It’s day four of the National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week and today’s topic is marijuana. In the US, marijuana is defined as any cannabis plant that has greater than 0.3% THC. THC is the naturally occurring psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. THC...
Vaping. E-cigs. JUUL. Vaporizer. E-cigarette. Vape pen. These terms refer to the latest trend among teens and is the topic of day four for National Prevention Week. Many parents are aware of the vaping trend, but aren’t sure exactly what it is, what e-cigarettes look like,...
One of the most controversial topics lately is marijuana legalization. When considering this, it’s important to understand the effects of marijuana use on the growing teen brain and to understand that even in states where marijuana is legal, it is still illegal for anyone under...
When the East Texas heat reaches its peak during the summer, playing in the water is a welcome relief. But when alcohol is involved, what should be a fun time can become dangerous. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA), 70 percent of...
Nearly synonymous with the words Super Bowl is alcohol. From watch parties to highly anticipated commercials, it’s everywhere. Most parents don’t think twice about the alcohol exposure, but it can have serious, unintentional consequences on teenagers. Research shows that teens who are exposed to Super Bowl...
Marijuana is perhaps one of the most polarizing substances we’ll discuss on National Prevention Week. Opinions around the country cover a wide spectrum. Should marijuana be legalized? Should it just be decriminalized? Should it be used only for medicinal purposes? (P.S. Contrary to popular belief,...
Summer is approaching, and more teens take their first drink in June and July than in any other months of the year. But what’s the big deal if teens drink? Did you know that the average age of first use in Texas is 13, while the average age...
Out of all the health issues we face today, perhaps one that the public most misunderstands is mental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control, mental illnesses are “conditions that affect a person’s thinking, feeling, mood or behavior, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia....
Spring break is a time for teens to experience freedom from school and spend time with friends and family. However, extra free time and lenient rules can also increase underage drinking, specifically binge drinking, and other risky behaviors. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy,...