Today’s a Great Day to Start a Conversation About Drugs & Health

 

Summer break offers well-deserved down time but as most parents and caregivers know, the job of parenting never really takes a day off because our kids' health and safety is always top priority.

InnerAct Alliance and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) encourage parents to take opportunities over the summer to have important conversations with teens about their health using simple facts and evidence-based information. NIDA has compiled a list of answers to teens' 10 most frequently asked questions about drugs to use as conversation starters and inspire communication with your children.

Kids can be curious about why some people use drugs - the best way to answer is to explain we all make choices that affect our health. Some think substances may help them deal with challenges, escape from reality, relieve pain, or fit in with others. Even when users want to quit, they may still struggle to stop using alcohol and other drugs. This is because repeated use causes changes in the brain that make it hard to stop.

Addictive drugs can cause the brain to release dopamine, a chemical released after pleasurable and satisfying activities. Repeated drug use floods the brain with dopamine and can change how the brain responds - this often results in needing more drugs to produce the same effect. Without more drugs, people may experience withdrawal symptoms causing stress, anxiety, depression, or physical effects like sweating, vomiting, and pain. This dangerous cycle of drug use and withdrawal can disrupt normal brain function so that people aren't able to experience pleasure in their lives and more drugs are needed.

The best way to avoid substance use disorder is not to ever start. Share the good news that most Polk County teens are making the right choices by choosing not to drink, smoke, or use substances. Knowing the truth can help kids avoid succumbing to peer pressure because they feel confident in making more informed personal decisions after knowing and considering all he facts. 

For answers to questions teens
may have about substance use visit:

https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/education/conversation-starters/10-questions-teens-ask-about-drugs-and-health

 

Save the Date: IAA’s Red Ribbon Run on October 25th

 

Exciting plans are coming together for InnerAct Alliance's Red Ribbon Campaign in our community this fall to prevent harm and promote health. The 2025 Red Ribbon Run, presented by Title Sponsor Publix Super Markets, will take place on Saturday, October 25th with FREE REGISTRATION for the Kids Fun Run for K-8 Students, along with a Family Fun Run for parents/adults to run or walk with their children ($5 fee). Participants will be treated to healthy snacks, fitness activities, and festive entertainment celebrating different cultures in the Florida Dairy Farmers World Tour vendor area at beautiful Lake Mirror in Lakeland. Plus, we will be celebrating InnerAct Alliance's 40th "Ruby" Anniversary!

Awesome Business Sponsorship Opportunities available! - the Red Ribbon Run presents a great opportunity for local businesses to support prevention of substance abuse, sponsor a race heat, and promote their products and services by sponsoring a booth. Contact Angie Ellison, IAA Executive Director, at (863) 802-0777 for more details!

Share your Talents & Create International Displays! - individuals and groups are invited to showcase their unique talents in music, dance, and performance as part of the Florida Dairy Farmers World Tour celebration of different cultures and traditions during the Red Ribbon Run festivities. Call the IAA office at 802-0777 for more information!

Plan to bring the whole family to the 2025 Red Ribbon Run to support substance abuse prevention in our community. Stay tuned for registration details and information to be announced soon on the InnerAct Alliance website and social media.

Event Website

www.inneractalliance.org

Visit Us on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/InnerActAlliance/

Channel Our Own Personal Freedom

 

After a holiday weekend celebrating our nation's freedom, let's start this week off with some sage advice from our friends @Positively Present to: "Stop giving your strength, time, and resources to things and people you wish to be free from." Learn to channel our own personal freedom and be mindful not to give our time and energy to people, situations, and things that don't deserve it!

Self-love and acceptance is our own responsibility. Don't expect others who treat you less to suddenly have a change of heart...a zebra doesn't change it stripes. Stop looking back on difficult things that have happened in your life because that action only continues to keep it alive within you. Stop worrying about things that haven't happened yet because more than likely they won't. All of these actions are a waste of precious time and energy.💪

Live in the moment and give yourself the love and kindness you deserve.💜 You and only you are in charge of your happiness. To put it in the hands of others is to give away your energy and your power. 

Happy 249th Birthday America

 

Independence Day is celebrated each year on July 4. This year, America will celebrate its 249th birthday to commemorate our independence from Great Britain following the Revolutionary War. On this date in 1776, the Continental Congress approved the final wording of the Declaration of Independence for our country to become the United States of America!

Fireworks displays are usually the highlight of many Independence Day celebrations with colors lighting up the night sky across the U.S.🎆 According to the Farmers' Almanac, the origins of fireworks originally came from China - but the earliest forms of "firecrackers" 🧨 came from a discovery almost 2,000 years ago when people would heat bamboo stalks until they were blacked and exploded under the pressure of heated air inside them.

Fireworks have been part of the American tradition since the founding of our nation. John Adams envisioned great celebrations when he wrote a letter on July 3, 1776 - a day before the Continental Congress adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence - saying that festivities should include "pomp and parade with shews (shows), games, sports, funs, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of the continent to the other from this time forever more." 

The first official fireworks displays began in 1777 with the first Fourth of July fireworks over Philadelphia's night sky - a tradition that continues with spectacular fireworks on every July 4 celebration.🎇

Wishing you & your family a Happy 4th of July!

Please celebrate Safely & Responsibly
Do Not Drink & Drive!

Independence Day Events in our Area
Thanks to our friends at Lakeland Mom

https://lakelandmom.com/4th-of-july-fireworks-lakeland-polk-county/?utm_content=link_id&utm_medium=email&utm_source=flodesk

Recent Study Shows Disposable Vapes More Toxic than Cigarettes

 

A recent article featured in Fox News Health reports findings from a study at the University of California (UC) Davis that shows illegal disposable cigarettes, a/k/a vapes, may present a greater danger than traditional cigarettes due to their extremely high concentrations of metal.

As part of the study, researchers tested the vapor puffs from 3 popular vape brands - Elf Bar, Flum Pebble, and Esco - sold by retailers (but not FDA-authorized for use in the U.S.) and found hazardous levels of toxic heavy metals, including lead, nickel, and antimony. These metals are classified as carcinogens that may lead to skin, lung, and kidney cancers, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). One of the brands tested in this study was found to expose users to as much lead as smoking 19 packs of cigarettes.

A senior study author, Brett Pouin, assistant professor at the UC Davis Dept. of Environmental Technology, said that he was shocked at the levels of toxic metals found in the vapors tested saying, "When I analyzed the first samples, the lead concentration was so high that I thought the (testing) instrument was broken. Levels far exceeded anything in past data or even in the published literature." 

Regarding the high concentrations of metal, Poulin warned that there is no known safe level of lead exposure and shared, "This neurotoxin poses serious health risks, particularly to children and adolescents, who are especially vulnerable."

Many medical professionals agree with the need to inform users about the health risks of vaping associated with various lung diseases including asthma, COPD, and lung cancer. In addition, there are many recommendations calling for disposable vapes to be closely regulated by local, state, and federal agencies and for the need to add printed warnings on packaging for disposable vapes to outline health risks of use, especially to teens and young adults.

Statistics show that electronic cigarette use among adults increased from 4.5% in 2019 to 6.5% in 2023, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also noted that 15.5% of young adults between the ages of 21-24 have reported using e-cigarettes. 

To read more on the UC study, click:

https://www.foxnews.com/health/disposable-vapes-more-toxic-carcinogenic-than-cigarettes-study-shows

Mentors Can Help Build Confidence & Reduce Risk of Substance Use

 

Growing up in today's world can be challenging for teens and young adults - and it can be equally overwhelming for parents. It can help to have even one more trusted adult outside of a parent or guardian to support your child as they grow.

The mentor relationship is not meant to replace a parent; in fact, it offers the benefit of having another positive, stable adult in your child's life. This can even help to improve the relationships between teens and parents by offering more guidance and stability for them.

A mentor is someone who offers support and models good values. The right mentor paired with your child during his or her critical period of development - whether it's a teacher, coach, community leader, or family friend - can make a huge difference to help bring out their confidence and improve self-esteem while offering strong protection from risky behaviors, including substance use.

Mentors help kids flourish by:

*Boosting confidence and self-esteem - a young person's development is rooted in their community and in their relationships. Having another adult to listen to and support them can be a tremendous benefit for youth and improve overall wellbeing.

*Reducing the likelihood of substance use and depressive symptoms - in reality, all teens face risk factors for developing a substance use disorder. Many times, it can be linked to family history and we know that environment can also trigger addiction. Having a trusting adult to turn to can help counter the risks and act as a powerful protective factor.

*Improving academic performance and mental health - studies show that one of the strongest benefits of mentoring, regardless of a teen's background, is reducing depressive symptoms. When youth know that they have "someone in their corner" who they trust and can talk to, it can go a long way to help them develop a better sense of safety, trust, and belonging.

*Strengthening coping, life skills, and problem-solving abilities - mentors can help kids handle challenges with family, friends, and school by teaching life skills, offering healthy coping strategies, and building confidence - critical skills that all teens need to be resilient and to succeed in life.

For more about the benefits of the mentor/teen relationship, check out this fantastic article from the Partnership to End Addiction:

https://drugfree.org/article/why-your-teen-needs-a-mentor-building-confidence-and-reducing-risk-of-substance-use/?

Summer Health & Wellness

 

Summertime has a generally more relaxing vibe but sometimes changes from the regular routine can create challenges too. InnerAct Alliance encourages families to continue to practice self-care and reach out for support from available resources when needed. 

Here are some tips on how children, parents, and families can thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally during the summer months and all year-round:

Physical Wellness 💪 - staying physically active and eating well has been shown to improve mental health and wellness. Some suggestions to accomplish this may be: exercising regularly with a friend or workout group; joining a swim, dance, or yoga class; spending time outdoors daily; and walking/running when it's cooler in the mornings or late evenings. It's also the perfect time to embrace the abundance of refreshing summer fruit and veggies to encourage healthy eating habits in your diet. Make sure to get quality rest and sleep and establish priorities to keep the days productive.

Mental Wellness 🧠- practicing wellness activities can help to overcome stress and anxiety and promote productivity. Take time to try self-soothing activities like mindfulness and meditation or creative activities like art, music, reading, or journaling.

Embrace Support 💜- when we feel stressed, tired, overwhelmed, or alone, it's important to identify support that's available to help you overcome any challenges. Communicate your needs to a trusted friend or family member...or seek out a support group, therapy, or counseling. 

Stay Connected 👪 - summertime offers a different daily routine so do your best to stay connected to those who impact you in positive and healthy ways. Plan to enjoy family time, friend hangouts, volunteer, arrange a game or movie night, send letters or postcards, maybe even join a book club or sports team.

Even small changes can improve overall mood, so take advantage of the long sunny days and warm weather to switch up your routine, be more active, and enjoy what the season has to offer. Wishing you a happy summer and a season of proactive self-care! 🌞