Letters

Post-prom strategies for parents

Well, it is that time of year again … spring is in the air and we are all counting down the days till summer break.

For many parents, this is also the time of year when our children are planning proms and graduation parties. We at Prevention First want to remind you to make this a safe and sober time for your children and communities.

Young people are bombarded with messages about alcohol every day. Unfortunately, many of these messages do not include the real facts.

The reality is that underage drinking can lead to car crashes, drownings, personal injury accidents, unplanned pregnancies and school failure.

The messages parents send to children about alcohol are crucial. Many parents allow their teenage children to drink alcohol at home in an effort to teach them how to drink responsibly. They may have good intentions, but the results can be deadly.

What they do, in fact, is facilitate their child’s comfort with alcohol and many admit that it sends them a dangerous mixed message.

Talking to your children and setting clear boundaries are the most important things parents can do. Surveys show that parents have a tremendous impact and influence on their children’s decisions about drinking.

It is imperative that parents are aware of the risks posed to their children, most especially at this festive time of year. Proms, graduations and the parties that follow make this a perfect time to talk to your child about alcohol and to set up some prevention strategies.

Make a Safety Plan — Talk to your teen about not drinking and driving and not being a passenger in unsafe circumstances. Who will they call if they need a ride? Role play some scenarios until you are sure they will not be pressured to take any unnecessary risks.

Hiring a Limo — Don’t leave the hiring to your teen. Make the arrangements yourself, and make it clear that the driver is to make no stops other than those you’ve pre-authorized. Ask what measures the driver takes to prevent the limousine from becoming a place for children to drink.

Renting Hotel Rooms — In general, hotels don’t rent to minors and need a parent’s involvement. A parent whose credit card is used is liable for damages, which can be considerable if a party gets out of hand. Don’t let your child attend a hotel party unless you know and trust the chaperones.

Throwing a Post-Prom Party at Home — Make it clear that you won’t allow gate-crashers. Get advance agreement with your teen on the party rules. Greet guests at the door. Your teen will want you to keep a low profile, but it is responsible to circulate. Check your yard periodically. Do not serve alcohol.

If the party is at Someone Else’s House — Call the host parent in advance to find out the ground rules. Find out when the party will end and who will be chaperoning. If your child has more than one party invitation on prom night, it’s safest to have him/her pick one for the evening and not party-hop.

Prevention First invites you to stop by and visit our resource center for free information on this and many other related topics at 1405 Highway 35 north, Ocean Township or visit us on the Web at www.preventionfirst.net.

Mary Pat Angelini

executive director and CEO

Prevention First

Give the judges a vote

It’s vitally important that we get Congress back to work — and some of the work that they need to do is to vote on judges nominated by our President.

The Democrats must stop using the filibuster to logjam the workings of our democracy.

We’ve got a lot to accomplish before the next election cycle. We can’t all afford to sit around in our Senate offices doing crosswords. Tell the Senate to vote on those judges –– up or down––either way let’s MOVE ON!

Gregg G. Brown

Cliffwood

‘StrokeAlert!’ screenings to be offered May 14-21

May is American Stroke Month. Stroke is not a fringe disease in our country. This year stroke will strike 700,000 Americans of all ages, genders and ethnicities. A member of your family, a friend or neighbor — even you — could be a victim of stroke. Stroke is New Jersey’s number three killer and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability.

Each May, during American Stroke Month, the American Stroke Association launches a nationwide educational campaign about stroke. Activities such as the New Jersey American Stroke Association “StrokeAlert!” free community stroke screening program are slated throughout American Stroke Month to reinforce the message that stroke is an urgent medical emergency. Know the warning signs and call 9-1-1 immediately.

Stroke demands immediate attention. The American Stroke Association’s national theme of American Stroke Month is “The Many Faces of Stroke,” bringing attention to the fact that regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or socioeconomic status, anyone can have a stroke. The “many faces of stroke” theme also lends itself to going beyond demographics and looking at the family members, caregivers, rehabilitation experts and support groups that also serve as a face of stroke.

African Americans and Hispanic/Latinos are at a higher risk for stroke. Yet they are the least aware of stroke risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity and tobacco use — all of which are preventable or controllable, according to the American Stroke Association.

Many faces of stroke belong to women. At all ages, more women than men die from stroke. Each year, about 100,000 women die from stroke — nearly 40,000 more than men.

Those who suffer stroke aren’t the only victims. Stroke devastates entire families. Children of all ages, spouses and relatives feel the impact of stroke. It’s important to remember loved ones, friends and associates are among the many faces of stroke.

American Stroke Month is a great time to learn your personal risk for stroke. I urge New Jersey residents to learn your personal risk for stroke and the warning signs of stroke by attending a free American Stroke Association “StrokeAlert!” community stroke screening program taking place May 14-21. Call the American Stroke Association at 1-888-478-7653 for a site near you.

Richard M. Hodosh, M.D.

president

American Heart Association Heritage Affiliate