March 15th, 2017
Weekly Chatter
Researchers use brain scans to predict teen drug use
A recent study showed that when kids use drugs, their brains are less responsive when anticipating rewards. Researchers found they could correctly predict which youngsters would go on to abuse drugs about 2/3 of the time based on how their brains responded when they expected to be rewarded in the near future.

If a lack of brain activity somehow leads young people to take drugs, what does that mean for parents?

Parents should keep teens active. Idle teens become bored teens with time to spend and few ideas as to how they should spend their time productively. 



Research  shows,
 
feeling connected to one's parents and family is the biggest factor protecting kids and teens from abusing drugs. 

Helping parents around the house with chores like washing the dishes, folding laundry, vacuuming and even planning meals can help keep teens connected to their families and actively engaged in daily responsibility.

Sport activities and extra-curricular clubs at school can also protect teens from using drugs as research  shows,

a strong feeling of school-connectedness can also prevent teens from abusing drugs and alcohol.  

Sport activities keep teens active and can prevent depression and anxiety, mood disorders that may lead teens to drugs and alcohol in search of relief. After school clubs at school often incorporate volunteerism and community service which have also been shown to prevent drug use in kids and teens.
 
For more information
Families affect Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) recovery
Over 630,000 US children and teens are treated in emergency rooms for TBI each year.

A recent study showed that   parenting and the home environment exerted a powerful influence on recovery , as family functioning, parenting practices, home environment, and socioeconomic status were found to influence the development of ADHD.

Children with severe TBI may show few effects of their injuries if they enjoy a healthy family environment.  On the other hand, children with milder injuries are likely to demonstrate persistent problems if they come from disadvantaged or chaotic homes .

How can parents ensure optimal concussion or brain injury recovery outcomes?




In the first few days of sustaining a head injury or concussion, keep kids and teens away from bright lights and led screens as much as possible limiting computer & internet use, video games, TV, excessive cell phone use and loud music.



Mental rest is extremely important so discuss school and
 work attendance with your child or teen's physician. Returning to sport activities should also be cleared with a physician.




Kids and teens should refrain from eating fast food and other snacks, foods and drinks high in sugar or salt, especially after a TBI or concussion.
What Children Really Need (pt. 3)                    
#WeeklyBlogPost
Children have a right to experience a true childhood, one of innocence in which they have the chance to mature normally in terms of physical, emotional, and moral development.

For more on the importance of innocence and other rights of children,


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