KU Students Complete AlcoholEdu Course

KU instituted an online course two years ago to help educate students about alcohol use and abuse. It is the same test given by universities across the country. The test gives students the facts about drinking and the effects of alcohol on the body and brain. One thing teaches all students is how to spot alcohol poisoning and what to do if someone is in trouble. That is valuable in light of the recent alcohol related deaths on the KU campus. 94% of eligible students under the age of 22 completed the course.

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2010/nov/29/94-percent-ku-students-complete-alcoholedu-course/

ALCOHOL 101 COLLEGE

Here's a great web site to send on to your college bound or current college student. Try it out yourself then, pass it on to some young people in your life. This website, created for the Century Council, features a compelling and fun Flash presentation, information to curb alcohol abuse by college students, and an extensive private section of the website that includes an online discussion board.
Colorful, student-oriented graphics and layout keep the mood light, while thoroughly documented information on how to prevent alcohol abuse aimed at first year students, student athletes, fraternity members, and those who get caught drinking while driving helps students to address an issue that affects every college campus.

http://www.alcohol101plus.org/home.html

ALCOHOL AND THE TEENAGE BRAIN

Duke University recently announced the permanent cancellation of tail-gating at football games after a 14-year-old was found passed out drunk in a port-a-potty before the game. A study by John Hopkins University finds the average age of drinking onset for women is 17.4 and 16.5 for men. What does alcohol do to the developing teenage brain?
Read this tip sheet from the experts. When you look at National statistics, remember, Lawrence ranks at or above these numbers since we too are a 'college town'.

http://www.connectwithkids.com/tipsheet/2010/516_nov17/thisweek/101117_alcohol.shtml

HELPING STUDENTS WHO ARE AWAY FROM HOME

As a parent of a college student there are things that you should know and actions you can take to help your child make responsible decisions and avoid many of the problems associated with drinking while they're away at school. Check the local web sites about school alcohol policies and city social hosting laws. KU and the city of Lawrence have instituted many new policies and laws just this year. Send your student off prepared with the facts. Set up open communication about alcohol and drugs so if your child gets in over their head, either by drinking too much or being around it when it is out of control, they can call you for help and advice. Make sure your college student knows the signs of alcohol poisoning and what they must do to help their friends in need. Have them designate two or three friends they can call if they find themselves in trouble and need help themselves. Talk about the dangers of doing 21 shots on their 21st birthday. (Ever heard of a "Shot Book"- a scrap book documenting the progression of the birthday girl doing 21 shots throughout the night?) Below are some good conversation starters for you and your college bound student.

http://cocktails.about.com/od/healthsafety/a/college_drinkin.htm

http://www.haverford.edu/firstyear/files/parentsbrochure.pdf

http://www.brad21.org/pdf/Alcohol%20Poisoning_8.05.pdf

AMERICA'S WEB RADIO-LISTEN TO STACY DeWITT

Looking for an honest perspective on teenage life
and the choices teens make?

Log On.Tune In.
Monday, May 24 at 1 p.m. EST
America's Web Radio
Book Talk with Ginger and Lisa
is featuring
Chandler DeWitt
Teen author of
Inside Out: Real Stories about the Inner Choices That Shape our Lives
and
Stacey DeWitt
National Speaker and founder of Connect with Kids

This is a provocative program that you and
your kids won't want to miss!

Can't listen on Monday?
Come back any time after Tuesday to stream the show to your computer, mobile phone or media player.
Listen while you work, exercise or drive!
After Tuesday, visit
America's Web Radio
Scroll down to Archives
Select 5/24/10 and click LISTEN!

Chandler DeWitt just finished her freshman year of college. She wrote Inside Out: Real Stories about the Inner Choices That Shape our Lives with hopes that its stories and information would help teens be true to themselves and resist the dangerous choices young adults often face.

Stacey DeWitt, Chandler's mother, speaks around the country to parents, teens and educators. She is the founder and CEO of Connect With Kids, which produces television documentaries and educational programs to help parents and educators discuss tough teen issues: bullying, drugs and alcohol, Internet safety, and trends such as sexting, anxiety, addiction.

AOPOLO OHNO "NO" TO UNDERAGE DRINKING

Apolo Anton Ohno Partners with The Century Council to Promote Ask, Listen, Learn Nationwide

Most Decorated U.S. Winter Olympian to Launch Apolo Anton Ohno Foundation; First initiative is a five-city tour to encourage kids to "say 'YES' to a healthy lifestyle and 'NO' to underage drinking.

See the full story at...
https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:CampaignPublic/id:9612.6612189104/rid:bd928ca492d3e8c43ab0f81f7ebb5fd4

ALCOHOL AND THE BRAIN

Here is an interesting article from the "University Daily Kansan", Dec.7, 2009 about the culture of binge drinking on the KU Campus and our Lawrence community. It states that many of the incoming freshmen come to school with a binge drinking mentality. Visit the link below for the entire article. You will also find out more about the adolescent brain and binge drinking on this blog site.

http://www.kansan.com/news/2009/dec/07/alcohol-brain-look-long-term/