| Problem. Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant that is being manufactured in illicit laboratories in many homes across America. Children whose parents or guardians use/manufacture methamphetamines in the living environment are being exposed to a wide variety of unique health and environmental risks. One goal of Healthy People 2010 is to reduce substance abuse to protect health, safety, and quality of life for all, especially children. A step toward protecting the health, safety and quality of life of our children is to recognize the signs of drug use and manufacturing in living environments throughout our own communities. This study examines the impact of methamphetamine manufacturing and use on children's living environment, and the role health educators' play in developing strategies for the prevention of methamphetamine abuse in promoting safe living environments for children in Southern Illinois.; Method. Data were obtained from a variety of sources including online library database, internet sources, media articles, Illinois State Police department, Children's Medical Resource Network, and the John A Logan Methamphetamine Awareness conference. |
