Teens today face a lot of challenges. When teens are struggling, they are more likely to make poor choices that will affect their future negatively, such as misusing drugs and alcohol. On the other hand, when a teen feels good, they thrive! As parent’s, grandparents, teachers and mentors, we can do a lot to help protect our teens against some of those challenges. Check out … Continue reading Protect Your Teens
Handling big, negative emotions can be challenging. When you become overwhelmed by sadness, worry, or anger, there are some things you can do to help you get through that moment. One strategy is called the Four A’s. This simple tool can help in many different situations. The Four A’s Lynda Silva, Ph.D. Awareness Try to notice the emotion when it is just starting—when the ‘wave’ … Continue reading Managing Emotions
What is a risk factor? A risk factor is a condition that increases the likelihood of a problem behavior. Let’s use the example of heart problems, what are the risk factors? Diet, smoking, family history, not exercising, and high cholesterol. All of those things increase our risk for having a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure. The more you have the more you are at … Continue reading Risk Factors
Hi my name is Ozzy Mac, This is my story of Substance Abuse and finding new hobbies. So a little about me: I grew up in American Fork. I am the oldest of three, I have two younger sisters. My family life was a little different. My mom worked a lot at the Utah State Prison and my dad was in and out of the … Continue reading Healthy Hobbies
The Strengthening Families Program (SFP) is a unique parenting program that involves the whole family. Parents, youth, and children. This in an evidence based parenting program. What does evidence based mean? SFP has been evaluated many times by independent researchers in randomized control trials or health services research with very positive results in reducing substance abuse and delinquency risk factors by improving family relationships. The … Continue reading Strengthening Families
A “norm” is a value, belief or behavior considered by a group of people to be acceptable. Most often it is unwritten and learned by interacting and observation of other people. Most cultural groups or communities follow these same norms so we come to believe that is the standard way of behaving, therefore we shape our own behavior accordingly. Norms teach us what acceptable behavior … Continue reading Most Don’t
Bullying is defined as … “an intentional act that causes harm to others, and may involve verbal harassment, verbal or non-verbal threats, physical assault, stalking, or other methods of coercion such as manipulation, blackmail, or extortion. It is aggressive behavior that intends to hurt, threaten or frighten another person. An imbalance of power between the aggressor and the victim is often involved. Bullying occurs in … Continue reading Prevent Bullying
Be part of the solution! 75% of Utahns currently addicted to opioids get them from a friend or family member. Properly disposing of unused opioid medication prevents the risk of addiction, misuse, and accidental overdoses. American Fork Intermountain Pharmacy 98 North 1100 East, #101 American Fork, UT 84003(801) 492-2599 American Fork Police Dept 75 East 80 North, Suite 101 American Fork, UT 84003 (801) 492-2599 … Continue reading Safe Drug Disposal
We all want our kids to make good choices. For instance, most parents want their kids to try hard in school, or refrain from using drugs. The Social Development Strategy is a highly intuitive model that can help us influence our kids behavior. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or youth group leader, these skills are applicable and adaptable across the board. 1. Opportunities The … Continue reading Social Development Strategy
Research has found that one of the best ways to keep kids from using drugs is by bonding, setting boundaries and monitoring our kids. Check out Parent’s Empowered to learn how! Start the video at 4:10 if you want to skip straight to the tips: See these three simple tips in action: Continue reading Boundaries, Bonding and Monitoring