Message to graduating students and families

The Wholistic Health and Wellness Program would like to congratulate all graduating students from high school and colleges. We know that it’s a time to celebrate your achievements. Go with your dreams and reach for the stars. We wish you all a safe and joyful summer! Along with celebrating graduations, are the parties. Here are some tips and information on how to have a safe party. Remember that when you host a party you are responsible for your entire guests. We have included some great punch recipes (non-alcohol) for you to try.

The Social Host Responsibility

Your role as a responsible party host can prevent your friends and loved ones from becoming the next alcohol-related statistic! Remember that you are responsible if anyone of your guests is involved in an accident. The laws vary from state to state, but you could be held responsible for the cost associated with the accident including medical bills and property damage and you could be sued for emotional pain.

Planning a party

As the host, you want your guests to enjoy themselves. Here are a few pointers to ensure that your guests will have fun... and live to remember it!

•Invite guest who are compatible so that no one feels left out of the crowd.

•Plan lots of activities.

•Prepare plenty of foods so guest will not drink on empty stomachs.

•Offer a variety of non-alcohol beverages. We have some recipes you might want to use.

•Do not push drinks! Drinking at a party is not mandatory for having a good time.

•Ask each guest to appoint a designated driver before the evening begins.

•Be honest when inviting guests who are known to drink to excess. Tell them that drinking and driving is unacceptable at your party.

•Never serve alcohol to someone under the legal age, and never ask children to serve alcohol at parties.

•Don’t let guest mix their own drinks.

•Stop serving alcoholic beverages at least two hour before the party ends and have your guests eat before they leave

Myth:

Coffee can sober up someone who has too much to drink.

Fact: Only time sobers. It takes about one hour to metabolize each drink.

Myth:

Hard liquor is more intoxicating than beer or wine.

Fact: 12-ounce can of beer, a five ounce glass of wine, and a 12-ounce wine cooler contain the same amount of alcohol and same intoxication level as an ounce-and-a-half-of liquor.

Myth:

Someone who has had too much to drink will look intoxicated.

Fact: Someone’s physical appearance can be misleading. One drink can impair someone’s ability to drive. Judgment is the first thing affected when someone has been drinking and important motor skills are next.

Safe Party Drinks

Sparkling Apple-Peach

Sunrise One 10 oz. can of non-alcoholic frozen fuzzy navel

Mix two cans full (20 oz.) of sparkling cider

Ice cubes (as many as desired)

Blend ingredients in a blender. Pour into a tall flute glass. Add half ounce of grenadine for the sunrise effect. Makes approximately four 8 oz. glasses

Sparkling Smoothie

6 oz. sparkling cider

1/4 cup fresh strawberries

1/2 banana, ripe

2 ice cubes

Blend all ingredients. Pour into a tall glass.

Lemon Strawberry Punch

3 cans (6 oz. each) frozen lemonade concentrate

1 package (10 oz.) frozen strawberries, thawed

1 quart ginger ale, chilled

In a large punch bowl, prepare lemonade concentrate as directed on can; stir in strawberries with syrup). Stir in ginger ale and, if you wish, add small scoops of strawberry ice cream or ice cubes. Makes 28 servings (1/2 cup each)

Mild-Eyed Margaritas

2 cups lemon or lime soda

2 tablespoons sugar

Juice of 1/2 lime

Salt

Crushed ice

Pour soda into ice cube tray or shallow pan, freeze. Place frozen soda in blender, add lime juice and sugar. Blend until well-mixed. Rub lime around rim of glass and then dip glass into salt. Pour mixture over crushed ice and then into salted rim glasses. Garnish with lime slice.

Holiday Punch

1 large jar cran-grape juice

1 liter bottle ginger ale

1 container orange sherbet

Whole cranberries

Combine juice and ginger ale. Add sherbet by small scoops. Top with cranberries.