The Choking Game: A Silent Killer

What do dog leashes, bungee cords and pillow cases have in common? The are killers. Children using them to choke themselves until they pass out, or even die. "The Choking Game" it is a new fad with our youngsters today.

What is the fascination with this game, and why are kids doing it you ask? Well, supposedly when they are using these items to wrap around their necks, it is temporarily cutting off the blood flow to their head. The high they are trying to achieve? A dreamlike, floating-in-space feeling when blood rushes back into the brain. And can sometimes lead to death. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, claim most of the deaths reported were kids playing this game alone. According to the first official government count, at least 82 kids have died worldwide from playing this dangerous "choking game". Signs to look for if you are suspecting a/your child is doing this are, bloodshot eyes, marks on the neck, frequent and severe headaches, disorientation after spending time alone, ropes, scarves or belts tied to bedroom furniture or doorknobs or found knotted on the floor.

It's likely that there are about 100 U.S. choking game deaths each year, said Dr. Tom Andrew, New Hampshire's chief medical examiner, who has been studying the phenomenon for several years.

Andrew said many coroners and medical examiners likely label the deaths as suicides because they don't have the time or resources to interview a victim's friends and look for alternate explanations.

The kids who have unfortunately died while playing this game were describes as intelligent, athletic students who were intrigued by the new game of getting high without involving drugs or alcohol. Parents should be more aware of this new fad. It is a silent killer. Kids thinking they are not doing anything wrong because they aren't using drugs or alcohol. Little do they know, they are putting their lives at risk even doing this.