Parents and Kids
Nominations for the 2013 Milly Kibrick Youth Recognition Awards must be received by May 30. The awards honor young men and women who actively work to make a difference in helping to improve their schools, local communities and Westchester County. If you know a Westchester County junior high school student who fits the criteria, be sure to submit your recommendation without delay. Read about last year's winners.
Prom Safety
Be sure your teen is safe during prom season. The county has a zero-tolerance attitude on underage drinking so be sure you speak to your children about this, and they confirm to you they understand the consequences.
Practice safe driving habits
Texting while driving is dangerous -- and, it's against the law. New studies show that drivers overestimate their ability to multitask behind the wheel. Experienced and new drivers alike need to keep both hands on the wheel when driving.
Try your hand at the "Gauging Your Distraction" game as featured in a series of articles, Driven to Distraction, in the Technology Section of the New York Times Web site. This game measures how your reaction time is affected by external distractions. Regardless of your results, bottom line is that you should not text when driving.
Using tanning beds poses certain risks
Parents should think twice about allowing their teens to tan in tanning beds. International cancer experts have confirmed that the use of tanning beds causes cancer. Parents need to talk to their teens about the potential dangers now, because while the skin cancer concern applies to people of all ages, those under 30 are most at risk.
Teen health
Fit Kids, an anti-obesity program, works with schools to help encourage young people to eat healthier and get more physical activity.
The county, through the Office of STOP-DWI, has a comprehensive campaign to deter underage drinking, binge drinking and distracted driving. Programs in the Department of Health focus on a variety of health and lifestyle issues including anti-smoking.