IAA Celebrates Day of Caring to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a true champion of justice known for inspiring others with his immortal words, "Life's most persistent and urgent questions is 'What are you doing for others?'"

InnerAct Alliance was happy to participate in our community's 4th Annual MLK Day of Caring last weekend at the Florida Children's Museum at Bonnet Springs Park to celebrate kindness, service, and Dr. King's legacy. Kids and families were treated to free admission to the museum, entertaining live performances, community resource vendors & giveaways, hands-on activities, and more. 

At the IAA table, kids were encouraged to have fun creating their own unique dream catchers illustrating the theme "My Dream is..." The kids did an outstanding job on their dream catchers, don't you think?😊

The federal holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is officially observed on the third Monday of January each year - this year, MLK Day is on Monday, January 19th! 

Cyberbullying Warning Signs & Prevention #STOPBULLYING

 

Many of the warning signs that cyberbullying is occurring happen around a child's use of their device. 

Cyberbullying can occur through SMS (short message service), text, apps, or online in social media, forums, or gaming where users 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 the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for sharing this informative graphic highlighting some warning signs of cyberbullying to watch for and tips on how to prevent it.

Warning Signs

*behavior may change
*device use may increase/decrease
*emotional response to device (anger, laughter, upset)

*hiding screen
*social media accounts shut down/new ones created
*withdrawal or depression

What To Do
*stay alert

*talk/ask questions
*document
*block
*report
*support

How to Prevent
*always monitor social sites, apps, browsing history

*check child's location/privacy settings
*follow/friend your teen
*stay updated on latest apps, social platforms, slang
*establish rules for digital behavior, content, apps
*teach good digital citizen skills
*use parent monitoring software

In upcoming blog posts, we will examine other important issues involving use of technology that parents must be aware of to keep a safe digital footprint for the whole family.

Break the Stigma During Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month

 

January is Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month and it serves as an important reminder that behind every diagnosis is a human being. Substance use disorder does not discriminate. Language matters. Compassion matters. Access to treatment matters.

Community support can go a long way. Join the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and InnerAct Alliance to help break the stigma and encourage full support and understanding for persons seeking treatment for mental health and substance use disorders throughout the United States.

Help is available to determine the right level of care for you or a loved one. FindTreatment.gov offers helpful information to assist with understanding addiction and mental health issues. It provides the ability to search for health facilities, healthcare centers, and assist with financing for treatment. To access this confidential and anonymous resource, click: https://findtreatment.gov?

Studies Link Behavioral Changes to Pot and Videogames

 

Maybe a recent holiday gift in your home was a new gaming system or video games...here's some information that parents should be aware of. 

Growing research is raising concern about a potentially dangerous combination common among youth today - cannabis use paired with excessive gaming. Video games can be fun played in moderation, but health experts warn that when done in excess and combined with substance use, it may create a perfect storm for fueling psychotic disorders like psychosis, schizophrenia, and other serious mental health conditions - particularly in teens and young adults whose brains are still developing until their mid-20s.

We know that cannabis has been linked to development of psychotic disorders over the years and now recent research has provided an even clearer connection. A groundbreaking study published in JAMA Psychiatry in April 2025 found that cannabis use disorder is associated with increased dopamine activity in the same brain pathway involved in psychosis. The dopamine system plays a vital role in motivation, reward, and reality perception. Cannabis use alters the dopamine pathways. So does gaming as it releases dopamine through rewards. Combining the two together can overstimulate the brain's reward system and trigger psychotic symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and disorganized thinking.

Parents should monitor children's gaming habits regularly and be alert for signs of substance use. Having open conversations creates safe environments where young people can feel comfortable seeking help if they are having problems.  

Start the New Year Tobacco Free

 

Many of us think about the positive changes we want to make in our lives in the new year. Whether you believe in making resolutions or not, any time is a good time to think about kicking the tobacco habit. 

If you'd like to start 2026 tobacco free, set yourself up for success by creating a plan, learning what it takes to quit, and knowing what to expect from the process. You don't have to stop smoking in one day - and you don't have to do it alone. The key is to use proven-effective resources.

InnerAct Alliance and Tobacco Free Florida are here to support you in starting 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 replacement 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 at no charge. 

Learn more about available tools to assist in quitting smoking: https://tobaccofreeflorida.com/ready-to-quit-smoking/  

FL News: Sunshine State No Longer Lightning Strike Capital of U.S.

 

After dominating rankings for decades, Florida is no longer the official lightning capital of America. According to a new report from AEM's Earth Networks Total Lightning Network (ENTLN), Oklahoma has officially surpassed the Sunshine State with the highest concentration of lightning - registering 73 lightning strikes per square mile last year.

ENTLN scientists use new technology involving over 1,800 sensors to detect lightning activity in real time across the United States. Sensors measure lighting activity with exceptional coverage and precision to show how new patterns are evolving.

Scientists explained that the shakeup at the top ranking is due in part to a significant shift in weather patterns. Florida experienced a relatively drier than average year in 2025, with most Atlantic hurricanes staying out to sea. This, paired with intense thunderstorm activity in Oklahoma, has shown that the Great Plains are emerging as an increasingly active region for high-impact storms.

With Oklahoma leading the way in lighting flashes per square mile and Florida in second, third and fourth place belong to Louisiana and Kansas, respectively.

When it comes to fatal lightning strikes, however, Florida still leads all states by a sizable margin, according to the National Lightning Safety Council. Since 2006, Florida had 97 deaths followed by Texas (42) and Colorado (27). In 2025, 4 deaths were reported in Florida.

To protect our health and avoid becoming a lightning victim, stay vigilant to local weather alerts. Check the forecast before leaving home, especially during the storm-heavy summer months. June 15 was listed as the "most lightning-intense day of the year" in 2025, with 926,016 flashes.

Read:https://aem.eco/2025-lightning-report-first-look/

Health Watch: Try the Dry January Challenge

 

Happy, Healthy 2026! With a new year underway, many folks make resolutions to improve their health. Some commit to taking the Dry January Challenge, which continues to grow in popularity, to abstain from drinking alcohol for one month as a step to change drinking habits or explore the effects that a break from beer, wine, or spirits can have on their health.

This public health initiative was launched in 2013 by Alcohol Change UK to address the role that alcohol plays in people's lives. It has shown evidence that after 30 days of not drinking, many report better sleep, increased energy, weight loss, and lower blood pressure.

More than half of people who drink alcohol at least once a month say they've tried this. Some new data from Oar Health shows that sticking with it is not easy. The Survey found that 1-in-3 people nationwide don't make it through the whole month - most often due to cravings, social pressure, or anxiety over that one party they promised to attend. The biggest drop off comes during the second week of January.

To make it easier to stick to your goals, Harvard Health Publishing has shared some Tips on How To Do Dry January:

*Find a substitute non-alcoholic drink - for social situations or when you crave a cocktail, have alcohol-free beverages like sparkling water or virgin drinks readily on hand. Non-alcoholic beer or wine are options but check the label to be sure it's truly alcohol-free and doesn't contain a high sugar content.

*Avoid temptation - keep alcohol out of your house. If you are invited to someone's home, bring non-alcoholic drinks with you.

*Create a support group - let family and friends know your intentions so they can support you and help keep you accountable. Enlist a buddy to do the challenge along with you.

*Track your progress - apps are available to help track your drinking, help you set personal goals, and offer motivational info like calorie counts and money saved from not drinking.

*Don't give up - if you slip, don't feel guilty...just begin again the following day!

Read: Benefits of giving Dry January a try! 

https://www.oarhealth.com/alcohol-use-disorder/health/15-reasons-embrace-dry-january