Verbalize Your Expectations Often
So who has the most influence on a teen’s choice to use drugs or alcohol? The answer: parents and peers. I mention peers just momentarily, as we’ll talk about the “peer factor” in an upcoming segment. But for now, who your kids hang with or associate with should be important to you. Numerous studies on...
Physical pain has a tremendous impact on the lives of millions of Americans, many of whom have been prescribed opioids to relieve their suffering. However, we now know these pain relievers are highly addictive; so much so that we now find ourselves in an “opioid crisis.” Reducing youth access to these prescription medications is important...
Spread the Word, Not the Virus
Americans have faced many crises such as wars, disasters and 9/11 to name a few. One of the hallmarks of the American spirit is the generosity and caring for others that comes to the forefront during times of national need. Americans are resilient and we mobilize to solve problems. It’s who we are and it’s...
People today have the perception that Marijuana is not harmful, and this has led to its legalization for medical and recreational purposes in many states. Most people think that it’s no worse than alcohol and tobacco in general. But the facts are now showing the real risk of regular marijuana use; especially for youth, who...
Do you know what may be the most catastrophic public health situation of all time? Adverse Childhood Experiences, referred to as ACEs, have preventable factors that have been found to have a high correlation with risk for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, substance abuse, suicide, obesity, COPD, and premature death. There is a powerful movement sweeping the...
I just got off the phone with a mother whose twenty-five-year-old son has relapsed; he just tested “hot” for opioids. The more I listened the more my heart grew heavy for her and her situation. She is beside herself to say the least. He is being admitted into drug treatment center for his substance use...
Maybe you have seen the Way Out West Coalition’s Get in the Way materials throughout the city and in this magazine. But what does Get in the Way actually mean? The teen brain focuses on risk and excitement. Our job as parents, grandparents, and caring adults is to Get in the Way or foil a...
There is a rapidly growing vaping crisis highlighted by 450 illnesses and four deaths as a result of the use of e-cigarettes. Most consumers have viewed e-cigarettes and vaping marijuana oils as harmless, but health officials are now warning the public to cease the use of e-cigarettes. Especially vulnerable are youth who are attracted to...
Physical pain has a tremendous impact on the lives of millions of Americans, many of whom have been prescribed opioids to relieve their suffering. However, we now know these pain relievers are highly addictive; so much so that we now find ourselves in an “opioid crisis.” Reducing youth access to these prescription medications is important...
Reducing Back-to-School Stress
With a new school year beginning, what words tend to bring chaos, stress and drama? If you said, “mornings”, “kids” and “getting ready for school” – you nailed it. Fact is, the new school year is the perfect opportunity for a fresh start and integrating new behaviors into the family lifestyle that will reduce a...