On this day after Thanksgiving, Most Iowans have the day off from school and work — providing a perfect opportunity for parents to talk to their kids about drugs. Today has been designated as “Talk Turkey Day” by Iowa’s Drug Czar Bruce Upchurch.Upchurch says the most important work in drug prevention doesn’t come in Congress or in the classroom, but around the dinner table.While talking about drugs isn’t a happy subject, Upchurch says parents need to make the move and open a frank discussion.Studies show kids who learn about the risks of drugs from their parents are 36 percent less likely to smoke marijuana than those who didn’t have the talks. Also, most teens who rejected marijuana when offered it credit their parents for their decision over any other influence.

Radio Iowa