Summer is here! Summer is a wonderful time of year with its longer days, warm weather, and endless sunshine, making it the perfect time to focus on staying safe and making healthy choices. We thank you for your continued support of Walpole Prevention Coalition.

 

Happy summer!

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Coalition Updates & Events​

• Drug Free Communities Program Update ​

  • CADCA National Coalition Academy​

    • Our DFC program director is set to complete her third and final week at CADCA’s National Coalition Academy (NCA) this June. The NCA is a nationally recognized, comprehensive training program that provides participants with important knowledge and skills to build and sustain an effective drug prevention coalition and manage local substance use prevention efforts. We’re excited to bring back the insights and strategies she’s gained to strengthen our coalition’s impact.  

  • MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey ​

    • ​This fall Walpole Middle and High School students will take part in the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey, an anonymous health survey that is given biennially to youth in several Metrowest communities. This survey collects self-reported data on various health and risk behaviors as well as perceptions of these behaviors. The data we gather from this survey offers valuable insight into the health and well-being of the youth in our community, enabling us to take informed, targeted action to support and improve their lives. We thank you, the families, the students of Walpole Public Schools, and Walpole Public School employees for their support and participation in this important work!

• Upcoming Events

  • School Events

    • Last day of school for Walpole Public Schools (WPS): [June 13, 2025]

    • First day of school for WPS Grades 1st – 12th: [August 27, 2025]

    • Labor Day – No School: [September 1, 2025]

    • First Day of School WPS Grades Pre-K and K: [September 2, 2025]

  • Coalition Meetings

    • No meetings June - August, we'll see you back in September! 

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Prevention and Safety Spotlight

Alcohol & Heat Intolerance - What to Know to Stay Safe This Summer 

What is heat intolerance? 

• Heat intolerance is a term that describes when one feels overheated/too hot in temperature or environments, including in environments that others may find comfortable or tolerable. This sensation occurs due to the body’s inability to regulate its internal temperature, making the individual feel uncomfortable. It can be caused or exacerbated by certain health conditions, as well as the use of several medications or other substances (alcohol, opioids, cocaine, and methamphetamines).

 

What are the signs of heat intolerance? 

• Headaches 

• Feeling very hot, more so than those around you

• Excessive sweating 

• No sweating, particularly when some sweating is expected 

• Exhaustion and/or fatigue in warm weather 

• Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness in response to heat 

• Changes in mood when hot

• Muscle cramping 

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How can drinking alcohol lead to heat intolerance in the summer?

• Summer is a time where dehydration can occur more frequently due to the heat, prolonged time outside, and increased sweating. Alcohol use can increase the risk of dehydration by inhibiting (slowing down) the release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which leads to more frequent urination and fluid loss. This dehydration can worsen or accelerate heat-related effects, such as heat intolerance.

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How can I stay safe this summer and prevent heat intolerance if I choose to drink alcohol?

• Limit your time outside when it’s hot and humid or take frequent breaks from the heat.

• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after drinking alcohol; alternating alcoholic beverages with water can be a helpful way to ensure hydration.

• Eat food before alcohol consumption.  

• Be aware of the amount you are drinking.

• Seek shade

• Pay attention to your body’s signals, and be aware of signs of heat intolerance.

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How to Be a Prevention Role Model through Healthy Choices and Behaviors 

Summer is time of year for fun and celebrations – and while these moments are exciting and meant to be enjoyed, they also offer adults a valuable opportunity to model healthy choices and responsible decision-making for the youth in their lives.

 

Here a few ways to model healthy behaviors this summer:

• Be mindful of how you use and talk about substances.

  • Youth are always watching the adults in our lives, even if we don’t think they are, and they learn from these experiences. This is why it is important to model healthy consumption of alcohol or other substances if you chose to partake, smart behaviors around it (e.g., having a designated sober driver), and limiting language that glamorizes or jokes about substance use (e.g., “I need alcohol to have fun!”).

• Practice safe storage.

  • Keep alcohol and other substances out of reach and inaccessible to youth.

• Don’t provide alcohol or other substances to minors.

  • Substance use can have serious and potentially dangerous consequences on youth development. Be clear and direct about your expectations regarding substance use and don’t provide these substances to youth.

• Have open and honest conversations about substance use.

  • Having regular conversations about substance use – where both you and your youth can share honest thoughts, feelings, and questions helps build stronger bonds and empowers youth to make informed, healthy choices.

• Engage in substance-free activities, hobbies, and events.

  • While adults have the right to make personal choices about substance use, it can be beneficial for youth to see that fun doesn’t have to involve alcohol or other substances.

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We hope this encourages you to have a fun, healthy, and safe summer!