Pubdate: Fri, 30 Dec 2005
Source: Midland Mirror (CN ON)
Copyright: 2006 Midland Mirror
Contact:  http://www.simcoe.com/sc/midland/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2211
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

WORKING TO KEEP KIDS DRUG-FREE

Nov. 21-27 Was Drug Awareness Week In Ontario.

The North Simcoe Drug Awareness Week Planning Committee and Think 
Clear partnered to create a series of posters that provide students 
with the "Top 10 Ways to Stay Drug Free" and distributed these to all 
elementary schools in Simcoe County.

By focusing on the positives - what we can do - has a greater 
potential for success than emphasizing the negatives - what we can't 
or shouldn't do. This is especially true in the lives of young people.

This approach applies to the issue of drug and alcohol use in a 
powerful way. By sharing with young people things they can do, they 
are then empowered to do them.

Intended for students in Grades 5 through 8, the posters focus on 
protective factors - personal characteristics which children can 
develop to strengthen their resolve in resisting the pressure to use 
and misuse substances.

Velma Shewfelt said theme of DAW emphasized the importance of 
communication between parents and their kids, and especially about 
the important things. Her advice for parents is to start small and 
work up from there.

"Some people find it difficult to talk about certain subjects like 
drugs, alcohol, sex, etc. But, practise makes perfect. Talking about 
the little things makes talking about the big things easier."

Call Health Connection at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 
721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom