals through breast milk that can affect an infant’s healthy development.

For more information on how ma*****na affects pregnant women please check out this link: Ma*****na During Pregnancy - Know the Risks | SAMHSA

www.samhsa.gov/ma*****na/ma*****na-pregnancy

Parents and caregivers, in 2021 the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reported over 1,500 people under the age of twenty-one were killed in car accidents involving alcohol. Please check out research-based data on www.nih.gov for tips on how to talk with youth and teens about alcohol and safety.

Myth: Smoking ma*****na is “socially acceptable.”

Fact: Although some people believe ma*****na is socially acceptable, 12th graders across the United States disagree. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), over 60% of high school seniors disapprove of adults using ma*****na on a regular basis. Check out ma*****na and other drug use statistics at drugabusestatistics.org.

Parents and caregivers, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), males are three times more likely to suffer from deaths related to alcohol misuse than females. Check out statistics at drugabusestatistics.org to help educate youth on alcohol misuse.

Create a paper flower arrangement for Spring!

Very Easy Paper Flowers (with a ladybug) • In the Bag Kids' Crafts These very easy paper flowers are made even more special by the little ladybugs that are on the petals. Make a whole bouquet.

98% of young people report they have never used prescription pain relievers (such as Vicodin, OxyContin, Percocet, or Codeine) without a doctor telling them to take it. That means 2% have used prescription pain relievers without consulting a physician. Educating youth on the proper way to take prescription medications is important to prevention.

https://www.pccd.pa.gov/Juvenile- Justice/Documents/2021%20PAYS/County%20Reports%202021%20PAYS/County%20Reports_Bucks%20 County%20Profile%20Report.pdf

Myth: Ma*****na is legal in some states, so you cannot be arrested for having it.

Fact: Not all states have legalized ma*****na for adult use, and many have legalized it only under special circumstances such as for medical use. In all states, it is always illegal for young people to use ma*****na. Here is a source that shows you which states have which laws: Recreational Use of Cannabis: Volume 2: Maps & Charts | APIS - Alcohol Policy Information System (nih.gov).

Make a Unicorn for National Unicorn Day on April 9th!

Unicorn Craft (with Free Craft Template) • In the Bag Kids' Crafts This adorable unicorn craft is made with a simple paper plate. Make this craft with your kids using the free craft template.