http://my.hsj.org/Portals/2/logos/__TFMF_a1kedl355zgqgsykyjinm055_8d93cd09-e610-433b-90a9-09fe8eda8a68_0___Selected.jpg en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:25:09 GMT 15 By Abbey Brown
“My neck and Adam’s apple hurts. I have a brutal sore throat, and it lasts a few days,” said Gregg Doyel, a writer for CBS sports columns. “It feels like you woke up too soon after taking a sleeping pill. Everything is cloudy. Your brain isn’t quite where it ought to be.” These quotes came from Doyel after being “choked out” during an investigation for his column. The experience, he said, was “stupid curiosity.” The “choke-out game” has started a plague captivating students among hallway talk. “Choking out” is a practical technique in ultimate fighting. However,  amateur reenactments can be fatal. The choking game is a dangerous activity that includes children choking each other or themselves until passing out to get a brief high. A serious problem, the choking game has killed at least 82 adolescents since 1995 according to the Center of Disease Control (CDC). The statistics show that 87 percent of the victims were male and between the ages 11-16 years old. “Life is precious,” said Seaman High nurse Nancy Ellison. “We only get one chance. Kid’s don’t want the side effects of the game.  They include brain damage and death.” Some of the long-term consequences of participating in the choking game include loss of consciousness, death of brain cells, coma, seizures, broken bones, and hemorrhages of the eye. Concerned parents, teachers, and friends need to be aware of the signs of the choking game. Look for raspy breath, marks on neck, bloodshot eyes and headaches said the CDC. “Everyone should be aware of the situations going on around them,” said Ellison. “Keep an eye out and encourage everyone to not participate.” ]]> Wed, 06 May 2009 19:14:44 GMT