Nutrition Topic for January, February, and March       Substance Abuse
Commonly Abused Substances are TOBACCO, ALCOHOL, and DRUGS (ILLEGAL AND PRESCRIPTION)
Tobacco:  Cigarette Smoke contains nearly 4,000 chemicals of which several can cause cancer.  Remember both direct and indirect smoke (second hand or third hand) pose risks for the whole family.  When a cigarette is lit the smoker inhales only 15% of the smoke while the other 85% is released into the air or embedded into the clothing.  Substances such as Tar, Nicotine, Cyanide, Arsenic, Methane, Carbon Monoxide, Formaldehyde, Polonium 210 (a radioactive substance), Ammonia, Acetone, and Toluene are found in cigarettes.  The International Cancer Investigation Agency has identified over 50 carcinogenic substances in tobacco smoke 11 are known to cause cancer in humans. 
Smoking can cause In Adults: lung cancer, heart and lung disease, high blood pressure, low pressure to extremities.  Pregnant women smoking causes miscarriage, slowed growth, premature labor, bleeding and death.  In infants and children Premature birth, low birth weight, birth defects, frequent respiratory problems, SIDS, behavior problems, cancer and heart disease and DEATH. 
In general it is a good idea to smoke outside and away from play areas, Do not smoke in the car even with the windows cracked, Try to quit. and Always ask others not to smoke around you or your children. 
Alcohol:  Beer, wine, and hard liquors.  Alcohol is a drug that alters the way the mind and body work.  It slows the heart rate and breathing.  Alcohols Affects on
Women:  higher risk of liver disease, acts as a depressant, cause brain, heart, pancreas and kidney damage and eating problems.  Pregnant women:  damage to the baby during any month of pregnancy, miscarriage, and bleeding.  Infants and Children of alcoholic women:  FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome) causing mental and physical birth defects, Mental retardation, damage to kidney, heart, brain, bone and joint, Prematurity or stillborn, behavioral, learning, social, speech, hearing and language issues.
Drugs:  over-the-counter, and prescription, methamphetamine, cocaine (stimulant) marijuana, LSD, and PCP (hallucinogens) and Heroin (narcotic)
Over-the-counter since several can cause birth defects always check with your Doctor, Dentist or Pharmacists for the safety of medications you are taking during pregnancy.  Acutaine, antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, anti-seizure drugs, antacids, aspirin, cough syrups, cold medications, herbal remedies, laxatives and sleeping pills can cause harm in pregnant women and children so do not take without your doctors advise.
Illegal Drugs:  Stimulants (methamphetamine, cocaine)  Lend only a short term "rush"  Speeds up the brain, nervous system, and body but as soon as the drug wears off a feeling of depression, or tiredness sets in.  Affects are Adults and Pregnant women:  weight loss, high blood pressure, heart issues and nervous system issues (paranoid, mood swings and hallucinations)  skin sores, Higher risk of HIV, memory loss, dental problems, miscarriage, premature labor, and early delivery, DEATH.  Infants and children of women who take stimulants: premature birth, low birth weight, growth issues, stroke or heart attack, breathing problems, seizures, withdrawal, birth defects, Developmental problems. 
Narcotics (heroin):  Gives a feeling of short term well-being, pain relief and relaxation.  Affects on adults and pregnant women are:  memory or attention problems, Nausea and vomiting, high risk bacterial infection, heart and lung issues, kidney and liver diseases, Risk of HIV, hepatitis B & C withdrawal, DEATH.  Infants and children exposed during pregnancy have:  born early and small, drug withdrawal, greater risk of SIDS, poor growth, and development, learning, and behavior problems. 
Hallucinogens (PCP, LSD, Marijuana)  tend to change the users sense of reality, mood and thinking.  Affects are for Adults and pregnant women:  uncontrolled emotion violent actions, increased anxiety, depression or flashback, uncoordinated movements, nausea, dizziness, miscarriage.  Infants and children are affected:  brain damage, birth defects, withdrawal, slow growth, feeding issues, behavior and temper problems.  Marijuana although is a drug that contains 400 chemicals that can be smoked, mixed in food or drink for a "high" affect.  It tends to affect judgement, raises heart rate and blood pressure, increases appetite, causes anxiety, miscarriage, premature and low birth weight babies, birth defects, poor eating and growth and behavior problems. 
With so many ill affects the wize choice is to not use drugs, alcohol or tabacco.  GET HIGH on LIFE and enjoy your family and friends by going to dinner, enjoy a Movie or other activity that makes you HAPPY. 

Good Nutrition Is Important!

Eating a variety of foods helps keep the balance.

Remember to follow the MyPlate Recommendations

For more information on USDA's MYPlate.gov, go to http://www.choosemyplate.gov/
Balancing Calories
● Enjoy your food, but eat less.
● Avoid oversized portions.

Foods to Increase
● Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
● Make at least half your grains whole grains.
● Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.

Foods to Reduce
● Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals - and choose the foods with lower numbers.
● Drink water instead of sugary drinks.