Spring is an exciting time of year for teens as many anticipate prom, graduation, and other end-of-the-school-year celebrations. While these are fun and important, they are also associated with a higher temptation for youth to consume alcohol. As a result, the risks for injury on these nights are significantly increased re-lated to alcohol use, not to mention the legal issues faced for drinking underage and driving under the influence.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Insti-tute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, “Every year in the United States, about 5,000 young people under age 21 die as a result of underage drinking and of those, 1,900 deaths are from motor vehicle crashes.”
Graduated license programs are in place in the schools for the protection of youth behind the wheel. However, these programs alone are not enough. Parental guid-ance is of primary importance for ensuring the safety of youth.
Sources: http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/ , http://www.henryford.com/body.cfm?id=52483.
Make sure your teen has a plan for the evening and that you know what it is.
Talk to your teen about the school's rules and your rules and the consequences of violat-ing them. Be clear to your teen about your expectations of remaining drug and alcohol free.
Communicate with other parents and school officials to ensure there will be responsible adult chaperones at the parties.
Let your teen know that you will be available to pick them up if they feel unsafe regard-less of the circumstance.
Set a curfew for the night and stay up until your teen returns home. Let them know you will be waiting up for them.
DO NOT rent hotel rooms for after-parties unless you plan on chaperoning the party.
If you are hosting a party at your home offer non-alcoholic beverages and do not serve alcohol. Some parents feel that it is inevitable that teens will drink on graduation or prom night and believe that this is better done under adult supervision. It is illegal. If something happens to any teen and alcohol is involved you will be held responsible. Lock up any alcohol present in the home.
Know who is driving and emphasize safe driving! This includes no drinking, avoiding distractions, staying alert, following all traffic laws, and wearing seat belts!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
On average in the United States, we lose 1 person every 13.7 minutes because of acompleted suicide.
Because of the stigma associated with mental illness, many people are too embarrassed or ashamed to seek help for themselves or their loved ones; though nearly half of the American population will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime.
National Mental Health Awareness Month is a time when we must work together to break through that stigma.
Resources to get help for you, or a loved one:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Box Elder County Mental Health Resource Directory: http://tinyurl.com/lgev97q
To schedule a free Suicide Prevention Training for your workplace, churchgroup, or other small group of individuals, please call: 435-792-6510.
10 Tips for postitive mental health
Be Active + Eat Well = Healthy Body and Mind. Regular exercise lifts your mood and your energy. A nutri-tious diet nourishes your body and brain.
Get outside and let nature nurture you. Fresh air and the sun boosts mood and increases vitamin D levels.
Try Something New. Hobbies help you forget worries and beat stress.
Pick up the phone. Talking about worries with a close friend or family member helps you feel included and cared for. It also helps build better relationships.
Believe in yourself. Be kind to yourself. Accept who you are and focus on what you do well.
Remember "ME" time. Wind down, relax, treat yourself.
Get your ZZZZZZ's. A good night’s sleep improves memory, reduces stress and helps clear your thoughts.
Reflect on your day. Record proud moments, achievements and funny happenings.
Take one step at a time. Set small realistic goals and realize progress is gradual.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. It's ok to ask for help if you are struggling. Talking about your feelings isn't a sign of weakness, it's part of taking charge of your health.
10 Tips for Positive Mental Health
Be Active + Eat Well = Healthy Body and Mind. Regular exercise lifts your mood and your energy. A nutri-tious diet nourishes your body and brain.
Get outside and let nature nurture you. Fresh air and the sun boosts mood and increases vitamin D levels.
Try Something New. Hobbies help you forget worries and beat stress.
Pick up the phone. Talking about worries with a close friend or family member helps you feel included and cared for. It also helps build better relationships.
Believe in yourself. Be kind to yourself. Accept who you are and focus on what you do well.
Remember "ME" time. Wind down, relax, treat yourself.
Get your ZZZZZZ's. A good night’s sleep improves memory, reduces stress and helps clear your thoughts.
Reflect on your day. Record proud moments, achievements and funny happenings.
Take one step at a time. Set small realistic goals and realize progress is gradual.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. It's ok to ask for help if you are struggling. Talking about your feelings isn't a sign of weakness, it's part of taking charge of your health.
