Friday, January 31, 2025

Something to Think About: Effective Communication

 


We've probably all heard the saying "it's not what you say, but how you say it"...and this gives us some food for thought.πŸ’‘

Tone can be extremely important because the general character or attitude used may not always be something we are aware of. It can leave our words open to misperception - one's perception of someone's tone might be different than another person's. For communication to be effective, it is important to be conscious of the tone we use when communicating. A positive tone can make all the difference when talking to others...or even when we "talk" to ourselves.πŸ—£ 

Whenever possible, be mindful of how your words and their sentiments are delivered. It's always best to be kind...and it matters!😊

Thursday, January 30, 2025

It’s NOT Just Weed: Marijuana More Dangerous in the Past 3 Decades

 


We've all probably heard the phrase "it's just weed" used in instances meant to downplay or dismiss the use of marijuana, but what these words do not convey is that today's cannabis is up to 4 times as potent now as it was just 3 decades ago. In fact, the amount of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (known as THC) in marijuana seized by the DEA has spiked from 3.4% in 1993 to 15.34% in 2021.

Truth is - marijuana is a mind-altering psychoactive drug made of dry, shredded, green/brown mix of flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves from the cannabis sativa plant. THC is the main ingredient that produces the psychoactive effect that can be highly addictive.

Higher THC levels in marijuana are linked to increased problems with memory and learning, distorted perception, difficulty in thinking and problem-solving, and loss of coordination. Higher THC also exacerbates the effects associated with regular use of cannabis, including physical dependence and withdrawal following discontinuation, as well as psychological addiction or dependence.

Even more disturbing is that all too often people may be unaware that marijuana, especially when it contains more THC, is a risk factor for psychosis and schizophrenia, as well as the fact that it stunts brain growth - in addition, it sometimes includes lead and mercury, and it can alter male sperm DNA linked to autism.

Know the Facts. The effects of using marijuana can impair you for the rest of your life. Learn more about Marijuana: https://www.justthinktwice.gov/drugs/marijuana


Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Warning Signs of Cyberbullying

 


Many of the warning signs that cyberbullying is occurring happen around a child's use of their device. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content. It includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone.


Thanks to our prevention partners at SAMHSA for sharing this graphic highlighting some of the warning signs that a child may be involved in cyberbullying and how to help stop bullying.

Warning Signs
*behavior may change
*device use may increase/decrease
*visible emotional response to device (anger, laughter, upset)
*hiding screen
*social media accounts shut down/new ones appear
*avoiding social situations
*withdrawal or depression

What To Do
*stay alert
*talk/ask questions
*document
*block
*report
*support

Prevention
*monitor social sites, apps, browsing history
*check child's location/privacy settings
*follow/friend your teen
*stay updated on latest apps, social platforms, slang
*know usernames & passwords
*establish rules for digital behavior, content, apps
*teach good digital citizenship skills
*use parent monitoring software

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Stay Informed: DEA Fentanyl Seizures

 


The graphic above outlines the number of fentanyl seizures reported by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) over the past 2 years. Fentanyl seizures in 2024 represent over 367 million daily doses.

Education plays a critical role in preventing substance use and misuse so stay up to date and talk to your kids about drug use and misuse - knowing the facts may help save their lives. To help, a free and comprehensive resource guide called Drugs of Abuse is available for download on the DEA website. The publication outlines the most commonly-used and misused drugs across the U.S. and describes each drug's effects on the mind and body, overdose potential, origin, legal status, and other key facts and information. Drugs of Abuse also offers additional trusted drug education and prevention resources. 



Monday, January 27, 2025

Learn More About Powerful Sedative Xylazine That Makes Fentanyl Deadlier

 


Officials warn of an alert found on streets in Central Florida that is complicating the nation's response to the opioid crisis - a powerful sedative Xylazine is being mixed with fentanyl, the potent opioid that is lethal even in small amounts.

Xylazine is a veterinary tranquilizer used for animal surgeries and is not approved for human use. Users are drawn to the combination of xylazine mixed with  fentanyl, called "tranq" on the streets, because it provides a longer-lasting high. Prevalence has grown from about 1% in 2018. Now, roughly 80% of the fentanyl law enforcement seized or bought undercover has been found to contain some form of xylazine.

This deadly drug mix of fentanyl laced with xylazine is even more difficult to treat and more deadly because it is a sedative, not an opioid, so Narcan/naloxone does not reverse the effects. In humans, xylazine may cause difficulty breathing, dangerously low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, severe wounds, severe tissue damage, and death.

Read about Xylazine and its harmful effects as reported by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA):


Friday, January 24, 2025

Weekend Wishes to Chase Away the Winter Blues

 


Sending warm weekend wishes during these chilly winter days! πŸ’™❆⛄When it's gray, rainy, and downright cold like it's been lately, you can't help but feel so unmotivated and emotionally gloomy that you simply want to hibernate.🐻

Sunshine and warm temps will return soon🌞but until then why not choose one of the inspiring ideas in the colorful graphic above from @PositivelyPresent to chase away the Winter Blues and make the most of a relaxing weekend by practicing creativity to expand our minds, making meaningful connections with others to warm our hearts, or cooking up a hearty soup or cozy comfort food to nourish our bodies.☕ 

Speaking of soup for the soul & the bowl, our friends city editors Connor and Amelia at LAL Today recently shared a list of the best soup varieties one can find around Lakeland including their personal favorites Tomato Basil soup at Garden Bistro and Sweet Potato Chili soup from Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro. To find more suggestions to enjoy when out and about the town, click:


Thursday, January 23, 2025

Dangerous Social Media Apps Parents Need to Know About

 


It is no secret that kids of all ages are on some type of social media on their digital devices. Unfortunately, some of these apps may not be suitable of all ages. Often, they may fly under parents' radar so it's important to remain updated on the latest dangerous apps, viral trends, and online slang kids are using. 

Monitor usage and know which apps your child has installed on their phone. Some may open opportunities that can persuade and potentially lead to bad decision-making that threatens the overall safety and privacy of your children and may expose them to cyberbullying, explicit content, and make them vulnerable to more dangerous types of interactions.

Challenges also arise when children hide apps in folders or use "disguised" apps that make them difficult to find or recognize. In addition to physically checking their phone, look into a more advanced, reliable solution like a parental control app to make it easier to monitor your child's digital activities and access tools needed to restrict, block, or delete them as you see fit. Teach your kids to be good social media stewards - encourage wise choices, never bully or accept being bullied, and to report any bad behavior from others to you right away. As a parent, you must stay vigilant to keep your kids and their digital experience safe.


Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Resolve to Lock Your Meds for Safety

 


InnerAct Alliance is proud to partner with Informed Families to promote safer, healthier homes through the "Lock Your Meds" campaign - help us make 2025 a year for safety and well-being. 

Improper and unsecured medication storage can lead to accidental poisonings especially in homes with young children. Teen years bring additional challenges, as curiosity can lead to experimentation and potential misuse. Studies show that more than 3.1 million teen age 12-17 report misusing prescription drugs - the majority report obtaining the drugs from the medicine cabinets of family or friends. 

Take steps to ensure that our children grow up drug free by taking responsibility to lock up all medication so it doesn't get into the wrong hands. 

Secure Storage - invest in a lockable medicine box or cabinet as an effective way to keep medications out of the wrong hands.

Medication Inventory - check medications regularly and keep a log of all prescription and over-the-counter medication and expiration dates. This habit not only helps in managing health but also in preventing accidental misuse.

Safe Disposal - National Prescription Drug Take Back Days are held in the Spring and Fall months for citizens to drop off unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter human and pet medications for disposal in a safe and responsible manner, while educating the public about the potential for abuse of medications. Our area's 2025 Take Back Days will take place on the last Saturday of the month in April and October at local law enforcement locations. Look for definite dates & locations to be announced soon!

Unwanted medications may also be taken to Polk County's permanent drop sites, funded by GiveWell Community Foundation at the police department locations in: Auburndale (weekdays 8am-5pm); Haines City (weekdays 8am-5pm); Lake Alfred (24hrs/7days); Lake Hamilton (weekdays 8am-5pm); Lakeland (24hrs/7days); and Winter Haven (weekdays 8am-5pm). Only solids are accepted in permanent drop boxes (no liquids or syringes). To avoid harming lakes and ground water, please do not dispose of medication in the toilet.

The Community Impact - Safely securing medication helps reduce the risk of them falling into the hands of those who might misuse them, thus playing a part in the larger effort to combat prescription drug abuse in our communities. 

There are many resources out there to help make your home safer. Visit Informed Families website for resources: https://www.informedfamilies.org/
 

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Spring Project Prom Shopping Days

 


InnerAct Alliance and the UthMpact coalition are proud to continue the Project Prom effort, now in its 13th year, to provide free formal wear to deserving high school students and educate youth and parents about risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation.

InnerAct Alliance's Student Shopping Days will take place on Saturdays: February 8, February 22, March 8, March 29, and April 5, from 11am to 4pm, at the Project Prom Store at the Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 U.S. Highway 98 North in Lakeland (use entrance to the right of Dillards). Students with a Polk County School ID can sign a pledge to celebrate alcohol and drug-free and receive their dresses and suits at no cost. 

UthMpact's goal is to promote a safe and fun Prom Night. Since 2013, over 5,500 prom ensembles have been provided at no cost to teens in Polk County. Community members may support the effort by donating gently-used dresses, men's suits, shoes, and accessories. Especially needed are women's dresses in sizes XS (0-3) and plus sizes (18+) and men's suits in smaller sizes, dress pants (waist 30-36), and dress shirts (all sizes). Donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store on shopping dates or at the InnerAct Alliance office (8:30am-4:30pm weekdays) at 621 S. Florida Avenue, in Lakeland. 

For information, call Samantha Barwig at (863) 802-0777, visit www.inneractalliance.org or on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=project%20prom%20of%20polk%20county%2C%20florida



Monday, January 20, 2025

Today We Celebrate the Life & Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 


Many times, we take our freedoms for granted and forget the pioneers who helped shape our nation. Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader of the civil rights movement who championed justice and equality. Dr. King was a strong advocate of change through nonviolent civil actions. He was an outstanding speaker whose powerful words still resonate with us today.

Family-friendly events have taken place throughout the community to honor the civil rights activist's life. Many event took place over the holiday weekend but for more  info, please click the link from our friends at LAL Today: https://laltoday.6amcity.com/lakeland-dream-megafest-events?utm_term=laltoday&utm_campaign=daily-newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_source=laltoday&utm_content=laltoday


Friday, January 17, 2025

Help Break the Stigma & Encourage Treatment

 


Substance use disorder does not discriminate. Community support can go a long way so during Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month, join SAMHSA and InnerAct Alliance to help break the stigma and encourage full support and understanding for persons seeking treatment for mental and substance use disorders throughout the United States.

FindTreatment.gov offers helpful information to assist with understanding addiction and mental health issues and provides the ability to search for health facilities, healthcare centers, and help with financing for treatment. 

To access this confidential and anonymous resource, click: https://findtreatment.gov/?


Thursday, January 16, 2025

Apply Today to Join 2025 UthMpact Leadership Class XV


Now is your chance to download and complete the UthMpact Class XV application for the 2025-2026 UthMpact Leadership Program, offered to high school students by InnerAct Alliance and our coalition partners, StandUP Polk and UthMpact, along with key business and community partners, to help youth develop crucial leadership skills.

Approximately 40 Polk County high school students will be chosen, based on demonstrated scholastic achievement and community leadership, to take part in this 9-month program offering a unique opportunity to experience the inner workings of local government, healthcare, business, and law enforcement. Participation is provided free of charge to the students chosen. 

Completed application and essays must be hand-delivered to the InnerAct Alliance office or mailed in no later than Friday, February 28, 2025 for consideration to join the UthMpact Leadership Class XV for the coming year. 



Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Conflict vs. Bullying: What’s the Difference?

 


Bullying is different from Conflict in this way - Conflict is a disagreement or argument in which both sides express their views, whereas Bullying is a negative behavior directed by someone exerting power and control over another person.

Bullying is when someone aggressively uses their “power” to target another individual with repeated, unwanted words or actions. Those targeted are hurt either physically or emotionally and may have a hard time stopping what is happening to them.

In normal Conflict, children self-monitor their behavior. They read cues to know if lines are crossed, and then modify their behavior in response. Children guided by empathy usually realize they have hurt someone and will want to stop their negative behavior.

On the other hand, children intending to cause harm and whose behavior goes beyond normal conflict will continue their behavior even when they know it is hurting someone. 


Our goal is to create a world without bullying. For bullying prevention resources for K-12 youth, families, and educators, visit Pacer's National Bullying Prevention Center: https://www.pacer.org/bullying/

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

It’s Not Too Late to Give Dry January a Try!

 



Last week, we shared the recent U.S. Surgeon General's advisory stating alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the nation after tobacco and obesity that was issued on January 3, 2025. News of this link between alcohol and cancer brings up an important health issue. So, why not give the popular trend called Dry January a try - even if for just a couple of days - to give your body a chance to reset, improve your mental clarity, and establish healthier habits.

Dry January is a time when people take a break from drinking alcohol. There are many reasons to take advantage of this time to examine your relationship with alcohol - it may be part of a New Year's resolution to incorporate healthy behaviors into your routine or perhaps a way to find alternatives for relaxing, socializing, or coping with stress. Monitor how this change impacts your quality of life.

Whatever the reason you may want to try Dry January, here are some tips to help keep you on track:

*Think about why you choose to drink - is it to have fun, or deal with stress and anxiety? Try alternative ways to accomplish these objectives such as playing games at a party, meeting friends for a hike, taking a walk, or trying yoga.

*Let friends and family know that you plan to participate in Dry January. Ask them to join you and support each other throughout the month.

*Make sure alternative alcohol-free beverages are available at gatherings you plan to attend. Other than "mocktails", chilled bottled water, sparkling cider/grape juice are also good choices.

*Notice how you feel. Are you sleeping better? Do you have more energy? Make note of benefits to help you keep the momentum going. Remember...if you feel better when you're not drinking or when you decrease your drinking, then your body is telling you something.

*Our friends at LAL Today have shared some locations to find alcohol-free mocktails

https://laltoday.6amcity.com/guide-mocktails-lakeland?utm_term=laltoday&utm_campaign=weekend-newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_source=laltoday&utm_content=laltoday    

For information on how to recognize drinking patterns, acknowledge signs of a problem, or find tools to help make a change, visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. NIAAA supports and conducts research on the impact of alcohol use on human health and well-being: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/  

 

Monday, January 13, 2025

Why Your Child Might Start Drinking Alcohol or Using Other Drugs

 


As kids approach their teen years, they begin to experience many developmental, emotional, and physical changes. During this challenging time, some may choose to experiment with alcohol or other drugs. For most kids, it’s not just one thing that influences their decision whether or not to drink alcohol or use other drugs, but a combination of factors.

Our prevention partners at SAMHSA offer the “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign to outline some of the reasons why youth may turn to alcohol or other drugs and offer helpful tips that parents and caregivers can do to help and support them.

Stress - when kids worry about things like grades, fitting in, and physical appearance, they may drink alcohol or use other drugs to escape their problems.

What you can do - encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities as a healthier way to cope with their problems. Activities may include sports, music, art, other school clubs, volunteering, faith-based and community events, or group counseling.

Peer Pressure - from ages 11 to 18, youth are more likely to be influenced by friends, peers, family members, and the media/social media.

What you can do – help empower and boost your child’s confidence by teaching them realistic ways to say “no” to alcohol and other drugs. Practice those strategies together in a safe environment and remind them that real friends shouldn’t pressure them to use substances.

Transitions – life events such as changing schools, breaking up with a significant other, moving to a new community, or seeing their parents or caregivers get divorced can cause kids to turn to alcohol and other drugs as a way to cope.

What you can do – explain to your child that life is full of ups and downs. Reassure them that things will get easier. Make sure they know that alcohol and other drugs are not the answer and brainstorm better solutions together.

Environment – if kids grow up in an environment where their parents and caregivers, family members, or friends and peers drink alcohol or use other drugs frequently or view substance use favorably, they may be more likely to drink or use other drugs themselves.

What you can do – if you choose to drink alcohol around your child, be sure to do so in moderation and make sure they know that underage drinking and other drug use aren’t acceptable. Avoid drinking or using other drugs and driving or getting in a car if the driver has been using substances. Know where you keep all of your alcohol and prescription medication. Always remind them that these substances are off limits.

Family History – although a child’s environment can influence if they drink alcohol or use other drugs, family history is also a key factor. Kids who have a history of alcohol or other substance use disorders in their family have an increased risk of developing alcohol or other drug-related problems themselves.

What you can do – if you have a family history of alcohol or other substance use disorders, have open and honest conversations with your child to make sure they understand the seriousness of these disorders.

For helpful information and materials to help you start the conversation with your children, visit https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you


Friday, January 10, 2025

Stay Informed: Visit IAA Website & Follow Us on Social Media

 


Next time you are surfing the web, please bookmark our agency website and follow us on social media to stay up to date on news, information, and resources related to substance use:

















In The News: Drug Statistics Decline in 2023

 


Overall, drug deaths declined 10% in 2023 - including total drugs, opioids, and fentanyl. Florida's Attorney General and local sheriffs agree they are seeing a downward trend in overdose deaths here in the state with about a 10% drop during 2023. Over the year, there were 777 fewer opioid-related deaths in Florida, with similar trends nationwide at 16.9% from July 2023-2024. Increased law enforcement, awareness efforts, and addiction resources are being credited with contributing to the recent decline. 

It is good news that the Central Florida area has seen a historic overall decline in overdose deaths but leaders warn that we must remain vigilant about new and emerging dangers. Data released from Project Opioid shows a 7.38% drop locally across nearby Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties from 2021-2023. While progress is being made, the crisis is not over and leaders stress the need for continuing action to combat emerging threats such as Fentanyl and Xylazine.

Knowledge is power! Stay informed about emerging drug threats and educate yourself and your kids about the dangers of experimentation with illicit drugs.

Citizens can support local prevention efforts by inviting a representative from InnerAct Alliance to share a free educational program with schools, PTA, community organizations, or businesses. Other opportunities for involvement include volunteering or making a tax-deductible donation to assist efforts to educate more students in Polk schools about the harmful effects of alcohol and substance use.

Call InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777 or visit our website https://www.inneractalliance.org/ 


Thursday, January 9, 2025

Four Ways that Alcohol Can Cause Cancer

 


The World Health Organization says there is no safe amount of alcohol consumption. As alcohol breaks down in the body, it can damage DNA and proteins in a way that may allow cancer to develop. It can also alter hormone levels and make it easier for the body to absorb other carcinogens like tobacco smoke, thereby increasing the risk of breast, mouth, or throat cancers.

It is the Alcohol that causes the harm - not the beverage. Alcohol is a toxic, psychoactive, and dependence-producing substance and has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer decades ago. This is the highest risk group, which also includes asbestos, radiation, and tobacco.

Alcohol causes at least 7 types of cancer including the most common cancer types, such as bowel cancer and breast cancer. Ethanol (alcohol) causes cancer through biological mechanisms as the compound breaks down in the body, which means that any beverage containing alcohol, regardless of its price and quality, poses a risk of developing cancer. The risk of developing cancer increases substantially the more alcohol is consumed.


Wednesday, January 8, 2025

In The News: New Advisory on Link Between Alcohol & Cancer Risk

 


InnerAct Alliance and our prevention partners are committed to keeping our community informed about emerging drug news and sharing alerts to help prevent substance abuse and promote healthy choices. Last week on January 3, 2025, the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a new Surgeon General's Advisory on Alcohol and Cancer Risk, outlining the direct link between alcohol consumption and cancer. 

Alcohol consumption is now the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., after tobacco and obesity, increasing risk for at least seven types of cancer. While scientific evidence for this connection has been growing over the past few years, less than half of Americans recognize it as a risk factor for cancer. The Surgeon General's Advisory included a series of recommendations to increase awareness to help minimize alcohol-related cancer cases and deaths including updating the existing Surgeon General's health warning label on alcohol-containing beverages.

"Alcohol is a well-established, preventable cause of cancer responsible for about 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the U.S. - greater than the 13,500 alcohol-associated traffic fatalities per year - yet the majority of Americans remain unaware of this risk." said Dr. Murthy. "This Advisory lays out steps we can all take to increase awareness and minimize harm."

As illustrated in the graphic above, the direct link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk is well established for at least 7 types of cancer including cancers of the breast, colorectum, esophagus, liver, mouth (oral cavity), throat (pharynx), and voice box (larynx), regardless of the type of alcohol - beer, wine, and spirits - that is consumed. For breast cancer specifically, 16.4% of total breast cancer cases are attributable to alcohol consumption.

In the U.S., there are about 100,000 alcohol-related cancer cases and about 20,000 alcohol-related cancer deaths annually. Cancer risk increases as alcohol consumption increases. For certain cancers like breast, mouth, and throat cancers, evidence shows the risk of developing cancer may start to increase around one or fewer drinks per day. An individual's risk of developing cancer due to alcohol consumption is determined by a complex interaction of biological, environmental, social, and economic factors. 

Surgeon General's Advisories are public statements that call the American people's attention to a critical public health issue. Advisories are reserved for significant public health challenges that require the nation's immediate awareness and action. 




Tuesday, January 7, 2025

10 Strategies to Prevent Substance Abuse in Teens

 


During adolescence, the teen brain is in the crucial stage of development making it vulnerable to the harmful effects of drug use. We have shared these top 10 tips to prevent teen substance abuse before and with a new year upon us, the strategies are worth sharing again because they're proven to help youth work toward coping better in stressful situations and living a more balanced, healthy lifestyle.

Resist peer pressure - peers play a large role in adolescents' emotional and social development but they can also play a role in the initiation of drug abuse. When friends experiment with drugs and alcohol, teens may feel pressured to join in. Finding a new group of friends may be beneficial.πŸ‘

Abstain from drug use - deciding to eliminate drugs/alcohol should be the teens' own choice with support from parents. Abstinence entails avoiding tempting situations, activities, and distancing from those who encourage drug use.🚭

Seek professional help - when teens are overwhelmed by drug use habits, it is important to seek help from medical professionals. Treatment may include therapy, medication, and detox.

Healthy, balanced lifestyle - teen life can be stressful, so it is important to strive for good health, solid relationships with friends/family/social networks, and daily activities in/out of school such as clubs, sports, and hanging out with friends who are a good influence.πŸ‘Š

Strong family relationships - strong family and parent/child relationships include open communication and a sense of safety that offers security and emotional support between the child and other members of the family.πŸ‘ͺ

Take time for self-care - teen self-care means taking care of physical and mental health daily to promote wellness in all areas of life and overall self-esteem. Wellness can help teens avoid situations or peers that may cause stress or anxiety.πŸ’ͺ

Learn coping skills - coping skills are actions teens can take to improve emotional well-being such as staying busy, exercising, healthy diet, and talking to a trusted adult or friend. Such skills help teens to deal with everyday stress from school and other social situations without turning to drugs.✌

Learn the dangers of drug abuse - knowledge about the dangers of drug use can have a huge effect on teens' decisions to stay away from alcohol and drug use. Knowing the facts and risks, such as declining mental health, weight fluctuations, sleep disturbances, and mood changes, can help teens make healthy and more informed choices.πŸ’‘ 

Take only prescribed medication - teens should always read the instructions printed on prescription and over-the-counter medication labels indicating how many pills should be taken and how many times per day and stick to this schedule to avoid destructive behaviors. Adult supervisions is also encouraged.πŸ’Š

Practice mindfulness - it is beneficial for teens to engage in mindful activities to reduce stress and promote self-awareness, which may include practicing meditation or yoga, journaling, breathing exercises, and consciously staying present and fully engaged in the present moment.🧠

Our wish is for everyone to be their best selves in 2025!



Monday, January 6, 2025

Resources to Help Start the New Year Tobacco Free!

 


Whether you believe in making New Year's resolutions or not, ANY TIME is a good time to think about kicking the tobacco habit! It can be challenging and may require several attempts, but the key to successfully kicking the habit is to have a plan and use proven-effective resources. You don't have to stop smoking in one day - and you don't have to do it alone!

InnerAct Alliance and Tobacco Free Florida are here to support you if you decide to quit smoking and start your journey toward a healthier, smoke-free life. Tobacco Free Florida's Quit Your Way program offers Floridians free tobacco cessation resources such as a "Quit Coach" who will help you access a personalized quit plan. There's also an option to join a Group Quit Session led by a trained specialist. The program provides access to up to 4-weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy products including nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges to help you become tobacco free when you sign up for one of the Quit Your Way services. Other resources include text support, a Quit Guide, and helpful emails - all available free of charge. 

If you or a loved one is interested in learning about the available tools to assist in quitting smoking, call 1-877-848-6696 or visit: https://tobaccofreeflorida.com/



Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Happy New Year 2025!

 


A new year means a new chapter...we wish you a year filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Most of all, we hope that 2025 is an incredible part of your personal story!


Celebrate Safely at Holiday Parties

 


Happy New Year's Eve! To usher in 2025, many host or attend holiday parties to connect with friends and celebrate community. Along with good cheer, partying can create challenges that may lead to substance-related risks. For those who choose to celebrate with a drink or two, please remember not to drink and drive.

Here are some tips to celebrate safely so you can enjoy all that 2025 will bring:

Remember to Eat! - drinking on an empty stomach leads to more rapid absorption of alcohol. Choose high-protein foods like cheese and meat to slow down absorption. Avoid salty foods that tend to make you more thirsty and cause you to drink more.

Choose Non-Alcoholic Alternatives - enjoy alcohol-free "mocktails" when given an option. Chilled bottled water, sparkling seltzer, or sparkling cider or grape juice are good choices. Steer clear of alcoholic punches that tend to hide the taste of alcohol and cause people to drink larger quantities.

Stop Drinking/Serving Alcohol One Hour Before Party Ends - this gives guests time to process the alcohol that may already be in their systems. Also discard half-finished drinks.

Don't Rely on Caffeine to Sober Up - contrary to popular opinion, caffeine has no effect on how alcohol affects judgment, decision-making, or motor skills. Caffeine can mask alcohol impairment.

Have the Tough Conversations - if you suspect one of your guests has had too much to drink, don't be afraid to have a discrete conversation with them about how they plan to get home. Think safety, not judgment.

Arrange a Ride for Anyone Who Seems Impaired - for those who may imbibe...see if a friend or neighbor has room for one more passenger in their car to help a friend get home safely. Keep the numbers for Uber, Lyft, and/or cabs handy. 

Also, AAA offers a Tow-to-Go program here in FL for impaired drivers. They will take you and your car to a safe location free of charge. Call 855-2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246. Visit https://www.acg.aaa.com/drivers-safety/tow-to-go.html

If you see someone driving who seems impaired, dial 9-1-1. 

Have a Safe & Happy New Year

Don't Drink & Drive!