Nobody Likes to Lose a Friend
by: Austin Lopez
There have been a lot of drug influences around lately and it's good to remember the consequences and dangers you face when you take, or are near anyone who uses drugs. There are many types of drugs that are available to students such as tobacco, marijuana, and prescription drugs. The most statistically deadly out of all of these is tobacco, then prescription drugs, and lastly marijuana. Tobacco causes the deaths of almost 450,000 Americans every year including those who are exposed to second-hand smoke. Men are more susceptible to tobacco related death than women.
Some facts about tobacco and it's dangers include the following:
* More deaths are caused each year by tobacco use than by all deaths from HIV, illegal drug use, alcohol, motorcycle injuries, suicides, and murders put together.
* Smoking cigarettes, pipes, or cigars increases the risk of dying from lung cancer and other infectious diseases.
* Nicotine in smokeless tobacco may increase the risk for sudden death from a condition where the heart does not work right, then the heart pumps no blood at all to the body's organs.
Prescription drugs are also very harmful to those who are not careful with medication that they are not familiar with. There are many drugs that are abused by teens :
1. Opioids
* Examples: OxyContin, Vicodin, and Demerol used to treat pain, relieve coughs, and/or stop constant diarrhea. Opioids attach to opioid receptors in the central nervous system (the brain and the spinal cord), stopping your body from feeling any pain.
2. Depressants
* Examples: Nembutal, Xanax, and Valium. Depressants are used to treat anxiety, stress, panic attacks, and sleep disorders. Depressants slow down brain activity by increasing the activity of a neurotransmitter, which can make you drowsy or calm.
3. Stimulants
* Examples: Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrin. Stimulants can be used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and other illnesses. Stimulants increase the brains activity, making you more aware and full of energy.
Using these drugs abusively can result in dangerous side affects or even death.
Last but not least we have the most common drug that is available to teens, Marijuana. Marijuana or cannabis can be seen as a relaxant. It stimulates the nerves and sometimes leaves the subject paranoid. Americans that use marijuana illegally outnumber the population of those who have medical prescriptions. Since Marijuana has been so easy to obtain, more and more teenagers and young adults are being prosecuted and affected by the drug's effects. So remember guys if your friends are doing it and they pressure you into doing it just say no. You'll not only be doing yourself a favor, but you'll be helping to influence others that doing drugs is not an okay thing. So, stay safe Raiders, because nobody likes to lose a friend.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Southwest Shines!
By Cheyenne Alexander
From the beginning of the year, band and color guard have practiced for many long hours and many long days preparing for the 2011 Band Pageant. This year, band class decided to make a show revolving around the military. These students prepared for many competitions, which in the end, were canceled but that didn't stop the Royal Raider Regiment. Band, including color guard, practiced very hard and even added practices just to prepare for this first and last performance. On November 15, the Royal Raider Regiment lit up the field and made the crowd fall in love.
The big day was finally here for Band and Color Guard, and they were prepared but a little frightened. The pageant was at Southwestern College at 6:00 PM. No one was nervous until they were in line to go one field. In what felt like only a minute, they were announced to go on field. Then, the
Band and Color Guard went out on the field and did the best they ever did. They did so well that they were the only band who had everyone in the stands standing up, clapping, screaming, and crying. Plus they had actual sailors performing with them. Everyone did amazingly well. Band would like to thank the sailors who helped them out and also the school and fellow band mates for their support.
Congratulations to the Band and Color Guard members; that was a wonderful show you performed. It just goes to show you that you can be the best, if you put your heart and mind into something you truly love and want. Remember Raiders, you have the power to be your BEST!
By Cheyenne Alexander
From the beginning of the year, band and color guard have practiced for many long hours and many long days preparing for the 2011 Band Pageant. This year, band class decided to make a show revolving around the military. These students prepared for many competitions, which in the end, were canceled but that didn't stop the Royal Raider Regiment. Band, including color guard, practiced very hard and even added practices just to prepare for this first and last performance. On November 15, the Royal Raider Regiment lit up the field and made the crowd fall in love.
The big day was finally here for Band and Color Guard, and they were prepared but a little frightened. The pageant was at Southwestern College at 6:00 PM. No one was nervous until they were in line to go one field. In what felt like only a minute, they were announced to go on field. Then, the
Band and Color Guard went out on the field and did the best they ever did. They did so well that they were the only band who had everyone in the stands standing up, clapping, screaming, and crying. Plus they had actual sailors performing with them. Everyone did amazingly well. Band would like to thank the sailors who helped them out and also the school and fellow band mates for their support.
Congratulations to the Band and Color Guard members; that was a wonderful show you performed. It just goes to show you that you can be the best, if you put your heart and mind into something you truly love and want. Remember Raiders, you have the power to be your BEST!
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