7/30/2019 VSAAC November Newsletter 2012

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Volume

7

Issue

11

November

2012

203-736-8566 www.vsaac.org

Violence is a serious public health problem in the United States says theCenter for Disease Control (CDC). It is a public health problem that affects infants to theelderly; people in all stages of life. In 2009, 16,800 people were victims of homicide and

almost 37,000 took their own life. Those who survive violence are often left with

permanent physical and emotional scars that can affect their quality of life forever.Violence erodes communities by generating fear and chaos, by negatively affecting school

environments, by reducing individual productivity and by decreasing property values and

affecting the economy. Violence destroys lives.

The rate of U.S. violent crime went up last year for the first time in nearly twodecades due to a jump in assaults. And, it is believed, almost half of violent crime goes

unreported. (US Justice Dept.) Homicide continues to be the second leading cause of death foryouth ages 15-24 and the leading cause of death for African American youth. In 2010,more than 700,000 youth, ages 10-24, were treated in emergency departments for violent

incidents. According to a 2010 survey of 15 Connecticut service providers, 1,125 victims

of domestic violence were served in one 24-hour period. Of those, 294 needed emergency

shelter. We continue to read about individuals who commit acts of violence against theinnocent without provocation. Violence in our society appears to have become an

acceptable way of solving problems and being an innocent does not keep you safe.

Violence has become so common that we no longer pay attention to it; maybebelieving we are safe and that violence happens somewhere else. But take a look at what

happens in our lives daily. For example: Video games - can anything be more violent?

Television- many weekly shows, crime shows especially, push the limit with no holdsbarred and lets see how far we can push the limits attitude. Over the years, TV hasbecome more violent, extreme, bloody, and sadistic. Do we know if producers are

providing the shows and people watch, or are watchers demanding the shows that are

produced? Each season seems to top the violence of the season before.Movies follow thesame prescription. It seems noone can tell a good story without blood, gore and cruelty.

Even our commercials show disrespect for people, destruction of property, lying,

cheating, car crashes, and meanness under the guise of humor.

This is called entertainment! This is what we and our children see, hear andexperience daily with little to counteract it. We have become so immune to the violence

around us that we feel little for anothers pain, or hardship, or death. Sadly, our children

learn only what they experience. If they are surrounded by violence, violence becomes apart of their lives.

Since violence is a public health problem, we must adopt a public health

solution. A public health solution entails the coming together and collaboration of social

services organizations, schools, churches, businesses, local governments, police, civicorganizations, etc. When violence erodes communities then communities must work

together to reduce and overcome violence. Solving the problem is not the other persons

responsibility. It is everyones responsibility.

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The FDA says the National Association of Boards of Pharmacies estimates less than 3% of online

pharmacies meet state and federal laws.

According to the national Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2011 more than six million

Americans used prescription drugs non- medically in the past month. (drugfree.org. Oct.)

The DEA collected a total of half a million pounds of unused prescription medications during its

drive Sept 29th. Two million pounds of medication have been collected over five national

Prescription Drug Take-Back Days.

2011 Monitoring the Future data: 11.4% of twelfth grade students used synthetic marijuana in2010. The second most commonly used illicit drug among high school seniors.

Illegal drug use has declined about 30 % since 1979.

About 23% of violent crimes and property crimes are committed by people who tested positivefor at least 1 of 10 illegal drugs. Marijuana was the most common drug found among thosearrested.

Winning and losingare both part of gambling. If youre only prepared to win,

youre not prepared to gamble.

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1-888-7890-7777

More on Medical MarijuanaOne of the biggest points of contention about marijuana is whether or not it can be considered

medicine. Kevin Sabet, Consultant and Assistant Professor, University of Florida says that while

smoked crude marijuana is not medicine, marijuana does have medicinal properties found in its

individual components. These components can be isolated and delivered in a safe and effective way.

Many of these components are being researched. Some have already been approved as medicines in

the U.S.Whether or not marijuana is a medicine should be decided by research and studies conducted by

qualified researchers. Politicians and lay people should not have the ability to make the decision based

on hearsay and personal desire.

Public Health Solution to Combat ViolenceWhat can we do? 1. Provide alternatives and opportunities for all people, especially

in education and job training; 2. foster positive learning experiences; 3. pay attention

to family, friends and neighbors and offer help if necessary; 4. be respectful and teachrespect for people, property and all living things; 5. teach coping skills and problem

solving and how to make decisions; 6. show empathy and compassion and patience.

The Road Map for Community Action: Define the problem Identify risk andprotective factors Develop and test prevention strategies Assure widespread

adoption. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)