Birth Defects

Does the patient have any birth defects?
Do you have any birth defects?
What are some of the various birth defects?

Inherited and Acquired Defects

Human Deformities

Causes

Deformity may arise from numerous causes:
Genetic mutation
Damage to the fetus or uterus
Complications at birth
A growth or hormone disorder
Reconstructive surgery following a severe injury e.g. burn injury.
Arthritis and other rheumatoid disorders
Human deformities

1. Vision and hearing deficiencies.
2. Malnutrition.(Age, height, weight, intellectual development)
3. Personal hygiene.
4. Any complaints of misbehavior.
5. Physical fitness.
6. Hemoglobin (If normal, every five years).
7. Child abuse.
8. Developmental disorders.
9. Childhood obesity.
10. Immunizations.
11. Dental problems
12. Posture issues
13. School-Based Substance Abuse Screening

What is a School-Based Substance Abuse Screening?

There are five parts to a standard screening interview:

1) SASSI

Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory is a paper-pencil questionnaire that assesses a student's risk for chemical dependency. This is a standard instrument and well validated.

2) Personal use history

This is a self-report of alcohol and/or drug use history, types, quantities, and frequencies. Are all students honest when talking about this? Not always, but it's a start.

3) Genogram

Construction of a family tree. Students will be asked if any family members have had DWIs, attendance at rehab. facilities, drug/alcohol-related arrests, or if they are uncomfortable with the drinking/drug use behavior of anyone in their immediate environment. This is used to determine environmental and genetic risk factors.

4) Assessment of functioning (school, peer, home, and work)

While a student might not be perceived as alcohol or drug dependent, even occasional use of substances can interfere with school, grades, relationships with family and friends, or performance at a job.

5) Discussion of future behavior choices

Based on the information gathered during this interview, direction for the safest and healthiest behavior choices are given to the student. At this time there may also be recommendations or referrals for additional services, such as tutoring, individual or family counseling, or a more formal/thorough substance use assessment conducted by a community agency or family pediatrician.

If you have any questions about this interview process or its content, would like to refer your child, or would like to see the forms and questionnaires currently in use, please contact the HS Counseling Center at 346-4040 x1091.

What Can Parents Do?

"With parents we can cut drug use dramatically.Without them we cannot." -James Burke; Chairman Partnership for a Drug Free America

Information in this resource guide was provided by: US Department of Education, Office of National Drug Control Policy, Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention, National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, Unity Health System, Livonia Health and Wellness Office, Livingston County Sheriff's Department, Livonia Counseling Center

Why have we composed this parent resource guide?

It is hard for any of us to imagine that a child we love might end up using drugs, but it does happen. That is why it is so important for the adults in children's lives to be prepared to work towards prevention and know what to do if one of our children does engage in drug use.

Did you realize that most kids start seeing, hearing about, and having to deal with alcohol use among their peers by seventh or eighth grade – if not before? That's why it's important for you to take the lead in talking with your kids often about alcohol use and the risks associated with underage drinking.

The most important thing we have learned from all the research is that kids who learn from their parents about the dangers of underage drinking, drugs, and other harmful substances are less likely to use those substances. Basically, YOU have the greatest power to keep the kids you love safe, healthy, and drug free, but only if you're willing to talk about this issues.

Adolescence is a time of intense change. In addition to significant emotional, psychological and physical change, teens move into an increasingly larger "universe" as they make the transition into high school. With this growth comes increased opportunity for risk and reward.

Relationships are at the heart of this growth process. Strong parent-child bonds are essential to a teenager's ability to make positive, healthy choices about their lives. Research repeatedly shows that children who feel connected to their parents are protected against many different kinds of health risks including emotional distress, suicidal thoughts and attempts, cigarettes, alcohol and drug use, violent behavior, and early sexual activity.

Finding the right words and the right time and approach can be difficult. That's where this resource guide comes in. There is a lot of information here to get you started if you need further assistance.

Thank you for taking the time to read through this material, and thank you for your focus on your child's health, safety, and future.