Substance Abuse Prevention for Teens

Have you talked with your kids about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs?

How has the Greater Lowell community been addressing issues of teen substance abuse?

What are some effective tools and strategies for protecting youth from substance abuse?

Tomorrow night, there’s an opportunity in Lowell to meet with other community members to discuss these issues. You can bring your teenage son or daughter for an evening of raising awareness of underage drinking and other drugs. Here are the details:

Third Annual Town Hall Meeting
Lowell: Our Community!
Butler Middle School, 1140 Gorham Street
5:30 to 7:30 PM

The Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Task Force of the Greater Lowell Health Alliance serves as the meeting’s sponsor. During the meeting, you can watch a video showing the perspectives of local residents on teen substance abuse. The task force will also present a panel discussion that includes adults and youth talking about their views on these issues. Finally, the task force will discuss their recent accomplishments and share strategies to help protect Lowell youth from the harmful effects of substance abuse.

And, if you need more to entice your teenager to attend, tell them there will be free food and a fresh t-shirt (limited number available) for those in attendance.

For more information and to RSVP, please contact Jayson-Ann Wright at 978-337-4300 or JaysonAnnwr@lchealth.org.

Have You Checked Your Car Seat Lately?

When I was a baby, it was acceptable for my mother to drive around with me in a basket on the floor of her car’s front seat. Today, we all know better (and it’s illegal), but research indicates that many parents make mistakes when it comes to installing their children’s car seats. And, car seat recommendations have changed recently. For example, did you know that children are supposed to remain rear-facing in your car until they’re 2 years old, or until they exceed the height or weight limit for the car seat? Also, were you aware that children under 13 should ride in the backseat?

For new parents and as a refresher for more seasoned parents, here’s some information about an upcoming Lowell event and some additional car seat resources.

Car Seat Safety Check-Up Event

When: Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Rain date: Saturday, May 5)
Where: Target Parking Lot, 181 Plain Street, Lowell

Having a child seat installed incorrectly could put your child at risk. Get your car seat inspected by a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. Learn the five most common types of car seat misuse and which seat type is right for your child. Parents are strongly encouraged to bring their children to the event. The technicians need to see how the child fits into their car seat. For more information please contact the Greater Lowell Health Alliance.

Child Car Seat Inspection Stations

If you cannot attend the event listed above, the Lowell Police Department serves as a Child Car Seat Inspection Station for our community. If you would like to have your car seat inspected by a certified technician, contact Officer Paul Corcoran at 978-937-3200.

Car Seat Registration

To stay updated on safety recall information, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is urging consumers to register your car seat. Once you register, manufacturers must notify you by mail of any recalls.