Jan. 25th, 2017
Weekly Chatter
National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week (Mon 1/23 - Sun 1/29)
Research shows that adolecent substance abuse is connected with  social exclusion, mental health problems and lower educational attainment. Adolescent alcohol use is associated with abnormal development of the brain's gray matter, which contains most of the brain's neurons, playing an important role in memory, emotions, decision-making, and self-control.  



The frontal section of the brain, which helps people plan and make decisions, continues developing until people reach their early 20s so teens are especially vulnerable during this period of brain development in which they are more likely to develop substance use problems. O ver 40% of adult alcoholics identify onset between 15 and 19 years of age research shows. 

Teens that abuse drugs or drink heavily during this sensitive time can cause damage to their brains that can make their substance abuse problems worse--
causing addiciton and other problem behaviors like truancy or having unsafe sex



Fortunately , stopping alcohol use can increase gray matter volume when it is done early  enough.  For more information on preventing substance abuse in kids
National Birth Defects Prevention Month


Certain factors can raise a baby's risk of birth defects and developmental delays in the womb. One recent study showed that mothers who use SSRIs (or antidepressants) during pregnancy raise their children's risk for speech and language disorders by 63%.

Another study showed that consuming a high-fructose diet during pregnancy may cause defects in the placenta and restrict fetal growth, potentially increasing a baby's risk for metabolic health problems later in life.

Thankfully, though, dark chocolate can be considered a healthful snack during pregnancy as researchers have also found that it can help in the improvement of placental function and the reduction of preeclampsia.



For more information on birth defects and prevention
Potty Training Tips                                     #WeeklyBlogPost
When your child begins telling you when he is wet or dirty and needs to be changed, and he is staying dry for more than 2 - 3 hours, your child may be ready to begin potty training.

For tips and practical ideas to help parents potty train,


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