You're Never Too Old for Trick or Treat!

 

Before You Eat, Inspect Your Treat!

 

Halloween is a time for spooky fun, dressing up in costume to trick or treat for candy and other goodies. It's sad that we haven to say this...but it's important to stay safe and always check your child's Halloween loot before the wrappers are torn open to be sure it hasn't been laced with dangerous drugs.💊

The idea that there are malicious individuals who may lace children's candy has been a widespread concern through the years. "Laced candy" refers to candy that may have been tampered with or infused with harmful substances like poison, drugs, or even sharp objects like razors. Good news is that these cases are not very common but when it comes to our children, safety is our #1 priority!

Gummy candies, hard candy, chocolate, and baked goods can all hide various substances. Marijuana edibles or drug-laced sweets can be liquified or turned into powder before being infused into the candy.

A recent article posted by High Focus Treatment Centers has shared some helpful tips for parents on how to know if candy is laced and what to look for as you sort through Halloween candy:

1. Beware of open wrappers - candy with open wrappers should be a red flag. The safest bet is to just throw out all open or slightly open candy.

2.  Pay attention to smell - marijuana has a distinct odor that rarely goes away, especially after being heated or baked into an edible. While it may not be obvious from a distance, a quick sniff of the candy itself can be very telling.

3. Read candy brand names - many cannabis edibles, drug-laced candies, and other substance-infused treats have misspelled labels or traditional names that may be altered into a pun or unmarked altogether. All of these are common signs of tampering.⚠

If you think you or someone you know may have ingested drug-laced candy, please seek emergency attention immediately. Also, contact your local enforcement if the tests reveal a drug or poison in your system. Stay safe & have a Happy Halloween!👻

Parent's Guide to Spotting Laced Halloween

https://www.highfocuscenters.com/a-parents-guide-to-spotting-laced-halloween-candy/? 

 

Happy Faces & Healthy Choices at the 2024 Red Ribbon Run

 

Kudos to the nearly 6,000 participants, sponsors, spectators, vendors, law enforcement, staff, and volunteers who enjoyed healthy fun while Running The World at the 2024 Red Ribbon Run & Challenge, presented by InnerAct Alliance and title sponsor, Publix Super Markets, and other local business and prevention sponsors this past Saturday morning, October 26 at Lake Mirror in Lakeland.

Nearly 1,000 Student Runners in grades K-8 participated in the Kids Fun Run timed race heats, sponsored by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, and over 300 families ran or walked together in the untimed Family Fun Run around beautiful Lake Mirror. Participants also enjoyed healthy snacks, fitness activities, and festive entertainment celebrating different cultures at the Florida Dairy Farmers World Tour vendor area during the event. 

Results from the timed K-8 grade heats are listed below and full results can be found at: https://www.athlinks.com/event/inneract-alliance-red-ribbon-run-155599

Red Ribbon Kids Fun Run Results
Saturday, October 26, 2024

 

Practice Positivity and Keep Growing

 

It is said that to live a full life, we must continue to work on improving ourselves. It's easy to get stuck in a comfort zone, but to truly grow, we need to take steps toward improvement to reach our fullest potential.🌈

Personal growth involves continuing to take steps to become a better person. It involves taking chances on doing things you love and have a passion for, rather than taking the easy way out. It's learning how to make the most of your life and living your life to the fullest to become the BEST version of yourself.😊

We can practice positivity by creating a personal growth plan - start with small steps like the suggestions in this festive pumpkin graphic from our friends @ Positively Present such as seek inner peace, practice acts of patience, master a new skill, cultivate a sense of community, or learn about other cultures.

Whatever you decide to do, don't be afraid to dream big...but take small steps to get you there!🧡

What is Chroming & How is it Harming our Kids

 

A recent CNN article focused on another dangerous practice that has become popular among teens. Chroming, also known as huffing or sniffing, is a means of getting high by inhaling chemical substances that are sprayed into the nose or mouth or transferred to a plastic bag or bottle before being inhaled.

According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, inhalant abuse peaked in the 1990s and has been down-trending over the last two decades. However, experimentation rates among teens using inhalants has begun to rise again in recent years related to substance inhaling-related content and challenges among teen featured on social media platforms like TikTok, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 

The most common substances are household products like glue, aerosol sprays, deodorant, paint, cleaning products, liquid paper, computer duster, gasoline, hairspray - even nail polish. 

The goal is to alter the state of mind. These products give the user an immediate rush or high, then slow down the nervous system as they move through the body. This rising trend poses serious health risks including suffocation, loss of consciousness, paralysis of wind passages, damage to the brain, liver, kidneys, and even death.

Awareness is key! Many of these products are commonly found in our homes and cheap to buy in stores. Couple the easy availability with the fact that some teens may think that compared with other drugs huffing or chroming isn’t a big deal and there is a recipe for major health risks.

Symptoms to look for may include: chemical odor, unexplained mood swings, dizziness/confusion, chemical burns around mouth/nose, slurred speech, lack of coordination, headaches, tremors, insomnia, noticing unusual chemical products in the home.

Let’s keep our kids SAFE by having open conversations about the risks of chroming and encouraging healthy choices. By understanding this issue, parents can better equip their children to make healthy choices and avoid harmful behaviors. 

Read about the latest insights to inform and support teens to steer clear of this harmful rising trend

  https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/27/health/what-is-chroming-risks-parenting-tips-wellness/index.html

Thank You 2024 Red Ribbon Run Sponsorship Partners

 

Free Online Red Ribbon Registration for K-8 Students Ends Tonight

 

Have a Good Night’s Sleep

Eat a Light, Healthy Breakfast

🎀 Come Run & Have Fun with Us 🎀

https://www.inneractalliance.org/

Dispose of Medications Safely at National Take Back Day This Saturday

 

It's approaching cold and flu season, a time of year you may find yourself stocking up on medicine to have on hand just in case. That's how home medicine cabinets can get cluttered with outdated medications. Since 2020, over one million Americans have died from drug overdoses - many begin with medication that comes from medicine cabinets in their own home or the home of friends and family members they may visit.💊

This weekend, Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Drug Take-Back Campaign encourages citizens to look through the cabinets in their home to take inventory of drugs no longer needed, and more importantly, to safely dispose of them. This helps keep expired, unused, or unwanted prescription or over-the-counter drugs from being misused or abused.

Our community's National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day takes place this Saturday, October 26, from 10am to 2pm at participating police department locations throughout Polk County. Please clean out your medicine cabinet and help do your part to avoid drug abuse and addiction!

Share the Real Truth About Risks of Marijuana Use

Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal substance in the U.S. and its use continues to grow. At the same time, the amount of THC in marijuana has steadily increased and the perception of how harmful marijuana use can be has declined.

Truth is, today's marijuana has 3x the concentration of THC compared to 25 years ago, increasing the risk for addiction. The higher the THC amount, the stronger the effects on the brain - approximately 1-in-10 adults and 1-in-6 teens who start using before age 18 will become addicted. 

Teens tend to feel invincible, that nothing can harm them. Truth is that marijuana can do real damage to the still-developing brains of young people. Make sure you know the negative, long-term effects associated with marijuana use. 

*Brain Health - marijuana can cause permanent IQ loss of as much as 8 points when use begins at a young age

*Mental Health - studies link marijuana use to anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and psychotic episodes

*Athletic Performance - research shows that marijuana affects timing, movement, and coordination

*Driving - driving under the influence of marijuana can result in slower reactions, decreased coordination, lane weaving, and difficulty reacting to signals/sounds on the road

*Baby's Health & Development - marijuana use during pregnancy may cause restriction in fetal growth, premature birth, stillbirth, and problems with brain development

*Daily Life - research shows marijuana users are more likely to have relationship problems, worse educational outcomes, lower career achievement, and reduced life satisfaction.

Protect your child's future by talking to them about the real risks associated with marijuana use. Click the helpful links below for tips that dispel common myths about marijuana. Take a quick quiz to learn more about the risks of marijuana use.

https://www.samhsa.gov/marijuana

https://www.samhsa.gov/marijuana-quiz

In The News: CDC Reports Youth Tobacco Use Has Reached a 25-Year Low

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the rate of youth tobacco use has dropped to its lowest level in 25 years, according to new data from the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey. Cigarette smoking has reached the lowest percentage ever recorded by the survey at just 1.4% of students. Advocacy groups say that smoking bans, awareness campaigns, and federal regulations have been key to assist in the decrease.

However, over 2 million middle and high school students are still using tobacco - this number is down from 2.8 million in 2023. E-cigarettes are the most commonly-used tobacco products at 5.9% for teens and nicotine pouches are now the second-most common tobacco products among teen tobacco users at 1.8%.

There is still work to be done and public health efforts must continue to ensure that tobacco numbers do not go back up. Since nearly all tobacco use begins during youth, parents must communicate to their children that use of tobacco products in any form is unsafe. We want to help our youth live health tobacco-free lives.

View the CDC’s October 17, 2024 Media Release

Youth Tobacco Product Use at a 25-Year Low

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/p1017-youth-tobacco-use.html

Happy Red Ribbon Week!

 

The Red Ribbon Campaign began in 1985 when a drug enforcement agent named Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was tortured and killed in Mexico. Family and friends began to wear red satin ribbons in honor of Kiki’s memory and battle against illegal drugs. Parents formed coalitions embracing the belief that one person can make a difference. Today, the Red Ribbon serves to encourage communities to educate youth and participate in substance abuse prevention activities.

🎀InnerAct Alliance is proud to present one of the largest Red Ribbon Campaigns in the Sunshine State to promote prevention of substance abuse and bullying and encourage healthy lifestyle choices. Join us to Run the World at the 2024 Red Ribbon Run, presented by title sponsor Publix Super Markets this Saturday morning, October 26, at Lake Mirror in Lakeland! 

Students in grades K-8 may register FREE for the Kids Fun Run, sponsored by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, prior to 10/26 or pay $5 on race day. Adults may run with their children in the Family Fun Run for a $5 fee. More fun will be available in the Florida Dairy Farmers World Tour vendor area offering healthy snacks, activities, and entertainment celebrating cultures and talents around the world!

See you Saturday morning at Lake Mirror

Register today at

https://www.inneractalliance.org/

Join Us for Week 4 of IAA’s Red Ribbon Challenges!

 

Our final Red Ribbon Challenge Week 4 (October 21-27) sponsor, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, challenges you to learn more about your family and other people, places, and cultures by Investing in Yourself & In Your Future – it’s a valuable way to expand our horizons and increase knowledge!

Suggested fun activities for this week include researching family roots to view photos, watch videos, and learn more about where our ancestors come from. Take it one step further to explore traditions of other countries to learn about different foods, dances, and celebrations.

It’s also a good habit to save money – plan a fun craft day to make a homemade piggy bank and research new and amazing places to travel, maybe on a family vacation or even just virtually on your laptop or iPad. Create a travel poster or brochure for inspiration!

Another great way to invest in yourself is to eat right and exercise. You’re invited to “Run the World” at the Red Ribbon Run on Saturday morning, October 26 at Lake Mirror in Lakeland. Students in grades K-8 can pre-register FREE before 10/26/24 at InnerActAlliance.org to participate in the Kids Fun Run ($5 fee on event day) – Adults pay $5 to run/walk with their children in the Family Fun Run.

After the Run Heats, visit the 
Florida Dairy Farmers World Tour Vendor Area

Healthy Snacks - Activities - Entertainment!

                      
                                                                                                          Register to Participate

 www.inneractalliance.org

http://www.inneractalliance.org/red-ribbon-run-challenges.html

Post Red Ribbon Weekly Challenges on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance

Hashtag #RedRibbonChallenges 🎀

The Power of Kindness

 

Showing kindness is known to help us build social bonds, increase trust and acceptance in our relationships, and boost our overall happiness. Research findings on the benefits and strength of kindness have found that people who give to others in small and large ways tend to be happier. Oxytocin is the stress-reducing chemical that is responsible for the positive effects of kindness. Gestures may include a smile, supportive hug, kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or even the smallest act of caring shown to a stranger. The truly amazing thing about kindness is that the more you give, the more you may receive in return. Kindness starts with YOU - it can also be contagious, encouraging others to join in with their own generous deeds!🌻

InnerAct Alliance is Looking for Prevention Volunteers & Talented Performers

 

InnerAct Alliance organizes one of the largest Red Ribbon Campaigns in the state of Florida highlighted by the Annual Red Ribbon Run, the popular family participation event presented by title sponsor, Publix Super Markets, to support prevention of substance abuse and inspire individuals and families to achieve healthy drug-free lifestyle goals.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0545A4AB2FA2FD0-51179555-redribbon#/

Share your talents!

Local community individuals and groups are invited to showcase their unique talents in music, dance, and performance as part of the World Tour celebration of cultural traditions during the 2024 Red Ribbon Run festivities on Saturday, October 26. 

Volunteer Opportunities Available Year-Round! 

Helping hands are also needed year-round for other programs that impact the lives of youth, parents, families, and others in need of substance abuse prevention and anti-bullying messages. 

Call InnerAct Alliance at 802-0777 or visit our website at www.inneractalliance.org 

Clean Out the Family Medicine Cabinet for DEA’s Fall Prescription Take-Back Day

 

StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies are proud to join The Drug Enforcement Administration and its national and community partners for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Medicine stored in home cabinets is highly susceptible to abuse. Discarding medication by flushing or throwing it in the trash also creates potential health and safety hazards. This event helps educate about the potential for misuse and offers a convenient and responsible means of disposal. 

Our community’s Prescription Drug Take-Back Day may include the following Polk County locations (pending confirmation of participation) for citizens to turn in Human and Pet prescription and over the counter medications in liquid and solid form as well as vaping pens and e-cigarette devices with batteries removed. Please place medication in a clear, air-tight plastic bag.

Auburndale Police Department – 2 Bobby Green Plaza 

Bartow Police Department – 450 North Broadway Avenue

Haines City Police Department – 35400 Highway 27

Lakeland Police Department – 219 N. Massachusetts Avenue

Lake Alfred Police Department – 190 N. Seminole Avenue

Lake Hamilton Police Department – 100 Smith Avenue

Lake Wales Police Department - 133 E. Tillman Avenue

Winter Haven Police Department – 125 N. Lake Silver Drive NW

Medication may also be taken to the county’s permanent drop sites, funded by GiveWell Community Foundation, at the police department locations in: Auburndale (weekdays 8-5); Haines City (weekdays 8-5); Lake Alfred (24hrs/7days); Lake Hamilton (weekdays 8-5); Lakeland (24hrs/7days); and Winter Haven (weekdays 8-5).  Permanent drop boxes can only accept medication in solid form (no liquids or syringes).  

For more information, please contact StandUP Polk at (863) 802-0777.

Official Red Ribbon Month Proclamations

 

Special Thanks to the

City of Lakeland, Mayor Mutz, and Polk County Commission

for honoring InnerAct Alliance with official

Red Ribbon Month
Proclamations

Polk County Commission
October 1, 2024

City of Lakeland Commission
October 7, 2024

Have You Seen the Red Ribbon Run & Challenge TV Commercial?

 

Have you seen the Red Ribbon Run TV
Commercial running on Spectrum TV stations?

Register to Participate
 www.inneractalliance.org

http://www.inneractalliance.org/red-ribbon-run-challenges.html

Post Red Ribbon Weekly Challenges on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance

Hashtag #RedRibbonChallenges

Register Today for the Red Ribbon Run on Saturday, October 26

 

Join Us for Week 3 of IAA’s Red Ribbon Challenges!

 

Families can support prevention of substance abuse by participating in the Annual Red Ribbon events and online Red Ribbon Challenges during the month of October that feature health-oriented challenges each week on InnerActAlliance.org for children to complete with family and friends.

RR Challenge Week 3 (October 14-20) sponsor, Florida Dairy Farmers, encourages everyone to eat smart, stay active, and practice positive self-care for a Healthy Mind & Healthy Body! Suggested activities for this week include trying different exercises, meals, and snacks. Try calming mind & body by practicing Yoga stretches and poses. Energize yourself with a cold glass of milk or make a yummy milkshake to build strong bones. Practice for the Red Ribbon Run by walking or running with your family, friends, and classmates. Most of all, be a good listener and good friend to support someone who may be dealing with a problem or experiencing sadness. We are all in this together!  

Everyone is invited to “Run the World” at the Red Ribbon Run on Saturday morning, October 26 at Lake Mirror in Lakeland. Students in grades K-8 can pre-register FREE before 10/26/24 at InnerActAlliance.org to participate in the Kids Fun Run ($5 fee on event day) – Adults pay $5 to run/walk with their children in the Family Fun Run. 

After the Run Heats, visit the

 Florida Dairy Farmers World Tour Vendor Area

 Healthy Snacks – Activities - Entertainment!

  Register to Participate
 www.inneractalliance.org

http://www.inneractalliance.org/red-ribbon-run-challenges.html

Post Red Ribbon Weekly Challenges on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance

Hashtag #RedRibbonChallenges

Project Homecoming Student Shopping Day Cancelled for October 12

 

We hope everyone is safe in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. As many students and families are dealing with storm clean-up and Lakeland Square Mall is still without power at this time, a decision has been made to postpone the previously scheduled Project Homecoming Student Shopping Day this Saturday, October 12 at the Project Prom Store. Any updates about rescheduling the shopping day will be posted here and on our agency’s social media pages in the coming days.

Thank you for understanding!  

Weather Watch vs. Weather Warning

 

With Hurricane Milton forging a path towards Florida's Gulf Coast, we are all watching weather forecasts and making preparations for severe weather under hurricane warning conditions.

Do you ever get confused about the difference between a weather watch or a weather warning? Let's use Florida's official state pie, key lime, to illustrate the difference. 

WATCH - all the ingredients are here, key lime pie is likely

WARNING - key lime pie is here & coming to a table near you

Now who else wishes they had bought a key lime pie when they were out shopping for hurricane snacks and supplies? 💚 

☔ Praying that everyone will be safe!☔

Join Us for Week 2 of IAA’s Red Ribbon Challenges!

Families can support prevention of substance abuse by participating in the Annual Red Ribbon Campaign events and online Red Ribbon Challenges during the month of  October that feature different health-oriented challenge activities each week on InnerActAlliance.org for children to complete with family and friends.

RR Challenge Week 2 (October 7-13) sponsor, Regal Lakeland, encourages Kindness & Tolerance and urges us to look beyond differences to appreciate the person. Suggested activities for this week include participating in a kindness circle, finding opportunities to do a random act of kindness for someone, offering a helping hand at home or school, and researching or playing an international sport.

With schools closed the next few days for Hurricane Milton, why not complete one of the challenges as a family – weather conditions and safety in mind, of course!

Everyone is invited to “Run the World” at the Red Ribbon Run on Saturday morning, October 26 at Lake Mirror in Lakeland. Students in grades K-8 can pre-register FREE before 10/26/24 at InnerActAlliance.org to participate in the Kids Fun Run ($5 fee on event day) – Adults pay $5 to run/walk with their children in the Family Fun Run.

 
Kindness starts with YOU!

  Register to Participate
 
www.inneractalliance.org

http://www.inneractalliance.org/red-ribbon-run-challenges.html

Post Red Ribbon Weekly Challenges on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance

Hashtag #RedRibbonChallenges

Hurricane Milton is on the Way!

 

It looks like Polk County is in the direct path of Hurricane Milton as it moves from the Gulf of Mexico towards Florida. Forecasters expect the storm to strengthen into a major hurricane and bring heavy wind and rain before making landfall on Wednesday, October 9.

Thanks to our friends at LAL Today for sharing the following information to help prepare for Milton's arrival:

*A state of emergency was declared for 51 counties, including Polk. *Sandbag sites are open across the county today from 8 am to 5:30pm *The Polk County Emergency Management Division’s Citizen’s Information Line is open from 8 am. to 7 pm to answer storm-related questions at 863-298-7500. *Polk County Public Schools will be open today, but closed Tuesday, Oct. 8-Thursday, Oct. 10. A decision about Friday is TBA. *Shelters will open tomorrow — due to high winds, the county urges those in mobile homes + RVs to evacuate. *Prepare for the storm with LAL Today’s resource guide: with our guide to local resources, home prep, and evacuation plans. Please Stay Safe! ⛆ 🙏

Be Mindful & In the Moment

 

In this colorful graphic from Positively Present, we are reminded that life is full of many different kinds of moments. It's beneficial that we try our best to appreciate them all - that includes celebrating exciting moments🙌, accepting doubtful moments😟, sitting with questionable moments❓, connecting with the ongoing moments💫, and respecting ending moments.

This all connects with being mindful - learning to focus on how you feel and what is happening around you. It is important to be fully present in what you do, where you are, and with whoever is around you. Start by giving full attention to the moment at hand. When you are truly invested, you are better able to fully engage in life's experiences. 

Some helpful tips to begin mindful practices:

*put your phone away when you spend time with others

*really listen to what others say in conversation and respond thoughtfully

*remind yourself that the task you're currently doing is the only task you need to focus on

*turn the TV off when you eat dinner or any other meal

Being mindful can provide health benefits, like improving sleep and reducing stress levels. Learning how to be mindful is a smart investment in yourself - both physically and mentally. You are worth it!