August 2017

August 27, 2017

Back-to-School 2017

It’s that time of year again and we can hear the school bells ringing! It can be hard to adjust from the dog days of summer to the busy and fast pace of the school year. Here are nine tips to get back into the school mode and start this year off right!

Tip #1: Have the Proper School Supplies that you need for your classes! 
During the first day of class most teachers will tell you everything they require for their courses. Make sure that you get the specified supplies so that you are able to keep up with the class work and stay organized.

Tip #2: Get an Agenda!
Between taking test, doing home work, attending activities, and school events it can be really hard to keep track of everything. By keeping an updated agenda you can better manage your time and know what you have to accomplish.

Tip #3: Know your Course Syllabus
Knowing your class schedule is so important for being successful in the course your taking. Teachers will typical hand out your syllabus in class or post it online. Knowing when you have papers and projects due is so important for passing the course and keeping up your grades.

Tip #4: Do Not Procrastinate
This is something that we have all been guilty of in the past and have learned the stressful repercussions. A habit is created in three weeks so if you study for every course your taking daily in 21 days that will be a new habit for you. Dedicating a little bit of time everyday to the courses you are taking is definitely going to positively impact your grades and make you a better student!

Tip #5: Know What is Expected of You 
Pay attention to what the teacher is saying about the workload of the class and what they are hoping for you to get out of it. Teacher want you to succeed and will provide you with what you need to do to thrive.  Always remember that communicating with your teachers is key for understanding their expectations.

Tip #6: Get Involved
Getting involved with your school community is great because you can pursue your interest and meet peers who have the same and similar interest as you. Many studies have shown that students who are involved in sports and school activities are able to achieve higher GPA’s.

Tip #7: Learn What Type of Leaner You Are 
There are three main types of learning styles which are auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. Knowing what type of leaner you are is going to help you be a better student and have better studying habits.When you are able to determine the type of learning style that is best for you, you will find better results when you are studying and it will result in higher test scores!

Tip #8: List of academic goals
Write out a list of goals that you want to achieve for the upcoming school year! Do you want to make the lead role in the play, get that varsity spot on the basket ball team, improve your grades? When you write down every goal you are able to plan and realize what you need to do to prepare for them. Having that list can be a driving and motivating force to help you work to achieve those goals.

Tip #9: Refusal Skills
You need ready-made comebacks to have in your pocket when friends and peers start putting on the pressure about trying drugs and/or alcohol. Power to the Parent shares these four ways to say “no”:

  • Compliment the person. Thanks for offering.
  • State the problem or consequence. The problem is that I can’t right now.
  • Offer an alternative that shows you value the person. Maybe we can just hangout instead.
  • Leave in a way that doesn’t offend. I have to go. See you another time.

Every new school year is a opportunity for a fresh start, new friends, and to make it count. You have the potential to make this year one of the best ones yet!

Source: Gabrielle Flank, Huffington Post

in iASK-CAB Notes
August 13, 2017

Marijuana & the Adolescent Brain

Marijuana

Marijuana is the most commonly used and abused illicit drug in the U.S., particularly among adolescents and young adults. In fact, teens’ perceptions of the risks of marijuana use have steadily declined over the past decade, possibly related to increasing public debate about legalizing or loosening restrictions on marijuana. Changes in marijuana policies across states legalizing marijuana for medical and/or recreational use suggest that marijuana is gaining greater acceptance in our society. Thus, it is particularly important for people to understand what is known about both the adverse health effects and the potential therapeutic benefits linked to marijuana. Learn more.

Additional Resources

How to Talk About Marijuana: There isn’t one script for talking about marijuana, but here’s what you’re likely to hear — and a few suggestions for how to respond.
Spotting Drug Use: A few simple tips and guidelines can go a long way toward spotting issues with drug use earlier rather than later.
Prepare to Take Action if You Suspect Teen or Adult Drug Use: Is your child using drugs? Use these tips to prepare for the conversation ahead, and lay the foundation for more positive outcomes.

in iASK-CAB Notes
August 2, 2017

Alcohol & Your Child

As a parent, it is important to understand your role in protecting children from the problems associated with underage drinking, and the laws related to this issue.  Underage alcohol use is a serious issue impacting communities across New York State, including the Village of Irvington. Adults play a role when they sell of serve alcohol to youth under the age of 21, when they host parties where young people are drinking, and when they condone underage alcohol use.

Every community member should be concerned about alcohol use by youth under 21 because it is associated with the three most common causes of teenage deaths: accidental deaths, homicides and suicides. In addition, high levels of alcohol use are associated with unplanned or unprotected sexual activity among adolescents, posting increased risk for teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Alcohol use and higher levels of use among adolescents is associated with poor grades, absenteeism and higher school drop-out rates. In addition, children who start drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who  begin drinking at age 21.

The enforcement of the underage drinking laws requires an awareness and commitment from parents, schools, communities, clergy, healthcare and law enforcement professionals. The health and safety of our children, families and communities can not be compromised due to the devastating, and often fatal consequences of underage drinking. Everyone can play a role in reducing the use of alcohol in youth under 21.

Learn more about how you can make a difference as well as laws addressing underage drinking.

in iASK-CAB Notes
August 1, 2017

Why is heroin so addictive?

Why is heroin so addictive? 

Heroin use impacts the brain more severely than other substances and can create brain changes that lead to addiction. After an injection of heroin, the user reports feeling a surge of euphoria or “rush.” With regular heroin use, tolerance develops. This means the person must use more heroin to achieve the same intensity or effect. Learn more.

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