About drug use Initially, I learned that signs of drug use included three basic symptoms: • A loss of interest in hobbies • A change in friends • A drop in grades

What I later discovered was that not seeing these symptoms only provides a false sense of security regarding teenagers and potential drug use. The above behaviors apply more to signs of “drug addiction,” as opposed to “experimental” drug use.

Teens who experiment with drugs don’t start out addicted so logically, they do not show any symptoms. They generally look healthy and nothing seems to be wrong. In fact, teens can casually use drugs for over a year before their parents would even suspect any drug or alcohol use.

Many teenagers who decide to experiment with drugs start out casually, using them with friends and then progressing towards regular use. It is important that you look for clues pertaining to casual drug use so that if your teen is prone, you can proactively deal with it.

What you can do You need to monitor your teen’s behavior and watch for signs of drug use, without appearing to be spying. Your goal should be to prevent him or her from feeling free to experiment with drugs or alcohol. The best way to accomplish this is to keep abreast of your teen’s activities and friends. You will be able to spot a problem early if you keep your eyes and ears open, and believe that YOUR teenager is capable of using drugs. Many parents get blind-sided by thinking that their teen would never try drugs. Only then will you be ready to intervene if situation presents itself.

The following are ten ways to monitor your teenager’s behavior and watch for signs of drug use, without appearing to be spying:

The design of your home has an amazing affect on health and well being of your baby. If it is in harmony with nature, it will have a positive influence on young children. If not, problems will become apparent in subtle and ways.

According to science of Vastu Shastra, all five elements (earth, water, fire, air and space) have an impact on your baby’s room. Vastu Shastra is an ancient architectural science that balances five elements within one’s environment and supports growth of strong, happy babies. Due to their size and developing immune system, infants are far more susceptible to consequences of poor air quality and indoor pollutants than adults.

Over years, I have seen how flooring, decorating materials, mattresses, toys, molds, toxic gases, pesticides and electronic equipment can all degrade air an infant breathes, even if you, as an adult are not affected.

Epidemiological studies suggest a link between pollutants and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). In 1966, a New Zealand chemist, T.J. Sprott, began a study of over 100,000 babies. None of children were exposed to toxic off-gasing from mattresses. None of babies died of SIDS. In 1988 a British chemist, Barry Richardson, performed a study on mattresses of children who died of SIDS. Of 200 mattresses tested, he found all emitted chemical nerve gas agents such as phosphine, arsine or stibine when brought to blood body temperature.

This is a shocking example of what dangers can be lurking in your home, unbeknownst to you. In this situation, what you can’t see can harm you and your baby. Knowledge is power. Becoming aware of what you can do to protect your children is best preventative measure. I can’t emphasize enough importance of reading all labels carefully to determine safety of any materials that you use around your baby.