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.💡

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.🗣 

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

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

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

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. 

Visit: https://www.dea.gov/documents/2024/2024-12/2024-12-12/drugs-abuse-2024

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):

https://www.dea.gov/alert/dea-reports-widespread-threat-fentanyl-mixed-xylazine

Weekend Wishes to Chase Away the Winter Blues

 

Sending warm weekend wishes during these chilly winter days! 💙❆⛄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:

https://laltoday.6amcity.com/food/top-rated-soups-lakeland-fl?utm_term=laltoday&utm_campaign=daily-newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_source=laltoday&utm_content=laltoday

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.