January 23-29: National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week

“While there are many questions around alcohol and drug use and addiction, it’s not always easy to find factual answers. Information from the internet, social media, TV, movies, and music isn’t accurate.

For young people, friends can also be a source of misinformation. From January 23-29, National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week provides the facts about drugs, alcohol, and addiction. This week-long health observance is an opportunity to hear directly from scientists and other experts through educational events, Drugs & Alcohol Chat Day, and partnerships. While the week primarily targets high school students across America, the resources and information from these events can be used by any organization as a part of their prevention strategy.” – https://teens.drugabuse.gov/

Statistics:

  • Drug use is most common among young adults who are 18 to 25 years old. Rates of current (past month) use of illicit drugs in 2015 were higher for young adults aged 18 to 25 (22.3 percent) than for youths aged 12 to 17 (8.8 percent) and adults aged 26 or older (8.2 percent)
  • Although drinking by persons under the age of 21 is illegal, people aged 12 to 20 years drink 11% of all alcohol consumed in the United States. More than 90% of this alcohol is consumed in the form of binge drinks.
  • About 570,000 people die annually in the U.S. due to drug use. That breaks down to more than 480,000 deaths related to tobacco, about 31,000 due to alcohol, nearly 22,000 due to overdose from illicit (illegal) drugs, and close to 23,000 due to overdose from prescription pain relievers.
  • In 2015, the Monitoring the Future Survey reported that 10% of 8th graders and 35% of 12th graders drank during the past 30 days, and 5% of 8th graders and 17% of 12th graders binge drank during the past 2 weeks.
  • According to NIDA’s Monitoring the Future survey–a national survey of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders–past-year use of illicit drugs other than marijuana was down from recent peaks in all three grades in 2016. Also notable is the decrease in tobacco use, which is now at the lowest rate in the survey’s history for all three grades.

Statistics were taken from https://teens.drugabuse.gov/ and www.cdc.gov/.

Winter Activities & Events in Dec | 2016

The holiday season is here and that means there are tons of events occurring everywhere. Do you want to participate in fun winter activities, join a event, or know what’s happening locally? Here are some activities listed of where and what you can take part of:

st-paul-winterskate

http://365twincities.com/

  • Ice skate at your local park that has ice rinks. If not, you can try going to a couple locations like The Depot Ice Rink in downtown Minneapolis, Parade Ice Garden, and Wells Fargo WinterSkate in St. Paul.
  • Want to ride train with magical Christmas lights? The event “Santa at Night Trains” is happening between Nov. 5th – Dec 17th from 6PM-PM at the Twin City Model Railroad Museum in St. Paul. Check this link for more info!

2

http://www.shutterstock.com/

  • Simply enjoy the snow through making a snowman and sledding. Sometimes, the fun is right outside of the door, we only need to go there ourselves. Check ahead of time of the weather so that you can enjoy your time in the snow the most without it being too windy and cold.
  • Check your local community for volunteer opportunities and donation spots. It is the season of receiving and giving love. So you can choose to show your appreciation to your community in different ways.
  • Skiing is another popular activity during the winter season. Locations such as
    Hyland Hills Ski Area, Buck Hill, and Mount Kato Ski Area are great ski resorts to check out.

This Month in Japan | November

November in Japan is a popular time for people to visit parks, shrines, and gardens to witness the changing colors of the leaves. Also, it is a great time to travel to Japan due to the mild and cool weather. There are various events going on in Japan in which people can participate and have a fun time.

Some events being held in Japan during this month is:

Crowds wait their turn to offer prayers at the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, on the second day of the new year Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Greg Baker)

Crowds wait their turn to offer prayers at the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, on the second day of the new year Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Greg Baker)

The Japan Times

  • Meiji Shrine Autumn Festival is held at Meiji Shrine in the distrit of Harajuku from Nov 1-3, 2016. It includes a variety of art and sport performances.
  • Kaki Season – “Kaki are an orange Japanese fruit that come into season in November. They are extremely bitter before they ripen. When ripe, they are sweet with a unique citrus-like taste. Kaki and kaki flavored desserts are widely available in Japan in late autumn.” – http://www.japan-talk.com

p13-sumo-a-20141113-e1415788893890-870x672

The Japan Times

  • Sumo Kyushu Basho is a sumo wrestling tournament that is being held from Nov 13-27, 2016. Click here for more info on the year schedule.
  • Viewing of autumn leaves in public spaces, and a popular time for people to visit cities with wonderful views such as Kyoto, Sapporo, Tokyo, and more.
  • Shrine, temples, and castle visits are also popular during this time of the year, usually from the fall into the winter and January of the next year for ceremonies, holidays, and receiving/giving blessings.

Events in September ~ Health, Fitness, & Fun!

September is a month of health promotion and health awarenesses! Look down below to participate in each or all of the events!

1010877-large

www.care2.com

  • Family Health and Fitness Day (September 24, 2016)
    • The goal of this event is to promote family involvement in physical activities and towards a healthier community.
    • “Local organizations throughout the country will host family-related health and fitness events at schools, park districts, hospitals, YMCAs/YWCAs, malls, health clubs and other community locations.” – http://www.fitnessday.com/family/
  • September is Fruits & Veggies—More Matters® Month is celebrating Fruits & Veggies—More Matters® Month by promoting the many benefits of eating plenty of fruits and veggies. Fruits & Veggies—More Matters® Month highlights the importance of healthy eating in keeping our community strong and healthy.” – Rightful owner
    • Click on this link to find out why you should be eating more fruits!
  • “Every September, SAMHSA sponsors Recovery Month to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and celebrate the people who recover.” – https://www.recoverymonth.gov/
    • Click here to find events!
  • MPLS Pizza Week!
    • “MPLS Pizza Club is a community for Pizza Enthusiasts with Minneapolis ties who eat, share, explore, create, & celebrate all things pizza. There is no official membership, the club is based on shared experiences, building community, and collaboration. MPLS Pizza Club was founded by Paige Guggemos in 2013.” – Rightful owner
    • For specific dates & info, click here!

Upcoming Events in August!

August may be the last official month of summer but that doesn’t mean that you still can’t enjoy this summer to the end. Check out the events below:

14045883_10154598357394560_3425368027673738804_n

Want to attend a local event?

WOW Event: Wednesday, August 24 at 6 PM – 8 PM
Wakefield Park
1532 Frost Ave, Maplewood, Minnesota 55109

Carnival Fun & Movie Night (Planes, Fire & Rescue starting at 8pm) Arts & Crafts – Dunk Tank – Inflatables – Kid City Booth – Nature Center Activities – Crazy Hair Station

Free Admission, Free Hot Dogs, Chips and Pop

logo

www.teamsideline.com

The school year is approaching in the state of Minnesota. For those who need school supplies, make sure to check your local area for freebies! The 2016 School Supplies Bash is being held in multiple counties; Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington Counties. For more details & dates on where it may happen near you, click here!

13938527_10154594495424560_6975371054863189652_n

Twin Cities Mobile Jazz Project utilizes Jazz music, its derivatives, history, art, media and technology as a means to promote learning, communication and self-expression. This summer, the youth participants hosted free concerts all over the Twin Cities and have been hard at work learning from professional teaching artists and creating original songs and productions.

The Summer Concert Series will be hosting 4 more concerts in August from 3 pm to 6 pm:

August 17 – Powderhorn Park
August 24 – Folwell Park
August 31 – Harrison Park

Learn more about the project here – TwinCitiesMobileJazzProject.org!

14034781_10154586216279560_1073718042091554578_n

Join Argent Blue is a young Hmong American band that plays a variety of genres, including funk, rock, jazz, alternative, and Hmong classics. They will host a FREE concert for the community at:

Saturday, August 27 at 6 PM – 12 AM

Rosemount Community Center
13885 S Robert Trl, Rosemount, Minnesota 55068

A free concert and dance party! Invite your friends and dance through the evening! Dress to impress!

Alcohol will NOT BE PERMITTED. Anyone who brings alcohol will be asked to leave.

Current Events in May!

12671946_1032620810143701_6664890970344570364_o

Wondering about what events are occurring in May? A few are listed down below and maybe you might want to attend some of them with your friends and families. There is something for everyone from music to sightseeing! Make sure to check around your local areas of other events that may not be posted online.

  • The Pan Asian Arts Festival 2016 is happening at MOA on May 14th from 12PM-8PM! Come enjoy free performances, games, and carnival activities! Get the chance to see the performances from Iny Asian Dance Theater, Mu Gung Hwa Korean Dance Group, Sumunar Indonesian Dance Ensemble, and much more! It’s a free event for all!
  • May is also recognized as National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month (NTPPM). It advocates to spread awareness and prevention of teen pregnancy. Click here for more info!
  • The Minnesota History Center is hosting the “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation: the Depression, the War, the Boom” exhibit about those who lived through the Great Depression, World War II, and the years after the war! Admissions are $11 and it would be a great experience for everyone!
  • SAMHSA’s National Prevention Week 2016 – May 15-21, 2016
    • “SAMHSA’s fifth annual National Prevention Week, happening May 15-21, 2016, is dedicated to increasing public awareness and prevention of mental and/or substance use disorders. During National Prevention Week, community organizations across the country host health fairs, educational assemblies, town hall meetings, memorial walks, social media campaigns, outdoor events, and more. This year’s theme—Strong as One, Stronger Together—recognizes that one person can make a positive difference in their community, but when we all unite together we can achieve even more.” – Rightful owner
  • Other helpful links for Minnesota events occurring in May:

This Month in Japan | March

Yayoi is the lunar calendar name for March meaning “new life,” symbolizing the coming of spring.

The only national holiday this month is Shunbun no hi, or Vernal Equinox Day, on March 20th or 21st. This is the official mark of the spring season as well as the unofficial start of the sakura cherry blossom season in much of Japan.

Hinamatsuri-Doll-Festival-300x199

www.japanesehouse.org

Screen-Shot-2012-03-03-at-2.44.05-PM

www.kawaiikakkoiisugoi.com

Girls’ Day, or Hina Matsuri, falls on March 3rd and is one of the most popular celebrations this month. In mid-February, it is customary for families with young daughters to set up doll displays of the imperial court. Families enjoy tasty delights like chirashi sushi and strawberry daifuku while offering prayers for good health, fortune, and happiness for young girls.” – Credit to original owner. 

Other events going on in Japan:

  • March represents the beginning of spring and blooming of cherry blossoms. Cherry blossom viewing is a popular activity with tourists and the Japanese people. And because it only occurs  for a short period of time, many people may gather together to view cherry blossoms at parks at once.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

lifetoreset.wordpress.com

  • March 14 is White Day and this holiday is when men gives a gift back to the women they received gifts from (on Valentine’s Day). It is also a popular holiday for sales events in major department stores.
  • “A festival to welcome Spring to Nara with a wide range of rituals that take place over 14 days (March 1 – March 14). The main events involve burning giant torches surprisingly close to a 1200 year old wooden building at Todaiji Temple to rain sacred sparks on a crowd standing below.” – http://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/japan-in-march

tmp_e_1652_event_img

aussieontheizu.blogspot.com

  • For more info on events in Japan during the month of March, link here!

 

 

3 New Year Resolutions For You!

apple

As the ending of 2015 comes nearer, it is that time again of the year where people make new resolutions! Don’t stress making big goals to achieve and instead, focus on the small things you can do. Have you got goals any yet? Here are some resolutions that you can try to achieve for 2016!

  1. Want to start a healthier lifestyle? They say that “An apple a day, keep the doctor away”, but the point is that eating healthier foods will help improve your health. So try to avoid food with hight contents of saturated fat, oil, sugar, and sodium! It cannot be stressed enough as more than 1/3 of adults are obese in the U.S. So putting that with other healthy activities like exercising, your sleeping cycle, drinking water, and other things, will improve your overall health!
  2. Feeling like you need to try new things/activities/hobbies? It’s never to late to be part of something whether it is to make new friends, raise awareness, or just to have fun. Join community clubs, events, and be part of something bigger! Sometimes it is not easy putting yourself out there but if you do, you’ll get to meet people that you wouldn’t have been able to! The best part is that you would meet people who share similar interest
  3. Help save the planet! 2015 was a huge year that raised global awareness to global warming! If you are looking for a cause to support this is a major one as every living thing rely on the Earth! If you can’t contribute much to this cause, you can always try to lessen the trash/waste you put out. A few tips are to compost your foods, recycle when you can, reduce electricity and gas usage, & such! If we can all try to a live a a minimal lifestyle, then the Earth will greatly benefit from it!

Team Building Ideas

Week7Blog2Get to know your peers, co-workers, and people around you better by doing activities and sharing experiences together! Most of time, it involves unhealthy food and alcohol for people to relax and come together, but there are other healthier options that can still provide the same entertainment. Here are some ideas that can help break the ice and have everyone’s active participation:

  1. Volunteer together as a group! The best part about this option is that there are so many different kinds of volunteer opportunities that are available and locally nearby. Have everyone make a vote of which cause you all want to support and do it together to build relationships and contribute to the community.
    1. Walk or run a marathon!
    2. Build a community garden!
  2. Host a potluck! Encourage people to bring healthy snacks and dishes! It will allow people to be creative and try to create healthy foods to bring. And the best part is that it is a sharing event!
    1. Vegan Dishes
    2. Organic Foods
    3. Gluten Free Dishes
  3. Plan a field trip/event! Being able to share experiences together is a great way to bond with other people. It will allow everyone to learn a bit more about each other in a informal setting.
    1. Camping
    2. Fitness class
  4. Organize a club! If many people share similar interests such as sports, books, or foods then have a club dedicated to organizing group events for those topics.
    1. Book club
    2. Sports league team
    3. Cooking club

 

This Month in Japan | October

Kannazuki, the old name for the month of October, is often translated as “month of no gods.” There is an interesting story behind the meaning of Kannazuki. In October, all of the gods throughout Japan gather at Izumo Shrine and forgo their responsibilities for the month. Conversely, in the town of Izumo where the shrine is located, the month is known locally as Kamiarizuki, or “the month of gods.”

In Japan, the second Monday of October is Taiiku no hi (Health and Sports Day). This year it is set on Oct 12. Typically, schools and some businesses host field days to encourage both physical and mental health. Popular activities include track, field events, and tug of war. This event allows students to bond and work together as a team. Mid-autumn is the best season for sport events as it isn’t too cold or too hot.

IMG_0354

realm-of-reverie.blogspot.com

October also includes lots of festivals that occurs all around Japan. Click here to learn about information about the events.

Credits belong to rightful owners.