InnerAct Alliance's Red Ribbon Challenge Starts Today!

 

Families can show support for prevention of substance abuse by participating in the Annual Red Ribbon Campaign events presented by InnerAct Alliance. The 2022 Red Ribbon Challenge begins TODAY - Monday, September 26 - on RedRibbonRun.com and continues online through October 22 for children and their friends and families to complete fun challenge activities. A different health-oriented challenge will be featured each week.

Kids may register FREE to participate in the weekly challenges and post their completed activities on Facebook with the hashtag #RedRibbonChallenges - those who complete at least 10 challenges will be eligible to earn a prize! Register and view details at RedRibbonRun.com. 

Today, Monday, September 26, is Family Day – A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children

 

Today, Monday, September 26, is Family Day – A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children and we encourage you to eat together as a family this evening! 

Family Day began in 2001 as a national effort to promote family dinners as an effective way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors.

Though life can be hectic, spending time together as a family should be a priority. Family meals provide the perfect opportunity to check-in with your kids and share the events of the day. Involve children in preparing the meal or setting the table with you. These are all good times to talk to your kids about making healthy choices.

Research consistently finds that the more often children eat dinner with their families, the less likely they will be to smoke, drink, or use illegal substances. Open discussions about topics like substance abuse should begin when children are young and continue - it’s not a one-and-done conversation. Share your expectations and your kids will listen!  

To learn more about the Family Day initiative, sign the family day pledge, and receive tips to talk with your children, visit www.informedfamilies.org

Happy First Day of Fall!

 

It's officially FALL! Even though it's still 90 degrees here in Florida, there are still plenty of fun ways to celebrate the new season! 

While we're waiting for even slightly cooler temps to happen, you and your family can enjoy autumn by taking a nightly walk to check out the Halloween decorations in your neighborhood. Attend one of the fun Fall Festivals in town for a special outing, or plan a football tailgate - either at home watching on TV or at a local high school game supporting the home team. Bake up a batch of pumpkin spice muffins and enjoy chilled apple cider!

Our friends at LakelandMom.com have shared more great ideas to enjoy with your family and friends in Lakeland and throughout Polk County in their 2022 Fall & Halloween Guide. Be sure to check it out at: https://lakelandmom.com/fall-halloween-activities/

UthMpact Leadership Etiquette Dinner: A Great Success!

 

The UthMpact Leadership Etiquette Dinner, hosted by Leadership Lakeland Alumni at the Lone Palm Golf Club on Thursday, September 15, was an exquisite evening. Teens from the program had an opportunity to network and connect with leaders who have enjoyed success in their endeavors and while being educated on proper etiquette over a delicious four-course meal. The room buzzed with conversation and laughter as adults and teens mingled. Our special thanks and appreciation to Leadership Lakeland Alumni and Lone Palm Golf Club for partnering with us for an enjoyable and informative evening!

Celebrate FAMILY DAY: A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children on Monday, September 26

 

InnerAct Alliance and coalition partners, StandUP Polk and UthMpact, encourage your family to participate in Family Day – A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children on Monday, September 26, 2022. Family Day began in 2001 as a national effort to promote family dinners as an effective way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors. Research by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University consistently finds that the more often children eat dinner with their families, the less likely they will be to smoke, drink, or use illegal substances. To learn more about this initiative, sign the family day pledge, and receive tips to talk with your children, visit www.informedfamilies.org

Families can also show support for prevention of substance abuse by participating in the Annual Red Ribbon Campaign events. The 2022 Red Ribbon Run & Challenge, presented by title sponsor Publix Super Markets, will take place on Saturday, October 29 at Lake Mirror in Lakeland with the Red Ribbon Run for K-8 students, along with a Family Fun Run for parents to run/walk with their children plus a great new Fitness Fun Zone featuring healthy snacks and activities. Registration is FREE at RedRibbonRun.com for K-8 students who pre-register by 10/29; adults pay $5. Race check-in for the Kids Fun Run begins at 7:00 am at Lake Mirror Auditorium, Family Fun Run takes place at 8:30 am, and grade heats begin at 8:45 am (times approximate). 

Weekly Red Ribbon Challenges with themes of nutrition, fitness, and anti-bullying begin September 26 and continue through October on the event website for kids to complete and post on the Red Ribbon Facebook page to earn points for prizes.

"The Annual Red Ribbon Run encourages healthy family activites, which reduce the likelihood of substance abuse, bullying, violence, and other risky behaviors," said InnerAct Alliance's Executive Director, Angie Ellison. "Please plan to eat dinner as a family on September 26 and join us on October 29 by sponsoring, running, or volunteering at 

www.RedRibbonRun.com or https://www.facebook.com/RedRibbonRunSeries.”

Register to Participate in the 2022 Red Ribbon Run & Challenge!

 

2022 Red Ribbon Run & Challenge Coming Up on Saturday, October 29, 2022

 

It’s almost time for the Annual Red Ribbon Run! InnerAct Alliance and our title sponsor Publix Super Markets invite you to participate in the 2022 Red Ribbon Run on Saturday morning, October 29, to prevent harm and promote health! 

The Red Ribbon Run features a 1K Kids Fun Run around beautiful Lake Mirror in Lakeland. Students in grades K-8 can run in timed grade level heats and win trophies awarded for first, second, and third place in each gender and grade or run/walk with their families in untimed heats in the Family Fun Run. Check-in for the Kids Fun Run begins at 7:00 a.m. at Lake Mirror Auditorium, the Family Fun Run takes place at 8:30 a.m., and grade heats begin at 8:45 a.m. (all times are approximate). 

Registration for students in grades K-8 is FREE at RedRibbonRun.com before October 29; adults pay a $5 fee for the Family Fun Run. All registered students who participate in the Kids Fun Run will receive a free Run t-shirt.  

This popular community event also includes a new Fitness Fun Zone with healthy snacks, activities, and giveaways. There will be weekly challenges with themes of nutrition, anti-bullying, and fitness in a virtual format beginning on Family Day: A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children on September 26, at RedRibbonRun.com for participants to complete challenges and post them on the Red Ribbon Run Facebook page to earn points for prizes! Weekly Challenges begin on September 26 with a new challenge each week for 4 weeks.

"The Annual Red Ribbon Run helps to encourage healthy life choices and educate about the dangers of substance abuse, bullying, and other risky behaviors," said InnerAct Alliance's Executive Director, Angie Ellison. "Join us on Saturday, October 29 to sponsor, run, or volunteer at RedRibbonRun.com or https://www.facebook.com/RedRibbonRunSeries”

Never Forget - September 11, 2001

 

Let us pause to remember the victims of 9-11 tragedy, along with their grieving families and friends and the valiant efforts of the first responders many who lost their lives in the rescue effort. 

UthMpact Hosts 2022 Project HOCO Shopping Days

 

With Fall football games in full swing, it’s almost time for Homecoming! UthMpact is proud to continue the Project HOCO effort providing formal wear to teens in need. Students with a Polk County School ID can sign a Project HOCO Pledge promising to make healthy and safe choices during Homecoming festivities and receive dresses and suits for FREE! 

2022 Student Shopping Days for Project HOCO are scheduled for Saturdays September 17, and October 1, 8, & 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Project Prom/Project HOCO store location in the Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 U.S. Highway 98N, in Lakeland (next to The Children’s Place). 

Community members may support this effort by donating gently used dresses, shoes, men’s suits, ties, and other accessories. Formal wear donations may be dropped off on the shopping dates or at the InnerAct Alliance office on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A receipt will be provided for tax purposes for all donations. 

UthMpact’s goal is promote a fun and safe Homecoming night. For more information, please visit our Facebook page Project Prom of Polk, website www.projectprompolk.com, contact Samantha McCain at (863) 802-0777, or email: samantha.barwig@inneractalliance.org. 

School Stress: Modeling Healthy Behavior for Your Child

 

Here is a fact that cannot be stated often enough...Parents have much more influence over their sons and daughters than they think! Even if your teens try to make you feel unimportant, don't underestimate how much you can really impact them.

Modeling healthy coping skills – 61% of teens say stress and anxiety take a toll on their lives. Reports show that this is a common reason many turn to substance use. How we, as parents, handle stress and pressure can be reflected in our children’s behavior. Be mindful that what you do and say guides your child’s behavior, attitudes, and beliefs over the long term. That’s why it’s important to model the behavior you want to see in your kids.

Our friends at Partnership for Addiction offer some examples of how our behavior can make an impact on our stressed-out teens and young adults:

* When parents are stressed, kids feel it even if they don't show it. Acknowledge what you're going through and talk about how you are handling it.

* Be aware when your turn to substances to deal with a problem - whether it is alcohol, nicotine, or even aspirin.

* When you pour a glass of wine or beer for yourself, be mindful not to say, "I had a really bad day" at the same time. This establishes a connection of using a substance to manage stress or feel better

* Pair your anxiety/stress with healthy coping strategies and explain them out loud. Instead of saying "I'm so stressed out today, I really need a drink", you can say "I had a really stressful day, so I think I'm going to take a nice quiet walk to decompress." Or "I'm so stressed out today, I'm going for a run."

* Practicing mindfulness and meditation can be really helpful. You can even say, "Who wants to meditate with me?" Even if it sounds forced or goofy, it works - your kids are paying attention.

Keep in mind - Teens can and do notice when you don't practice what you preach. If your teen points out contradictions in your behavior (which they love to do), take responsibility and talk about how you can correct your slip-ups.

* Choose times and settings to model behaviors that will increase the likelihood of your teenager paying attention and being receptive to them.

* Positive modeling can be challenging. It does not automatically guarantee your teen will follow the behavior you demonstrate - but it definitely improves the odds. They'll internalize it and hopefully act on it, whether now or down the road.

Key Takeaways - Narrate what you're doing - and why you're doing it - when you are performing behavior you'd like them to mimic or adopt.

* Continue modeling good behavior, even if your child pushes back or seems indifferent to your actions.

* Own your bad behavior and reflect on it out loud and in front of your kids. Modeling helps them learn from your mistakes. It helps show that failing and trying again builds coping skills, grit, and resilience.

* Praise your teens when you notice them demonstrating healthy coping skills on their own. Reinforcing positive behavior makes your teen feel proud and goes far to assure the behavior contines.

To learn more about strategies to support your children, visit the Partnership to End Addiction website at https://drugfree.org 

Have a Safe & Happy Labor Day Weekend!

 

Many will hit the open road for the last weekend of summer - perhaps heading to a water park, the beach, or the great outdoors. Thanks to our friends at The American Red Cross, here are some great safety tips to enjoy your holiday weekend:

Driving Safety

Be well rested and alert, use seat belts, observe speed limits, and follow the rules of the road.

Don't drink and drive. Have a designated driver available.

Give full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.

Use caution driving in work zones and through highway construction.

Don't follow other vehicles too closely.

Swimming Safety

If swimming in the ocean, lake, or river, be aware that these environments are different than a pool. Be sure you have the right skill level. 

Swim only within designated swim areas. Obey instructions from life guards and ask about local conditions.

Make sure you swim sober and always swim with a buddy.

Protect your neck - do not dive headfirst.

If you are caught in a rip current, do not panic. Signal to those on shore that you need assistance. Swim parallel to share until you are out of the current. If you cannot swim to shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current.

Water Park Safety

Make sure lifeguards are on duty before you go in the water and follow instructions. 

Use sunscreen and reapply during the day. 

Wear protective clothing, including a hat and cover-up for when you've had enough sun. 

Parents - keep an eye on kids. If they cannot swim or are less than 4 feet tall, have them wear a life jacket.

Signal a lifeguard if you see someone is in trouble.

Set up a meeting spot in case someone gets separated from your group.

Use the buddy system to make sure no child is alone.

Outdoor Safety

Being prepared is critical when out in remote areas with limited access to phone service, hospitals, and emergency help.

Know the level of ability of the people in your group and the environment around you.

Dehydration is a danger, especially in high temperatures. Plan ahead and bring along extra water.

Share travel plans with a family member, neighbor, or friend.

Pack a First Aid Kit that includes insect repellent, sunscreen, personal medications.

Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend Safely!

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

 

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month - a time to raise awareness, shift public perception, share vital information, and share hope to those affected by suicide. The goal is to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and seek help.

Suicidal thoughts, like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. It is especially dangerous among youth - suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14 and the 3rd leading cause of death among those ages 15-24 in the U.S.

Suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition - 46% of those who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition.

YOU can play an important role in the prevention effort by familiarizing yourself with the warning signs, taking them seriously, and knowing how to respond to them. Warning signs of suicide include:

* Talking about suicide

* Seeking access to guns, pills, etc.

* Having a preoccupation with death

* Sudden mood swings or personality changes

* Hopelessness

* Self-loathing or hatred

* Neglecting appearance

* Changes in eating and sleeping patterns

* Saying goodbye

* Withdrawal

* Self-destructive behavior

Suicide prevention resources are available including the FREE 988 SUICIDE and CRISIS LINE! The Lifeline provides 24-hour confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call or text 9-8-8 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Support is also available via live chat.

To access more information and resources, visit NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness - at www.nami.org