New Research shows that Teen Male Athletes Drink More than they Smoke
Recent findings presented at a November meeting of American Public Health Association stated that adolescent males who play team sports are more likely to drink alcohol and get into fights, whereas sports participation generally reduces similar risky behavior among girls. They also found that girl athletes were less likely to smoke cigarettes or be depressed. Male athletes had binge-drinking rates 40 percent higher than non-athletes, and were 30 percent more likely to get in fights, but 30 percent less likely to be depressed and 20 percent less likely to smoke.
"Sports team participation appears to have both protective and risk-enhancing associations," said Susan M. Conner of the Injury Prevention Center at University Hospitals' Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital in Cleveland. The study results were gleaned from surveys of 13,000 U.S. high-school students. "These results indicate that healthy lifestyle benefits are not universal and do not apply equally across genders." |
 |
Success Stories: Montana
Improving On What Already Exists: Helena, Montana, Amends Social Host Ordinance
After a year and half on the books, Helena, Montana’s social host ordinance was amended by the Helena City Commission. The original ordinance indicated that anyone who knowingly allowed underage drinking parties to take place on their property was subject to a civil citation. However, it soon became apparent that due to the civil nature of the violation there were barriers to enforcing the law. The city attorneys could not participate in the case, the issuing officer was required to appear in court as the plaintiff, the city had no warrant authority, the entire process was lengthy and the potential for resolution was slim. These issues prompted the Helena City Commission on November 3, 2009, with a 5-0 vote, to pass the amendment - changing the nature of the violation from a civil infraction to a misdemeanor.
This Success Story indicates the need to be vigilant and consistent on the prevention of youth access to alcohol. Through monitoring and reviewing the efficiency of their policies, Helena demonstrates how a collaborative and informed community can result in successful change.
To read the entire Montana Success Story click on the Resource Alert link at the bottom of this page. |
|
|
|
December National Electronic Seminar
Coalitions and Cops
Date: Thursday, December 17, 2009
Time: 3:00-4:15 p.m. eastern
Speakers: Lieutenant Mike Pryor, Tucson, AZ Police Department and Amy Bass, Community Prevention Coalition, Tucson, AZ
Collaboration between law enforcement and community groups is an effective method to develop and implement environmental strategies to prevent underage drinking. Our program will discuss the necessary steps for building a successful and productive relationship along with the developmental process of several innovative strategies and projects to reduce youth access to alcohol through both social and retail sources. Our program will also discuss the steps for educating communities on the importance of social host ordinances.
To register for this audio conference or see a calendar of upcoming audio conferences click on 'National Electronic Seminars' on the left side of this page. |
|
Quick Fact
Underage drinking cost the citizens of The United States $68.0 billion in 2007. These costs include medical care, work loss, and pain and suffering associated with the multiple problems resulting from the use of alcohol by youth. This translates to a cost of $2,280 per year for each youth in the State. More on this information, newly released from the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, will be available at this website on December 15, 2009. |
|
Did you Know…?
That in a response to 19 states attorneys general request the FDA alerted 30 makers of caffeinated alcohol drinks that the agency would act to "ensure that the products are removed from the marketplace" unless the manufacturers could provide evidence of their safety within the next 30 days? An FDA official stated that consumption of alcoholic energy drinks has been associated with high risk for injury, drunk driving, and sexual assaults, especially among college students. The agency noted that the use of caffeine in alcoholic beverages has never been approved by the FDA. |
|
|
