Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Save the Date: IAA’s Red Ribbon Run on October 25th
Monday, July 7, 2025
Channel Our Own Personal Freedom
Friday, July 4, 2025
Happy 249th Birthday America
Do Not Drink & Drive!
Thanks to our friends at Lakeland Mom
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Recent Study Shows Disposable Vapes More Toxic than Cigarettes
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Mentors Can Help Build Confidence & Reduce Risk of Substance Use
Growing up in today's world can be challenging for teens and young adults - and it can be equally overwhelming for parents. It can help to have even one more trusted adult outside of a parent or guardian to support your child as they grow.
The mentor relationship is not meant to replace a parent; in fact, it offers the benefit of having another positive, stable adult in your child's life. This can even help to improve the relationships between teens and parents by offering more guidance and stability for them.
A mentor is someone who offers support and models good values. The right mentor paired with your child during his or her critical period of development - whether it's a teacher, coach, community leader, or family friend - can make a huge difference to help bring out their confidence and improve self-esteem while offering strong protection from risky behaviors, including substance use.
Mentors help kids flourish by:
*Boosting confidence and self-esteem - a young person's development is rooted in their community and in their relationships. Having another adult to listen to and support them can be a tremendous benefit for youth and improve overall wellbeing.
*Reducing the likelihood of substance use and depressive symptoms - in reality, all teens face risk factors for developing a substance use disorder. Many times, it can be linked to family history and we know that environment can also trigger addiction. Having a trusting adult to turn to can help counter the risks and act as a powerful protective factor.
*Improving academic performance and mental health - studies show that one of the strongest benefits of mentoring, regardless of a teen's background, is reducing depressive symptoms. When youth know that they have "someone in their corner" who they trust and can talk to, it can go a long way to help them develop a better sense of safety, trust, and belonging.
*Strengthening coping, life skills, and problem-solving abilities - mentors can help kids handle challenges with family, friends, and school by teaching life skills, offering healthy coping strategies, and building confidence - critical skills that all teens need to be resilient and to succeed in life.
For more about the benefits of the mentor/teen relationship, check out this fantastic article from the Partnership to End Addiction:
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Summer Health & Wellness
Summertime has a generally more relaxing vibe but sometimes changes from the regular routine can create challenges too. InnerAct Alliance encourages families to continue to practice self-care and reach out for support from available resources when needed.
Here are some tips on how children, parents, and families can thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally during the summer months and all year-round:
Physical Wellness ๐ช - staying physically active and eating well has been shown to improve mental health and wellness. Some suggestions to accomplish this may be: exercising regularly with a friend or workout group; joining a swim, dance, or yoga class; spending time outdoors daily; and walking/running when it's cooler in the mornings or late evenings. It's also the perfect time to embrace the abundance of refreshing summer fruit and veggies to encourage healthy eating habits in your diet. Make sure to get quality rest and sleep and establish priorities to keep the days productive.
Mental Wellness ๐ง - practicing wellness activities can help to overcome stress and anxiety and promote productivity. Take time to try self-soothing activities like mindfulness and meditation or creative activities like art, music, reading, or journaling.
Embrace Support ๐- when we feel stressed, tired, overwhelmed, or alone, it's important to identify support that's available to help you overcome any challenges. Communicate your needs to a trusted friend or family member...or seek out a support group, therapy, or counseling.
Stay Connected ๐ช - summertime offers a different daily routine so do your best to stay connected to those who impact you in positive and healthy ways. Plan to enjoy family time, friend hangouts, volunteer, arrange a game or movie night, send letters or postcards, maybe even join a book club or sports team.
Even small changes can improve overall mood, so take advantage of the long sunny days and warm weather to switch up your routine, be more active, and enjoy what the season has to offer. Wishing you a happy summer and a season of proactive self-care! ๐
Monday, June 30, 2025
What’s All The Buzz About Cannabis Drinks