WORKING TO KEEP KIDS DRUG-FREE

Nov. 21-27 Was Drug Awareness Week In Ontario.

The North Simcoe Drug Awareness Week Planning Committee and Think
Clear partnered to create a series of posters that provide students
with the "Top 10 Ways to Stay Drug Free" and distributed these to all
elementary schools in Simcoe County.

By focusing on the positives - what we can do - has a greater
potential for success than emphasizing the negatives - what we can't
or shouldn't do. This is especially true in the lives of young people.

This approach applies to the issue of drug and alcohol use in a
powerful way. By sharing with young people things they can do, they
are then empowered to do them.

Intended for students in Grades 5 through 8, the posters focus on
protective factors - personal characteristics which children can
develop to strengthen their resolve in resisting the pressure to use
and misuse substances.

Velma Shewfelt said theme of DAW emphasized the importance of
communication between parents and their kids, and especially about
the important things. Her advice for parents is to start small and
work up from there.

"Some people find it difficult to talk about certain subjects like
drugs, alcohol, sex, etc. But, practise makes perfect. Talking about
the little things makes talking about the big things easier."

Call Health Connection at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at
721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.