HHS HealthBeat (April 03, 2008)

The choking game

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

It’s not a game.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says what kids call the choking game has taken the lives of at least 82 children over 12 years.  They try to choke themselves, or each other, so they can get a high when the blood rushes back to their head.

CDC researcher Robin Toblin advises what to look for if you suspect someone is attempting this deadly act:

“Some signs to look for are red marks on the neck, frequent and severe headaches, bloodshot eyes, and a mention of the choking game.”  (7 seconds)

She says a lot of the kids involved don’t really understand how dangerous it is.

Toblin believes the most important thing you can do to prevent children from trying the choking game is to become aware of it and know the symptoms associated with it.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: April, 03 2008