SCRANTON — The Boy Scouts from North Scranton Boy Scout Troop 57, chartered by the Mary Mother of God Parish Holy Rosary Church, recently went through a new Scouting program, “SCOUTStrong: Be MedWise.” Led by committee member Amy Van Wert, the boys learned about the importance of following the directions and label on over the counter drugs.

Being the first in all of the Northeastern PA BSA Council to complete the training, the boys learned of the dangers of self medicating.

According to information given on the website scouting.org, survey data show that 50 percent of teens begin to self-medicate with over-the-counter medicines in their homes as early as ages 11 to 12, and each year, there are approximately 10,000 children and teens seen in emergency rooms because of errors made in the self-medication of OTC medicines. This program improves the knowledge gap that youth have when it comes to medicines and will teach skills needed to use medicines responsibly.

The troop plans on having another session to ensure that all of their Scouts are fully trained and invite other troops to join in.

Boy Scouts and leaders of North Scranton Troop 57, from left, first row, Liam Walter, Matt Kuloszewski, Spencer Walsh and Tim Walsh. Second row, Jayden Bell, JJ Van Wert, Eric Huegel and Amy Van Wert.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_ABJ-Scouts-Drugs.jpg.optimal.jpgBoy Scouts and leaders of North Scranton Troop 57, from left, first row, Liam Walter, Matt Kuloszewski, Spencer Walsh and Tim Walsh. Second row, Jayden Bell, JJ Van Wert, Eric Huegel and Amy Van Wert. Submitted photo

For Abington Journal

Information provided by Boy Scout Troop 57.