This year, LiveFree! will be featuring High School and Middle School clubs from Bay Area schools. Today we're featuring the Largo Middle School LiveFree! Club.

Number of members: 45

Year this club began: 2012

How has the Largo Middle School LiveFree! Club been involved in the community this year?
Attended the NOPE Candlelight Vigil at Largo Central Park in October; a few students attended the Red Ribbon Family Fun Festival with their families in October; Participated in the Great American Teach-In in November, Posted signs throughout the school about being Drug-Free. Made signs for Red Ribbon Month and handed out Twizzlers with a Red Ribbon attached and a drug-free message attached to the ribbon. In December, the club joined together to promote collecting donated gifts for CASA, and collected over 70 gifts and clothing for the St. Pete CASA location.

What are your future goals as a LiveFree! Club?
Increase their knowledge and awareness and focus more on the positives, and what percentage of students are NOT doing drugs or alcohol. They will be studying up on the new fliers and handouts, and split into teams of 4 to a topic, and will present and educate the other students in the club on the topic they vow to become an “expert” about. Teams have already been formed for the presentations. New recruitment efforts will go out and membership is expected to expand and include additional students.

“We are the LiveFree! Club from Largo Middle School. We joined with CASA in helping abused kids and their mothers,(so they would have a better Christmas). Almost every member brought in a new item to donate to the shelter. We want to be hands on with different organizations, and we would like to make a difference in our community!”  -Milany S. and Jennifer C. – 8^th grade students at Largo Middle.

This year, LiveFree! will be featuring High School and Middle School clubs from Bay Area schools. Our first club is the Northeast High School LiveFree! Club.

Number of club members:  34

Year this club began: 2009

How has the Northeast High School LiveFree! Club been involved in the community this year?
“In the LiveFree! Club we work toward making the community a better place. So far this year, we have been responsible for our own booth at Red Ribbon Week (Family Fun Festival) at Vinoy Park; taken part in the NOPE Candlelight Vigil, and collected donations for CASA and cell phone for soldiers. We joined the LiveFree! Club to make a change and encourage fellow classmates to do the same. The events are always a lot of fun and T-shirts aren’t bad either!”   – Katherine S., Destiney S., and Jenny N.

What are your future goals as a LiveFree! Club?
“I joined LiveFree! to help people become aware of drugs and their effect on the mind and body. Hoping maybe they would rethink doing them and/or stop doing them. Being in the LiveFree! club we not only help (with) drug awareness, we try to help the community as a whole.”  – Elycia R. and Breana R.

“I LOVE LiveFree! !!”  – Always, Samantha B.

Most drivers and passengers are aware of the risks of drunk driving. But are you aware of the risks of drugged driving?  From cold medicine to prescription medication to illegal substances, drugs can affect the way you drive and may significantly impair your ability to drive safely.

Consider the Facts

• According to the DEA, 3.6% of the U.S. population reported driving under the influence of illegal drugs in 2001.
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that illegal drugs are used by approximately 10-22 percent of drivers involved in all motor vehicle crashes.
• According to the White House report on drugged driving, even drugs prescribed by a physician, can impair perception, judgment, motor skills, and memory

The Risks
Not every drug affects people the same way. One illegal drug might slow a driver down, causing delayed reaction times and additional risks as a result. Another might impair judgment, causing erratic or reckless driving. Another drug might cause changes in behavior that lead to aggressive driving. Some painkillers make drivers sleepy and sluggish, and thus dangerous behind the wheel. Because drivers may have both alcohol and drugs in their system, it isn’t always easy to pinpoint exactly what caused the impairment. It’s difficult to characterize the specific impairments of driving drugged because of the broad spectrum of effects of being on various drugs. Despite this, it’s important to focus on the fact that any drug that affects things like mood, judgment and motor skills has the ability to significantly impair driving.

The Bottom Line
Drugged drivers shouldn’t get behind the wheel. Passengers should not get in the car with someone who is on drugs. Teens may not understand that smoking a joint and driving is as serious as having several beers and driving. Unfortunately, this kind of casual attitude toward drugged driving can lead to motor vehicle accidents and death. Consider that according to the CDC, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among young people aged 16 to 19. Set an example by never getting behind the wheel when taking drugs that can cause impairment. Talk to your teen about drugged driving and the risks. Make sure that your teen understands that drugged driving and drunk driving are equally risky and illegal.

Related Posts:
Five Tough Questions You Should Ask Your High Schooler
Tips for a Safe and Successful School Year
The Definition of Gateway Drugs

Working parents often use the “too busy” excuse for their lack of exercise, while in reality, even some of the busiest individuals still manage to fit exercise into their daily lives. The CDC recommends regular physical activity for all individuals, to promote good health and reduce risk for many diseases. Being busy doesn’t mean you should put off physical activity altogether. Here are some great tips on how to incorporate physical activity and exercise into your daily routine:

Make the Most of Your Morning!
The time when you first wake up is the perfect time to fit a little exercise into your routine. Try doing some stretching and other simple exercises right when you get out of bed. You can do jumping jacks, sit-ups, crunches or a few yoga poses.

Commit to a Lunchtime Workout
Most working people get an hour lunch break—so why not use it for workout time? Completing a short, high-intensity workout is just as good as a long, regular workout. If you don’t have a gym membership, try walking or running around your office complex during your lunch hour. But don’t forget to refuel (eat) when you get back!

Build Exercise into Your Daily Routine
Even the simplest daily activities can be a form of physical activity. If you work at a large office complex, try parking farther away so you have to walk a longer distance. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.

Use the Buddy System
If motivation is what you really need to get you going, a buddy can definitely do the trick. Find a friend or family member who also wants to start exercising, and get to it together. Your buddy will encourage you to keep going, and vice versa.

Make It a Family Affair
Need to spend some time with the kids, but itching for a workout? Family activities are a great way to get some physical activity in! Go for a bike ride, play baseball, have a dance party or go for a walk together after dinner.

Staying healthy and physically active helps set a good example for your children, so they will do the same. The LiveFree! Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Pinellas County is dedicated to helping teens make good choices. Visit us online to find out how you can help the teens in your life say “no” to drugs.

Related Posts:
Healthy Eating for Busy Parents
Texting Your Teen-How Much Is Too Much

Remember when everyone had a pager and parents used pagers to keep tabs on teens who were out on the town? That technology seems prehistoric now that parents can keep up with kids via text messaging. Texting is a great way to communicate with your teen in a way she’s familiar with. But how much texting is too much?

When It’s Setting a Bad Example
Your children learn from the examples you set, even when they’re teens. Texting is no exception to this rule. Don’t text in ways you wouldn’t want your child to text. This means putting the phone away when your temper flares. It also means avoiding texting when driving. Stay off your phone during dinner and family time, and don’t text from bed. Model your own cell phone habits after the way you’d ideally like your teen to behave.

When Your Teen Is Studying
Avoid checking in on your teen during school hours and study time. You don’t want to contribute to the time your teen spends being distracted by answering texts. By preserving this time as phone-free time, you’ll help set time management standards. When your teen is studying at home, you may want to ask for the cell phone to be left in a different room so the temptation is avoided entirely. 

When It’s Against the Rules
Don’t text your teen during school time if your teen’s school prohibits cell phone use. If you have something important enough to ask about during school hours, call the school’s front office. Otherwise, it can wait. The same goes for texting in doctor’s waiting rooms or other places where the management has specifically asked patrons not to use cell phones.

When You’re Overdoing It
Just because it’s easy to text doesn’t mean you should be using texting as a way to monitor your teen’s every move. Research suggests that too much texting can contribute to unhealthy behaviors in teens. Don’t add to this potential problem. If you find that you’re texting your teen many times a day, consider cutting back on the habit. Instead, check in at specific pre-determined times. For example, you may ask your teen to check in when he arrives at a destination at night.

Remember to look for signs that texting may be a problem in your child’s life. The Mayo Clinic suggests looking out for skipping activities, changes in weight, and academic problems. If you think your child has a problem with text messaging, sit down and talk to her immediately—face to face.

The LiveFree! Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition is a coalition of members of the community who strive to address alcohol and drug use in Pinellas County. Visit us online today to see how you can get involved in this cause that is so important to our community.

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Tips for a Safe and Successful School Year
Ten Tips for Safe Social Networking
Keeping Kids Safe, Even at Home

Between being the parent of a busy teenager and working, you’re probably pretty busy yourself. You might want to eat healthier, but find that you don’t have the time to eat breakfast, pack a healthy lunch or make a nutritious dinner. Here are some ways you can keep up with your busy lifestyle and still make sound nutrition decisions.

Breakfast First, in More Ways Than One!

Breakfast is not only your first meal of the day, but it’s the most important. The nutrients you miss when you skip breakfast can’t be made up throughout the rest of the day. Foods with complex carbs, protein and healthy fat are the best for keeping full and energized all day. Here are great options for busy parents:

· Fruits that you can grab and go: apples, bananas, oranges, raisins

· Low-fat dairy products: yogurt, yogurt smoothies, string cheese, cottage cheese

· Mini whole grain bagels or breads spread with peanut butter or light yogurt spread

· Enriched whole grain cold cereals or hot cereals you can make in the cup (at work)

· Egg sandwich on whole wheat English muffin or mini whole wheat bagel

Have It on Hand

The CDC recommends stocking your pantry with healthy foods that you can mix and match for lunches and dinners, so you have plenty of options to choose from. For healthy lunches and dinners you can make in a jiffy, keep the following items on hand:

· Canned tuna or salmon

· Fresh fruits or canned fruits in natural juices

· Frozen fresh fruits for smoothies

· Whole grain breads/pita/muffins

· Frozen and canned veggies

· Canned beans

· Peanut butter

· Plain low-fat yogurt

· Frozen boneless, skinless chicken breast

· Olive oil

· Ground turkey breast and lean ground beef

· Salad mix and veggies/other topping for salads

Healthy Snacks

While it may be so easy to go down to that vending machine at the office, it’s not your best option. Instead of hitting up the vending machine, keep plenty of healthy snacks at your desk. Here are some snacks that you can keep at the desk and feel good about eating:

· Granola bars

· Trail mix

· Dried fruits

· Mixed nuts

· Low-fat or whole grain snack crackers

· Dry cereals

Choosing healthy foods to stock the pantry with will give you plenty of good options to choose from for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Eating healthy will also set a good example for your kids and teens to follow. The LiveFree! Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition also strives to set good examples for youth in society, by promoting awareness of substance abuse prevention here in Pinellas County. To find out how you can get involved, visit us online today.

Related Posts:

Five Tough Questions You Should Ask Your Highschooler

Setting an Example for Younger Siblings

When it comes to teens, ignorance is not bliss. As a parent, it’s your responsibility to ask tough questions. Put aside discomfort, embarrassment or even dread and start an honest dialogue with your highschooler. By asking the right questions, you create the opportunity to teach—and more importantly, to listen.

Are You Drinking?
According to the CDC, high school students and young people aged 18-24 are the most at risk for binge drinking. With this sobering statistic in mind, ask your highschooler about her drinking habits. You may discover that she’s had a few beers, or that her friends regularly play risky drinking games. Whatever the answer, this is your opportunity to discuss the dangers of underage drinking.

Have You Ever Driven Drunk?
While it may be painful to consider your child getting behind the wheel while intoxicated, it’s better to know than know nothing at all. The answer to this question may surprise you. Does your child know how much alcohol it takes to become legally intoxicated? Has your child ever ridden with a drunk driver? Share driving laws and basic safety tips, and make yourself available as a contact if your child is ever in a dangerous driving situation.

Are You Curious About Drugs?
Even if your highschooler has never taken drugs, he may be curious about drugs. Gateway drugs like marijuana may not seem like a “big deal” to highschoolers. This is the time to share facts about the risks of gateway drugs and the dangers associated with prescription drug abuse. Just because your child’s classmate is prescribed a certain drug doesn’t mean it’s safe for your child to experiment with.

Do You Smoke Cigarettes?
People who start smoking as teens have the hardest time quitting. Ask your highschooler about smoking, and be ready to talk about the real risks, including increased likelihood of having anxiety disorders and depression. By avoiding smoking as a teen, your highschooler will be decreasing the likelihood of developing myriad smoking-related health problems as an adult.

Are You Sexually Active?
Be frank when discussing sex with your highschooler. Teens are often misinformed when it comes to safe sex, especially when intercourse isn’t involved. Using your family’s individual values as a foundation, share safety concerns and ways to avoid sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancy. Avoid language and attitudes that shame your child—these can be roadblocks when it comes to honest, open communication.

The LiveFree! Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition is a coalition of members of the community who strive to address alcohol and drug use in Pinellas County. Visit us online today to see how you can get involved in this cause that is so important to our community.

Related Posts:
The Definition of Gateway Drugs
Talking to a Friend about Using Drugs and Alcohol
Finding Healthy Alternative “Addictions” to Drugs

When it’s your friends who are pressuring you do try drugs, it can be a lot more difficult to say no. However, that’s what you have to do. Whether it’s your best friend or an acquaintance, you shouldn’t feel guilty about saying no to drugs. You’re making the best decision you can!

Here are some ways to turn down drugs and fight off peer pressure, even when your own friends are the ones asking:

“I’ve Got Other Plans”
Tell your friend you have somewhere to be, or something else to do, like a doctor’s appointment or sports practice. If you are going somewhere where you think you may be offered drugs, always have a “way out.”

“It’s Not You”
Sometimes if you say no when offered drugs from friends, they will pressure you more and say if you were their friend, you would try them. Explain that it isn’t them you don’t like; it’s simply the drugs.

Walk Away
There is no reason that you have to stand and take peer pressure, even if it is from your friend or acquaintance. Walking away is an easy way to refuse drugs and peer pressure.

Offer Alternatives
Remind your friends about the kickball match going on or the football game that starts soon. Tell them you would rather do something fun and invite them to come along instead of doing drugs.

Make a Joke
Turn peer pressure around and into a joke. Tell them that the drugs kill brain cells and you need yours for the upcoming chemistry test.

Bring Your Parents into It
Mention that your parents have talked to you about the dangers of drugs, and tell your friends you want nothing to do with drugs and you don’t want to disobey your parents.

Horror Stories
Explain to them what the drugs can do, like kill you or rot your teeth, and your friends may be more inclined to stay away from them themselves.

Live Free! is a group of people who are dedicated to eliminating substance abuse through proactive and strategic actions. We strive every day to improve people’s lives through reducing and eliminating substance use and abuse. Visit us online to see our community resources and ways you can help.

Sources:
Ways to Say “No” to Drugs (GirlsHealth.gov)
Helping Kids Say “No” (Parents the Anti-Drug)
20 Ways to Say “No” to Alcohol and Drugs (Teen Drug Abuse)

Related Posts:
Inhalants: Share the Facts to Live Drug Free
Is Your Friend Using Drugs?

The start of a new school year may bring about excitement or dread, but either way, your teen needs the right tools to get the year started off well. Everything from the best supplies to a healthy lunch and a daily routine can help your teen succeed in school this year.

The transition from summer back to school can be a tough one for parents and kids! Here are some ways to make the transition a little smoother and make sure kids stay on track all year long.

Ease into a Morning Routine

Your son has been sleeping in until lunchtime, and you have no clue how he’s going to suddenly begin waking up at 5:30 to make it to the bus stop. The trick is to slowly work up to waking up early again. One to two weeks before school starts, have your kids start getting up early and gradually progress to the time they need to be up for school.

Get Supplies

Getting the right supplies can do wonders for organization, and thus keep kids on track. A bound notebook for every class or a large one with dividers for every class can be a great tool for teens to keep all their subjects separated. This will make it easier to find everything (and study) later on! Check with your child’s individual school for a list of recommended supplies.

Make time for Homework!

By the time your kids are in high school, they should know when they’ve got to do their homework. But they might be putting if off until last minute and jeopardizing their grades. Reinforce the importance of homework and remind your teens that they should set time aside each day to get some done. That way it doesn’t all pile up.

… And time for Friends

Allow your teens to have time on the weekend with friends on the condition that they do homework during the weekday nights. Giving them the reward of seeing their friends will make them more inclined to focus on the task at hand—homework—during the week.

Nourish Their Mind and Body

Let your teens help with groceries. If they can pick their foods for lunch, they’ll be more likely to eat them, and eating lunch is better than no lunch! Breakfast is also a meal that can’t be overlooked. Eating breakfast helps kids focus better during the school day and keeps them full until lunchtime. If your teens are participating in afterschool sports, then it’s even more important they get proper nutrition.

Pay Attention!

Don’t let your parenting fall by the wayside when the school year starts. Pay attention to your kids and lookout for any changes. If their personalities seem different, or if they are eating, sleeping or acting differently, it may mean something is wrong. Make sure you talk with your teens and know their schedule, including which classes they have, what time sports practice is, what clubs they are in, etc.

Whether your children are going to school for the first time or starting the senior year of high school, you play an important role in supporting them and helping them stay on track. Remember that communication between you and your kids is the easiest way to stay informed and know how their school year is going.

Avoiding Peer Pressure

If your kids are in middle or high school, it is definitely time to begin talking to them about substance abuse. Talk to them about peer pressure and remind them that they can turn to you for anything. Explain ways to avoid giving in to peer pressure. Stay involved in their lives and make sure you pay attention to their behaviors.

For more ideas about helping your kids through the school year, check out LiveFree! We are a community-focused organization that is dedicated to educating people about and ending substance abuse.

Sources:

Start a Successful School Year—and Keep it Going! (Parent Further)

Ten Tips for Keeping Your Kids Safe in School (Momtastic)

Related Posts:

Making the Most of Your Study Session

Setting an Example for Your Children