Cannabis

I am seeing a rise in cannabis issues that are probably going to get worse once Arkansas has established dispensaries.  My personal feelings about cannabis are similar to my sense of other recreational substances: some ADULTS can responsibly use these substances and some can't.  Children definitely cannot responsibly use recreational substances especially cannabis.  However, the passing of medical cannabis laws seems to elicit a sense of social acceptance and safety that has detrimental effects on our kids.  Much of the cannabis is coming from legal sources in states with recreational cannabis where an Arkansan buys a large quantity and brings it back to our state.  There are many sources available on dark web shopping sites.  These dealers are typically shipping a large number of dabpens that are preloaded with cartridges of concentrated cannabis oil.  Many parents mistake these as typical vapes or e-cigarettes.  Getting to the root of the cannabis issue is often part of my job.  Some kids are purely using for pleasure.  Some kids are treating an underlying depression or anxiety disorder.  Some kids are very susceptible to peer pressure and can't say no.  If you have a child struggling with cannabis abuse, you are not alone.  My typical recommendation is to drug screen twice weekly and base your child's privileges on passing.  Know where your cash is going, get a receipt.  Check their Venmo.  Check their DMs and Snapchat.  Check your mailbox and their backpack.  Verify your child has not established their own P.O. Box.  Good luck out there.

Fitness in Mid-life reduces dementia in elderly

A recent study reports a 36% reduced rate of dementia in individuals whose fitness was tested 25 years earlier.

To AP or not to AP

Is there advantage for the average high school kid to take AP classes?  Some people would say "absolutely".  You have to go to a great college, and the only way to get in is to have AP classes with a high GPA.  But wait.. even if you get in, can you afford it?  Is it worth it? I see so many stressed out, over-scheduled high school kids that I have come to wonder if the average student needs AP at all.  The sleep-deprivation and anxiety just do not seem worth it sometimes.