news

prescription drug abuse

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Parents want to do everything in their power to prevent their teen from using drugs. However, the reality is that many teens are abusing medicines found in their home, and many parents are unaware of this behavior. StopMedicineAbuse.org has the following tips to help safeguard your medicine cabinet.

Take an inventory of medicines in your home that could be abused. These include both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. For a comprehensive list of commonly abused prescription and OTC cough medicines, see this WebMD slideshow.
Discard any unwanted or expired medicines. Visit the SMARxT Disposal website for information on disposing of unused medicines properly.
Store remaining medicines in a safe and secure place. Commonly abused medicines should be kept in an area where teens cannot access them.
Monitor your medicines. Keep track of how much medicine you have. If you start to see your medicine disappearing, this may be a sign of abuse.

binge drinking in the news

CDC Releases Monthly Vital Signs Report: Binge drinking is bigger problem than previously thought!

The CDC's Vital Signs report, which launched in 2010, addresses a single, important public health topic each month. The first issue of 2012's Vital Signs includes the latest findings on binge drinking from the 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) which included combined landline and cellular telephone respondents.
Some of the key messages in the binge drinking issue of Vital Signs include:
• Thirty-eight million U.S. adults binge drink an average of 4 times a month.
• On average, the largest number of drinks consumed is 8.
• While more 18–34 year olds binge drink, those aged 65 years and older binge drink more often than other age group—an average of five to six times a month.
• Although more people with incomes above $75,000 binge drink, those with incomes less than $25,000 drink more when they binge. The largest number of drinks consumed averages between 8 and 9 in the lower income group.
• Adult binge drinking is most common in the Midwest, New England, the District of Columbia, Alaska and Hawaii. However binge drinkers in the southern Mountain states (Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah), the Midwest, and some states where binge drinking is less common - including Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina - consume more drinks when they binge.
• Binge drinking is a costly and deadly behavior. Drinking too much, including binge drinking, is responsible for 80,000 deaths each year and cost the U.S. $223.5 billion in 2006, or $1.90 a drink. These costs include health care expenses, crime and lost productivity.
• Evidence-based strategies, such as those recommended by the Community Guide can help prevent binge drinking.
Click Here for CDC Fact Sheet on Binge Drinking

ClickHere for Report: Binge Drinking Prevalence, Frequency, and Intensity AmongAdults — UnitedStates, 2010

next prescription drug drop off day

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Mark your calenders! The next DEA sponsored take back day has been set for 4.28.12! www.usdoj.gov

tobacco cessation

Do you want to quit tobacco use (cigarettes, chew, cigars, pipe, etc.) but need help? For many tobacco users, support from others makes the difference in staying tobacco-free. Special attention is given to developing a quitting strategy, including dealing with weight control and managing stress. These workshops will offer ways to change your behavior and help you start a tobacco-free lifestyle.
For more information and to register, please call 371-5945.
Cost: Free
When/Where:
New workshop series starting the first Wednesday of each month:
February 1, March 7, April 4
5:00 – 6:00 pm
CVMC Teleconference Room