Friday, January 29, 2016

One of Seattle Magazine's 2016 Top Doctors is a leader in substance use prevention

Seattle Magazine this week released their list of 2016 Top Doctor's and Dr. Leslie Walker, Chief of Adolescent Medicine at Seattle Children's Hospital and long-time Prevention WINS member, is among the physicians recognized. In particular, she is recognized for her work with high risk adolescent behavior and substance abuse.

In addition to being a part of youth marijuana use prevention campaigns encouraging parents to talk to their children and co-authoring a guide for parents, she is featured in short videos available on YouTube. Here is one of them.

Thursday, January 21, 2016

We all have a role to play in preventing teen drug abuse

Thank you Group Health Pharmacy for posting the Prevention WINS Mind Your Meds posters in your waiting rooms!


Upcoming coalition meetings: All are welcome!

The Prevention Works in Seattle (Prevention WINS) coalition's mission is to prevent youth drug use in NE Seattle. The coalition meets every other month and is open to anyone interested in preventing teen drug use. Upcoming meeting dates are:
  • March 8, 
  • May 10, 
  • July 12, 
  • and September 13. 

For additional information about meetings, contact the Prevention WINS Coordinator.

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Why talking with children early about drugs is important

Over at the Teenology 101 blog, Dr. Yolanda Evans posted information about teens at risk for driving under the influence (DUI) or riding with a drinking driver (RWDD). Here are a few excerpts:

When teens were in middle school, more positive beliefs about marijuana and a stronger belief in their personal ability to resist marijuana use were associated with an increased risk of DUI/RWDD. 

When surveyed in late middle school, adolescents who drank alcohol only, who perceived their friends were drinking, or those who spent more time with teens who were using marijuana all had higher risk of DUI/RWDD 2 years later. 

How can parents translate these findings?
  • Early encounters with substance use can increase their risk years later of DUI/RWDD for tweens and teens in middle school. Parents should start discussions early about drugs and alcohol.
  • Set the expectation that alcohol and drug use (including marijuana) is not acceptable.  
Read all of this Teenology 101 post here.

Monday, January 11, 2016

Documentary examines local underage marijuana culture

Washington and Oregon adolescents and young adults talk about the local marijuana culture in the video below. Dr. Leslie Walker, Chief of Adolescent Medicine at Seattle Children's Hospital, provides the medical perspective. Toward the end, the video calls for the expansion of research-based prevention programming.