Lessons to Learn from Life’s Classroom

Learning is the biggest lesson in life. And it is essential for anyone who wants to succeed. 

Be open minded: the more we learn and experience, the better the type of world we can attract for ourselves and those around us. The best thing we can do each day is keep growing and evolving because this helps us live our lives to the fullest potential.

Love this colorful Lessons from Life’s Classroom graphic from @Positively Present that reminds us of the importance of being mindful of the lessons we can learn each day to enhance our experiences. One of my favorite suggestions is “Measure Your Progress By Your Own Rules” – there’s more than one right way, so find the way that’s right for YOU!

Life really is one big classroom so become a student of your own life. Look around because everything in your life is trying to teach you something. It may not always be easy but look for signs you are moving in the right direction and keep at it. You deserve to LIVE LIFE to its fullest! 

 

New Study Shows the Link Between Cannabis Use Disorder & Schizophrenia

 

Marijuana use has increased considerably over the last decade and its effects continue to cause concern. In a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) study published earlier this month in Psychological Magazine, researchers found a connection between cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia, citing that young men may be at the highest risk for developing schizophrenia from cannabis abuse.

Data from the last 5 decades was used in part of the study analysis. It showed that 30% of schizophrenia cases involving 21-to-30-year-old men could be prevented by averting cannabis use disorder – conditions that are treatable but can “profoundly impact people’s lives.” Common symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations, delusions, though disorder, and movement disorder.

According to NIDA Director and study co-author Dr. Nora Volkow, “The entanglement of substance use disorders and mental illnesses is a major public health issue, requiring urgent action and support for people who need it. As access to potent cannabis products continues to expand, it is crucial that we also expand prevention, screening, and treatment for people who may experience mental illnesses associated with cannabis use.”

Marijuana use among young adults is increasing. In 2011, fewer than 30% of adults ages 19-30 said they used marijuana at some point during the year; however, numbers grew to over 40% by 2021. National Institutes of Health data also confirms that the percentage of daily cannabis users aged 19-30 has nearly doubled, from 6% in 2011 to 11% in 2021.

Researchers and scientists recommend that public education campaigns be directed at increasing awareness of the health risks of cannabis. This is just one more reason why parents, caregivers, and educators must continue important conversations with children about the risks of using marijuana and other drugs. Prevention Education can help young people learn the facts and skills needed to help them act responsibly and avoid becoming the next substance abuse statistic.

 

Wishing a Happy Mother's Day to Mothers of All Kinds!

 

Celebrating All Moms this Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 14, 2023

 

In the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated annually on the second Sunday in May – this year's date is Sunday, May 14th.

Mothers are honored as protectors and nourishers of children, and by extension, of all humanity. Long before Americans celebrated Mother’s Day, people in Europe honored mothers on the fourth Sunday of Lent on Mothering Day. During the Middle Ages, women laborers, apprentices, servants, and those who worked as domestic servants would be given the day off to return to their mothers and the “mother” church. Family reunions were held, with sons and daughters assuming all household duties and preparing a special dinner on honor of their mother.

No need to go to a store and buy a gift – Mother’s love gifts from the heart like handmade cards and drawings or a flower picked from the garden. You could make a coupon book for her with special things like help with household chores, washing her car, breakfast in bed, or a family movie night where she gets to choose what to watch. She will love whatever you give her because it’s from YOU!

Let’s honor the women who raised us because they make sacrifices for us each and every day and nurture our families and communities.

Happy Mother’s Day to the

wonderful ladies on our IAA Staff

& our Board of Directors.

We appreciate all you do for the

prevention effort each day!

And, special thanks to April and our friends at LakelandMom.com for suggesting some awesome ideas for things to do in and around Lakeland this Mother's Day Weekend:

https://lakelandmom.com/mothers-day/

InnerAct Alliance in the Community - Watermelon Festival at Bonnet Springs Park

 

 

A Good Time was had by all at the Watermelon Festival 🍉hosted by the Florida Children’s Museum and the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County at Bonnet Springs Park last weekend. Families gathered together to enjoy music, activities, free watermelon, and more.

InnerAct Alliance staff helped kids color flower crafts and make cute friendship bracelets while parents learned about our agency's free prevention programs for the community. Everyone enjoyed the stories read by our Humane Educator, Michelle, that help youngsters learn how to treat others - humans and animals alike - with kindness and respect!

Mental Health Awareness Moment - You Are More Than Enough!

 

Mental Health Care IS Health Care

Help is readily available

nami.org/help

#MoreThanEnough

National Prevention Week May 7 – May 13, 2023 - “Talk. They Hear You.”

 

According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, alcohol continues to be the most widely misused substance among our nation’s young people. And in recent years, other drugs such as marijuana and prescription pain medication have also become increasingly prevalent among youth.

Over 80 percent of young people aged 10-18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision about whether or not to drink alcohol or experiment with other substances. Yet many parents do not have these important conversations. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to support local youth, InnerAct Alliance and our coalition partners, StandUP Polk and UthMpact, are pleased to partner with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Drug Free America Foundation during National Prevention Week May 7 – May 13, 2023 to encourage and guide parents and caregivers to engage in important conversations with young people about the risks of underage substance use.

One of the major goals of substance abuse prevention programs is to delay the age of onset of substance use – the earlier you start talking to children about the risks of using alcohol and other drugs, the better. Initiatives like SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.” help to place useful resources in the hands of parents and caregivers, educators, and community members to offer the knowledge and skills they need to talk to children. Recently, the campaign has expanded its messaging beyond alcohol education to also include other substances, such as marijuana and prescription drugs, to help reduce and prevent underage use.

“Talk. They Hear You” campaign materials are now available on the SAMHSA website at www.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov.

“Although alcohol is the most commonly used substance by teens, the good news is that local efforts to educate youth on the risks and consequences of substance misuse are showing signs of success. Teen alcohol use numbers continue to drop each year – in fact, the most recent Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS) shows that 83% of Polk Teens DO NOT use Alcohol,” said Angie Ellison, executive director of InnerAct Alliance, “but our education efforts must continue.”

To stay updated on local substance abuse prevention issues affecting our community and learn how to find valuable information and helpful resources, follow InnerAct Alliance on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance and check out our online blog https://inneractblogtownhallmeeting.blogspot.com/.