We all want a happy, healthy family, and one of the best ways to create that is through bonding. Bonding creates a close connection with the people you love, and can help protect youth from substance misuse. Youth who are bonded with their family are less likely to participate in risky behaviors. With all the social distancing and stress associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s … Continue reading Family Bonding
Expressing love to children is critical to their healthy development and can help youth feel bonded to the adults in their lives. Children who are bonded to healthy adults are less likely to try risky behaviors, such as misusing substances. Make sure your child gets them message that you love them by using their love language to express love. To figure out your child’s love … Continue reading Five Love Languages for Children
Parents have been facing unique problems in the face of the Covid-19 virus, and there are resources to help. Below is a list of parenting resources offered locally. A few are still in person, and most are online, including some downloadable courses you can take by yourself without an instructor. We will update this list as class availability changes. Class Name and Description (A-Z) Registration … Continue reading Parenting Classes in Utah Valley
Dr. John Van Epp, author of the book, “How to Avoid Falling Love with a Jerk: The Foolproof Way to Follow Your Heart Without Losing Your Mind” suggests using the RAM (Relationship Attachment Model) approach to gauge the healthiness of a relationship. The RAM method focuses on five different areas in which humans bond to one another: Know, Trust, Rely, Commit, and Touch. To create and maintain … Continue reading Healthy Relationships Are a Balance Between the Heart and Mind
Kids today deal with so much. How can they cope with everything with which they are confronted? There are options. A great tool that was created for youth today is the SafeUT app. This app is available 24/7, it’s 100% confidential and always free. Most people think of it in connection with suicide prevention, but that’s definitely not it’s only purpose. This app was designed … Continue reading SafeUT app: It’s not just for suicide prevention!
When life gets stressful self-care can get pushed to the back burner. However, the less we care for ourselves, the less we’ll have to give. Yoga is a simple and free way to manage stress that anyone can do. It can be as simple as breathing exercises all the way up to complicated, challenging poses. What’s important is to connect your mind and body and … Continue reading Yoga for Stress Management
Guidelines to Help Protect You and Your Family 1. Talk With Your Doctor Opioids are often prescribed after surgery to help relieve pain. If you have been prescribed an opioid, talk with your doctor about the risks and if possible, discuss alternatives to opioids. There are other ways to treat pain that are often more effective and have fewer risks and side effects. See UseOnlyAsDirected.org … Continue reading Opioid Safety
People with medical conditions need a supportive network to help them recover. Substance use disorder is just as much a valid condition as someone who is recovering from cancer. Any chronic medical condition requires support from a recovery community. Unfortunately, not all health conditions receive the same level of support. People with a substance use disorder can experience social isolation, stigma, and shaming, all of … Continue reading Choose Compassion, Break Down Stigma
NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI Utah’s mission is to ensure the dignity and improve the lives of those who live with mental illness and their families through support, education and advocacy. NAMI Utah County offers the following FREE programs: Connections Support Group – Twice monthly for individuals living with a mental health condition Family Support Group – Twice monthly for families … Continue reading Free NAMI Classes
Starting a conversation about drugs with children can be difficult and awkward. However, communication between parents and children about this difficult topic is one of the most important protective and preventative factors. It may seem early, but starting these conversations with elementary school children is appropriate. Youth can experiment with drugs and alcohol even in elementary school, and it’s a great time to start clearly … Continue reading Talking to Your Kids About Drugs