Tip: Managing stress does not have to include the use of alcohol or drugs. The best way to handle stress is through healthy habits.

Exercise, healthy eating, sleeping well and maintaining close relationships are important in stress management. These key actions can help reduce stress levels and improve your quality of life. Quick fixes like drugs or alcohol may temporarily mask stress but the long-term effects are unhealthy.

Tip: Athletes who sleep at least 8 hours per night are 68% less likely to sustain an injury compared to those who get less sleep.

Lack of sleep impacts reaction times and performance and causes fatigue. Aim to sleep at least 8 hours per night to maximize muscle growth, repair and recovery. This will also help improve cognitive skills and concentration. All of these factors together can contribute to a lower rate of athletic injuries.

Students have told us over and over that they were anxious about their transition to high school. Rising freshmen asked how they can get through high school without succumbing to peer pressure, how to manage stress, how to navigate bullying, etc.

Stories students can relate to provide the most impact, so we partnered with the Telling Room and area students to write a guidebook of experiences with tips from upperclassmen: The Moment the Bell Rings: Advice to Incoming Students from Casco Bay Region Upperclassmen. In this book, 19 student writers from area high schools share their triumphs, tribulations, lessons, and learnings – from the advantages of joining a sports team to the challenges of balancing work, play, and school. There is loss, frustration, perseverance, personal connection, and lots of encouragement. Area high schools have partnered with Casco Bay CAN to distribute the book to incoming freshmen.

As a parent, you have a profound impact on your teen’s decisions, including those around stress and substance use. That’s why we share this book with parents, as well as students, to use as a tool to begin discussions with your teen about the challenges of transitioning to high school. Listed below are several talking points to engage your teen, as well as the topics covered in specific stories.

Parents have found this a great resource and we hope you will find it helpful too!

Check it out here: https://www.cascobaycan.org/the-moment-the-bell-rings-home/

Tips to Help Your Teen Celebrate Safely With Their Team

– Talk
– Ask
– Network
– Check In
– Be a Role Model

Thank you to Cumberland, Maine Police Department and Cumberland Foodstop for supporting our Positive Ticket program!

Cumberland Police Department: “Officer Owen is out and about, making new friends. She met young Ava Lynn enjoying a bike ride with her grandfather! Since Ava Lynn was doing a great job of being safe with her bike helmet on, Officer Owen gave her a “positive ticket” and a gift certificate to the Food Stop. Positive Tickets are a program by Casco Bay CAN in collaboration with local businesses and your friendly neighborhood police department. I hope Ava uses her certificate for a nice cold treat on a hot day!”

Check out Casco Bay CAN’s new 1-minute video, “Communities Talk” featuring Freeport Middle School students and Coalition members. Learn how you can support youth to make healthy decisions about underage drinking prevention.