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/.

National Health Education Week (Oct 17-21)

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“Sponsored by the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), National Health Education Week (NHEW) is celebrated during the third full week of October. This celebration brings national attention to public health issues and promotes consumers’ understanding of the role of health education and health promotion in society.

Celebrate this week with us as we focus on partnerships to build community health. ” – https://www.sophe.org/

What is the goal of National Health Education Week?

  • Spread awareness and knowledge of health care cost, healthy behaviors, and health programs to communities and schools.
  • To highlight the accomplishments and efforts of organizations towards public health.
  • To share health advises between professionals, the government, and between the people.
  • To continue to improve health education and other health conditions.

Click here for more info on day to day participation!

NATIONAL BIKE MONTH

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“Whether you bike to work or school; ride to save money or time; pump those pedals to preserve your health or the environment; or simply to explore your community, National Bike Month is an opportunity to celebrate the unique power of the bicycle and the many reasons we ride. National Bike to Work Week 2016 will be held on May 16-20. Bike to Work Day is May 20! ” – Rightful owner

Here are some top reasons why you should start riding bikes:

  • Save $$$ on gas! If you have to get to a location nearby or is willing to bike at a distance, then every new opportunity you take to bike somewhere will save you money on gas!
  • You get to exercise! At the same that you are transporting yourself, you are also actively moving your legs and burning off calories!
  • Sightseeing! You can enjoy viewing your neighborhood from a different perspective and take in the sights at a slower pace.
  • TIP: Always remember that your safety comes first! Anytime you plan on riding your bicycle, remember to wear a helmet and turn on your lights/wear a neon traffic uniform, if you are riding at night.

National Farmers Week

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Help support your local farmers and small business owners by going to your local farmers market this summer! This week is National Farmers Week and it is from August 2-8. Take advantage of locally grown foods that are cheap and healthy. Here are some tips on how to enjoy the farmers market.

  • Find where your local farmers market are. It’s most likely that your area will have more than one spot for farmers and sellers to sell their produces and products. So do your research and go to multiple spots to find your favorite farmers market.
  • You’re supporting the local economy! You are helping out others while getting great things in exchange. Farmers market often have better produces/products at a lower price than groceries.
  • Shop with family, friends, and get to know your community. It is a great way to interact with people from your community and learn more about the available businesses around your area.
  • Eat yummy foods! There will be food stalls that are not offered somewhere else and could be unique only to those certain areas. So explore new flavors and have fun trying new foods from all kinds of backgrounds.

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Photo credits belong to www.cdc.gov

Postcard of the week: “Peace Of Mind”

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Being at peace is truly a relaxing experience. But we are all busy with our own schedules and stress can get the best of us. So whenever you can, do something positive for yourself and just enjoy your life as it is now. We weren’t created just to work, but do things that we find happiness in also.

  • Go somewhere where you can enjoy the view, become surrounded by nature, read a inspiring book, take a walk or a drive around the block, or take a nice bubble bath. Some quiet time can allow you to process and think on a deeper level. You will have a better understanding of your situations and life.
  • Have a partner or friend or a family member to go somewhere or talk with you. Having someone to talk to can help you better understand issues you have and want to solve. Most importantly, having someone listen to you is very comforting.
  • Interact with animals can help you de-stress and forget about your worries. They offer you warmth, curiosity, and entertainment. If you have a pet yourself, even better. If you don’t, you can go visit a local zoo or aquarium or a pet store.

Most importantly, take every day as a chance to improve and to become a better you. Every day is a opportunity to do something for others, ourselves, and for the greater good.