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Ashley Wagner visits Arlington Science Focus to show kids the benefits of saying 'YES' to a healthy lifestyle

ARLINGTON, VA -- Today, Two-time National Champion and Olympic Medalist figure skater Ashley Wagner and Virginia Senator Barbara Favola joined the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility to bring Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix to encourage 600 students at Arlington Science Focus Elementary School to say ‘YES’ to a healthy lifestyle and ‘NO’ to underage drinking.

“It’s important for Arlington Science Focus students to understand that the choices they make today—good or bad—will have an impact on their futures,” said Ashley Wagner. “I know I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t make smart decisions and say NO to underage drinking.  I’m proud to participate in the important work the Ask, Listen, Learn team is doing to engage kids, teachers and parents across the country in the sometimes challenging discussion about underage drinking.”

“Parents are the leading influence in kid’s decisions to drink or not to drink alcohol underage.  I’m proud to be here today to encourage youth in my district to make smart decisions including saying no to underage drinking,” remarked Senator Favola.

Ashley cheered on students as they tested their fast feet on the interactive Ask, Listen, Learn game. The game enables youth to learn about the negative consequences of underage drinking and the benefits of making healthy decisions while they exercise. The premise is based on research by Harvard Medical School’s Dr. John Ratey, showing that for a person’s brain to function at its peak, the body needs to move. The multimedia program includes the game and print materials, with the website presenting a pledge to live a healthy lifestyle, online games and pages featuring Ask, Listen, Learn Superstars.

Ask, Listen, Learn is the perfect combination of fun and fact-based education,” said Arlington Science Focus Principal Mary Begley, “Students learn about the rewards of living a healthy lifestyle and dangers of underage drinking while playing the game with their peers, then take what they learn home to discuss  with their families.”

“Studies show that half (49%) of 12-14 year olds believe alcohol education has made a difference in decisions they have made to avoid drinking alcohol underage,” said Ralph Blackman, President and CEO of the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility. “It’s never too early to talk to your kids about underage drinking, which is why we’re thrilled to have Ashley here to share this message with Arlington students.”

About Ask, Listen, Learn

Ask, Listen, Learn is the most widely distributed alcohol education program of its kind. Ask, Listen, Learn’s initiatives include Asklistenlearn.com, a website that encourages kids to “say ‘YES’ to a healthy lifestyle and ‘NO’ to underage drinking” by offering kids interactive and educational games and videos. Kids can read about positive role models and take a pledge to make healthy choices. Parents and educators are also encouraged to visit the site for tips on how to facilitate these conversations on how to talk with kids about underage drinking. Ask, Listen, Learn is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest constantly promoting a healthy lifestyle message.

About the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility

The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility, formerly known as The Century Council, is a national not-for-profit leader in the fight against drunk driving and underage drinking.  Developed alongside a team of educators and psychologists specializing in middle school-aged students, Ask, Listen, Learn continues Responsibility.org’s longstanding commitment to America youth, and provides kids with the necessary tools to make healthy lifestyle choices while also teaching them about the dangers of underage drinking.

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