Tip of the Week: 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.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month! Check out this short 3 minute video to learn 5 Tips To Help Your Teen Stay Safe And Substance Free!

Life of a Student Athlete- Tip of the Week: Set goals for what you want to achieve in school and in your sport.

Make an action plan for how you will accomplish your goals. Keep meals healthy, drink enough water and electrolytes, get enough sleep at night and stay away from drugs and alcohol. Constantly keep goals in sight as part of your successful finish line.

Tip of the Week: Nicotine in one vaping pod is equivalent to the nicotine in one pack of cigarettes

Vaping marijuana or nicotine can cause respiratory problems and decrease aerobic capacity- it reduces athletic ability by interfering with lung function. It also causes shortness of breath 3 times more often than nonsmokers- nicotine narrows blood vessels and makes your heart work harder than it should.

You can play a significant role in protecting your child from the dangers of vaping and nicotine dependence. Maintain an open line of communication with your kid, and use the tips and suggestions in the American Lung Association’s Vaping Conversation Guide as a framework for having a productive conversation. The guide contains tips for:

• Before You Talk
• While You’re Talking
• After You Talk

Click here to access the guide.

Life of a Student Athlete- Tip of the Week: Develop healthy habits early in life.

As a teenager it’s important to start healthy habits now that will keep you healthy later in life. Eat lean proteins, fruits and vegetables and some complex carbohydrates. For proper hydration, drink six to eight 12-ouce glasses of water a day. Exercise three to five days a weekand be sure to get 8-10 hours of sleep each night. Choose to be drug and alcohol-free.