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Ruppersberger Joins Interactive Game to Educate Harford Youth on Dangers of Underage DrinkingAug 01, 2012 (Congressional Documents and Publications/ContentWorks via COMTEX) -- (Timonium, MD) - Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) today joined members of the Havre de Grace Boys and Girls Club in an interactive physical fitness game designed to teach them about the dangers of underage drinking. The Century Council's Ask, Listen, Learn program is based on research that suggests physical activity is required for a human brain to function at its peak and asks kids to pledge to make healthy choices. About 36 percent of adolescents say they have tried alcohol by the time they reach eighth grade and nearly half of 12-14-year-olds believe alcohol education has influenced the decisions they have made. "It's so important that kids understand that the choices they make today - good or bad - will have a lasting impact on their lives," said Congressman Ruppersberger. "I'm proud to participate in the creative work the Ask, Listen, Learn team is doing to engage children in the sometimes challenging discussion about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and the dangers of underage drinking." Funded by major alcohol distillers, The Century Council is a national nonprofit that fights drunk driving and underage drinking. "According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 16 percent of 12 to 14-year-olds report they have consumed alcohol in the past month," said Sarah Cissna of The Century Council. "Our Ask, Listen, Learn program has the potential to further reduce these numbers." Developed more than six years ago, Ask, Listen, Learn has already reached millions of parents, kids, and teachers around the country. The program taps role models such as current Olympic sprinter Tyson Gay and Baltimore's own Debbie Phelps, mother of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, to share their own experiences. "We are thrilled The Century Council was able to bring their Ask, Listen, Learn program to the Havre de Grace Boys and Girls Club," said branch director Otelia Brannigan. "Talking about the dangers of underage drinking with our youth is incredibly important and I have a feeling, after today's event, our students will be asking to play the interactive activity a lot. I believe the more enthusiasm we can build around this important issue - saying 'no' to underage drinking - the smarter choices our students will make." Read this original document at: http://dutch.house.gov/2012/07/ruppersberger-joins-interactive-game-to-educate-harford-youth-on-dangers-of-underage-drinking.shtml |