Congratulations to Our UthMpact Leadership Class XIV Graduates

 

UthMpact hosted its graduation ceremony for high school student leaders who successfully completed the 2024-2025 UthMpact Leadership Class XIV program on April 8 at Bartow Civic Center. Nearly 510 students representing every high school in the county have been enriched by being a member of the Leadership Program, which is spearheaded by InnerAct Alliance, StandUP Polk, UthMpact, and key business and community partners to assist teens in developing crucial leadership skills.

Participants complete a retreat and personality training and travel throughout the county on monthly Leadership Days to meet with community leaders and experience the inner workings of local volunteerism, business, government, healthcare, education, and local law enforcement. Students participate in dozens of unique events and volunteer opportunities.

Each year, two seniors who embody the mission and leadership qualities of UthMpact were awarded $500 scholarships. Congratulations to the 2025 UthMpact Scholarship recipients Reese Sesser and Serena Thomas!

Candidates for the 2025 Leadership Class XV have been chosen based on their scholastic and leadership experience and their names will be announced soon. for more information about UthMpact, contact Samantha Barwig at 802-0777.

DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day – Saturday, April 26

 

StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies are proud to join the Drug Enforcement Administration  and its national and community partners for the 28th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26, from 10:00am to 2:00pm. 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 responsible means of disposal. 

Our community's Prescription Drug Take Back Day includes the following (8) Polk County locations 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 (batteries removed). Please place medication in a clear, air-tight plastic bag.

*Auburndale Police Dept. - 2 Bobby Green Plaza
*Bartow Police Dept. - 450 N. Broadway Ave.
*Haines City Police Dept. - 35400 Hwy 27
*Lakeland Police Dept. - 219 N. Massachusetts Ave.
*Lake Alfred Police Dept. - 190 N. Seminole Ave.
*Lake Hamilton Police Dept. - 100 Smith Ave.
*Lake Wales Police Dept. - 133 E. Tillman Ave.
*Winter Haven Police Dept. - 125 N. Lake Silver Dr. 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 sold form (no liquids or syringes). 

Previous medication collections held in Polk County since 2010 have resulted in over 29,000 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals safely disposed of via incineration. StandUP Polk is a community coalition working together to prevent harm and promote health through education, public awareness, and advocacy including strategies to prevent youth substance abuse. For more information on the local Prescription Drug Take Back event, please contact Angie Ellison, InnerAct Alliance Executive Director and StandUP Polk at (863) 802-0777. 

IAA Out & About in Our Community

 

InnerAct Alliance's prevention team enjoys participating in special events to meet community members and share how our agency's free prevention education programs/services can positively impact the Lakeland and Polk County areas.

Last week, our team was busy participating in many wonderful Spring events. IAA's Charlie and Amy joined the fun at the Communities Outreach Expo on Friday morning, April 4 in Auburndale to offer helpful information and fun giveaways for participants. The previous day, our humane educator Michelle took part in the PACE Family Resource Fair and enjoyed connecting with children and families.👪

It was also a busy Saturday, April 5 with executive director Angie Ellison and staff Susan and Cindy on hand for the Spring Polk Together Conference to offer parents/adults an opportunity to tour our Own The Upside Trailer and learn about common items found in a typical teen's bedroom that may signal potential involvement in drugs and other risky behaviors. Other staff assisted UthMpact teens for the final student shopping day at the Project Prom Store in Lakeland Square Mall to help teens find fabulous formal wear at no cost when they sign a pledge to celebrate prom and graduation alcohol and substance-free.👗🤵 Finally, Charlie and Cindy were happy to join Heartland for Children at Crystal Lake Elementary's Annual Spring Fling and Easter Egg Hunt!🥚🐰

Feel free to invite the IAA Outreach Team to your upcoming community event to share prevention tools and spread awareness for safer, healthier communities. Call for information (863) 802-0777.

Why Alcohol is One of the Deadliest Drugs

 

Alcohol is the most socially acceptable and easily accessible drug on the market. What's worse is that many believe drinking is not as dangerous as other drug use but science and statistics consistently prove otherwise. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports alcohol causes 88,000 deaths each year, making it the 3rd leading preventable cause of death in the U.S.

Alcohol is different than other illicit substances that we know can cause overdose deaths. It is known to kill slowly by deteriorating the body - alcohol contributes to many deadly diseases including 7 forms of cancer, weakening of vital organs like the heart and liver, and adversely affects brain function.

Drinking is not only harmful for individuals, it also has a negative impact on society causing vehicle accidents, DUI's, injuries, violence, sexual assault, and property destruction. So, next time you hear someone trying to justify drinking, remember just how deadly alcohol can be!

If you or someone you love has a drinking problem, help is available. Learning about different options to address alcohol problems can be an important first step. Contact your medical provider, health insurance, local health department, or employee assistance program. 

To find research-based information on drinking and its impact on health, visit NIAAA at:

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics-a-to-z  

April is Alcohol Awareness Month

 

April is Alcohol Awareness Month - a time to raise awareness and understanding of alcohol use and misuse. It offers a timely reminder that it is never too early to talk to your children about alcohol and other drugs. Fact is that children as young as 9-years-old may already view alcohol in a positive way. The older kids get, the more likely they are to drink. About 10% OF 12-year-olds say they have tried alcohol; by age 15, that number increases to 50%. By the time they are seniors in high school, almost 70% will have tried alcohol (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA).

Parents and caregivers have a significant influence on their children's decisions to experiment with alcohol and other drugs - it begins by talking. Regular open conversations make it easier to transition to more serious conversations when needed. Take advantage of everyday opportunities to connect, like talking in the car, during dinner, or while watching TV and playing games. Be sure not to do all the talking, give your child the opportunity to ask questions and listen to what they say. Whether or not your child has tried alcohol or drinks regularly, knowing the facts can help them avoid succumbing to peer pressure since they will feel more confident making informed decisions after considering all the facts.

The Good News is that Most Polk Teens Do Not Drink - while research shows that underage drinking rates are declining. It is still important for teens to know how alcohol affects their health, how to identify signs of a problem, and where to get help. According to statistics collected among 6-12 grade students in Polk County annually, 90% DO NOT USE ALCOHOL (Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, FYSAS 2024). Share this with your teen because when they realize that they are among the majority that do make healthy choices, they may feel empowered to avoid peer pressure and refrain from partaking in risky behaviors, such as drinking.

Free Educational Programs Available - InnerAct Alliance and our coalition partners, StandUP Polk and UthMpact, are committed to educating youth and adults about the dangers of alcohol and substance use. Support local prevention efforts by inviting a representative from InnerAct Alliance to share a free educational program with your school, PTA, community organization, church, or business. Call 802-0777 and visit: https://www.inneractalliance.org/

More helpful resources for parents/caregivers are a click away:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAMHSA)

https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/learn/alcohol?

Partnership to End Addiction

https://drugfree.org/article/why-teens-drink-and-experiment-with-drugs/

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse
and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

https://niaaaforteens.niaaa.nih.gov/

Stress Overload at the Root of Teen Substance Misuse

 

Stress and social pressures are often reported by teens as the main reasons why they may turn to alcohol, marijuana, and other drug use. School demands, negative thoughts or feelings about themselves, peer or family issues, taking on too much, or having too high expectations can result in teens experiencing stress overload. 

As parents and caregivers, we can play a positive role in helping our teens learn to manage stress in healthier ways:

*Monitor how stress may affect your child's health, behavior, thoughts, and feelings

*Listen carefully to them and watch for signs of overload

*Learn and model positive stress management skills

*Support involvement in sports and other pro-social activities

*Encourage healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and good sleep routines

*Teach relaxation techniques like deep breathing and muscle relaxing activities

*Break large tasks into small, attainable goals

*Show how to challenge negative thoughts with neutral and positive thoughts

*Take frequent breaks to listen to relaxing music, draw, read, or journal

Teens can benefit by practicing "relaxation responses" that include deep breathing and medication to lower heart rate and/or confide in a trusted adult or friend to talk about their feelings - these are 2 healthy ways to deal with stress triggers.

Read: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/blog/the-link-between-teen-anxiety-and-substance-abuse

Last Chance to Shop for Free Prom Attire Tomorrow, Saturday April 5

 

Tomorrow - Saturday, April 5 - is Project Prom's last Student Shopping Day of the spring season. If you are still in need of a gorgeous dress, spectacular suit, dancing shoes, or the perfect accessories, join us at the Project Prom Store at Lakeland Square Mall tomorrow between 11:00am and 4:00pm. Bring your Polk School ID, sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol and drug free, and receive your prom wear at no cost!

Project Prom welcomes donations of gently used dresses, shoes, men's suits, and accessories. Especially needed are women's dresses in sizes XS (0-3) and Plus Sizes (18+), as well as men's dress pants (waist 30-36) and dress shirts in all sizes. Formal wear donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store tomorrow (Saturday 4/5) or at the InnerAct Alliance office, located at 621 S. Florida Ave. in Lakeland, from 8:30am to 4:30pm weekdays. Thank you for your support! 👗🤵

Hidden Dangers of Party Drugs: Use of Synthetic Cathinone Stimulant, N,N-Dimethylpentylone, on the Rise

 

Prevention starts with awareness and awareness starts with open conversations with our kids. According to prevention partners at Informed Families, some dangerous party drugs are being disguised as something else and putting young people at serious risk. 

A synthetic stimulant called N,N-Dimethylpentylone (NPS) is being sold as designer drug MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly, but it’s far more harmful that people realize.

A recent news article in Jacksonville, FL describes the availability of the psychoactive substance NPS on the illicit drug market of Northeast Florida. While users may think they are buying cocaine or ecstasy in some cases, they may actually be getting N,N-Dimethylpentylone, which may cause users to experience euphoria and increased energy, but harmful side effects may include hypertension, tachycardia, hyperthermia, hallucinations, dehydration, loss of consciousness, and death.

Experts like Dr. Bruce Goldberger from the University of Florida have linked this drug to violent behavior, extreme paranoia, and even fatal overdoses. 

The numbers tell a scary story:

*In 2022, Florida saw 370 deaths caused by cathinones (the drug family that includes NPA)

*In 2023, that number almost doubled to 642 deaths, with cathinones found in a total of 917 cases 

*Use of these synthetic drugs jumped by 67% and deaths increased by more than 73% in just one year

These numbers are not just statistics - they represent real lives lost, real families devastated, and a growing danger for young people who may not even realize the risk they are taking.

Read: https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2023/07/11/newest-drug-to-hits-the-streets-makes-its-way-to-northeast-florida-nightclubs-bars/

Join Us to Stay Informed: Own the Upside Prevention Summit: April 17

 

Register Today!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/own-the-upside-prevention-summit-tickets-1219654261729?aff=oddtdtcreator

Addiction Can Happen to Anyone

 

Addiction can happen to anyone and it is a serious medical condition. Drugs change the brain's structure and how it works, which is why it is considered a brain disease. Addiction can take people to dark places - and delusional thinking, caused by chemical changes in the brain, can keep them there.

Brain-imaging studies on people addicted to drugs show physical changes in areas of the brain that are critical for judgment, decision-making, learning, memory, and behavior control. Scientists believe these changes affect the way the brain works and may help explain the many compulsive and destructive behaviors of someone who has a substance use disorder.

You Can Be Part of the Solution! Prevention and early intervention strategies can reduce the negative impact of substance use and mental disorders. When parents create supportive, nurturing environments, children learn to make better decisions. Foster strong, open relationships and talk to your kids about addiction being a disease. Help them learn the risks of using alcohol and other drugs. Also, encourage friends and loved ones who may have a substance use problem to seek help. All of this helps to reduce the stigma associated with substance use disorder - it can truly save lives. 

An excellent resource in our community is the Central Florida Behavioral Health Network (CFBHN), which supports prevention coalitions and partners through a 14-county network. Prevention partners provide information, resources, and coordinate efforts to help prevent substance abuse addiction. 

InnerAct Alliance is proud to serve as a prevention partner in Polk County, but if you live outside of Polk, CFBHN can help locate local prevention programs and partners in our community with their listing of services by county:

https://www.cfbhn.org/prevention-partners/

Did You Know Fact: Underage Drinking

 

Did You Know that 23% of high school teens drank alcohol in the past 30 days and 11% binge drank? Underage drinking causes 3,900+ deaths each year.

And a 5% increase in binge drinking among adults in a community is associated with a 12% increase in the chance of underage drinking. 

Youth drinking habits are greatly influenced by adults at home and in their community. Remember that prevention starts with us!

Impaired Driving: Talk with Your Kids

 

Impaired driving remains an issue that affects Americans every day. On average, 3-in-5 people will be involved in a crash due to impaired driving in their lifetime. Impaired driving can have serious consequences, including injury and death.

The most effective way to stop impaired driving is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Know the facts and talk with your kids about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

*Almost 1-in-4 teen car crashes involves an underage drinking driver

*Everyday about 800 people are injured in a drunk-driving crash

*Each day in America, another 29 people die as a result of drunk-driving crashes - that's 1 person every 50 minutes

*Marijuana use is increasing - 13% of weekend nighttime drivers have marijuana in their system

Click this link for tips to help parents talk with kids about drunk and drug-impaired driving

https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/prevention/talk-they-hear-you/parent-resources/impaired-driving

13 Simple Ideas to Help Your Mental Health

 

Mental Health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Your mental health influences how you think, feel, and behave in daily life. It also affects your ability to cope with stress, overcome challenges, build relationships, and recover from life's setbacks and hardships.

Often, we have to work harder these days to ensure strong mental health simply because there are so many ways that life can take a toll on our emotional well-being. That's why it is important to take time to do things that help you live well.

Try one of the 13 Simple Ideas suggested by our friends at Positively Present to help find what you need and enjoy.😴🎵🎨🧩🌲🧘🌴💃 Practices like these can help elevate your mood, become more resilient, and enjoy life - this is an essential part of overall health and YOU are worth it!💓

Learn the Suicide Warning Signs for Youth

 

It is important to take the time to learn the warning signs for suicide, help those in crisis, and change the conversation. It could truly help to save the life of a family member or friend. 

Take Action if you notice these signs in family or friends:

*Talking about or making plans for suicide
*Expressing hopelessness about the future
*Displaying severe/overwhelming emotional pain or distress
*Showing worrisome changes in behavior

Specifically, this includes Significant:

*Changes in sleep (increased or decreased)
*Anger or hostility that seems out of character or context
*Recent increased agitation or irritability

If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 or chat: https://988lifeline.org/

Project Prom featured in Today's LAL Today!

 Thanks to our friends
at LAL Today for featuring
Project Prom in today's issue
with a great article and photos!

👗🤵🎀

Final Two Project Prom Shopping Days: March 29 & April 5

 

InnerAct Alliance and UthMpact are proudly hosting our 13th year of the Project Prom effort to provide formal wear and accessories to deserving high school students. The final two Student Shopping Days are coming up quickly on Saturdays: March 29 and April 5 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Project Prom Store at Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 US Hwy 98N in Lakeland (use entrance to the right of Dillards).

Students with a Polk School ID can sign a pledge and receive their dresses and suits for FREE! Congratulations to those who have already pledged to celebrate alcohol and drug-free and took home special dresses and suits on our Project Prom shopping days. Over 5,500 prom ensembles have been provided at no cost to young women and men in Polk County since 2013.

Please support the effort by donating gently used dresses, shoes, men's suits, and accessories. Especially needed are women's dresses in sizes XS (0-3) and Plus Sizes (18+) and men's dress pants (waist 30-36) and dress shirts (all sizes). Formal wear donations may be taken to the Project Prom Store on shopping dates or to the InnerAct Alliance office at 621 S. Florida Avenue in Lakeland (8:30am-4:30pm, weekdays). 

For more information, call the IAA office at (863) 802-0777 or visit our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/ProjectPromofPolk

The Latest Vaping News

 

While some smokers use vaping as a potential smoking cessation tool, studies suggest vaping does not effectively help people quit smoking - in fact, it may even lead to continued nicotine use and keep users smoking longer.

A new study out of the University of California at San Diego refutes the notion that vaping helps people quit smoking cigarettes. The study looked at 6,000 smokers and found that smoking cessation was more than 4% lower for those who vaped every day. Those who vape - but not every day - showed similar results of more than 5% lower success rate than smokers trying to quit without vaping.

Vaping introduces harmful substances into the body. Researchers say the safest and most effective methods for quitting smoking are FDA approved replacements such as nicotine gum and patches.

In 2024, the CDC estimated 8.1% of middle and high schoolers used some sort of nicotine. Most use vapes. CDC studies show that 85% of those who vape choose flavored e-cigarettes. Gregory Conley, president of the American Vaping Association, said, "Take the flavors away and you're encouraging more tobacco use. When you ban flavors in vaping products, you end up advantaging traditional combustible cigarettes."

Recently here in Florida, a settlement was reached between the state and e-cigarette company Juul as a result of the company's past marketing practices that targeted children. On March 10, 2025, Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a $79 million settlement with Juul Labs, Inc. - $30 million of which will go toward the Vape Free Florida Fund to aid in the enforcement of the State's nicotine and vapor laws. 

As a result of the settlement, Juul shall not take any action to reach youth in Florida in the advertising, promotion, or marketing of Juul products. Additional terms of the settlement include:

*Juul shall not use models under age 35 in its ads

*Juul shall not use brand names or cartoons in its ads

*Juul shall not have its products/logos on TV or in movies

*Juul shall not make any claim or representations comparing quantification of amount of nicotine in Juul products to that found in combustible tobacco products

*Juul shall not advertise products in media or outlets in Florida unless 85% or more of the audience of media are not youth

*Juul shall not use billboards in Florida

Read more:
https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/attorney-general-james-uthmeier-announces-79-million-settlement-juul-and-establishes

Know Your Anxiety Triggers

 

Anxiety is a mental health condition that can cause feelings of worry, fear, or tension. For some, anxiety may also cause panic attacks and physical symptoms like chest pain. Anxiety disorders are very common. It is estimated that nearly 40 million people in the U.S. are affected.

What Triggers Anxiety? Causes can be complicated and it is likely that a combination of factors, including genetics and environmental reasons, can play a role. Some events, emotions, or experiences can also cause symptoms of anxiety to begin or become worse.

It is important to discover what triggers your anxiety. Being aware of the cause can help you better manage it. So, next time you skip a meal or a workout, overdo sugar or caffeine, or decide to leave that chore until later, consider that it may have an adverse effect on your mental health. 

Happy Springtime in Florida!

 

Happy Spring

from InnerAct Alliance  🌷

Today’s Did You Know Fact for National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week: Substance Use

 

During National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) - celebrated this week March 17-23 - we are sharing facts focused on the science of drug use and addiction to educate and empower youth to make informed decisions.

Today's Did You Know Fact: We are often asked why some teens and adults are more likely to use drugs. In reality, people report using drugs for a wide variety of reasons. Some people use drugs to feel pleasurable, stimulating, or relaxing effects. Others who experience anxiety, stress, depression, or pain may use drugs to try to feel better. Some say they use drugs to improve their focus in school or at work or their abilities in sports. Many people - especially young people - use drugs out of curiosity and because of social pressure. 

The age at which people start using drugs - and whether or not they continue - depends on many different individual and societal factors across a person's life. No single factor determines whether a person will develop a substance use disorder. Evidence-based prevention strategies can help people avoid substance use, substance abuse disorders, and related health and safety problems.

Learn more about the common risks and protective factors that impact whether people may use drugs or develop substance use disorders on the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)'s website at:
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/prevention#risk-and-protective-factors-impact

Today’s Did You Know Fact for National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week: Alcohol

 

During National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) - celebrated this week March 17-23 - we are sharing facts focused on the science of drug use and addiction to educate and empower youth to make informed decisions.

Today's Did You Know Fact: Drinking alcohol increases your cancer risk and doctors are urging people to take notice. Drinking moderately is associated with multiple forms of cancer as well as other health issues such as heart disease, liver disease, pancreatic issues, inflammation (which can contribute to chronic diseases) and brain shrinkage. The National Institutes of Health warn that alcohol breaks down in the body into acetaldehyde, a carcinogen that has been shown to contribute to at least 7 forms of cancer. #NDAFW

Learn more about the hidden dangers of consuming alcohol and how cutting back can protect your health at: https://www.aol.com/lifestyle/alcohol-increases-cancer-risk-doctors-100000520.html?

Register Today for Annual Prevention Summit on April 17

 

Join InnerAct Alliance and the StandUP Polk Coalition at the Annual Own The Upside Prevention Summit on Thursday, April 17, 2025 from 8:00am to 4:00pm at the W.H. Stuart Center | UF/IFAS Extension Office, 1710 US Highway 17 South in Bartow, to learn about important issues facing our community. It is an opportunity for teachers, school resource officers, administrators, counselors, social workers, and prevention specialists to come together and share up-to-date information with a realistic view of current youth culture, emerging drug trends, and other topical issues. Admission is $28.52 and includes a light breakfast and lunch. 

Registration:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/own-the-upside-prevention-summit-tickets-1219654261729?aff=oddtdtcreator

During 2025, InnerAct Alliance is celebrating its 40th Anniversary of serving the community with science-based education programs that increase protective factors and decrease risk factors for nearly 15,000 students, as well as outreach to over 100,000 citizens through informative presentations, a premier youth leadership program, teen-driven social norms marketing, and family-oriented awareness events. The 40th Anniversary celebration will officially kick off at the Prevention Summit with a special Anniversary cake cutting during lunch attended by local community leaders. All attendees at the Prevention Summit will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a piece of beautiful Ruby jewelry in celebration of InnerAct Alliance's Ruby Anniversary!

For more information, please call IAA at (863) 802-0777.

Spring Break Safety: How to Keep Your Teen Safe & Responsible

 

This week is Spring Break, an exciting time for teens that offers a break from school, a chance to relax and have fun with friends. But the time off also comes with risks like peer pressure, substance use, and online dangers.

Parents can help their teen stay safe by having open conversations and setting clear rules to help them enjoy their time off responsibly. InnerAct Alliance is proud to partner with Informed Families to help promote the Safe Homes, Smart Parties Campaign, which encourages parents to take simple steps to protect their teens and keep spring break safe.

Here are some suggestions to help teens make smart choices:

Make Your Home a Safe Space - make sure your home is a secure, supportive place. Plan fun, alcohol-free activities to keep teens engaged. Don't allow underage drinking or drug use and communicate with other parents to ensure your teen is safe and attending supervised gatherings.

Set Clear Rules & Expectations - sit down with your teen and set ground rules. Talk about curfews, plans, and who they'll be with. Ask them to check in with you regularly through text or calls. If they are traveling, go over safety measures, emergency contacts, and how to handle unexpected situations.

Talk About Peer Pressure & Substance Use - peer pressure is common during spring break. Help your teen feel confident in saying no to risky situations. Practice responses they can use if someone offers them alcohol or drugs. Encourage them to stay with friends who make smart choices. Remind them that underage drinking and drug use can lead to dangerous situations and bad decisions.

Teach Online & Social Media Safety - teens are always online, so it's important they understand how to use social media safely. Explain that once something is posted online, it can't be erased even if deleted. Warn them not to share their location, which could make them a target for strangers.

Talk About Safe Transportation - no matter where your teen is, they need a safe way to get around. Make sure they have access to safe rides. Remind them never to get in a car with someone who has been drinking or using drugs. Encourage them to use rideshare apps, public transportation, or a designated driver if needed.

Keep Communication Open - teens need to feel comfortable talking to you. Make sure they know they can reach out for help without fear of punishment - and that they can call you anytime if they feel unsafe. Listen and let them share thoughts and concerns. Show support and understanding when discussing tough topics. 

Parents can take a stand against underage drinking and risky behaviors by joining the Informed Families' Safe Homes, Smart Parties Campaign. 

Read more at: https://www.informedfamilies.org/catalyst/spring-break-safety-tips-for-parents

National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week – March 17-23: Cannabis

 

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) - celebrated this week March 17-23 - is an annual event focused on the science of drug use and addiction to educate and empower youth to make informed decisions about substance use and their health. 

Today's Did You Know Fact: Studies show that 9% of people who use cannabis will develop a dependency - and that number jumps to 17% for those who start using in their teens. Early use = higher risk of addiction. Let's give teens the facts to make informed decisions. #NDAFW

Teens can test their knowledge about drugs, alcohol, and substance use by taking the interactive National Drug and Alcohol IQ Challenge Quiz:  

https://create.kahoot.it/details/0c339ba3-618a-4fae-a89d-c02a917e33d2

Wishing You Luck of the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!

 

Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day! This holiday began as a Christian feast day celebrating the life of St. Patrick and spreading Christianity to Ireland. Today it is celebrated as a day of revelry with food, drink, music and all things Irish. Remember to wear green and on this day, may your troubles be less and your blessings be more and you come into luck like never before! 🍀

If you're looking to dish up something special for St. Patrick's Day, here are some delicious recipe ideas from corned beef & cabbage to hearty Irish stew to tasty Irish soda bread: 

https://www.almanac.com/best-st-patricks-day-recipes

Happy Pi Day – 3.14

 

You don't have to love math to like Pi Day, which is celebrated today March 14 (3.14). Pi, the Greek letter "n", is a math symbol that represents a constant - the distance around a perfect circle, or the circumference of a circle to its diameter - which is approximately 3.14159. 

Math enthusiasts like to celebrate this day by reciting the infinite digits of Pi. Pi Day was founded by Larry Shaw, a physicist at the Exploratorium in San Francisco. The first Pi Day celebration involved Shaw and his wife handing out slices of fruit pie and tea at 1:59pm, which are the three digits following 3.14.

Most of us can probably best relate to eating pie instead of calculating it, right? Look for local restaurants and retailers who often offer deals on this day on baked pies, pizza, and other items with special pricing based on 3.14 - enjoy!

How Are You Doing After the Time Change?

 

Just a quick check to see how you are doing since last weekend's "spring forward" for Daylight Saving Time. While losing one hour may seem harmless, it can actually throw our bodies and schedules off for a few days!

Here are some Pros and Cons of DST:

PROS👍

*safety - more daylight makes driving safer, lowers risk of car accidents, and pedestrians struck by vehicles

*good for economy - more daylight - more time for shopping after work, increasing sales

*uses less electricity - lower power bills

*active lifestyle - more time for outdoor activities after work and school

*fewer crimes - more light makes it easier for criminals to be identified

CONS 👎

*increased health issues & sleepiness - disrupts the body's circadian rhythm

*confused time schedules - not only people but also pets, businesses, industry

*decreased productivity

It's good advice to just embrace the longer hours of daylight and let go of excuses that may be holding us back!🌞

An Alert on Energy Drinks!

 

Adults frequently use energy drinks to enhance work productivity or simply as a means of rejuvenation. Adolescents may turn to these beverages for the same reasons, but also as a signal of social status among others in their age group. According to UCLA Health studies, adolescents can become dependent on feeling more energetic after consuming highly-concentrated caffeine and sugary energy drinks.

Energy drinks are characterized by elevated levels of caffeine and sugar, which can increase heart rate, elevate blood pressure, cause strokes, increase addictive behaviors, cause anxiety, sleep disturbances, and many other outcomes.😓 After consuming energy drinks, many individuals experience a rapid decline in energy levels that result in decreased physical activity and a sense of sluggishness. This cycle may contribute to addictive responses for people of all ages.

The use of certain substances in energy drinks may result in the development of dependence, withdrawal symptoms, headaches, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure. Side effects can worsen in individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Potential side effects may be intensified in youth who experience mental health issues, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Parents should have healthy conversations with youth and teach them how to read product labels since many foods and beverages contain caffeine in varied amounts. Approach the topic openly and honestly - ask which benefits your child is seeking by using these drinks. Have your physician share the dangers and long-term effects of these energy drinks and suggest healthy alternatives. 🍎🍇

Thanks to our prevention partners at Drug Free Lee (www.LeeHealth.org) for sharing this alert. For more info, contact your physician or visit the Food & Drug Administration site at https://www.fda.gov