Inhaling Helium Seems Like Fun Until Someone Dies

Most people think it is harmless fun. Inhale helium from a balloon or tank and talk in a squeaky voice—unless, of course, someone dies. Fourteen-year-old Ashley Long, who died last month, is the latest victim.

Instead of harmless fun, intentionally inhaling helium is like inhaling other household substances. A person can cut off oxygen supply; or inhale so deeply that it causes an embolism; or the pressurized gas from tanks can literally cause lungs to rupture. Yet, unknowing, adults provide helium for kids parties, and children surf the Web to find instructions. 

Available on You Tube, and on the OUTFIT 7 game site, is Gina the helium-huffing giraffe that encourages kids to inhale helium, talk funny, and upload their videos.  The National Inhalant Prevention Coalition (NIPC) was told a little over a week ago by OUTFIT 7’s U.S. representative, Rebecca Silliman, of SutherlandGold Group that they will take down the helium huffing segment. But how many more are out there? 

NIPC convinced FedEx in 1999 to remove its helium huffing Munchkins that were a featured Super bowl ad.  But this was followed by Toys R Us, Hallmark Cards, Mars Candy and Geico producing ads that included helium huffing. These were also taken down after complaints.

There are few comprehensive statistics on deaths from helium huffing, since the federal government does not collect them and few states do.  Florida does collect data.  In 2010, approximately 20 percent of Florida’s 38 inhalant deaths involved helium. While 9 victims is a small number, this is one year of deaths in one state. .http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Content/getdoc/9256e6e4-67bf-4a02-a7c6-3f1e93fde6c1/2010DrugReport.aspx

“Our homes are too often the source of dangerous drugs of abuse for young people,” said Gil Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy. “Whether it’s prescription drugs or household products stored under the kitchen sink, parents should remember that just because something is legal doesn’t mean it is safe.  We encourage parents to visit TheAntiDrug.com to learn more about the dangers of huffing and what they can do to keep kids safe and healthy.”

      

“Helium is very dangerous and nobody knows about it,” Ashley’s step-father, Justin Earp, said. “Right now a four year old can go buy a balloon filled with helium and inhale it.  They are handing them out without any warnings. A grandmother contacted us to say thank you for spreading the word. Her grandson had asked for four helium balloons for his birthday so he could talk like Donald Duck.  Now he won’t get them.”

           Harvey Weiss, Executive Director of the NIPC, explained: “Unknowing adults demonstrate and often provide helium to kids at parties or science teachers use it in classes to demonstrate the effects of a gas on vocal cords.  Gina the Giraffe was part of an online game. Even if kids did not get into the game, they saw Gina intentionally huffing helium for fun.  Many other You Tube videos show how much fun it is to huff helium and demonstrate how to do it.  For years I have heard “everybody does it” and sure enough parents do it as well as scout leaders, science teachers and even youth pastors.  This normalizing of huffing needs to stop and all of us can play a role in that.  We must be advocates for children.”  

For more information about helium and other potentially hazardous inhalants, visit the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition (NIPC) website at www.inhalants.org.  National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) inhalants information is also available at www.inhalants.drugabuse.gov.

Article provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse 

Easter Fun: Early Events for the Whole Family

Can't wait for Easter?!? DON'T!! 

Here are some 

EARLY Easter Events:

Friday, March 30

Teen's Flashlight Egg Hunt, teens, 8:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m., Community Park, 120 E. Oak Street, Addison, (630) 833-0100. Try our first annual Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt! Have fun searching for eggs—find the special Golden Egg and win an extra prize! Registration deadline is March 25. www.addisonparks.org

Flashlight Egg Hunt, all ages, 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Laramie Park, 5241 W 120th St. Alsip, (708) 389-1003. Grab your flashlight and head to park for an egg hunt for the nocturnal! Search the field for plastic eggs, candy, and glow-in-the-dark items—in the dark! Each participant will receive a glow in the dark necklace. Remember a flashlight and basket for your eggs and prizes! Please register early because space is limited and dress for the weather! This event will be outside, rain or shine. www.alsipparks.org

Junior High Flash Light Egg Hunt, 5^th– 8^th grades, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Marengo Park District, 825 Indian Oaks Trail, Marengo, (815) 568-5126. Bring your flash light, and let’s see how many eggs you can find.  Each egg will be filled with candy or money.  One egg will have a special prize of a Pool Pass for one at the Starfish Waters pool for the 2012 season. Fee: $5.  www.marengoparkdistrict.org

Flashlight Egg Hunt, ages 7-12, 8:00 p.m. – 9:00p.m., Plainfield Park District, Van Horn Woods West, Lily Cache Rd. north of Caton Farm Rd., Kelly Rathke at (815) 436-8812 x 35. Bring your flashlight to Van Horn Woods for our 4th Annual Flashlight Egg Hunt! Kids will have the opportunity to hunt for eggs filled with prizes, gift certificates, and candy! MUST pre-register. No on-site registration. Event held rain or shine. Please arrive prior to child’s egg hunt time as they will only be allowed to participate in their age-appropriate time slot. Registration deadline date is Friday, March 23. Residents: $5; Non-residents: $7.50. www.plainfieldparkdistrict.com

Tween Flashlight Egg Hunt, ages 9–14, 8:00 p.m. – 9:00p.m., Park District of LaGrange, location to be determined, Kevin Miller, (708) 352-1762. It's that time of year, so paint those eggs, keep an eye out for the bunny, and...Grab a flashlight? That's right! Come join us for the 2nd Annual Tween Flashlight Egg Hunt! Bring your flashlights and baskets, and get ready for a great night of looking for eggs filled with candy. There will be three age groups. Kids must be accompanied by a parent. There will also be chances to win cool prizes, so be sure to check your eggs before leaving the event! Fees: $3 pre-register/$5 day of event. www.pdlg.org 

Saturday, March 31

Easter Egg Hunt/Pancake Breakfast, ages 10 and under, free, 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Addison Park District Community Rec Center, 120 E. Oak Street, Addison, (630) 833-0100. Enjoy hot-off-the-griddle pancakes before the Easter Egg Hunt—with the Easter Bunny! The pancake breakfast, sponsored by Addison's Kiwanis Club, begins at 8:00 a.m. and continues until 11:30 a.m. The breakfast menu includes 'all you can eat" pancakes, sausage, milk, orange juice, and coffee for a small fee. Bring your own camera for pictures with the Easter Bunny between 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.  Be sure to arrive early as the Egg Hunt begins PROMPTLY at 10:30 a.m. www.addisonparks.org

Easter Egg Hunt, ages 11 and under, 9:00 a.m. –9:30 a.m., Commissioners Park, 12600 S. Kedzie Ave., Alsip, (708) 389-1003. Grab your Easter basket, and join in the search for eggs filled with treats that the Easter Bunny left for the children of Alsip.  Kids will be split into appropriate age divisions. Parents may help their children in the “Parent Assist” hunt only. Join us for refreshments, raffles, and a visit from the Easter Bunny after the hunt. Bring a basket, and don’t forget your camera. www.alsipparks.org

Breakfast with Bunny/Easter Egg Hunt, ages 2 and up, 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m., Barrington Park District Fitness and Rec Center, 235 Lions Drive, Barrington, (847) 381-0687. Easter breakfast with Bunny is an annual Park District tradition that you and your child won't want to miss. A delicious, catered breakfast is served while Bunny's helpers are busy hiding eggs. Immediately after the breakfast, we'll have our annual Egg hunt. If you register for the breakfast, you're automatically registered for the Egg Hunt at Langendorf Park! Registration is sold per seat. All adults and children (2 and up) must be registered. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fee: $8/$10 child; $10/$12 adult. www.barringtonparkdistrict.org

Easter Egg Hunt, all ages, 10:30 a.m., Langendorf Park, 235 Lions Drive, Barrington, (847) 381-0687. Hop along all over Langendorf to see how many of the Easter Bunny's eggs you can find hidden among the trees, grass, and bushes! This annual Barrington tradition is fun for all ages—children and parents alike. Inside each egg is a special treat, and throughout the park there are specially marked eggs that mean you've won an extra-fun Easter basket. Participants registered for the Breakfast with Bunny are automatically registered for the Egg Hunt. Note: We respectfully ask parents to limit their children to 15 eggs so everyone gets their share! Fee: $3 per child; $5 at the door (Breakfast with Bunny participants are FREE!) www.barringtonparkdistrict.org

EGG-citing Activities, all ages, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Plainfield Park District, Van Horn Woods West, on Lily Cache Rd. north of Caton Farm Rd., Kelly Rathke, (815) 436-8812 x 35. Join us for a snack, craft, and Egg Hunt with the Bunny! Make sure you remember your basket to hunt for colorful eggs that are “hidden.” Some of the eggs have a surprise in them, so make sure to check each before you leave! Bring your camera; the Easter Bunny will pose with your child. All children must be accompanied by an adult. MUST pre-register. No on-site registration. Event held rain or shine. Please arrive prior to your child’s egg hunt time as they will only be allowed to participate in their age-appropriate time slot. Registration deadline is Friday, Mar. 23. Residents: $5; Non-residents: $7.50. www.plainfieldparkdistrict.com

Heggie Field Easter Egg Hunt, ages 0-12, free event, 1:00 p.m., Heggie Field at Collins and Williamson Sts., Joliet, (815) 741- 7275. Grab your Easter baskets and head out to Heggie Soccer Fields for the Great Egg Hunt!  The park will be split up by age groups.  www.jolietpark.org

Nowell Park Easter Egg Hunt, ages 0-12, 10:00 a.m., free event, Nowell Park, 5 Mills Rd., Joliet.

Grab your Easter baskets and head out to Nowell Park for the Great Egg Hunt!  The park will be split up by age groups.  www.jolietpark.org

Bunny Bash, all ages, 10 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Schaumburg Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Rd., Schaumburg, (847) 490-7020. Celebrate spring with indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family! Activities include egg hunts, a photo with the Bunny, games, crafts, moon jumps, concessions, pony rides, and a petting zoo. New in 2012: Pre-registered participants may begin check-in at 9 a.m. and have their picture with the Bunny taken prior to the beginning of the event. Pre-registration deadline is March 30. Pre-registration $8 per child/ day-of registration $9 per child. Children receive a wristband that includes all activities except concessions. Parents and children under 1 are free. http://www.parkfun.com

Soldier Field Spring Egg-Stravaganza, all ages, free event, opens at 9 a.m., Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, (312) 235-7000. Soldier Field and Dominick's celebrate the beginning of spring by inviting families to take part in the 9th annual Spring Egg-Stravaganza.  The largest candy grab in the city takes place here on the stadium field. The stadium opens at 9 for the general public to enjoy all types of kid- and family-friendly activities including face painters, fun inflatables, balloon artists and much more! Egg hunt begins at 10 a.m. with the first group of kids to collect all the goodies they can on the field. The first 2,000 children will receive a commemorative wooden egg designed by a local Chicago youth. Parking: Waldron Parking Deck—all other lots are regular rate on this day. www.soldierfield.net

Soldier Field Breakfast with the Easter Bunny—March 31, all ages, 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., United Club at Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, (312) 235-7000. For those looking for a great meal on this special day, please join us for a fantastic breakfast. Children 10 and under $12; adults $17.50; Children under 3 eat free with paying family. Reservations are mandatory for brunch, and must be made by Wednesday, March 28 by calling 312-235-7162 or emailing sfspecialevents@dncinc.com. www.soldierfield.net

Egg Hunt, Magic Show, And More, all ages, free, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Northbrook Park District’s West Park, 1730 Pfingsten Road behind Northbrook Sports Center. In case of inclement weather, event will move inside the Northbrook Sports Center. Events include: Spring Bunny Trail Magic Show (1:45-2:15 p.m.); Egg Hunt—bring a basket and find the golden egg to win a surprise! (Age groups divided); Pictures with the Bunny (Bring a camera!); Carnival Games; Inflatables, Face Painting, Clowns with Balloons; and DJ Music. No dogs are allowed during the event. www.nbparks.org

Egg Hunt, Oak Forest Park District’s Central Park, 15601 South Central Ave., Oak Forest, (708) 687-7270. Meet at Central Park Pavilion 15 minutes before hunt.  No registration necessary. Children are encouraged to find a maximum of six eggs.  Please remember—children-only in the hunt area. Bring your camera and come see the Easter Bunny! Hunt times divided by age group. https://sites.google.com/site/oakforestparkdistrict

Egg Hunt and Dance Party, grades 4-8, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Oak Forest Park District’s Central Park Building, 15601 S. Central Ave., Oak Forest, (708) 687-7270. Enjoy an evening of dancing to our DJ’s music in the gym, games, contests, and an egg hunt! Fee: $6.00 at door. Bring grade I.D. https://sites.google.com/site/oakforestparkdistrict

Cosley Zoo’s Great Egg Scramble, ages 2-10, 9:00 a.m – 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Wheaton Park District’s Cosley Zoo, 1356 North Gary Avenue, Wheaton, (630) 665-5534. Come to Cosley Zoo for an egg-cellent time, and get ready to scramble for eggs and other trinkets. In addition to an egg scramble, participants will have the opportunity to meet some of the zoo's residents and take part in other activities. Bring your baskets to the zoo for a hopping good time! Children are divided into age groups. Groups are scheduled consecutively. Pre-registration required. Event is held outdoors rain or shine, so dress for the weather. Plan on staying with your child; this is not a drop-off program. Fee: $12(R)/$15(NR). www.wheatonparkdistrict.com

Easter Egg Hunt, all ages, 9:00 a.m., Oakbrook Terrace Park District, 1 South 325 Ardmore Ave.,

Oakbrook Terrace, (630) 627-6100. Get ready for a hopping good time with lots of prizes and candy. Children will have the opportunity to fill their Easter baskets with eggs that are filled with candy and prizes. Also, the Easter bunny will be on hand for pictures, so bring your camera! You must pre-register by March 23. www.obtpd.org

Brookfield Zoo’s Breakfast with the Bunny—March 31, April 1, and April 7, 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m., Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd.,  Brookfield, (708) 688-8355. Hop to it! Bring the family to Brookfield Zoo for its annual Breakfast with the Bunny! Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet in the zoo’s Discovery Center. Mr. and Mrs. Bunny will be on hand for photo opportunities. Music will be provided by the Banjo Buddies. Additionally, there will be visits from some of Children’s Zoo’s furry critters. Seating is limited. Reservations are required. All purchases and reservations are final and nonrefundable. Please choose your dates carefully. The cost, which includes zoo admission, is: Member adult: $29.00, child: $21.50; Non-Member adult: $39.00; child: $27.50. www.czs.org/CZS/Brookfield/Zoo

Oak Lawn’s Annual Egg Hunt, ages 2–8, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Stony Creek Golf Course, 5850 W. 103^rd, Oak Lawn. Here comes Peter Cottontail hopping through Oak Lawn! Join us for our annual Easter Egg Hunt, which includes an age-segmented search for eggs, a craft project, and a visit with the Easter Bunny. Register early—space is limited. Registration ends March 23. Sorry there’s no rain date for this event! Please arrive at the start of the program, as there are other activities to enjoy. Fee:  $3 Res/ $6 Non-Res. www.olparks.com

-- Lisa Bakewell 

Your Chance to Win a Family 4-Pack of Tickets to Mirror Mirror!

IN THEATERS MARCH 30!

For your chance to win one of five (5) Family 4-Packs of tickets to see an advanced screening of Mirror Mirror at a Downtown Chicago Theater on Wednesday, March 28^th (7 p.m. showing), you must:

Comment below, AND Like us on Facebook ; THEN, e-mail Lisa Bakewell, Managing Editor (Lisa at familytimemagazine dot com) with your contact information (email, phone, and address). 

You Can Also Follow Family Time Magazine ON THIS BLOG for up-to-the-minute Events, News, and Contests, and Twitter too! (It would be great if you would retweet this post!)

NOTE: This screening is overbooked to ensure capacity, and we strongly recommend that you arrive early! Seats are not guaranteed, are limited to theater capacity and are first-come, first-served. Also:

• Contestants will be given one (1) chance to win. 
• Winners will be chosen at random (www.random.com) on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 after NOON CST. 
• Winners will be notified via email. 
• Winners will be responsible for their own travel expenses to the show.  Location: Downtown Chicago Theater

About the movie:

One of the most beloved stories of all time is coming to life in the motion picture event for the whole family, Mirror Mirror.  A fresh and funny retelling of the Snow White legend, Mirror Mirror features breakout star Lily Collins (The Blind Side) as Snow White, a princess in exile, and Oscar®-winner Julia Roberts as the evil Queen who ruthlessly rules her captured kingdom. Seven courageous rebel dwarfs join forces with Snow White as she fights to reclaim her birthright and win her Prince in this magical comedy filled with jealousy, romance, and betrayal that will capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences the world over.  The film also stars Armie Hammer (The Social Network) as the Prince, and Nathan Lane (The Birdcage) as the hapless and bungling servant to the Queen. 

After a beloved King vanishes, his ruthless wife seizes control of the kingdom and keeps her beautiful 18-year-old stepdaughter, Snow White, hidden away in the palace. But when the princess attracts the attention of a charming and wealthy visiting prince, the jealous Queen banishes the girl to a nearby forest.

Taken in by a band of rebellious but kindhearted dwarfs, Snow White blossoms into a brave young woman determined to save her country from the Queen. With the support of her new friends, she roars into action to reclaim her birthright and win back her Prince in this magical adventure comedy that will capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences the world over.

Mirror Mirror stars Julia Roberts (Erin Brockovich, Eat Pray Love), Lily Collins (The Blind Side, Priest), Armie Hammer (The Social Network), Nathan Lane (The Birdcage), Sean Bean (“Game of Thrones”), Mare Winningham (Brothers) and Michael Lerner (Elf), with Mark Povinelli (Water for Elephants), Jordan Prentice (Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle), Danny Woodburn (Watchmen), Sebastian Saraceno (Bedtime Stories), Ronald Lee Clark (Epic Movie), Martin Klebba (Pirates of The Caribbean) and Joe Gnoffo (The Benchwarmers) as the Seven Dwarfs.

Down Home Guitars Hosts Open Mic Night

Down Home Guitars will be hosting their very first Open Mic Night on Friday March 30, 2012 from 7-9pm. There is a $3 suggested donation. 

All proceeds will benefit the 2nd Annual Frankfort Bluegrass Fest held on The Green. 

All ages are welcome to perform and/or support and enjoy other local musicians. This ongoing event will be held the last Friday of each month at Down Home Guitars 11 S. White Street Frankfort, IL 60423 (located in the Trolley Barn). For any questions please call Down Home Guitars at (815)469-6321 or send an email to classes@downhomeguitars.com

AND THE LUCKY WINNERS ARE...

• Elizabeth O'Brien
• Kim Devries
• Jill Leitelt
• Jackie Rians
  
  
  I'll be in touch via e-mail to let you know how to get your tickets.

If you didn't win this time, don't despair. We'll be having another contest very soon. If you'd like to make sure you get an e-mail as soon as any post is made on this blog, join this site (see right-hand column for sign-up). You'll be e-mailed immediately as new posts are added.

ABOUT THE SHOW:

Disney Live! Presents Three Classic Fairy Tales

Prepare to step into a world of wonder where wishing is only the beginning and dreams really do come true in Disney Live! Presents Three Classic Fairy Tales.  Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy as they bring the timeless fairytale adventures of Cinderella, Beauty and The Beast, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to life right in your hometown.  Featuring dynamic storytelling, award winning music, stunning costumes and glittering special effects, audiences will be captivated by the humor, fun and adventure of these spellbinding stories. Dream with the princesses, cheer for the heroes as they conquer evil villains, and marvel as these classic tales are brought to life in a theatrical experience that’s pure magic.  

Playing the Rosemont Theatre Mar. 16-18.  Get your tickets today!

Win a Family 4-Pack to Disney Live! Presents Three Classic Fairy Tales

For your chance to win one of four (4) Family 4-Packs of tickets to 

Disney Live! Presents 

Three Classic 

Fairy Tales

At the Rosemont Theatre on Friday, March 16th, you must:

• Comment below, AND Like us on Facebook;

• THEN, e-mail Lisa Bakewell, Managing Editor (Lisa at familytimemagazine dot com) with your contact information (email, phone, and address). 

You Can Also Follow Family Time Magazine ON THIS BLOG (for up-to-the-minute Events, News, and Contests) and Twitter too! (It would be great if you would retweet this post!)

NOTES: 

• Contestants will be given one (1) chance to win.

• Winners will be chosen at random (www.random.com) on Friday, March 9, 2012 after 12 Noon EST.

• Winners will be notified via email.

• Winners will be responsible for their own travel expenses to the show. Location: 5400 N. River Road

        Rosemont, IL 60018. Phone: (847) 671-5100.

ABOUT THE SHOW:

Disney Live! Presents Three Classic Fairy Tales

Prepare to step into a world of wonder where wishing is only the beginning and dreams really do come true in Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales.  Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy as they bring the timeless fairytale adventures of Cinderella, Beauty and The Beast, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to life right in your hometown.  Featuring dynamic storytelling, award winning music, stunning costumes and glittering special effects, audiences will be captivated by the humor, fun and adventure of these spellbinding stories. Dream with the princesses, cheer for the heroes as they conquer evil villains, and marvel as these classic tales are brought to life in a theatrical experience that’s pure magic.  Playing the Rosemont Theatre Mar. 16-18.  Get your tickets today!