Energy Drinks Could be Big Public Health Problem for Young People: Report

/BY JOIN TOGETHER STAFF

October 16th, 2014/

The risks of heavy consumption of energy drinks among young people could soon become a significant public health problem, according to a new report. Adverse health effects from consuming energy drinks with alcohol are a special concern, Time reports.

“The consumption of high amounts of caffeine contained within energy drinks reduces drowsiness without diminishing the effects of alcohol resulting in a state of ‘wide-awake- drunkenness,’ keeping the individual awake longer with the opportunity to continue drinking,” the authors wrote in Frontiers in Public Health.

The researchers say consuming high levels of caffeine very quickly may lead to “caffeine intoxication,” which can cause nausea, high blood pressure and heart palpitations.

The report, written by officials from the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, recommend policymakers establish an upper limit for caffeine content, enforce labeling and marketing standards, regulate the sale of energy drinks to children, and train healthcare workers about the risks of energy drinks. They also recommend screening patients with a history of diet issues and substance abuse for dangerous levels of energy drink consumption.

This summer the consumer advocacy group Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to put safety warnings on energy drinks. The drinks have been linked to 17 deaths in the past two years. The group called for warning labels to tell consumers about the risk of heart attack, convulsion, and other adverse reaction to energy drinks.

CSPI says that while no study has proven that energy drinks have caused these deaths, 34 people have died in the United States in the past 10 years after consuming Monster, Rockstar or 5-Hour Energy. The group also asked the FDA to reduce the amount of caffeine legally allowed in energy drinks to 71 milligrams per 12 ounces. This is the amount allowed in colas.

Colleges Join Program to Help Prevent Accidents Caused by Substance Abuse

/BY JOIN TOGETHER STAFF

October 16th, 2014/

More than 55 universities and colleges have joined a program designed to help schools prevent the two leading causes of death in young adults—accidents, including those caused by prescription drug overdoses or alcohol poisoning, and suicide.

The Jed & Clinton Health Matters Campus Program will evaluate substance abuse, mental health and suicide prevention programs at the participating institutions, USA Today reports. The colleges have made a four-year commitment to the program. Participants include Cornell, Georgetown, Boston University, Princeton, the University of California, Los Angeles, and New York University.

The Campus Program is a joint initiative of The Jed Foundation and the Clinton Foundation’s Clinton Health Matters Initiative. Schools will take a self-assessment survey on their mental health promotion, substance abuse and suicide preventing programming. The Campus Program team will compare the findings to a comprehensive set of recommended practices. Schools will receive customized feedback and suggestions for improvements, in addition to support with their planning process.

“There’s nothing out there this large and comprehensive that I’m aware of that does this, and including substance abuse is pretty novel as well,” said Greg Eells, Director of Counseling and Psychological Services at Cornell’s Gannett Health Services.

“The college years are the age when many mental health issues first manifest, and it can be a time of significant stress and pressure,” John MacPhee, Executive Director of The Jed Foundation, said in a news release. “The Jed and Clinton Health Matters Campus Program helps schools by working with them to survey everything their university is doing to support their students’ emotional health, and find practical ways to augment these efforts in a comprehensive way. We believe that the implementation of a campus-wide approach to mental health will lead to safer, healthier campuses, and likely greater student retention.”

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Unforgiveness and Substance Abuse Linked Letting Go of Past Hurts Can Help People Let Go of Addictions  Few may make a connection between unforgiveness and substance abuse. Can letting go of past hurts help us let go of our addictions? Absolutely, says Karl Benzio, M.D., a psychiatrist and founder and executive director of Lighthouse Network (www.lighthousenetwork.org). He adds that unforgiveness relates to substance abuse because when people struggle with hurt and pain, they can turn to drugs and alcohol. Cleansing their lives of that pain through true forgiveness can help them cleanse their lives of addiction, too. “We are all addicted to comfort,” said Benzio, noting that October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. “Unfortunately, we have all experienced hurts and wounds—some very serious. Not knowing how to process these experiences, especially the aspects of dealing with the perpetrator of that hurt, causes the tentacles of underlying anger and resentment to reach into many aspects of our lives. Sadly, because we don’t like to be out of our comfort zones, we believe the lie that alcohol, substances or certain behaviors either create false comfort or return us to that comfort zone.   Click here to read more... Want to view past media releases from Lighthouse Network? Discover what Lighthouse Network has been covering by clicking here. Why Life Change Experience?   You probably noticed our eNewsletter’s new name: Life Change Experience. Why did we select this name? Because it speaks to us in four ways: It’s a call to action to go and experience a life change! It’s a reminder that life change will always be viewed through our experience. It’s the truth that true life change with Christ will impact every aspect of our lives – becoming a fully engulfing experience. It’s an encouragement to share our experiences or stories of life change with others. We hope you’ll benefit from the news and resources in the Life Change Experience – so you can truly experience life change! Tune in to hear Lighthouse Network's Karl Benzio, MD, on the air! UPCOMING INTERVIEWS: Monday, November 5 at 7:00 p.m. ET Station: KKLA 99.5 | Los Angeles, California Program: The Frank Sontag Show Topic: "Addictions" LIVE: Call-In Program! Recording on Thursday, October 23 Stay Tuned for Air Date! Station: USA Radio Network Topic: Lighthouse Network's ministry RECENT APPEARANCES AND EVENTS: Dr. Benzio Speaks at Moments of Change Conference   Dr. Benzio spoke recently at the Moments of Change conference for treatment professionals, held at the beautiful Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. In his presentation, “Addiction: Sin, Disease, or Personality Defect,” he shared a holistic approach to treatment that combined science and spirituality, while presenting a new tool for professionals to use with clients to help them integrate Spirit, Mind and body and better understand the decision-making process. “It was awesome being at a secular conference and being able to speak about understanding addiction and treatment by combining science and the Bible," Benzio said. "God always surprises me by how many Christians are working in the addiction sector, and it was encouraging to meet many of them.”     You can view his presentation here.  Dr. Benzio Contributes as Member of Focus on the Family’s Physicians Resource Council   Just last week, Focus on the Family’s Physicians Resource Council (PRC) gathered in Colorado. A group of 25 medical doctors, the PRC advises Focus on medical and psychiatric topics. “Finding fellowship doctors who also share your faith is very difficult, so getting together with 25 Christian doctors at one time to share and fellowship together is both encouraging and energizing," Benzio said. “Many societal issues really come down to medical and psychological factors, like same sex marriage, homosexuality, physician assisted suicide, euthanasia, legalization of drugs/marijuana, as well as issues around marriage, parenting, poverty, valuing life, helping the oppressed, and being a good neighbor. Making sure Christian values, the guidance from our Creator, enter into and influence the discussion of these powerful issues is what Focus and the PRC are tasked with. It’s an honor to help this ministry.”   Check out other media interviews including TV appearances, radio programs, print features and articles here.                                        Dr. Karl Benzio was recently interviewed by World Magazine about diagnosing depression. Click here to read the interesting article "Doctors may soon use a blood test to diagnose depression." Program: Focus on the Family: Boundless Topic: "Frequent Relationship Difficulties of People-Pleasing and Assertiveness" Click here to listen (hear Dr. Karl Benzio at the 43:55 mark)    Lighthouse Network Radio Feature:"Life Change with Dr. Karl” Lighthouse Network is sharing its newest, life-changing radio features with the purpose of bringing scientific expertise and Biblical principles together to examine some common daily struggles to help people successfully navigate life’s obstacles and enjoy fulfilled lives. Lighthouse Network's "Life Change with Dr. Karl" radio feature airs Monday through Friday on more than 425 radio stations nationwide. Listen to "Life Change with Dr. Karl" from September 22: Change Is Possible Listen to "Life Change with Dr. Karl" from September 23: Change - Goal Listen to "Life Change with Dr. Karl" from September 24: Change - Starting Point  Listen to "Life Change with Dr. Karl" from September 25: Change - Motivation Listen to "Life Change with Dr. Karl" from September 30: Change - Strategy   We want your input!   Which question would you like answered or what issue would you like addressed in the Life Change radio program? We’ve had a great response from our 425 radio stations airing "Life Change with Dr. Karl," and we want to make sure we are providing information that is practical and useful to you! Is there a list of tips or other issue you would like to hear Dr. Karl address? Please let us know by emailing us at info@lighhousenetwork.org.   Click here to listen to “Life Change with Dr. Karl” archives or read transcripts. Lighthouse Network's Karl Benzio, M.D., Writes for The Christian Post Check out Dr. Karl Benzio's recently published article in The Christian Post: 10 Warning Signs that a Relationship Could Become Abusive When behavior shocks the world — whether a high-profile murder, domestic violence involving a sports star or even corporal punishment uncertainties surrounding a football player — there are always questions: "Where were the signs that this could happen?" "Why didn't we see this coming?" Click here to read more... Click here to read Dr. Karl Benzio's past articles on The Christian Post. Lighthouse Network's Karl Benzio, M.D., in Charisma News Teens Flocking to New Synthetic Drug and 'Dabbing'  "The fact that kids and teens are discovering new ways to take these powerful, dangerous drugs is scary," Benzio said. "They sometimes think that because they make it at home or get it from a friend rather than on the street, this makes it safer. But the vapor that comes from this marijuana wax, for example, is five times stronger than smoking pot in a joint or through a pipe—it's like free-basing. And the fact that getting Cloud 9 is so easy and that students are using it at school is evidence that this drug is powerful and making rounds among kids." Click here to read more... All Access ARC Conference November 4-6 | Saddleback Church, Orange County, CA Dr. Benzio will equip church leaders with his insights in decision-making and using science to glean transformational truths out of the Bible for practical growth and maximum fulfillment. National Association of Christian Social Workers National Conference November 6-9 | Annapolis, MD Lighthouse Network's Dr. Karl Benzio will lead a workshop on how to be a shining light through godly decision-making skills as he teaches his unique bio-psycho-spiritual model which actually rewires your brain circuits, thus renewing your mind as Romans 12:1-2 clearly states. The Network of Family Businesses Webinar December 17 | Webinar Lighthouse Network's Dr. Karl Benzio joins a panel discussion on addictions and substance abuse in family businesses. Click here for more!  Click here to view all events.  Resources from Lighthouse Network

Addiction: Sin, Disease, or Personal Defect? Theologians, clinicians, researchers and philosophers have argued for centuries whether science blends with religion, spirituality and faith. Learn how God gave us science to validate the Bible’s accuracy in this DVD.  Satan's Strategy This video will walk you through Satan's strategy for corrupting our minds. By understanding these attacks, we can be prepared with God's truth!   Are Our Our Emotions Good or Bad?   Learn about our bodies' built-in warning system with this powerful DVD.

Free Stepping Stones Devotional Click here to receive The Stepping Stones Daily Devotional, which will encourage and challenge you while helping you grow in your daily walk with God. If you or someone you love needs help, call our FREE 24/7 Lighthouse Network addiction and counseling helpline, 1-844-LIFE-CHANGE (1-844-543-3242).

  

Dear Joseph,

Prescription drug abuse is a huge problem everywhere, but especially in Orange County, California. I know this because that’s where I grew up and played high school varsity baseball. I witnessed this abuse among my peers and in my own family, and I wanted to do something about it.

So I worked to educate my community about the risks of medicine abuse, joining with my local police department to promote prescription drug take-back days. That’s why it was awesome to receive the Play Healthy Award from the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids and Major League Baseball (MLB) Charities last year, winning a trip to New York City and meeting people who shared the same passion in helping others.

Now, I want to pay it forward and ask you to nominate a student athlete and/or youth coach for the 5^th Annual Commissioner’s Play Healthy Awards. Do you know that kid on the team who is super focused on being healthy to achieve his dream of playing pro ball? What about the coach who makes you feel that you are going to play the best game of your life, just because you can? If so, get involved now and tell us why that special person is making a difference.

Hurry - the deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, October 31^st, 2014!

Good luck,

Garrett Burk
Freshman, Harvard University
2013 Student-Athlete Winner

Help us spread the word with these sample tweets:

#PlayHealthy #Contest! Nominate extraordinary coaches & student athletes for chance to win trip to NYC & more! http://ow.ly/wfbjb

Inspiring #studentathlete & #youth #coach can win trip to NYC & more! Find out how http://ow.ly/wfbF5 #PlayHealthy 
 

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Like us on Facebook                      www.councilsepa.org               Follow us on Twitter       Healthy Pennsylvania Subsidizes Health Insurance  for Low-Income Families and Individuals The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced their approval of an amended version of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett's Healthy Pennsylvaniaproposal in late August 2014. Beginning January 1, 2015, individuals and families with incomes below 138% of the federal poverty level (see chart below) will be eligible to enroll in health insurance offered by private Medicaid Managed Care companies in a new system run by the Commonwealth. Healthy Pennsylvania will cover individuals who did not qualify for insurance subsidies for the Affordable Care Act because Pennsylvania did not participate in Medicaid Expansion. When Does Coverage Begin? Enrollment begins December 1, 2014, and coverage will become effective January1, 2015. Like traditional Medicaid, coverage can be retroactive to help with medical bills. How Much Will Healthy Pennsylvania Cost? It will cost nothing in 2015. No newly eligible enrollee will have to pay premiums in 2015. In 2016, premiums can be imposed on people with incomes above 100% of the federal poverty level and cannot exceed 2% of an enrollee's monthly household income. Who Qualifies for Coverage Under Healthy Pennsylvania? Pennsylvanians earning below 138% of the federal poverty level will be eligible. That includes:  How Does Healthy Pennsylvania Change Coverage for Current Medicaid Enrollees? Individuals currently covered by Medical Assistance for Workers for Disabilities (MAWD), SelectPlan for Women, General Assistance-related MA, or Medically-Needy Only MA would move into new Healthy PA coverage and receive the benefits of new enrollees. Pennsylvania's Department of Public Welfare is seeking to move the 1.1 million adults currently enrolled in Medicaid to either a "High Risk" or "Low Risk" plan.  Details Still Need to be Clarified The state still needs to unveil the health screening questionnaire to move Medicaid enrollees into "High Risk" and "Low Risk" plans. Enrollment issues and contact information still need to be developed. There is an issue brief and information on Healthy Pennsylvania coverage and changes in Medicaid coverage on our Recovery Community Organization Healthcare Reform website here and go to the Healthy Pennsylvaniasection. Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Marketplace begins on November 15, 2014. There is information on our website and in all of our centers. Check for the most recent updates on Healthy Pennsylvania and Open Enrollment on our healthcare website here.  From the PRO-ACT Public Policy Committee About RCO4HealthcarePA.org This is a consortium of Recovery Community Organizations in Pennsylvania focused on recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. This website and consortium was funded by SAMHSA (The Substance Abuse Mental and Health Services Administration) BRSS TACS Grants for peer-run recovery community organizations to build a statewide network for State Peer Health Reform Education.

FACES AND VOICES OF RECOVERY

 ORGANIZING THE

RECOVERY COMMUNITY  

With a shared history of losing loved ones to the struggle of addiction, Natural High was proud to be the Presenting Partner for the 2014 Faces & Voices America Honors Recovery celebration earlier this year. 

Natural High is a national nonprofit organization committed to bridging the gap between prevention and recovery, as addiction continues to be an ongoing epidemic. By providing nearly 50 celebrity prevention videos and research-based curricula – completely free of charge – to treatment centers, parents and more, we’re inspiring over 7 million youth every year to pursue their natural high, giving them a reason to say no to drugs and alcohol.

Please join us and the 18,000 educators, counselors and therapeutic centers across the country using our FREE program. We’re on this journey together.

Deaths From Painkillers Drop, While Heroin Fatalities Rise: Government Report

/BY JOIN TOGETHER STAFF

October 15th, 2014/

Prescription painkiller deaths are on the decline, while deaths from heroin are increasing, according to a new government report. The findings suggest some people may have switched from prescription medications to illicit drugs in response to laws aimed at reducing prescription drug abuse, USA Today reports.

Between 1999 and 2011, prescription painkiller overdose deaths quadrupled, from 4,030 to 16,917, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found. In 2012, painkiller overdose deaths dropped 5 percent to 16,007. The findings will be released Wednesday by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), the newspaper notes.

“It’s some really encouraging news after many years of really grim news,” Michael Botticelli, Acting Director of ONDCP, told USA Today. He said the findings give him hope that some government strategies to reduce prescription drug abuse have worked. These include prescription drug monitoring programs that make it harder for people to get prescriptions from multiple doctors, and crackdowns on physicians who overprescribe painkillers.

Heroin overdose deaths increased 35 percent from 2011 to 2012, from 4,397 to 5,927. Dr. Mark Publicker, President of the Northern New England Society of Addiction Medicine, says he has seen a dramatic shift from prescription painkillers to heroin. “My patients tell me that as prescription opioids become less available and more expensive, that heroin has rushed into that breach,” he said. “It was as if somebody flipped a switch.”

Botticelli said fewer than 5 percent of people who abuse prescription painkillers switch to heroin, and the proportion of deaths from the drug is much smaller. “We know we clearly have some work to do in intervening with people who are progressing from prescription narcotics to heroin,” he said.