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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 1, 1994)
Smoke Signals January 1994 Page 4 HEALTH AND WELLNESS Client From Nanitch Sahallie Gives Thanks I have been in treatment at Nanitch Sahallie for the last month and a half. In that time I have learned many new tools on recovery and the right road to sobriety. I feel the program is a very honest programand you can get a lot out of the program if you want your own well-being. I have learned many things about my addiction, things I can use to control my disease because for so long alcoholism was a disease that controlled me. I have learned how to express my feelings in a positive way to help myself out I am highly appreciative of this program and recommend it to other teenagers. The schooling is very good. The teachers did all they could to get me more into my schooling, even had me take a GED pretest. I passed the pretest fairly easily, and they are still urging me to go over to the college and take the real one. But I want to get my diploma. Also during my stay I have learned a lot about my culture. I had to complete a tribal report on my Tribe. And the staff brought in many different people to teach us clients how to do arts and crafts things such as medicine bags, moccasins, and different kinds of beadwork. We had a drummer come in and teach us traditional and modern songs of the drum. WeVe also learned the beginning steps of dancing, whether it be traditional, fancy, or cowhop. I myself find this very enjoyable, and put a lot of effort into learning as did the other clients. Some other clients and myself got to go over to a public school and speak. We went to Bush Elementary and spoke to kids about life and shared about our culture and about drugs and alcohol. To me that was one of my greatest turn-around points, to share with a group of kids. This was a step of courage and hope so maybe what I went through would open a few eyes and a life could be saved. For all of this, I thank Nanitch Sahallie and all of the counselors and staff members who supported me the whole way through. Always, (Name Withheld) P.S.On to a clean and sober life. A Risk Checklist For Your Child Circle each of the following that apply to your child or children. Is one or more of the child's parents an alcoholic? Whenyourchildwas 5,6, or 7 years old, was heshe difficult to control or aggressive? Does your child choose to share thoughts and feelings with anyone in the family regularly? Is there heavy recreational drinkingdrug use in your household, and do adults involve children by asking them to get a beer or light a cigarette? Are your child's whereabouts, the way heshe spends time, and friends a mystery to you? Is punishment inconsistent or extremely harsh when your child breaks a rule? Do household members use illegal drugs around your children? Did your child fail to achieve in school when heshe was 9, 10, or 11 years old? Does your child strongly dislike school or have a poor attendance record? Did your child begin to use drugs or alcohol before the age of fifteen? Has your child become isolated from the family andor cynical about your own involvement in family or school activities? Has your child been involved in delinquent behavior which has resulted in suspension or expulsion from school? Does your child have close friends who use alcohol and drugs? " Does your child express the view that it is OK to use alcohol and drugs? After you circle each that apply to your child, add them up. The higher the number, the greater the risk that your child will develop problems with alcohol and drugs. But remember, these are only statistical probabilities. The presence of many risk factors doesnt condemn your children to be drug abusers, nor does a low score mean they will be free of problems. The risk check is intended simply to alert you to pay attention to these factors and remember to make the extra effort to help your children stay alcohol and drug-free. Let's Talk Teeth... Is Your Teen Having A Party? Set Down Some Guidelines! WIIEN YOU ARE OUT OF TOWN Homes where parents are absent are the most frequent party sites and things can get out of control quickly. Even a responsible teen can be overwhelmed once the action starts. When you must be out of town: Inform your teenager of hisher responsibilities and the consequences of hisher actions. If possible, have a responsible adult live in your home during your absence. Explain to this person your family policy and rules for parties. Inform the neighbors of your absense. Request they contact you or a responsible adult-even the police, if a party occurs. Let the parents of your teen's friend know of your absence. Cooperation is both essential and productive. If a party is held, find out who attended and contact their parents as' soon as possible. WHEN YOUR TEEN IS GIVING A PARTY Plan in advance. Check party plans with your teenager and know who the guests will be. Limited numbers and written invitations can curb an "open party" situation. Set definite time limits. Agree to the rules ahead of time. Possible rules could be: No drugs or alcohol No leaving the party then returning No "crashers" Have certain rooms in home "off limits" Know your responsibilities. The responsible adult at a teenager's party must be visible and aware. Remember it is illegal to provide drugs or serve alcohol (including beer and wine coolers) to anyone under 21. Plan some activities. Have plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks. WHEN YOUR TEEN IS ATTENDING A PARTY Knowwhereyourteenagerwillbe. Obtain names, addresses and telephone numbers. Agree to a curfew beforehand. Know howyour teenager will get to and from the party, and make sure your child understands that heshe is under no circumstances to accept a ride from someone who has been drinking alcohol or using drugs. Reinforce this belief often. By Linda Mann, RDH Is losing your jaw worthadip? Smokeless tobacco, otherwise known as chew or snuff can cause a variety of mouth problems including receding gums, tooth wear, and worst of all, mouth or throat cancer. The following poem is a true story. If you chew, take heed. This could happen to you. A PINCH OF TROUBLE As I sit writing, I think back on the day My girlfriend came over, I can still hear her say, "You think that by dipping snuff from a can that all those around you think you're a man." "But let me tell you, straight and direct, As long as you chew, we will never connect That stuff turns my stomach, and I'm sick of your spit Since you wont stop, I guess 111 just split." That wasnt enough, losing my girl, It had to be me, a man of the world. Like Walt Garrison and his pals on T. V. Chewing tobacco came easy for me. So I reached in my pocket and pulled out my can And beat it three times in the palm of my hand. That packed it tight, then I reached down inside, And pinched some tobacco with style and pride. I pushed the wad down real tight in my lip And put the tin can right back onto my hip. But after a while things turned for the worse. I couldnt get dates, man, I thought I'd been cursed. My lips they felt numb and my gums they turned white, That was the pits, I quit chewing that night. But my gums they got better and my lips they felt swell So I bought a new can, oh what the hell! My story's not over, Tve just cleared the hump, For after a while I developed a bump. Not painful at first but on the tip of my tongue, I didnt worry yet because I was so young. Like the white spots before it, I thought it would pass So I kept dipping, it was such a blast Then two months later, such a short spell The bump, it grew bigger and my mouth went to hell. So I went to the doctor, I remember the day. He said, "Son, I am sorry for what I must say. Fact is, you've got cancer and if s quite advanced. But if we operate now, perhaps there's a chance." So I entered the hospital, it was quarter to five, and four hours later, they knew Td survive. That brings me to why I wrote you this verse. fm here to tell you, chewing tobacco's a curse. My friends in school, my friends so young It's true, I survived, but they took out my tongue. So all I can say is get rid of that chew, Get off your CAN and become the real you.
