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The Citizen, 2003-08-20, Page 13THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2003. PAGE 13. Families need to talk about drug use With all the news about decriminalizing marijuana, medicinal use of marijuana, grow operations and pot busts, it can be hard for parents to know what to say to their children. Here are some tips for Safety First Huron Perth for families who find themselves talking about drugs. Make no mistake; in families where drug use and abuse is openly discussed, the children are less likely to get into trouble with drugs. By keeping the lines of communication open, your children will have a better understanding of what is expected of them and will feel that they can better share the joys and stresses of their life with you. • “Natural” does not mean safe - Your children may hear that marijuana is natural therefore it can not hurt them. Spend some time together thinking of things that are Making the pass Herb VanAmersfoort of the Blyth I soccer squad sets up a pass to a waiting teammate while a Brussels III opponent tries to interfere during the Over 18 soccer tournament held in Blyth last week. (Janice Becker photo) Shopping for school It’s time for back-to-school shopping again but before you head off to the mall, check over last year’s supplies and clothing and make a list of items that need replacing ... everything from backpacks to hockey pads. Some of those things can be re-used; your list will prevent unnecessary duplication. Also - take a look at the website at www.rubbermaid.corn where you’ll find some neat ideas for storing and transporting the hundred and one things kids need as they prepare for the winter’s book work. Meanwhile, here’s a handy check­ list to take with you on those end-of- summer shopping expeditions: • pens, pencils, crayons • notebook paper, spiral binders •lunch supplies, lunch box, sandwich keepers, Rubbermaid® Litterless® juice boxes • plastic storage totes, clear storage boxes • underbed storage boxes natural that can cause harm. A few examples are poison ivy, cow parsley and tobacco. Marijuana, hash, and oil all come from the cannabis stativa plant. All three forms of cannabis contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a chemical that changes the way a person acts, thinks and feels. It is also important to remember that cannabis products are stronger today than 20 years ago because growers are producing plans with more THC than before. • Medicinal use of marijuana does not mean marijuana is safe to use for fun - Medicines are not particularly safe unless they are used under a physician’s or pharmacist’s advice. As with medicinal marijuana, all medications have risks associated with them and those risks need to be weighed against any of the potential benefits that medications may have. • hampers, laundry baskets • stapler, tape dispenser • water bottles • wastebaskets, trash cans, refuse containers News Canada perennials and nursery stock. SUPER SPECIAL on Flat of 8-1 gal. Selected Perennial! ONLY $32.00! FIELD TOMATOES NOW READ Call for crop update or pick your own. Marijuana has numerous immediate and long-term effects on the body. Short-term marijuana use increases the heart rate and appetite, causes sleepiness, decreases co­ ordination and concentration, changes perception, causes hallucinations, anxiety and panic. There are also several long-term effects that result from marijuana use, including memory problems, learning problems, lung disease and addiction. • There is no such thing as “just marijuana” - Your children may hear that marijuana cannot become a problem because it is “just marijuana”. Marijuana is the number one drug identified by callers seeking drug treatment in Ontario. A new study indicates smoking three marijuana joints is equivalent to smoking a pack of cigarettes, and that means that pot smokers are at a high risk of lung disease. Researchers at Glasgow Royal Infirmary report that regular smokers of cannabis are at risk of emphysema, a disease usually associated with heavy cigarette smoking. This is mainly due to the effects of combustion rather than marijuana itself (marijuana smoke contains about 50 per cent more of certain carcinogens than the same amount of unfiltered tobacco). While cigarettes and joints contain similar levels of harmful substances, pot smokers tend to favour long drags, which greatly increase the harmful effects of smoking. Also, concern has recently been expressed over the fact that THC has been shown to damage white blood cells in the lungs. As a result, heavy cannabis use may reduce the ability of the body to Charlene Hergert (Stephenson), daughter of Sharon and the late Fred Stephenson, Brussels, graduated with honours from the University of Ottawa's Masters of Business Administration (MBA) Program. Charlene, pictured with husband Jason, has 2 children, Ryan 3 and Jessica 2. They reside in Ottawa. Congratulations Charlene. I'm proud of you. Love, Mom. On July 12, 2003, Sheona Marie Duncan, daughter of Jack and Susan Duncan of Manotick, Ontario and Bruce William Craig, son of Ross and Stephanie Craig, North Bay, Ontario were united in marriage at Stathmere Lodge, North Gower in an outdoor ceremony. Those attending were grandparents Bill and Isabelle Craig, Blyth, Ontario, Mary Craig, North Bay, Murray Craig, Mellisa, Melanie and Kevin, Port Sydney, Roger and Connie, Nicholle and Ian, Edmonton, Alberta. Roger and Connie Craig and family came to visit for a few days with . Bill and Isabelle Craig before leaving to go back to Edmonton. | fight lung infections and illness - and this effect would be greater with higher potency marijuana. • Decriminalization does not make marijuana legal - Your children may ask about decriminalization. This recent change only applies to adults, not children. Having small amounts of marijuana on your person is still illegal. Like speeding, you would get a ticket if the police caught you in possession of pot. Growing, selling or buying are also illegal and can result in a criminal record, fines and imprisonment. • Marijuana causes impairment - Driving a car, riding a bike, skateboarding, playing sports or operating heavy machinery while “high” is dangerous. For up to 24 Graduation Nicole Lowe, daughter of Murray and Ruth Lowe, graduated from Fanshawe College on June 13, 2003. Nicole successfully completed the two year Recreation and Leisure Services Program. Nicole is currently employed at the New Life Fitness Centre in Stratford. Congrats Nicole. Love Mom, Dad, John and Dan. GRADUATION Matthew McCall, son of Ross and Fran McCall graduated on June 13, 2003 with an Associated Diplomi in Agriculture ’rom the University of Guelph. Congratulations! L ove, your family. r*----------------------------*n *■ Wedding^glnnouncement* hours after smoking marijuana a person’s ability to drive a vehicle safely can be seriously impaired. Alertness, the ability to concentrate, co-ordination, and the ability to react quickly are all distorted. • Your children will want to know what you think about marijuana. The fdct is that in families where there are solid rules against drug use, children are less likely to use. Knowing that a parent is strongly against drug use gives your child a great way to say no to friends who try to encourage them to use marijuana. For more information please contact Safety First Huron Perth, Huron Chapter by calling the Huron County Health Unit at 519-482- 3416. If long distance, call 1-877- 837-6143.