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...
Here is a trend to “be in the know” about, especially if you are a parent, grandparent or someone who has an invested interest in kids. It’s the widely popular trend of teen vaping. It has become an epidemic in the US and teens are being marketed with the flavors and discreet devices called Electronic...
This is the time of year we go for the fresh start. It has been part of our western culture as a tradition for more than 200 years in its present form. Most Americans focus on self-improvement and that improvement comes in the form of New Year’s Resolutions. Yes, another year has come and gone...
Three Easy Ways to Practice Gratitude
Ever wonder why some people are generally happy? The answer may lay in one-word, gratitude. People with an “attitude of gratitude” seem to be upbeat, positive and energized. Here are just a few benefits of being grateful: Improves our physical and psychological health Increases our energy, quality of sleep and mental strength Reduces negative emotions such...
What quote motivates you the most? We as humans are aspirational by nature and many quotes appeal directly to our nature, helping us see something in ourselves we want to change. Quotes serve as a reminder about who we want to become. We have what we call thought habits; habitual ways of thinking that allows...
Knowledge is Power: A Must Read for Every Parent
Here’s a quick overview – Make sure you view the two video links below (2 and 3 minutes each) with substance abuse expert Mike Gimble. A Juul is a tiny device, resembling a flash drive. It can be easily hidden among school supplies or concealed in pockets and backpacks. It is USB chargeable, simple to use...