Parental Smoking Adversely Affects Children’s Education

A recent article in the journal Pediatrics found that second-hand in the home has an adverse effect on school attendance. While it’s common knowledge that second-hand smoke is dangerous to the health of those in the same breathing space, this smoke has many more negative effects on children than just poor health – it also effects their education.

The study, which involved a national group of participants, revealed that between one-quarter and one-third of the days missed from school were associated with smoking-related illnesses acquired from home. Illnesses that kept children home from school were largely respiratory tract infections and chest colds. Of interest, the researchers also looked at households that contained only one smoker in the residence and compared it to two or more smokers. As would be expected, the results showed that the more smokers in the house, the more days the child was absent from school.

While it is well documented that inhaling second-hand smoke can lead to a plethora of health issues, especially for children (i.e. including asthma, infections and colds), smoking can negatively affect a child’s learning skills. Children who miss school often miss critical lessons taught in their classroom as well as important assignments, both that can lead to a sense of pressure to catch up. Some children are often unable to catch up and therefore failing or settling for lower grade than they are actually capable of earning.

Aside from the educational disadvantages to the children living with parents or guardians who smoke, there are also significant economic losses associated with smoking in homes with school-age children. As noted in the study, 70% of the parents were employed and had to take days off from work to be with their sick child. If one parent stayed home every day a child stayed home from school, the study found that this represented lost work time of $176 million in 2005 dollars based on the average salaries and jobs reported by those involved with the study (average salary = $20,000).

In essence, smoking obviously has negative health effects but it is now connected with school absences and poor child educational experiences as well as economic losses.

While smoking is considered one of the hardest habits to quit, it is also one of the addictions with the most available help across the nation. Parents need to understand that although they may feel better and relaxed with their routine nicotine fix, they are adversely affecting their child’s health, education, and overall well-being. Saying ‘no’ to the cigarettes is the best way to improve the well-being of the entire family.

Here are some local and state resources to get help you quit smoking and protect your children:www.determinedtoquit.com


1. Talk with your primary care physician
2. Freedom From Smoking Program
Crawford County Drug & Alcohol Executive Commission, Inc.
Meadville, PA: 814-724-4100
3. The Pennsylvania State Health Center/Department of Health
Website: www.health.state.pa.us/quitnow
Meadville, PA: 814-332-6947
4. Meadville Medical Center
Meadville, PA: 814-333-5000
5. Freedom From Smoking Program
Titusville Area Hospital
Titusville, PA: 814-827-1851 ext. 358
6. QuitNet
Erie County Department of Health
Erie, PA: 814-451-6709
7. Smoke Free For Life
American Respiratory Alliance
Cranberry Township, PA: 724-772-1750
8. Smokeless Saturday
American Respiratory Alliance of Western Pennsylvania
Cranberry Township, PA: 724-772-1750
9. Determined to quit website:
10. Penn Lung Center: 800-789-PENN (7366) for counseling referral
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A Few Key Facts About Secondhand Smoke and Children


Children who spend one hour in an extremely smoky room inhale enough toxic chemicals to equal smoking 10 cigarettes.Children in smoking households experience more middle ear infections. Inhaled cigarette smoke irritates the Eustachian tube, and the subsequent swelling leads to infections, which are the most common cause of hearing loss in children. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that between 200,000 and 1,000,000 kids with asthma have their condition worsened by secondhand smoke.It has been estimated that between 50 and 75 percent of children in the United States have detectable levels of cotanine in their bloodstream. (Cotanine is a substance that is created in the body when nicotine metabolizes.) Children face a higher risk than adults of negative effects of secondhand smoke because their breathing rate is faster. In other words, they take in more air (or smoke) per minute than an adultYoung children may have poor lung development when breathing in the toxins from cigarette smoke.

References:

Levy, D. E., Winickoff, J. P., Rigotti, N. A. (2011). School absenteeism among children living with smokers. Pediatrics, 128(4), 1067-1074. Retrieved September 8, 2011 from
 http://quitsmoking.about.com/od/secondhandsmoke/a/smokeandkids.htm.

Martin, T. (2010). Secondhand smoke and children. How secondhand smoke affects a child. Retrieved September 8, 2011 from
 http://webserver.health.state.pa.us/health/custom/tobaccocessation.asp?county=Crawford.

Pennsylvania Department of Health. (2011). Pre-approved tobacco cessation registry, Crawford County. Retrieved September 8, 2011 from

Support Groups Key to Living Beyond Cancer

Breast Cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, and is also one of the most curable types of cancer – especially if detected early. Aside from the physical elements associated with breast cancer, this type of cancer can also cause significant depression and stress.

A 2010 study in the Journal of North American Association of Christians in Social Work found that groups meeting at least once a month were able to work through various emotional elements of breast cancer treatment and survival by discussing stressors and coping strategies. Studies of breast cancer over the past two decades have shown the importance of support for surviving the process from diagnosis to treatment to remission.

According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, social support can significantly improve the quality of life for people going through cancer as well as those surrounding the cancer victim. Research found that social support groups reduce anxiety and stress, lower the risk of emotional distress and depression, and decrease feelings of fatigue and pain. In addition, social support groups can improve mood, self-image, and ability to cope with stress. Furthermore, the group’s benefits go beyond the diagnosis and treatment phase by helping breast cancer survivors adjust during the remission phase of cancer.

On the local level, there are several breast cancer support groups that exist throughout Crawford County. Once such group, however, has been in existence for more than 20 years and has helped more than 200 women through breast cancer. The “Looking Ahead Breast Cancer Support Group” is a strong support network of women in the area who help each other through the stresses of breast cancer. One of the key leaders, Terry Hood, remarked that the group has a strong core membership of about 20 women, but so many more have been part of the group over the past two decades.

A key element that makes “Looking Ahead” such a strong support for women is that are no judgments made about any woman or her experiences. Each woman is encouraged to speak freely about her feelings and receives a plethora of support from all in the room. “There is no right or wrong way to feel,” Ms. Hood remarked. “We are there to help anyone with their questions, thoughts, fears, and anything else that is on their mind.”

“Looking Ahead” meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. on the second floor of St. Brigid’s Church, 967 Chancery Lane in Meadville. It is important to note that the group is not associated with this church or any other religious denomination. It is also not affiliated with any of the cancer treatment centers or healthcare facilities in the area. It is a separate entity operating solely for the purpose of supporting those with breast cancer – men and women alike.

For more information on the support group, contact 814-382-8904. There are several cancer support groups operating in the area and can be found by connecting with the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute in Meadville at 814-373-2335.

References

Collins, W. L., & Antle, B. (2010). African American women living beyond breast cancer in a Kentucky support group. Journal of the North American Association of Christians in Social Work, 37(1), 65-77.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure. (2011). Benefits of social support. Retrieved August 31, 2011 from http://ww5.komen.org/Content.aspx?id=5904.

Playing "Chicken" is Plain Stupid

Drivers playing “chicken” with a runner, walker, or bicyclist who actually WIN this deadly game are likely to head to prison for homicide by motor vehicle.  Despite this potential outcome, it’s amazing the number of people who are more than eager to play the game anyway.

As a runner and bicyclist, I am shocked by the number of drivers who – laughing the whole time – intentionally veer into my path in an attempt to get me to dive into the nearest ditch. Interestingly enough, I have had drivers purposefully swerve onto a gravel berm or into a designated bicycle lane just to see my reaction! While I personally may be quick enough jump out of the way, many others may not be as agile. But, that’s despite the point. Furthermore, it’s not just the suspected new and young drivers who play the game; plenty of veteran vehicle operators seem to enjoy a rousing round of chicken with any unsuspecting pedestrian that may be in their path. My last rendezvous with a chicken-playing car was driven by a female senior citizen laughing with her passenger-side girlfriend as I vaulted head first into the bushes nearby.

Regardless of your age, think about this whole game concept: you’re driving a one-ton or heavier vehicle into the path of a 130-pound person (more or less, depending on the pedestrian). It seems like a silly question, but which one do you think would win that battle? That’s a no-brainer. Chicken is a stupid, dangerous, and reckless game. Plain and simple: it’s murder or, at the very least, attempted murder. Whenever I can, I always make an effort to capture the license plate number of the car with my camera phone or memory when I witness such behavior. Unlike some, I will take the time to pursue the issue in court. And, I encourage other pedestrians, runners, and cyclists to do the same and follow-through with at least a reckless endangerment charge against the driver.

According to federal law, killing someone intentionally with your vehicle (including via the game “chicken”) is considered manslaughter. Manslaughter is a Class C Felony, which the law reads: “holds people liable for any death which occurs because of criminal negligence, or a violation of traffic safety laws.”

To refresh (or enlighten) you about the law, here is the entire statute from Pennsylvania’s State Laws:

Homicide by vehicle - 75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3732

Offense. – Any person who recklessly or with gross negligence causes the death of another person while engaged in the violation of any law of this Commonwealth or municipal ordinance applying to the operation or use of a vehicle or to the regulation of traffic except section 3802 (relating to driving under influence of alcohol or controlled substance) is guilty of homicide by vehicle, a felony of the third degree, when the violation is the cause of death.

According to the maximum sentence in Pennsylvania, the violator could face up to five years in jail plus pay any losses in connection with the family of the deceased. In other states, jail sentences could be upwards of 40 years, as was the case with one person in Wisconsin. In essence, playing “chicken” could cost you more than you bargain for.  In addition, anyone playing “chicken” where death does not occur could still be charged with reckless endangerment, a 2^nd degree misdemeanor, which is subject to up to two years in prison plus payment of personal losses and psychological distress suffered by the victim.

I don’t care how “fun” or “cool” it may appear, “chicken” is deadly and stupid. There is never a reason to intentionally steer your car into the path of a runner or cyclist – or any other pedestrian. If you do, you may bear the consequences of reckless endangerment or face criminal charges of homicide by motor vehicle.

A motor vehicle is not a toy, it is not a video game … it is a mode of transportation and needs to be treated as such. There are certain responsibilities that come with obtaining that driver’s license. One of those responsibilities involves eliminating the risk to your life and the lives of others. Public health professionals have long been pushing for people to take driving seriously for their own protection – but more importantly, for the safety of those around you: mothers with babies, toddlers, children, senior citizens, or any other human being.

Keep the community safe. Drive with some common sense or don’t drive at all.

References

Pennsylvania Law and Research. (2011). Pennsylvania Criminal Law. Retrieved August 22, 2011 from http://www.pa-laws.com/pa-laws_website_008.htm.

Pennsylvania State Law. (2011). Retrieved August 22, 2011 from http://law.onecle.com/pennsylvania/vehicles/00.037.032.000.html.

Wikipedia. (2011). Manslaughter. Retrieved August 22, 2011 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manslaughter.

Oral Health, Personal Safety Key Issues in Crawford County

Lack of access to oral health and general personal safety concerns are among the key issues identified through the preliminary results of the Crawford Health Needs Assessment.

Currently, less than 1,000 people have submitted their responses to the health assessment. To have an accurate picture of the health needs throughout the county, the assessment team would like to have 10 percent of the county’s population respond to its survey, which is available online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/crawfordcountyhealth.  Because the survey is performed through SurveyMonkey, only one response is permitted per computer; therefore, the assessment team is encouraging phone calls to receive paper surveys or complete the 12-minute survey via phone. County residents are urged to call Jessica Chase at 814-333-1762 or Max Lindquist at 814-333-1758. All information is confidential and neither your name nor phone number will not be taken for any purpose. You can also find the assessment team at the Crawford County Fair next week.

According to these preliminary results, nearly 30 percent of the respondents said that they have either found it difficult finding dental care that is affordable or that they lack dental insurance. In addition, nearly one-quarter of the respondents noted that their employer doesn’t offer dental insurance. Oral health is a serious concern, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is often taken for granted. The CDC reports that oral diseases often afflict those in lower-income brackets because they cannot afford or find appropriate care. Gum disease that results from poor oral hygiene is also a serious problem and if left untreated could lead to other health issues. The CDC reports links between oral infections and diabetes, heart disease, stroke and premature and low-weight births. A common and easy fix for all residents of a community is through water fluoridation – something lacking in Meadville as well as other parts of Crawford County.

The second issue revealed in the assessment’s preliminary results revolved around four key community safety concerns. First, nearly 85% of the respondents stated that they believe poverty is prevalent throughout Crawford County. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the citizens of Crawford County have an accurate view of the area’s poverty status. The percentage of people living below poverty in Crawford County is 16.2, which is far above the state’s poverty percentage of 12.5. It is also higher than the national average of people living below the poverty level, which is 14.3 percent.  With approximately 88,800 people living in Crawford County, the number of people surviving at or below the poverty level is an astounding 14,300! Poverty and poor health are strongly linked, mainly because those living in poverty cannot afford or access the health care system. In addition, studies have shown that those in poverty often will wait until a health problem is beyond cure before seeking assistance. Preventative care is generally not a consideration for those living in poverty due to a lack of financial resources.

Also revealed in the assessment was the belief that underage drinking is a serious issue in Crawford County. Interestingly, the Crawford County Drug and Alcohol Commission has been working on a social norms campaign at the high school and college levels to dispel rumors of the prevalence of underage drinking. Contrary to the popular belief that underage drinking is widespread, the CCDAC found that this is truly not the case. Less than 10 percent of the underage population participates in underage drinking with the majority adhering to the law and sound personal principals. The social norms campaign has been successful in preventing young people from trying alcohol because they believe “it is what everyone is doing.” Because it is NOT what young people are doing, the perception of underage drinking issues must be changed. Students across the county are working closely with the CCDAC to reveal the truth about underage drinking in Crawford County.

Another issue unveiled through the health assessment was that 77 percent of the respondents admitted to talking on a cell phone while driving with 36 percent stating they texted while driving over the past year. Distracted driving is a serious health and safety concern. Driving requires full attention. While we are a population of multi-taskers, driving while distracted in any form can cause serious injury or death to you or someone else. According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration, 16 percent of all fatal crashes from 2008 were due to distracted driving.  Only 24 states have banned texting while driving for all drivers with 9 states banning the practice for novice drivers. That leaves 17 states, including Pennsylvania, which allows the practice of texting while driving. Of interest, the bus that drives your child to school every day could legally text while driving that bus – with your children on board! The concern revealed from nationwide statistics as well as through our own health assessment shows that distracted driving is prevalent and worsening if stricter laws are not put into place.

These preliminary results could profoundly change depending on how many people respond to the survey by the end of the surveying period. Again, if you haven’t yet completed it, you can do so at the Crawford County Fair the week of August 21^st. All residents of the county are urged to make their health needs known so that the health organizations in our communities can provide the services and help you need.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). Oral Health: Preventing cavities, gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancers at a glance 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2011 from http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/AAG/doh.htm.

Texting While Driving. (2011). Beware the dangers of texting while driving. Retrieved August 4, 2011 from http://texting-while-driving.org/.

U.S. Census Bureau. (2011). Quick Facts: Crawford County, Pennsylvania. Retrieved August 4, 2011 from http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/42/42039.html.

You Are What You Tweet

“You are what you tweet!” That is the title of a newly released research study that revealed an interesting public health view of social networking. In the high-speed computer age in which we now reside, it’s important to remember that much information is commonly and voluntarily revealed through postings to Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and many other such sites. 

In July, Johns Hopkins University released a study that discovered “tweets” could potentially help identify public health trends across the country and throughout the world. The recent study suggested that Twitter in particular could help identify health patterns of cancer, obesity, allergies, tobacco use, insurance needs, and much more. People tweet a plethora of information, many of which tend to revolve around the health of themselves and their families. By monitoring the tweeting of specific words or phrases provided real-time information on population health by region, state, and locality.

Several examples from this study showed that traditional health monitoring systems did eventually catch up to the information that Twitter tweets revealed so much faster. Influenza was one such piece of information. The study showed that people tweeting how sick they felt or that they had caught the flu provided quicker tracking information than current models used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, the article found that the Twitter tracking had a 96 percent correlation with the CDC’s flu monitoring system. The only difference was that the tweets were more quickly revealed than the CDC’s system. Furthermore, the state level tracking system was also highly correlated to Twitter posts.

In relation to influenza tracking information, Twitter users were posting their use of antibiotics for the flu, which indicated a need for improved public education on the overuse of antibiotics. Antibiotics are to be used for bacterial infections. Influenza is a viral infection and, therefore, it is useless for killing the flu bug. In this case, the tweets could lead to improved public health awareness campaigns.

Insomnia was also highly reported via Twitter, as was the use of Benadryl to combat the problem. The revelation for public health professionals showed that over-the-counter drugs are often used for off-label ailments.

Aches and pains were identified frequently among Twitter posters. Among those revealing headaches or similar trouble tweeted the word “ibuprofen” most frequently (39 percent of the time for minor headaches; 49 percent for more severe pain). Such information could show the self-medication behaviors of the population. Such tweets also include the use of stronger medications such as codeine and Vicodin.

Finally, obesity and other food-related health concerns could all be tracked through postings related to exercising, lack of exercising, cheating on a diet, eating fresh fruits, going to the farmer’s market, eating fast food, binge eating, and the list goes on. Social media monitoring could potentially lead to improved health education and interventions to reverse the growing obesity rates.

The take-home message of such a study is two-fold. For public health professionals, it offers yet another monitoring method to help track trends and build needed health campaigns to improve the health of the population. For the general public, your tweets are helpful in revealing your health needs, health preferences, and health conditions. The Johns Hopkins University researchers ask that people continue to post at will, because it may actually be one of the fastest health monitoring systems currently available today.

References

Paul, M. J., & Dredze, M. (2011). You are what you tweet: Analyzing Twitter for public health.  Human Language Technology Center of Excellence, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore.

Sneiderman, P. (2011). You are what you tweet: Tracking public health trends by Twitter. Retrieved July 18, 2011 from http://gazette.jhu.edu/?p=8356.

Villarica, H. (2011). 10 things we can learn from your health-related Twitter rants. Retrieved July 18, 2011 from http://www.theatlantic.com/life/archive/2011/07/10-things-we-can-learn-from-your-health-related-twitter-rants/242002/#slide1.

How to Get a Cake with 100 Candles

The opening line of an article in the May/June issue of Psychology Today asks the question: “What does it take to get a cake with 100 candles?”

A loaded question, it may seem, but the article continues to discuss the connection between attitude and life longevity. It may seem obvious, but the more positive and optimistic a person, the more likely that he or she will live a longer and healthier life. A recent study published in Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research noted that those who are optimistic, conscientious, welcome new experiences and maintain close relationships might live well beyond the century mark.

A growing body of academic research is now focusing on the psychological state of people as they age rather than looking at physical and genetic dispositions that support longevity. One particular study published this year in Health and Quality of Life Outcomes showed that individuals’ own actions had a greater influence on their overall health than outside factors, including upbringing and environment. Such actions include but are not limited to positive self-talk, healthy physical activities, and strong self-efficacy.

Numerous people have reached – and gone beyond – the 100-year mark. More than a decade ago, Perelman wrote that positive attitudes reap long life. In his book “100 Centenarians,” Perelman outlined the lives of 100 individuals who lived to be at least 100. Although published in 1999, the book carries an underlying theme that is still relevant today. It revolves around what today’s modern scientific studies are now finding through research: positive attitudes are associated with long and healthy lives.

Here are three key examples noted by Perelman:

1. Grandma Moses (aka Anna Mary Robertson) was born in 1860 and died in 1961 at the young age of 101.  Anna Mary suffered through numerous family losses from the blizzard of 1927 and an influenza epidemic of 1932. As she began to age, she started to paint to ease the pain of arthritis. At age 80, Grandma Moses sold her first paintings and the sales never stopped. Through family turmoil and her own physical aging, Grandma Moses never once uttered the words “woe is me.” She held a positive attitude and lived a long and prosperous life because of it.

2. Famous comedian George Burns had been born into poverty.  His given name was Nathan and he was one of 12 children of the late Louis Phillip Birnbaum and Dorothy Bluth. According to Perelman, George “joked” his way out of poverty. At age 7, he joined a quartet and sang on the street to make money. He quit school in the fourth grade to sing, dance and perform roller skating tricks in vaudeville. As the story goes, George became a famous comedian, actor and television star. His secret to a long life might be attributed to his healthy sense of humor.

3.  Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald Kennedy, mother of former president John F. Kennedy, lived to be 105. She was a stern mother and one who demanded that children behave properly. In the limelight quite often, Rose always kept an air of dignity. She maintained a positive attitude and outlook, regardless of what challenges faced her. According to a quote in Perelman’s book, she said, “God wants us to be happy and take pleasure in life. He doesn’t want us to be sad.” Of interest, her latter years were spent in a wheelchair due to multiple debilitating strokes; however, she always kept a positive attitude.

Two other interesting individuals who lived a long and prosperous life are not as well known. One of them was Marie Louise Levesque Chasse Meilleur, 117, mother of 10 children and resident of Canada. She had 85 grandchildren, 80 great-grandchildren, 57 great-great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-great-grandchildren. Perelman noted that she attributed her longevity to hard work and staying healthy. She had quit smoking at age 90 and died of natural causes in 1998. The other individual was Christian Mortensen, 115, of Denmark who stated in Perelman’s book: “A good cigar, lots of water, no alcohol and staying positive will keep you alive a long time.” He also died in 1998.

Some other notable Centenarians are: Dr. Katherine Bain, 101, a pediatrician who spearheaded efforts to create childproof safety caps for medicines as well as safety release standards for refrigerator doors; Irving Berlin, 101, writing of 1,500 songs including “God Bless America” and “White Christmas;” Dr. William D. Coolidge, 101, developer of the modern x-ray tube and tungsten filament used in electric light bulbs; Bessie Delany, 104, one of the first African American female dentists in the United States; Chester Cornelius Hoff, 107, New York Highlander major league baseball pitcher from 1911 to 1915 who struck out Ty Cobb during his second appearance; and Victor Mills, 100, Proctor and Gamble chemical engineer who developed Pampers disposable diapers.

Positive attitudes reap longevity. Research has confirmed this concept and real people have proven it by living to and beyond 100 years of age. Just maintain a positive attitude and you too may be able to blow out 100 candles on your birthday cake some day.

References

Bowling, A., & Iliffe, S. (2011). Psychological approach to successful ageing predicts future quality of life in older adults. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 9(1), 13-22.

Conrad, M. (2011). Feeling great at 108. Psychology Today, May/June 2011, 41.

Duenwald, M. (2002). Power of positive thinking extends, it seems, to aging. Global Action on Aging. Retrieved July 1, 2011 from http://www.globalaging.org/health/us/positive.htm.

Umstattd, M. R., McAuley, E., Motl, R. W., & Rosengren, K. S. (2007). Pessimism and physical functioning in older women: influence of self-efficacy. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 30(2), 107-114.

The New Age of Human Trafficking (i.e. Slavery)

While most people think that the era of slavery ended when the government abolished the practice with the passage of the 13^th Amendment in mid-1800s, this is far from the truth. Despite the Amendment, human trafficking continues as an underground movement – and one that threatens the health and freedoms of individuals worldwide. While most of the modern-day slavery exists in other countries, much of it does occur in the United States. According to a recent article in Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, “people can be purchased for less than a pair of shoes.” The article contents that a human being can fetch between $30 and $1,000 for the seller, with many of the victims being children. A separate report in the Journal Gender Issues revealed that human trafficking proceeds from around the globe exceed $44 billion (in US dollars) annually.

One specific report in the Journal of Humanistic Counseling, Education & Development found that 27 million victims of human trafficking occur annually worldwide with about 20,000 of those being victims in the United States. While modern-day slavery may not look like the slavery written in our history books, it does follow a similar pattern. Human trafficking involves forcing individuals into labor without their consent. This includes prostitution, street beggars, sweat-shop laborers, and any other forced employment. Human trafficking/slavery also encompasses any threats of death or harm to the individual’s family if their employment is not upheld. Such control methods include physical and sexual abuse or rape as well as confinement.

Women and girls make up 56%, men and boys 44% of those victimized by human trafficking in the United States. Furthermore 40-50% of all victims of human trafficking are children. One such example cited in Gender Issues discusses the fact that people from Thailand were forced to come to the hurricane-ravaged areas in and around New Orleans to clean certain disaster sites under deplorable conditions. In another instance, the journal also reported that many women from Mexico traveled into the United States and had their formal papers confiscated. They were able to “earn” their papers back through prostitution over time. Some of these women were as young as age 14.

Such human abuse is deplorable, and should not occur in the 21^st Century. Yet, it does. Locally, we are not immune to such human trafficking issues. Some concerned citizens have connected with the Crawford Health Improvement Coalition to increase the awareness of such activity in the United States, but more specifically in Crawford County. According to their information, several businesses owned or operated by Asian or Indian personnel tend to be feeding grounds for human trafficking. Such places will bring in foreigners from their native countries and force them into labor with promises of freedom later.

According to Polaris Project, a national project which focuses on identifying and stopping human trafficking, very little has been done on the state level to identify and subsequently eliminate modern-day slavery. According to the project’s statistics (found at www.polarisproject.org), only Virginia, California, and Wisconsin are specifically tracking cases of human trafficking. To date, the Federal Bureau of Investigations has convicted 185 people of human trafficking; The FBI Crimes Against Children Unit has convicted 182; and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division/Criminal Section in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices convicted 302 people. Furthermore, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has made 264 convictions of forced sexual or forced labor crimes. All four investigation departments above have more than 1,000 open cases of human trafficking combined.

So, if you think slavery is a thing of the past, think again. It’s very much alive and going strong – underground for the most part. Awareness is the first line of defense. Next, keep your eyes and ears open for suspicious activities. If you suspect any such human trafficking activities, there are two hotlines available to you. First, to report human trafficking, contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at their national hotline: toll-free 888-373-7888. To report forced labor and worker exploitation, contact the U.S. Department of Justice at their national hotline at toll-free 888-428-7581. Or, you could visit www.humantrafficking.org to learn more information on this serious, yet quiet, issue.

References:

Academy for Educational Development. (2011). Human trafficking. Retrieved July 10, 2011 from http://www.humantrafficking.org/countries/united_states_of_america/helplines.

Hepburn, S., & Simon, R. J. (2010). Hidden in plain sight: human trafficking in the United

States. Gender Issues, 27, 1-26.

Hu, H. (2011). The dark side of globalization. Diverse: Issues in High Education, 28(7), 10-11.

Project Polaris. (2011). Retrieved July 10, 2011 from http://www.dreamcenter.org/new/images/outreach/RescueProject/stats.pdf.

Stotts, E. L., & Ramey, L. (2009). Human trafficking: a call for counselor awareness and action. Journal of Humanistic Counseling, Education & Development, 48, 36-47.