Since health class is not offered, the SPARK, Ms. Hattie Slaughter, at our school decided to incorporates health into advisory. SPARK is a program that offers individual and group assistance on positive alternatives. Even though Ms. Slaughter teaches the sophomore advisories with regular health lessons, it is not the same as having an actual health class.

According the Department of Education, health class is not mandated for students to take as a specific class, which is why we learn health class through advisory.

Health class should be mandated to take because having health class through other classes is not always beneficial. By not having a specific class dedicated to health it is not guaranteed that you will have a health lesson everyday and it is important for students to learn about health.

“Health class is to inform students on their mental and physical health and to teach good eating and exercise habits. It is also to teach the importance of health. By teaching health poor nutrition, and drug and alcohol awareness are prevented,” said Ms. Slaughter.

According to Ms Pastena only one health credit is required to graduate, so the lessons that would be taught in a traditional health class are taught throughout the four years of advisory.

“Learning about health class in advisory is important because we get to learn about how to live a longer healthy life and the bad effects of drugs,” said sophomore Ashley Heyne.

Ms. Slaughter is not always available to teach health lessons, which is why health should be part of our curriculum. Without a health class students don’t learn proper things they need to know for their everyday teen life.

The few Advisors who are teaching about health are helping their students to become more aware of their bodies. Ms. Orlando’s advisory is currently focusing on alcoholism and drug abuse.

“I think it’s important for students to learn about health because it helps them become aware of their bodies, as well as the poor influences in society,” said English teacher Melissa Orlando.

According to Ms. Pepe, health is an important subject that covers everything from nutrition to issues that teens face in today. It may help students to talk about topics that they may not be able to discuss with their parents or friends. It also can help in knowing the facts on certain subjects instead of guessing.

Related posts:

1. Round Two of the Swine Flu?
2. Students Read, Review and Reflect in Advisory
3. CSI Experiences Dakamela

Did you know that car accidents are the number one killer of teens in the U.S.? According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2008, about eleven teens were killed in car crashes everyday. The Department of Transportation claims that a horrifying six thousand deaths were caused by inattentive drivers that same year.

“That’s a horrifying statistic when you consider that accidents caused by drivers using cell phones, texting, or taking their eyes off the road are entirely preventable,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood when announcing Focus Driven, an advocacy group for victims of cell phone related motor vehicle accidents.

We’re all taught from a very young age to wear our seatbelts and not drive while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. But perhaps the most dangerous distraction while driving is something as common as a cell phone. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 1.6 million teens drive while reading or typing messages.

Texting has become one of the fastest and easiest forms of communication. Even adults and parents have picked up the habit. As fast and easy as it is to type out a text, it’s just as easy to end a life.

“Using a cell phone while driving is a common thing many people do. They don’t realize how dangerous it really is. It’s one thing to pick up the phone while your driving, but when you text you are physically taking your eyes off the road,” said police officer Johnny Pena of the 76th Precinct.

According to a 2009 survey by the Allstate Foundation, 49 percent of teens consider cell phones to be distracting, and think it is the number one distraction when behind the wheel. Yet, 82 percent of teens still admit to using cell phones while driving.

“I have voice to text recognition on my phone. I can just talk into my wireless headset, and a text will be sent to whomever I say in my phonebook,” said senior Corinne Mueller.

Many people are under the misconception that hands-free cell phones are safer than head-held cell phones. However, according to the University of Utah, hands-free phones are just as dangerous because conversations with others delay reaction times.

According to Allstate, cell phones are the most common distractions for drivers. But multitasking drivers have to pay the consequences for their actions. New York is one of six states that ban all hand-held cell phone use while driving, and also one of 19 states that recently put a ban on texting for all drivers.

“Under the new law, drivers can no longer read or send text or picture messages on their handheld device or laptop while their car is in motion. Lawbreakers face fines up to $150,” said William J. Smith, Communications Director at the District Attorney’s Office of the Richmond County.

Mr. Smith also said that in New York, anti-texting fines can only be imposed as a second offense. That means only if the driver appears to be breaking another law, he/she can receive a summons for texting. These summonses, which are issued by the NYPD, are processed by the DMV.

But the price of the lives that are put in danger when a driver is behind the wheel intexticated shouldn’t be compared to a mere fine.

If we admit to using phones while driving, and we know how dangerous it is, then why do we still put ourselves at risk? It’s not just about drunk driving anymore. There are so many distractions that can endanger not only your life, but the lives around you.

KeeptheDrive.com is a great resource to learn more about texting while driving, and how to be a great driver. It provides real stories and solutions to drive safely. So when you take the wheel, hold on to it. Put your phones down, avoid a crash, and save a life!

Related posts:

1. Round Two of the Swine Flu?
2. You’ve Got A Bomb In Your Hand!
3. What Parking?

Smoking is harmful. It causes diseases, and it doesn‘t just harm the person smoking, but everyone around as well. Some people might not know the affects of smoking, but most people do know, due to the many commercials warning them of what can happen. Smoking shouldn’t be something people do, and here’s why.

According to www.smoking-facts.net, cigarettes contain a lot of chemicals that are proven to be cancerous and harmful, such as: acetone, tar, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and nicotine. Tar is used to patch up roads. Acetone is used to remove nail polish.

Carbon monoxide is fatal in large amounts. Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known to man. And the most disturbing one yet, formaldehyde is very poisonous, and is used to preserve corpses.

“Some of the possible side-affects are COPD- (chronic abstractive pulmonary disease). One of these is emphysema. Smoking can also lead to lung cancer, cardiac problems, and other problems of the vital organs of the body. Even secondhand smoke has proven to cause health problems to people who inhale it,” said school nurse RN Brigid Davies.

So, what is our school doing to raise awareness about smoking?

“We tell kids not to smoke, we put up signs that say not to smoke, and we have literature and classes on the harmful affects of tobacco,” said guidance Counselor Ms. Hattie Slaughter.

People nowadays know that smoking is harmful, and they still smoke.

According to Ms. Slaughter, teens start smoking, because they are curious, or pressured by peers, or think it might make them feel grown up. And what’s worse, once a person starts smoking, they are hooked. Others, however, are smarter.

There have been incidents of students caught smoking on school property. According to Ms. Slaughter, smoking on school property is illegal, and the students caught had to listen to long lectures about smoking.

“Yeah, I got caught smoking. They suspended me. I don’t care much. I still smoke sometimes, but not around the school,” said an anonymous student from our school.

Many smokers do have white, beautiful smiles, fine breathing, and don’t have any problems that come from smoking. But don’t be fooled. Those problems don’t happen overnight. It takes years to develop them, and usually when these problems do start to appear, it might be too late to fix them.

“Smoking is disgusting. It’s tempting to try and the majority of people have tried it. But in the end I realized that it doesn’t do anything good for anyone and I think people shouldn’t do it,” said freshman Rachel Kogan.

Smoking is a nasty habit. It can be broken, but it tends to be a long and painful process for the smokers. So what is the best solution to prevent cancer and diseases caused by smoking? Don’t smoke! Every person gets one life. Is it worth to lose it to an illness caused by smoking?

Related posts:

1. Backbreakers in CSI
2. AP Bio Students Learn New Technology
3. Swine Flu – Goes Global

What’s the deal with swine flu?

Is there a vaccine to help prevent H1N1 influenza?

What are the symptoms?

Are there side effects?

“Our school follows the same protocols as the Department of Education and the Department of Health. Posters of guidelines are being posted around the school. Also, parents are warned to have their child stay home if they show symptoms of the swine flu, such as a fever,” said Principal, Ms. Aimee Horowitz.

People have become ill with swine flu since April 2009. Since then, Mexico and Canada have reported cases of the new strain.

H1N1 influenza spreads from person-to-person, just the way normal seasonal influenza viruses spread.

The symptoms of H1N1 influenza are a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

Symptoms usually last from seven to ten days.

To stay well there are precautions one can take:

• Cleaning of cafeterias, bathrooms and hard surfaces such as doorknobs should be maintained every day.

• There should be plentiful supplies of soap and paper towels in the bathrooms at all times.

• Make sure windows are opened as much as possible to promote ventilation and circulation in the air.

• The school administration in conference with the NYCDOE and NYCDOHMH will make sure there is the appropriate personal protective equipment maintained in school

• Staff members should not interfere with the operations of the medical office, only for the purposes of safety.

• If students or staff have flu symptoms, they should stay home and isolated at least 24 hours after they are free of fever

• The NYCDOE and NYCDOHMH will plan and provide coverage for schools that do not have a nurse or other health care personnel and coverage for school nurses who are out sick.

Recently, the FDA approved a vaccine for the H1N1 influenza virus which should be distributed sometime in October.

“The vaccine is optional, but the healthcare professions are bumped to the top of the list for obtaining the shot,” said Administration Nurse at Staten Island University Hospital, Lucille Pistilli.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, people with life-threatening allergies to chicken eggs or to any other material inside the vaccine, should not be vaccinated.

Also, certain people are more vulnerable to the swine flu, such as children under two, pregnant women and people taking immune suppressant drugs.

“Vaccinations should be mandatory for school, to protect and prevent students from the swine flu. Although, I think the swine flu is just as bad as any other flu. Children and elderly people are at more risk to catch the swine flu because their immune system is not that great. Here in the United States, people could be treated better than in Mexico because we have more supplies and medicine,” said junior, Devan LaBarbera.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, vaccines help prevent infections and viruses. After the vaccine is injected, the body’s immune system produces antibodies that will fight off infection if the body comes in contact with the virus.

“I feel that vaccinations are a good idea to prevent a virus or disease, but they can also make a situation worse. Especially after a shot is given, there are high chances that side effects are going to occur,” said senior Katie McSherry.

According to UFT.org, the United Federation of Teachers is working together with the New York City Department of Education and New York City Department of Health to make sure schools are prepared.

“I think the swine flu is similar to any other seasonal flu, so the vaccine might be similar as well. I would get the vaccine shot if my doctor recommends doing so,” said senior Josephine Barone.

Related posts:

1. Swine Flu – Goes Global
2. Bloomberg: Round Three
3. Saving the Planet, One Country at a Time

The United States has the highest numbers of obese people in the world out of 195 countries on this planet. Many children today are physically inactive, overweight, obese, and malnourished. If such poor lifestyle habits are not improved, obesity will become a severe epidemic in the US.

Obesity poses endless health risks, such as premature death, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, various cancers, breathing problems, arthritis, and risks for pregnant women.

Weight problems also pose negative psychological effects, which can decrease physical health.

For those of you interested in looking good and living a long, healthy and happy life, you can start changing your lifestyle now. If you practice good habits now, they will stay with you throughout life.

A healthy lifestyle requires a healthy and balanced diet, moderate exercise, and adequate rest. There is no reason to go on any strict diet, if you consistently make healthy food choices. There are countless healthy recipes found in books or online to guide you.

Sugary drinks and junk food should be avoided. Some believe they are just as addictive as drugs or alcohol.

Also, pay attention to food portions and decrease snacking, especially in the late hours of the day when your metabolism is working slower

Make it a priority to exercise several times a week. Watch TV or listen to music while exercising to avoid boredom.

Rest and relaxation are also important factors of a healthy lifestyle. Try meditation after a workout. Taking small steps throughout your day can make a huge difference on your health and life.

Now is your opportunity to change your diet and learn how to cook. If regular water is dull, try squeezing a lemon or other citrus for flavor in your water bottle.

To replace the junk food in vending machines, you can eat nuts, seeds, or dried fruit.

Remember your body is delicate and requires constant care and attention. A healthy lifestyle is a commitment everyone can make.

Related posts:

1. You’ve Got A Bomb In Your Hand!
2. Chancellor’s Changes Challenge Fundraising
3. Getting Fit for Summer

Guess who’s back, back again? Shady’s back. Tell a friend. Once more, Eminem has jumped back into the music world with his new LP (Limited Play) “Refill” following his April 2009 album “Relapse.” These two albums are packaged together by Shady Records as equals, but “Refill” clearly outshines the other.

Eminem is known for his in- your-face, controversial lyrics from his past albums, and these two are clearly no exception. In “Refill” the lyrics talk much about his addiction to drugs, his fame, and at some points, his personal life.

“Even though he uses a lot of vulgar language, he’s one of the few rappers who doesn’t only rap about sex, drugs and alcohol, but situations he’s going through in his life,” said junior Danielle Ianazzi.

His relationship with his late friend Proof , played a major role in the album where he dedicates it to Proof and in the song Elevator where he talks of parts of their past within the chorus.

However, the lyrics were a bit weak in one song, Taking My Ball, which doesn’t have the same flair of his other songs. But some disagree with that.

“I love them, nobody else thinks about lyrics like he does. Every song is his own, no matter how much cursing is in it. He just raps about how he feels about life,” said freshman Alexa Riggio.

In the recording studio, Dr. Dre did most of the producing, but Eminem helped with some songs like Drop the Bomb on Em’ or the song, Elevator.

“I wanted to get out of the recording booth and into the studio,” Eminem said in a 2009 press release following his release of “Relapse”.

Almost all the music in the songs were excellent, with few errors.

“Some songs had beats that were boring, and way too repetitive,” said junior Brandon Pincay.

“Relapse” was released in April of 2009. It was number one on the charts for five weeks with a mere 650,000 copies sold within those weeks at first. This album was said to be good for a comeback. But actually, this album was extremely weak compared to Eminem’s top selling “The Eminem Show”.

This “Relapse” did have its moments though such as, Bagpipes from Baghdad and We Made You.

“Other than Bagpipes and We Made You, I didn’t really care much for the album,” said junior Glenn Kugelman.

The full album “Relapse” was mediocre, or average at best. While Em’s latest work ”Refill” is quite good. There were many mistakes made on “Relapse”, which were not made on “Refill” making it a better album and the one to listen to.

Related posts:

1. The Special Olympics: Giving Back to Your Community
2. Demi and David’s Last Stop
3. An Album You’ll Go Love Drunk Over