Huffing and heroin have become the drugs of choice for pre-teens and teens.
This week, a story on ABCNEWS.com titled, “Teens Get High with One Household Huff,” detailed the oh-so-brief timeline of one family whose pre-teen son began huffing household products at age twelve. His parents, oblivious to the symptoms he exhibited—excessive sleep, irritability, and a declining interest in school, social activities and sports -- almost lost their son to an overdose.
This family is not unique. The report includes: “Data released in March by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicate that 12-year-old kids are more likely to get high from common, legal household substances including aerosol computer cleaners, air fresheners, hair spray or shoe polish than use cigarettes or marijuana.”
A father in Chicago was not as fortunate.
Chicago Herald-News recently reported that a retired police officer and university professor lost his young son to a heroine overdose after a secret battle to overcome the addiction. Remorseful, the father, John Roberts admitted that he hoped to help his son overcome his addiction to heroine without others knowing, especially because of the stigma—but after losing his son, he has changed his mind.
"Roberts wants parents to know that it is easier to get heroin than beer, and that heroin is cheaper than prescription drugs. They need to know that a kid can get a hit of heroin for $5 to $10, he said. 'From my own experience of wanting to keep things private and not wanting a criminal record for my son, I have had a shift of feelings. The best thing that could have happened was to get him arrested and moved into the right circle of help. We have to make sure that there is a circle that is connected and ready to help all of our kids. I believe you can never give up.'"
This week, I chose to share the stories of these two families to bring awareness to those of us who underestimate the temptations that pre-teens and teenagers face every day. Every adult—who is a neighbor, family friend, co-worker, or relative of a teenager--should be aware of the signs and symptoms of drug addiction, suicidal tendencies, sexual abuse, or underage drinking among adolescents so that you can help a troubled teen. How?
The SAMHSA website (US Department of Health and Human Services) shares a great deal of information on many subjects pertaining to teens and families, but one of its flagship programs includes this motto: Talk Early, Talk Often, and Get Others Involved.
You and I are the “others.”
One little change that you can make that will have a big result is to become educated about the issues that are facing today’s adolescents, then be brave enough to speak up about them. Just do a little online research (I've given you a start) and be attentive when you listen to the news—so that when you find yourself around a teenager, you’ll be knowledgeable on the issues and able to discuss them with confidence. Believe me, their parents will be happy you spoke up!
Be encouraged,
Becky
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Spring Break Heartbreak
This morning, ABC News released an Associated Press report detailing the death of a talented high school football player who fell over a hotel balcony while on Spring Break in Florida on Friday, April 2nd, 2010. Though it has been suggested that alcohol may have been involved, toxicology reports have yet to confirm this part of the story.
But a teenager dying on Spring Break is not a new story. In fact, a college boy died the same way in the same town just a few weeks ago. ESPN.com reported that “Brandon Kohler, a 19-year-old from Winder, Ga., died March 24 when he fell from a fifth-floor balcony at the Holiday Terrace Motel in Panama City Beach.”
Every year, college and high school students make the trek south to find fun in the sun.
Having been a high school youth worker, cheerleading coach, and parent of a teenage boy, I assure you that the Spring Break discussion hits every home in the same way. There is pressure on students to want to go away and be with friends without supervision. There is pressure on parents and administration to address “in one accord”, a variety of concerns: safety, values and morals, as well as parental peer pressure. Believe me, it is incredibly difficult to say “no” to your kid when other parents are saying, “yes.” The angst and tension is palpable—and you feel as if the pressure-filled days and decisions in the teenage years will never end.
Truthfully, it is hard to be a teenager who doesn’t drink. It’s popular to drink. But it is also dangerous, illegal if you are underage, and sometimes deadly.
Because I was an alcoholic in high school, as a cheerleader and an athlete, ultimately dropping out of college because of drugs and alcohol, I am still (thirty years later) involved in this discussion with today’s parents, administration and students.
Any and every adult can make a little change that will have a big result in a teenager’s life. You can encourage sobriety—talk about it with friends, family, and neighbors who have teenagers. Offer to organize alternative activities—everything from bowling to attending major league ball games as a group. Open your vacation home to the kids and families in your circle of friends to play with the toys you can afford (and perhaps they cannot). Make clean fun popular. You could save a life.
And for a little change that you can make today that will have a big result in someone else’s life, say a prayer for the family, campus and community of the young football player. They are in pain and prayer brings comfort.
Be encouraged to change your life and make a difference in young person's life,
Becky
But a teenager dying on Spring Break is not a new story. In fact, a college boy died the same way in the same town just a few weeks ago. ESPN.com reported that “Brandon Kohler, a 19-year-old from Winder, Ga., died March 24 when he fell from a fifth-floor balcony at the Holiday Terrace Motel in Panama City Beach.”
Every year, college and high school students make the trek south to find fun in the sun.
Having been a high school youth worker, cheerleading coach, and parent of a teenage boy, I assure you that the Spring Break discussion hits every home in the same way. There is pressure on students to want to go away and be with friends without supervision. There is pressure on parents and administration to address “in one accord”, a variety of concerns: safety, values and morals, as well as parental peer pressure. Believe me, it is incredibly difficult to say “no” to your kid when other parents are saying, “yes.” The angst and tension is palpable—and you feel as if the pressure-filled days and decisions in the teenage years will never end.
Truthfully, it is hard to be a teenager who doesn’t drink. It’s popular to drink. But it is also dangerous, illegal if you are underage, and sometimes deadly.
Because I was an alcoholic in high school, as a cheerleader and an athlete, ultimately dropping out of college because of drugs and alcohol, I am still (thirty years later) involved in this discussion with today’s parents, administration and students.
Any and every adult can make a little change that will have a big result in a teenager’s life. You can encourage sobriety—talk about it with friends, family, and neighbors who have teenagers. Offer to organize alternative activities—everything from bowling to attending major league ball games as a group. Open your vacation home to the kids and families in your circle of friends to play with the toys you can afford (and perhaps they cannot). Make clean fun popular. You could save a life.
And for a little change that you can make today that will have a big result in someone else’s life, say a prayer for the family, campus and community of the young football player. They are in pain and prayer brings comfort.
Be encouraged to change your life and make a difference in young person's life,
Becky
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Join Little Changes Online Coaching Group - Begins April 1st, 2010
Little Changes Big Results is more than a blog. It's a way of life. Join me for a quarter (April-June) or for the entire year for weekly conference calls and coaching assignments.
Watch your life change one day, one week, one month at a time. Click here to register or to receive more information on series options.
Be encouraged,
Becky
Watch your life change one day, one week, one month at a time. Click here to register or to receive more information on series options.
Be encouraged,
Becky
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Start Your Own Food Revolution!
Have you seen it?
If you missed the series premiere of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, you truly missed a great deal of information that could change the way you feel about food, increase your awareness about the types of foods you eat, and surprise you with the ridiculous amount of harmful junk that is in so many foods you eat.
In case you think that Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution is just for elementary students or West Virginians, think again! Anyone and everyone can benefit by changing some of the foods you eat in order to live a healthier, longer life.
But who is Jamie Oliver to tell you and me about food? He is not new to TV nor is he new to controversy about food. He has made it his mission in life to challenge (1) families to eat organic, (2) schools to provide healthier meals for their students, and (3) state or national governments to change the way they regulate and administrate what people eat. He has tackled England, Australia, Italy and now America—and he is absolutely making a difference in what and how much people eat through entertainment and education.
Jamie Oliver's passion is two-fold. First, he teaches and encourages individuals and families to see food as important fuel that is necessary to build healthy bodies over ones lifetime. Second, he wants to revive the mealtime as the place where people who care about each other can gather together for great conversations, interpersonal connection, and create memories. Who can argue with that, eh?
After watching two episodes of Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, you can't help but ask yourself, "What little changes can I make to improve my eating habits in order to see big results in my overall health?"
Here are some revolutionary ideas to consider: Do you need to bury a fry cooker in your backyard, like one of the families in the show who is flirting with diabetes because of their poor healthy eating habits? Do you need to commit to only eating/buying organic fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed foods? Should you revive the "home-cooked" dinner at least five nights a week instead eating out every weeknight? Or how about eliminating all soda pop—diet or regular? (No bubbles, less bloating. No sugar, less calories. No artificial sweeteners, no unnecessary chemicals in your body.)
Of course, everything about making changes to your life requires that you consider both the consequences and concessions of your new choices. So, make a list--and be honest about the pros and cons. What will you discover? Being revolutionary isn’t usually convenient or free. There are costs to any sacrifice. But there are amazing benefits as well.
Be encouraged to make little changes in the way you eat and see big results!
Becky
(If haven’t watched Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, you can catch up by clicking here and watching episodes and other interviews about the show.)
If you missed the series premiere of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, you truly missed a great deal of information that could change the way you feel about food, increase your awareness about the types of foods you eat, and surprise you with the ridiculous amount of harmful junk that is in so many foods you eat.
In case you think that Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution is just for elementary students or West Virginians, think again! Anyone and everyone can benefit by changing some of the foods you eat in order to live a healthier, longer life.
But who is Jamie Oliver to tell you and me about food? He is not new to TV nor is he new to controversy about food. He has made it his mission in life to challenge (1) families to eat organic, (2) schools to provide healthier meals for their students, and (3) state or national governments to change the way they regulate and administrate what people eat. He has tackled England, Australia, Italy and now America—and he is absolutely making a difference in what and how much people eat through entertainment and education.
Jamie Oliver's passion is two-fold. First, he teaches and encourages individuals and families to see food as important fuel that is necessary to build healthy bodies over ones lifetime. Second, he wants to revive the mealtime as the place where people who care about each other can gather together for great conversations, interpersonal connection, and create memories. Who can argue with that, eh?
After watching two episodes of Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, you can't help but ask yourself, "What little changes can I make to improve my eating habits in order to see big results in my overall health?"
Here are some revolutionary ideas to consider: Do you need to bury a fry cooker in your backyard, like one of the families in the show who is flirting with diabetes because of their poor healthy eating habits? Do you need to commit to only eating/buying organic fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed foods? Should you revive the "home-cooked" dinner at least five nights a week instead eating out every weeknight? Or how about eliminating all soda pop—diet or regular? (No bubbles, less bloating. No sugar, less calories. No artificial sweeteners, no unnecessary chemicals in your body.)
Of course, everything about making changes to your life requires that you consider both the consequences and concessions of your new choices. So, make a list--and be honest about the pros and cons. What will you discover? Being revolutionary isn’t usually convenient or free. There are costs to any sacrifice. But there are amazing benefits as well.
Be encouraged to make little changes in the way you eat and see big results!
Becky
(If haven’t watched Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, you can catch up by clicking here and watching episodes and other interviews about the show.)
Sunday, March 21, 2010
A National Day of Unplugging
This past weekend, Reboot, a nonprofit organization aimed at reinventing the traditions and rituals of Judaism for today's secular Jews, called all denominations to consider unplugging (or avoiding) all forms of technology from sundown Friday, March 19 to sundown Saturday, March 20, 2010.
CNN was among the many news outlets reporting on this unique challenge: “Composed of Internet entrepreneurs, creators of award-winning television shows, community organizers and nonprofit leaders, these "Rebooters" are people who typically have their cell phones glued to their palms. Several of them go so far as to say they have an addiction to their devices."
Of course, setting apart one day each week to experience the "rest of God" is certainly not a new idea--it's thousands of years old.
In fact, Rebooters are not just asking people to avoid technology, they have a simple manifesto of other habits for people to embrace for 24 hours each weekend including:
Connecting with loved ones.
Nurturing your health.
Getting outside.
Avoiding commerce.
Giving Back.
Reboot believes “that everyone can benefit from a respite from the relentless technology. Unplugging on a weekly basis won't provide a magical solution to these issues, but it's a start ... a chance to catch our breaths, replenish our souls and reconnect with the living, breathing people we love."
What do you think? Could one or more of these little changes have big results in your life?
For more detailed information on Reboot, click here.
Be encouraged (to give it a try)!
Becky
CNN was among the many news outlets reporting on this unique challenge: “Composed of Internet entrepreneurs, creators of award-winning television shows, community organizers and nonprofit leaders, these "Rebooters" are people who typically have their cell phones glued to their palms. Several of them go so far as to say they have an addiction to their devices."
Of course, setting apart one day each week to experience the "rest of God" is certainly not a new idea--it's thousands of years old.
In fact, Rebooters are not just asking people to avoid technology, they have a simple manifesto of other habits for people to embrace for 24 hours each weekend including:
Connecting with loved ones.
Nurturing your health.
Getting outside.
Avoiding commerce.
Giving Back.
Reboot believes “that everyone can benefit from a respite from the relentless technology. Unplugging on a weekly basis won't provide a magical solution to these issues, but it's a start ... a chance to catch our breaths, replenish our souls and reconnect with the living, breathing people we love."
What do you think? Could one or more of these little changes have big results in your life?
For more detailed information on Reboot, click here.
Be encouraged (to give it a try)!
Becky
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Food Inc.--have you seen it?
For Christmas, my son and daughter-in-law gave my husband and me a copy of the movie, Food Inc. on DVD.
To be honest, I initially thought that Food Inc. might be a boring documentary and hadn't watched it until recently. (I can assure you that it is not boring, but I would suggest that you watch the movie on an empty stomach.)
In fact, this week, Food Inc. was the focus of an hour-long talk show. The most startling clips from the film were shown to the “live” and viewing audience. I personally felt both sickened by and ashamed of the way our nation’s food supply has declined in the past few decades. But most importantly, the movie provided important information to every American to educate themselves on the foods they are eating.
Hitting close to home...
Five years ago, my husband was diagnosed with cancer. The very first thing he did was to research every protocol available to him. After MUCH research, he took a “watch and wait” approach to his treatment (under a doctor’s care) that included making an immediate and major shift in his diet.
The following changes had very big results in our lives:
(1) We stopped dining out 2 meals a day/5-6 days a week and cooked our meals from scratch and ate at home.
(2) We purchased and ate only organic foods—from meat to milk, grain and fruits and vegetables.
(3) We no longer ate processed foods—just whole foods.
(4) My husband removed all sugar and white flour from his diet, including soda.
At the three-year mark, my husband proceeded with robotic surgery and has remained cancer free for two years. We believe that changing his diet had a dramatic impact on the slow growth of his cancer and his swift recovery. We have continued to eat and cook primarily organic foods at all our meals with family and friends.
But my reason for writing this week’s blog is not only to endorse the movie, Food Inc. I want to encourage you to (1) ask yourself the following important questions and (2) consider making immediate changes to your diet if necessary.
1. How many foods do you eat that are processed every day?
2. How many foods do you eat that contain chemicals or pesticides or preservatives?
3. Are you flirting with diabetes and if so, are you aware of ways you could improve your health by immediately changing your diet?
4. Do you know how many calories you do or should eat every day (for your height and gender)?
If you predominately eat processed foods instead of whole foods, or eat foods that require chemicals to preserve them, and eat loads of sugar and fats to make your taste buds happy, or have NO IDEA how many calories you eat or how many calories are in most of the foods you regularly eat…then it is time to change your eating habits.
Start with the movie. Visit your doctor. Talk to your friends and family. Then willingly make the little "food" changes that will have big results in every area of your life!
Be encouraged,
Becky
To be honest, I initially thought that Food Inc. might be a boring documentary and hadn't watched it until recently. (I can assure you that it is not boring, but I would suggest that you watch the movie on an empty stomach.)
In fact, this week, Food Inc. was the focus of an hour-long talk show. The most startling clips from the film were shown to the “live” and viewing audience. I personally felt both sickened by and ashamed of the way our nation’s food supply has declined in the past few decades. But most importantly, the movie provided important information to every American to educate themselves on the foods they are eating.
Hitting close to home...
Five years ago, my husband was diagnosed with cancer. The very first thing he did was to research every protocol available to him. After MUCH research, he took a “watch and wait” approach to his treatment (under a doctor’s care) that included making an immediate and major shift in his diet.
The following changes had very big results in our lives:
(1) We stopped dining out 2 meals a day/5-6 days a week and cooked our meals from scratch and ate at home.
(2) We purchased and ate only organic foods—from meat to milk, grain and fruits and vegetables.
(3) We no longer ate processed foods—just whole foods.
(4) My husband removed all sugar and white flour from his diet, including soda.
At the three-year mark, my husband proceeded with robotic surgery and has remained cancer free for two years. We believe that changing his diet had a dramatic impact on the slow growth of his cancer and his swift recovery. We have continued to eat and cook primarily organic foods at all our meals with family and friends.
But my reason for writing this week’s blog is not only to endorse the movie, Food Inc. I want to encourage you to (1) ask yourself the following important questions and (2) consider making immediate changes to your diet if necessary.
1. How many foods do you eat that are processed every day?
2. How many foods do you eat that contain chemicals or pesticides or preservatives?
3. Are you flirting with diabetes and if so, are you aware of ways you could improve your health by immediately changing your diet?
4. Do you know how many calories you do or should eat every day (for your height and gender)?
If you predominately eat processed foods instead of whole foods, or eat foods that require chemicals to preserve them, and eat loads of sugar and fats to make your taste buds happy, or have NO IDEA how many calories you eat or how many calories are in most of the foods you regularly eat…then it is time to change your eating habits.
Start with the movie. Visit your doctor. Talk to your friends and family. Then willingly make the little "food" changes that will have big results in every area of your life!
Be encouraged,
Becky
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Fat and sugar -- you're on notice!
A recent University of California San Francisco study claims that the excess sugar in soda pop is responsible for 1000’s of deaths over the last decade. Citing the addictive nature of soda, new and damaging information was presented at the recent American Heart Association’s 50th Annual Conference.
Also this week, the FDA put 17 food companies on notice for lying to consumers about food contents on labels. The recent ABCNews report focused on labels that boasted of “no trans-fats” yet failed to mention the product also contained other unhealthy fats, as well as 100% juice products not necessarily containing only juice.
What little changes can you make that will have immediate and big results in your overall health?
Don’t drink calories! A can of soda is approximately 150 calories and loaded with sugar! If you drink 4 cans of pop each day, you’ve added over 3500 calories (one pound) to your diet each week! Instead, drink water or unsweetened tea with a slice of lime, lemon, or cucumber! And try the non-chemical, non-sugar sweetener called Stevia—found in most grocery stores.
Get back to the basics of eating whole foods (rather than processed). Whenever possible, choose organic and local produce (which usually contain fewer pesticides and chemicals), rather than packaged, frozen or dried foods. Educate yourself on the content of fat, sugar and calories in the foods you like and make adjustments if necessary. In addition, try cooking at home more often and only eat at restaurants that have healthy options such as non-fried items, low-sugar substitutes, or wild caught versus farm-raised fish.
Finally, eating more healthy does not have to cost you more money!
1. Eat smaller portions and split entrees. Wrap up extra portions and take food home to enjoy the next day for lunch.
2. Eat at home more. Prepare a list for the grocery store, rather than shopping impulsively or when hungry.
3. Research restaurant options that serve organic, local, and fresh options.
4. Pack healthy meals and snacks for travel or work.
You can do it--put fat and sugar on notice in your life and reap the benefits!
Be encouraged,
Becky
Also this week, the FDA put 17 food companies on notice for lying to consumers about food contents on labels. The recent ABCNews report focused on labels that boasted of “no trans-fats” yet failed to mention the product also contained other unhealthy fats, as well as 100% juice products not necessarily containing only juice.
What little changes can you make that will have immediate and big results in your overall health?
Don’t drink calories! A can of soda is approximately 150 calories and loaded with sugar! If you drink 4 cans of pop each day, you’ve added over 3500 calories (one pound) to your diet each week! Instead, drink water or unsweetened tea with a slice of lime, lemon, or cucumber! And try the non-chemical, non-sugar sweetener called Stevia—found in most grocery stores.
Get back to the basics of eating whole foods (rather than processed). Whenever possible, choose organic and local produce (which usually contain fewer pesticides and chemicals), rather than packaged, frozen or dried foods. Educate yourself on the content of fat, sugar and calories in the foods you like and make adjustments if necessary. In addition, try cooking at home more often and only eat at restaurants that have healthy options such as non-fried items, low-sugar substitutes, or wild caught versus farm-raised fish.
Finally, eating more healthy does not have to cost you more money!
1. Eat smaller portions and split entrees. Wrap up extra portions and take food home to enjoy the next day for lunch.
2. Eat at home more. Prepare a list for the grocery store, rather than shopping impulsively or when hungry.
3. Research restaurant options that serve organic, local, and fresh options.
4. Pack healthy meals and snacks for travel or work.
You can do it--put fat and sugar on notice in your life and reap the benefits!
Be encouraged,
Becky
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