Category Archives: Health

Why do students smoke in school?

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by Daniela Acosta and Rony Garcia

At Patterson High School, a concerning trend has developed for the past few years. Students arrive at school not just to attend classes, but to smoke or vape. Whether it’s e-cigarettes or marijuana, many students are using school grounds as a place to indulge in these unhealthy habits before the school day begins or during breaks. But what’s leading to this behavior and why do some students come to school and smoke? Understanding the reasons behind this pattern is necessary to addressing the issue and starting to create a healthier school environment. 

Mr. Rivas, a hall monitor at Patterson High School, says that smoking becomes addictive and that is why many students hide from their parents and do it at school. Sometimes this also extends to alcohol, as he once caught five students drinking in the bathroom. Mr. Simmons (AKA “Mr. Soul”), another hall monitor at Patterson, said students smoke in the bathroom because they are hiding from the teachers and the staff because they’re not allowed to smoke in school.

Ms. Howard said they smoke in the bathroom because they aren’t able to smoke in their house and they think they are able to smoke in school because school and home are two different things and that is why they are not respectful to their environment.

One of the most significant factors influencing why some Patterson students smoke is peer pressure. One student who agreed to speak on condition of anonymity said “I smoke whenever my friends invite me to but I don’t do it on a regular basis.” Adolescence is a time when many young people are highly influenced by their peers and social group. 

Source: Interviews with PHS Hall Monitors

In many cases, students feel compelled to smoke to fit in or to appear “cool.” Peer groups, especially those who already engage in smoking, can normalize this behavior and create an environment where students feel that smoking is an expected or even desirable activity. 

Another reason that students smoke is because of stress and escaping their problems. High school can be an extremely stressful time for students, balancing academics, responsibilities. 

One student claimed she smokes because she feels stressed due to academics, sports, family expectations, and other pressures.  “I have a lot of family issues and I deal with trying to get my grades up so all of those things on top of each other stress me out”, she explained. 

Another factor contributing to the prevalence of smoking at Patterson High school is the easy access to vapes and other smoking materials. The increasing availability of vaping products in stores and online markets and from friends and family means that many students have a ready supply that they can use before, during and after school hours. 

Vaping devices confiscated from students by school climate staff (Photo: Daniela Acosta)

In addition to causing health issues, teen smoking can also lead to serious consequences at home or even with the police. In the Baltimore City Public Schools Code of Conduct there are five different levels of interventions and disciplinary responses that can be applied when students violate the rules against using, possessing, or distributing tobacco products, drugs, or other controlled substances. Depending on the severity of the violation, these consequences can range from teacher interventions like contacting parents all the way up to extended suspension, expulsion and referral responses where students are removed from school and placed “in an alternative environment that provides additional structure to address the behavior.” In some cases, the police might even get involved, potentially leading to arrest and criminal charges.

As a school, we need to educate students more on the effects of smoking during school and the consequences that come with it, as well as the resources available to help students who may be struggling with addiction or other problems. Educating students on this issue could help prevent more problems in the future.

EMT pathway provides career opportunities

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Photo: Baltimore City Public Schools

by Breon Thacker

One of the many career pathways students can choose at Patterson High School is the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) pathway.

“I enjoy giving students the opportunity to have a good career”, said Mr. Casey, the EMT teacher.

Mr. Casey has been teaching EMT classes for 13 years now. His main focus is to help students gain opportunities to do what he loves to do.

The Patterson EMT program has been around for 10+ years. The program trains and teaches cadets (students) things that happen in the field and in real life situations. 

The Program provides great opportunities for students when they get out of high school, such as getting a job right after graduation.

“When you get out of high school, you can become EMTs or you can go to community college.”, explained Mr. Casey.

There are opportunities for students to volunteer in the summertime at their local firehouses, providing them with different work experiences.

The EMT program is a great option for students who want to go into the field as an emergency healthcare provider or have the drive to help others and want to be a difference maker.

Teen drug abuse may be more widespread than you think

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Photo: Canva

by Daniela Acosta

Teen drug abuse is a growing concern as many teens are experimenting with substances like alcohol, cannabis (weed), and prescription drugs. While some teens are driven toward drug abuse by peer pressure, others use drugs as a coping mechanism. Many teens nowadays experience high levels of stress due to family issues, emotional issues, school, etc. Many don’t have the opportunity to speak to someone or find healthy outlets for their feelings, and this leads them to look for other ways to deal with these emotions, which in turn can lead to teens to drugs as a way to cope with everything.

Drugs can have serious long-term consequences. Drug abuse can interfere with brain development, and lead to legal problems. It can also affect the relationships people have around them; it can cause damage to family relationships, friendships, and more. It can even lead to death. According to U.S. News & World Report, an average of 22 U.S teens die each week because of drug use.

There are many ways that we can help teens that are struggling with these issues, and help prevent it from happening more. Preventing teen drug abuse requires education, communication, comprehension, and support. Parents, schools, and communities can help prevent teen drug use. Building strong relations with teens can make it easier for them to ask for help before their problem becomes unmanageable.

Patterson guidance counselor Mr. Hawkins expresses how it all starts at home. “Parents make it seem okay. It makes the teens think it is okay.”, Mr. Hawkins explains.

According to Mr. Hawkins, drug abuse is a very widespread problem. “It is a very high usage amongst those who use drugs; it’s more prevalent than people assume.”

He advises students to seek help and seek change in order to overcome struggles like this. “My advice is to admit you have a problem.”, states Mr. Hawkins. “Students who don’t realize they have an addiction do not want the help.” 

Speaking to trusted adults can allow a teen to feel open enough to speak about these issues. “Change your environment with power[ful] supporting people and surround yourself with the right people to restrain from drug use.”, Hawkins advises.

Many teens and adults dealing with drug addiction suffer in silence, but being that support system for someone can go a long way toward helping them break free from their addiction.

Women should have the right to choose an abortion (OPINION)

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Pro-Choice demonstration from 2018 (Photo: Paul Becker – Wikimedia Commons)

by Ashley Sarmiento Rodriguez

Abortion–let’s talk about it. Abortions are a choice all women in Maryland have if they get pregnant and they don’t want to keep it. Abortions are given in two ways: a pill you take or a surgery. Some types of abortion can’t be performed after a certain amount of time of the fetus being formed.

In my opinion, it’s good that women have ways to at least choose whether or not to have a kid because there are a lot of woman who get pregnant without planning and don’t really have stable income or homes to give to a baby so they do what they know is best and get an abortion.

I understand that many people are strongly against abortion and say women should keep their babies, but at the end of the day, the people with all those opinions aren’t actually the one who will be having to take responsibility for these babies, so they honestly shouldn’t have a say in the decision of any woman who chooses to have an abortion. Also, no woman should be shamed or looked down on because they had an abortion. It should be an option for all pregnant woman and nobody–especially no man–should even think they have a say in what a woman can do with her own body.

A woman’s right to choose used to be protected by the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, but in 2022 that ruling was overturned, giving state governments the power to ban abortions. I’ve been researching this issue and I’ve seen that there are a lot of states where abortions are banned or heavily restricted, such as Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee, Missouri, etc. I find that so upsetting that all these places have banned something so many woman need. Why keep producing more humans to be raised by people who aren’t ready to be responsible for taking care of a kid or kids? It’s just better to at least have a solution for women who know they can’t raise a child and for women to have a say in what they want.

Teens face mental health challenges

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by Wilfredo Portillo

(Photo: Canva — Fair Use)

Mental health is something we all deal with every day, whether we realize it or not. Have you ever found yourself just lying in bed, struggling to get up in the morning, even when you know you have to? Or maybe you’ve questioned how you’re really feeling but can’t quite put it into words? This is something a lot of teens today go through. We don’t always understand our mental health, and it can be hard to figure out what’s really going on.

Experts have been talking about this for years, and it’s still a major issue. The American Academy of Pediatrics declared a national emergency in youth mental health a couple of years ago, and the struggle is still real for so many teens. There are warning signs, and a lot of people understand what mental health challenges look like, but for parents and friends, it’s important to really try to understand what someone might be going through. Anxiety and depression are real problems that teens deal with every day. And the only way to help is to be open to talking and really listening.

Another huge part of this problem is the impact of social media. We’re constantly online, scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, etc., and it’s almost impossible not to compare ourselves to what we see. Whether it’s how we look, how successful we seem, or what kind of life we’re living, there’s always pressure to measure up to what others are putting on display. And most of the time, that’s just the highlight reel—it’s not real life. But it can make us feel like we’re not enough, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Finding a balance between online life and real life is important to protecting our mental health.

Sometimes, we reach a point where talking to friends or family isn’t enough. That’s when reaching out for professional help can really make a difference. Counselors and therapists are trained to help us make sense of what we’re going through. They offer a safe space where we can talk without feeling judged, and they can help us figure out better ways to cope. If things start to feel overwhelming, seeking out professional help could be the best step toward feeling better. Therapy is nothing to be ashamed of—it’s a tool to help us navigate life when things get tough.

If you don’t have access to a licensed therapist outside of school or you don’t know where to start, you can talk to Ms. Gaither, Patterson’s school psychologist, or to to one of the school counselors, social workers, and other mental health practitioners.

Mental health awareness plays crucial role in schools

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by Jasmine Goins

Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked in schools. With the increasing pressures and stressors that students face, it is essential to prioritize mental health awareness and support in educational settings.

According to English teacher Mr. Bey, “One of the main reasons why mental health awareness is important in schools is because it can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. Many students may feel ashamed or embarrassed to seek help for their mental health issues due to the stigma associated with mental illness.”

Mr. Bey went on to say, “By promoting mental health awareness in schools, we can create a more supportive and understanding environment where students feel comfortable seeking help when needed… I think that mental health awareness in our school is low, I think that people are going through things, students losing lives or just struggling to come to class and they need guidance.”

Additionally, mental health awareness can help students develop important coping skills and resilience. By teaching students about mental health and how to manage stress and anxiety, we can empower them to take control of their mental well-being. This can lead to better academic performance, as students are better equipped to handle the challenges they face. Teachers and coaches are among the most influential people in a young person’s life. For this reason, it could be beneficial for teachers and coaches to have a more hands-on approach to making sure that students are mentally well.

Furthermore, mental health awareness can help identify students who may be struggling with mental health issues. Teachers and school staff are often the first to notice changes in a student’s behavior or mood. By educating them about the signs and symptoms of mental illness, we can ensure that students receive the support and resources they need to thrive.

“I think that we should have more mental health awareness-centered advisory periods, we should have circle time, therapy, but make it where anyone can attend, and just be briefly free.”, said Mr. Bey.

Mental health awareness in schools is crucial not only for students but also for educators and parents. It can help create a more inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable discussing mental health issues and seeking help when needed.

“I think that mental health directly connects to someone’s confidence, and the more mentally well they are, the better they can do.”, Mr. Bey reflected.

Moreover, mental health awareness can also lead to the implementation of effective mental health programs and resources in schools. These programs can provide students with the tools and support they need to manage their mental well-being effectively. They can also help educate students about the importance of self-care and seeking help when needed.

Mental health awareness can also promote a positive school culture that values mental health and well-being. This can lead to increased student engagement and motivation, as students feel supported and valued by their school community.

Overall, mental health awareness in schools is essential for creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. It is crucial for educators, parents, and students to work together to prioritize mental health and well-being in educational settings.

Mr. Bey’s biggest piece of advice for anyone trying to improve their mental health awareness is, “They should find an outlet like playing sports, write down their issues, thoughts, and ideas and find at least one person to go to and talk to where they won’t feel judged.”

Health care out of reach for many in the U.S.

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By Dayanna Herrera-Mateo

 Healthcare prices have been a big problem in the United States for years. It is said that the prices are getting more expensive because of new health-related technologies.

From a global perspective, it has been reported that the United States has the worst healthcare prices and they continue to be more expensive than other high-income countries, and still, the U.S. is the only wealthy country that doesn’t have universal health coverage. Universal health coverage is when all people have access to all of the quality health services they need without financial problems.

Spending money per person on healthcare is almost two times higher than in Germany and four times higher than in South Korea. In the United States, people are more likely to die at a young age, the highest death rates are from avoiding conditions that can be treated, and we also have the highest suicide rate, which may stem from mental health problems which can also be expensive. About a total of 79 million Americans have medical bills and/or debt.

Immigrants have also been protesting in front of the Maryland State House in support of a healthcare bill which stated that healthcare is a human right. The bill would have allowed undocumented immigrants to access state health care assistance, but the bill failed to pass. The CARE Act, which was passed in 2016 and is still in force today, prevents many immigrants from receiving benefits from Maryland’s health care assistance program.

Immigrants try to avoid hospitals even when they’re very sick and have a sickness that could even be deadly because they’re scared about the high bill that they could have, so they’re demanding healthcare insurance. There was also a video trending in which a lady was seen trapped in a subway train in Boston and you could see she was struggling but she kept shouting and begging others who were on the scene not to call the ambulance. That might be because ambulance rides can cost about $1,300. It is understandable that she didn’t want the ambulance to be called. 

Healthcare is too expensive for some citizens to even afford, and it has been a problem for a long time now. The U.S. also doesn’t guarantee government or public health coverage to all their citizens. People are getting stressed to the point where they go so far as to unalive themselves because of hospital bills or any type of healthcare bills. 

Students still struggling with social anxiety stemming from COVID-19 pandemic

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By Zeinab AL Ali

Social anxiety is becoming common amongst students due to the COVID-19 outbreak which led students to be isolated from society for a long period of time.

COVID-19 started four years ago and entered the United States In January 2020. It led to quarantining where students had to stay home and take online classes. Students had to be isolated from their peers and they had to stay home for an extended period of time. In that time period, students spent their time alone and they were prevented from coming into contact with their friends and family members out of concern for their health and safety.

After quarantine ended, students had to go back to school and proceed with their education. Most students had a hard time communicating and interacting with their peers because they weren’t used to this sudden change in heir environment. Due to COVID-19, many students developed social anxiety and became anti-social. Many students at Patterson High School today are experiencing the same thing. It’s hard for students to communicate, express themselves, and interact with others after being isolated for a such long period of time.

To solve this problem, teachers should create fun activities that allow students to break out of their isolation bubble operates at a different pace. Teachers should encourage students to be more interactive but not push them, because pushing students to do something they are not used to can create fear, tension, stress and can also add to their anxiety. Sometimes students seem like they don’t want to communicate but the truth is they do; They just don’t know how to and sometimes they might be afraid to do so.

Students can be more interactive with others with the help of their teachers.

How social media affects your mental health

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By Jennifer Iraheta-Delcid

Social media has become part of our daily life, consuming most of our time. Since the 2000s, it has extended new possibilities for communication. It has its good effects and bad effects. But it brings many risks if you excessively use social media.

Many platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat have become popular among youth. People normally spend around 2-3 hours of their time on social media. Therefore, These platforms have gained popularity because they allow you to communicate with other people as well as being a way to express yourself, whether in a short video or a story.

However, it’s a source of entertainment while also allowing you to make new friends online. Meeting friends online can be very dangerous at times because you are not sure who is behind the screen and whether they’re a predator or not. Although social media has its benefits, it can cause you to isolate yourself from actually interacting with real-world people and can later result in feelings such as anxiety.

Excessive use is mainly caused by lower psychological well-being. The immoderate consumption of social media is affecting many young people. Possible effects that come with it are low self-esteem, exclusion, bullying, and poor work and/or school production. In fact, social media produces many negative feelings. Recent studies show that people between the ages of 14-24 feel as if social media brings feelings of depression, anxiety, poor body image, and loneliness. Many platforms such as YouTube and TikTok care more about engagement rather than your mental health and the negativity that comes with it. Trends can also influence many young people to do dangerous activities that can lead to death. 

Social Media affects your mental health but it doesn’t mean you can’t use it at all. You just have to be aware of how much of your time it’s consuming. There are many good effects as well as bad but it brings many risks if you excessively use it. Mindfully using it is important to social media consumption.

Coping with stress

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By Victoria Orellana

In this day and age, a lot of teens deal with and experience stress. Stress is all around us and we all deal with it in different ways. According to the website Cross River Therapy, at least 45% of students in high school admit to being stressed almost every day in school.

It’s important to pace yourself and understand that you as an individual need time for yourself. You can’t always avoid stress. It’s something most of us deal with, but there are ways to manage it.

The website Teens Health lists a bunch of ways to deal with stress. Here are a couple of them:

One strategy is to plan your day using a calendar or planning app to keep track of your daily schedule. Put in all the things you need and make sure to plan time for things you enjoy doing. Planning your day and sticking to the schedule lowers stress.

Another thing you can do to reduce stress is ask for help when you need it. School work grades and tests cause a lot of stress and it’s not always easy to deal with. Ask teachers, tutors, parents or any trusted adult for help with anything. Don’t be afraid to ask for help; When things go south, you’re going to wish you did.

These strategies might not eliminate all your problems, but give them a try–they might help you manage your stress so you can get through high school without feeling weighed down.

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