Chase a Natural High!

 

Love this reminder from our friends at Informed Families that there are plenty of healthy ways of getting high that do not involve alcohol, tobacco, or other harmful substances!

Many of life's adventures and experiences, even everyday things, can create a natural high - like listening to music, dancing to or singing your favorite song, drawing with sidewalk chalk, painting a picture, playing sports, taking a walk with your pet, whipping up a delicious smoothie, cooking up a healthy meal, baking a special treat, sharing laughs with friends or family members, or just enjoying a little down time to read a book or magazine! 

As parents, we can lead by example to show our children how to look for simple ways to add enjoyment to their lives. Plan time doing things together that will create lasting memories. Make the most of every opportunity to celebrate how beautiful life can be with healthy choices! 

January Self-Care Ideas

 

Self-Care is so important for our physical and mental health. Engaging in a self-care routine has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, boost your self-esteem, and increase happiness. It can also help you adapt to changes, build strong relationships, and recover from setbacks.

Taking care of your body and mind helps you to be the best version of yourself. Self-care shouldn’t be something you force yourself to do. Instead, it can help refuel you so you can take better care of yourself and support those around you. If you’re having trouble thinking of ways, consider some of the ideas in this January Self-Care graphic from Positively Present. Even small acts of self-care can bring you joy and help you achieve balance in different areas of your life to promote your overall wellness. You are worth it!

Challenge: Start 2023 Tobacco Free!

 

This time of year, many Americans consider making a New Year’s Resolution. Quitting smoking is often right up there in the top 5. It can be challenging and may require several attempts. 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. You also have an option to join a Group Quit Session led by a trained specialist. With this program, you will have access to a two-week supply of nicotine replacement therapy including nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges to help you become tobacco free. Other services include text support, a Quit Guide, and helpful emails - all provided 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 their website at Tobaccofreeflorida.com/quityourway

        

 

Save The Date - Annual Prevention Summit - February 21, 2023

 

InnerAct Alliance and the StandUP Polk Coalition are proud to present the Annual Own The Upside Prevention Summit on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the W. H. Stuart Conference Center in Bartow to discuss important issues facing our community. This marks the first in-person summit held since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Annual Prevention Summit presents an opportunity for School Resource Officers, Administrators, Counselors, Social Workers, Psychiatrists, and Prevention Specialists to gain up-to-date information with a realistic view of youth culture, emerging drug trends, social media and its connection to risky behaviors, and other topical issues.

Registration for the Prevention Summit is FREE for those who pre-register on the event website at www.owntheupsidepolk.com and breakfast and lunch is included.

Own The Upside was initiated by the Drug Free Coalition partnership of Hardee, Highlands, and Polk counties, Florida. It was founded on the Positive Community Norms Theory or celebrating the positives! Science shows us that the discouraging news or negatives we often hear in media and society makes us tend to forget that there are many encouraging positives to celebrate what we call the “Upside.” Data collected annually via the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS) reports that most kids don’t engage in risky behaviors. Attitudes about abuse are shaped well before children reach adulthood. Own The Upside believes we can impact children’s lives now by supporting and investing in prevention programs and services that reduce access, identify risky behaviors, change community attitudes towards alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, and empower youth to make positive healthy choices. While this training will educate the public about some of the negative trends, we will also remind those on the front line that MOST are making the right decisions. 

For details, please call InnerAct Alliance at (863) 802-0777 or visit the event website at https://www.owntheupsidepolk.com

What Do You Want to Be in 2023?

 

Happy 2023! It is estimated that nearly 45% of Americans make New Year's resolutions, but only about 8% are successful at changing their new resolutions into reality. Common resolutions are often related to health, relationships, career, and personal aspirations, or achieving happiness by enjoying life more or learning a new skill.

To reach a goal successfully, it's always a good idea to write it down and include small, achievable steps needed to attain that goal. Along with a written statement, there must also be a change in behavior.

Goals are great, but it's also about being realistic and happy. Here are some inspiring options from Positively Present that suggest focusing on "What Do You Want to Be in 2023?" 

Whatever you decide, let's do our best to embrace every day as a new opportunity to appreciate what we have and take small steps towards a better life in the year ahead!

Cheers to a Happy, Healthy 2023!

 

Life’s hectic schedule and commitments can be stressful and leave little time to take care of ourselves. How can you ensure that you’re taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally? 

The New Year is a perfect time to focus on Self-Care to create a healthier, more enjoyable daily experience…and that can be anything you can take time to do for yourself to remain healthy in mind, body, and spirit. Look at it as making an investment in yourself and in your health.

Don’t worry if your version of self-care is different from others. There’s no one right way to care for yourself – what helps YOU feel happy and healthy is what matters most. 

Happy New Year 2023 – may this be the year of less stress, less mess & more Y O U!

Happy New Year's Eve!

 

Happy New Year's Eve! As we usher out 2022 and welcome in 2023 tonight, here's a gentle reminder to be aware of the potential mixed messages to impressionable teens and young children that may result during New Year's Eve revelry. Children tend to see things in black and white, particularly when it comes to justifying personal behaviors. They may think “if adults drink to celebrate, why shouldn’t I?” 

Show by example that there are healthy ways to celebrate and entertain at parties. Let your children help mix-up a delicious alcohol-free fruit punch with sparkling cider or ginger ale and pick out yummy snacks and food. 

YOU are important role models for your children, especially those who are fast becoming teenagers. Be consistent in your attitudes, behaviors and messages about alcohol and teen drinking tonight and into the New Year!