Getting The Point Across

Around the school you would be suprised to be find 4 crime scene silhouettes on the ground. What are these for? Recently in out Social Studies class, Belinda Hayes decided to take a week to recognize alcohol on our reservation. It started out as identifying drinkers at our school, then went on to finding facts about alcohol. Now our classes are assigned to advertise these facts in an way to get the readers' attention. Around the school you'll find posters, flyers, and of course these body outlines. In all, we're trying to get the point across about alcohol, and its' affects on our people.

How Much More Can We Take?

It is yet the beginning of the new year, and already two alcohol related tragedies have ocured on our reservation. If these are the consequences of drinking, than why do we keep turning to it?


Recently at school, a teacher, and a victim to losing a loved one to alcohol, decided to dedicate a class time to identify drinkers at our school. In our class, we predicted around 90% are drinkers, we also decided that around 70% started drinking between ages 10 and 12. At this school there are about 74 students attending, so you do the math. For as small of a community we have, the majority consumes alcohol somewhat regularly. When a minor considers alcohol, they don't consider any consequences, it's pretty much about having a good time.

Some people don't understand the impact that their consumption is having on others. From my point of view, anyone in my family, older than I, has looked to alcohol. Not that it's a bad thing all the time, like on certain occasions. When an adult has a case in the fridge almost every day of the week, it definitely sends a message to the minors. Whether the message be, "Drinking isn't a bad thing," or, "This is what I don't want in my future." Like I said before, teens don't consider the negatives when they are drinking, it's about having a good time, and letting go for a while.

Why haven't we taken a second look, and considered the consequences? With two alcohol related deaths within weeks of each other, why do we keep drinking? These aren't simple questions to answer, but just something to consider the next time you're holding the alcohol in your hand. These tragedies aren't the first to happen to our community, and I hate to say, they probably aren't the last. People say, "When it rains, it pours." I wish it wouldn't, because I know we can't take it any more.

Dark, Healthy Advantage to Chcolate Cravings

A cardiologist recently seeked an answer to his patients questions for a healthier way to consume chocolate. The answer, go dark. It may not have that sweet taste you find in your normal milk, or white chocolate, but it sure does have an advantage. Flavanoids, which are antioxidant chemicals that help prevent cell damage, reduce clot formation, and improve blood sugar levels, is what makes dark better. Chocolate also contains caffeine, and other chemicals to help improve mood, which is another treat. Is there a disadvantage, yes. Despite the mouth watering taste, chocolate is usually contained with fat, and up to 150 calories an ounce. It isn't exactly the best source of flavanoids, but antioxidants can never taste better.

I remember hearing that chocolate has a healthy side, but I didn't really know why. Of few people, I like dark chocolate, but only in small amounts. I think it's good to know little facts like these.

citation: Lisa C. Cohn, "When it comes to Chocolate, Give into the Dark,"(MSNBC), February 9, 2007. available online at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16948960/wid/11915773