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Part 3 of a multi-part series on Human TraffickingTraffickers Target School Children!IBy Lou Duggann February Dr. Katariina Rosenblatt, author and Executive Director of There Is HOPE For Me, testifiedbefore Congress about the prevalence of trafficking in schools. Rosenblatt survived being drugged, kidnapped, and trafficked before turning the age of eighteen. “There are 1,000,000 children being trafficked per year,” said Dr. Rosenblatt. “That’s a fact.”“Identification is key,” said Comal County Sheriff Mark Reynolds. Reynolds has been involved in County law enforcement for 34 years, as a deputy since 1990 and Sheriff since 2017. He has seen trafficking activity grow in our area and expresses support for enhanced communication between our citizens and law enforcement. “We need the public to come forward and talk to us,” Reynolds says, “but we have to be cautious. I cannot arrest someone unless they are breaking the law. Because of the hidden nature of trafficking and because of the recreational opportunities we have in our area, I am sure there is much more trafficking going on here than we know about. We’ve actually had people sell family members for money. So, we must do better about getting the proper messaging to victims.”Reynolds. “Monitoring of children’s use of technology is important. If we are going to give children cell phones, iPads, and computers, then we need to monitor their use. We need to monitor who they talk to, who they text or chat with, and how. We need to educate and involve more parents. Plus, educators play an important role. They are vigilant.”“If the general public, who has more eyes on their surroundings, feels something is wrong or suspicious, please call law enforcement,” said Reynolds. “I would rather we get calls about what may turn out to be nothing rather than miss the one that does matter.”A 9-year-old, elementary student was asked to write about “What makes a person a hero?” The child’s response speaks to those who display courage, awareness, vigilance, identification, and caring during challenging situations:“A hero is someone who protects the Country and loves America. And wants to help human lives like you and me. Superheroes don’t need powers. They have their own powers like helpfulness and respect for the Country. To have a superpower is your own power. God does not need Flash or Captain America. He needs people who love God’s country.”Be a hero! If you suspect a child may be a victim, report it to appropriate authorities; call 911 or if it is not life-threatening callPARENTS, EDUCATORS--BE A HERO!State agencies warn that “trafficking includes school-age children—particularly those not living with their parents--- because of their vulnerability and gullibility, as well as the market demand for young victims. The children at risk are not just high school students—studies demonstrate that traffickers prey on victims as young as twelve.”Case studies indicate that “traffickers frequently target children through telephone chat-lines, clubs, on the street, through friends, and at malls, as well as using girls to recruit other girls at schools and after-school programs. Also, they may impersonate someone the intended victim might trust. They gain intelligence on their victims by examining online posts, comments that victims have made on other posts, and comments made by the victims’ friends.”“Traffickers are patient in the process of converting their victims,” said Sheriff Reynolds. “They take time to win their victim’s trust. Children are brainwashed by traffickers over an extended period of time. They are sometimes reluctant to speak.”“Socialization is all on social media,” saidNon-Emergency SAPD at 210-207-7273. Special thanks to Comal County Sheriff Mark Reynolds, Dr. Katariina Rosenblatt, There Is HOPE For Me foundation, Meant to Soar foundation, Goya Cares Foundation, Department of Homeland Security, and Jack Staton of INS Consulting LLC. Contributions to this series are being made by these individuals and organizations fighting Human Trafficking. In future articles prevention, protection, prosecution, and avenues for help will continue to be featured. Watch for these articles as theinformation may just protect a child.Next Month: Part 4: Empowering Our Resources Against Traffickers3-Year-Old Journey Castillo, Youngest Person Visits All 63 USNational Parks in Record TimeOSubmitted By Valerie Castillon September 19, 2020, 2-day-old Journey Castillo was released from the hospital in San Antonio.On her third day, she was in the car with her parents, Valerie and Eric Castillo, heading out to see the country, and she hasn’t stopped since.Journey’s name originated from a pregnancy scare and her survival. “She’s already a fighter. Let’s call her Journey,” said her mom. Little did they know that her name would take on an exciting new meaning for the family.The toddler visited her first national park, the Grand Canyon, at just 2 weeks old. Her parents then set a goal: “Let’s get to 21national parks by the time she’s 1,” Valerie explains.That goal grew, and the Castillos were determined to continue the challenge, reaching 42 national parks by the time Journey turned 2 and visiting the remaining 63 in her third year.Journey Castillo, a young girl from San Antonio, has become the youngest person to visit all 63 US National Parks, achieving this record-breaking feat in just 3 years.Her unique accomplishment stands as a testament to the human spirit’s boundless potential and the power of determination. Journey’s journey serves as an inspiration to all, demonstrating that with passion anddedication, incredible dreams can be realized.Pets owners go to great lengths to ensure their animal companions are happy and healthy. Nutritious diets and routine visits to a veterinarian are two ways to keep pets healthy. Pet owners also can educate themselves about various conditions that can adversely affect their pets’ health, including heartworm.What is heartworm?The American Heartworm Society notes heartworm is a potentially fatal disease caused by foot-long worms that can live8in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels of affected pets. A pet affected by heartworm can develop severe lung disease, heart failure and organ damage. Are all pets vulnerable to heartworm?The American Veterinary Medical Association® reports that heartworm primarily infects dogs, cats and ferrets. However, wild animals like foxes and wolves also can be infected, as can animals like raccoons and opossums that many people see in their backyards and local parks.Humans also have been infected with heartworm, though the AVMA® notes such instances are rare.Heartworm and dogsThe AHS notes dogs are a natural host for heartworms. Heartworms that live inside a dog can mature into adults and even mate and produce offspring while inside the dog. Numbers increase if the dog is not treated for heartworm. Even if a dog is treated, the effects of heartworm infection can linger after the worms are gone, contributingto lasting damage to the heart, lungs and arteries.Symptoms of heartworm infection in dogs may not manifest early on. The AHS notes that it’s more likely symptoms will develop the longer the infection persists. Such symptoms may include:• A mild, persistent cough• Reluctance to exercise• Fatigue after moderate activity• Decreased appetiteHeartworm - continued on page 9 May 2024What Pet Owners Should Know About Heartwormwww.heloteshighlights.com