The collaborative work between Alma College and GCSAC continues to grow.  The CORE survey tool taken by Alma students and faculty last year has yielded useful information, and capacity building and planning efforts have begun.  Alma College has been awarded grant funding through Prevention Network for the implementation of environmental strategies.  Included in this proposal are TIPS trainings for alcohol vendors in the community and follow up checks on compliance through GCSAC. 

GCSAC will be holding orientation training on Wednesday, February 16 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Gratiot-Isabella RESD in Ithaca.  This training is intended for any individual in the community who is interested in learning more about the field of substance abuse prevention and GCSAC role. 

The Parents Who Host, Lose the Most campaign is now entering the second phase of implementation.  Efforts will be dedicated to gathering drug free pledges from students, and commitments from parents to provide alcohol free alternatives for their kids.  Our coalition will also continue to raise awareness in the community regarding the risks of underage drinking to youth.

3 Healthy Family Habits to Prevent Childhood Obesity  

By Lisa Collier Cool

The statistics are alarming: Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years, the Centers for Disease Control reports.  Currently, 12.5 million American kids ages 2 to 19 are obese, 17 percent of the population.  Another 16.5 percent are at risk for becoming overweight.  The good news is that three surprisingly simple family habits can help kids maintain a healthy weight.  Practicing even one can trim risk for obesity by 25 percent, a recent study found, while adopting all three shrinks risk by 40 percent.

1. Dine Together - When families eat together, meals are typically healthier than when the child just grabs food on the run without adult supervision.

2.  Turn Off the Tube - Having meals in front of the TV encourages mindless overeating.  When the TV is off, there's discussion about what the family is eating, which teaches kids about good nutrition.

3.  Make Sure Kids Get Enough Sleep - Skimping on sleep is linked to obesity in both kids and adults worldwide.  A tired child is less physically active, so burns fewer calories.  In the healthy habits study, four year-olds who snoozed at least 10.5 hours a night had lower rates of obesity.  Doctors recommend 10 hours a night for older kids, and at least eight for teens.

Life Skills - designed to prepare teenagers to live independently.  Classes start February 1 for eight consecutive Tuesdays from 6 - 8 p.m.

Parenting Class titled "Staying Connected with your Teen" - for parents of teenagers.  The focus is on improving communication, reducing risk of problem behaviors and to build a strong family bond.  Class starts February 7 from 6 - 8 p.m. for six classes held on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Nurturing Parenting Program - designed for parents and their school aged child (5-11 years old).  Class starts April 7 for 10 consecutive Thursdays from

6-8:30 p.m.

Great Start to Quality Orientation -the next class is scheduled for February 17 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Maple Creek Golf Course - Shepherd.

Childcare Provider Training "Developmentally Appropriate Practice" - designed for licensed daycare providers.  Four hour class held on February 3 from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at CMU Child Development & Learning Lab.

All Classes and Trainings are Free! Please call our office at (989) 463-1422 to register for a class or if you would like further information.