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As parents, teachers and other caring adults in the lives of kids, we all want the same thing: to see them happy, self-confident and ready for the adult world. Using humorous and touching stories from more than two decades working with at-risk youth and their families – plus his own challenges as a struggling teen – Joshua gives attendees the essential tools they need to help them make that a reality for the children in their lives.

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Join Delaney Ruston, MD, a leading authority on parenting in the digital age and the filmmaker of the award-winning Screenagers movies, as she explores strategies for raising screen-wise and tech-balanced youth. Through interviews with researchers, thought leaders, and young people themselves, the Screenagers Podcast delivers the latest in science along with practical tips and important insights that parents will want to share with their kids and teens. Episode 1: TikTok’s Allure and How Two Teens Cut Back Time on TikTok has been skyrocketing. Why is it attracting such huge numbers of teens? What positives can happen on the app, and what are some of the risks? The sheer amount of time it consumes is what most young people say is TikTok’s biggest downside. On today’s show, Dr. Delaney Ruston speaks with two teenagers, Marie and Manisha, who answer these questions and others. Delaney puts on her metaphorical doctor’s coat when both girls share that they want to change their behavior on TikTok. Delaney helps them decide a plan of action, and then we flash forward to hear how they did with their goals.  Episode 2: Brain Biology and Preventing Excessive Video Gaming Why do some kids and teens get overly frustrated and bored when it’s time to turn off their video games? How to know when game playing has become excessive? What are tips that all families should know for ensuring healthy videogame play? In today’s episode, Physician Delaney Ruston explores these issues along with a new model of brain biology to help explain irritability and boredom associated with video gaming. We hear from teens along with psychiatrist Dr. Clifford Sussman, who specializes in helping young people regain tech balance. We also hear from Andrew Fulton, who was in the film Screenagers when he was getting treatment at an internet rehab center, and is now working at the same center helping others recover from videogame overuse. Go here or anywhere you listen to your podcasts to download Screenagers Podcast.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) helps families and individuals affected by mental illness build better lives through education, support, and advocacy.

NAMI’s calendar is filled with the information you need to connect to all of their support and social groups, as well as their education events. And as always, you can connect with their Helpline. Call 212-684-3264 or email anytime at helpline@naminyc.org.

Black Minds Matter 

NAMI’s new support group for people who identify as Black and are living with a mental illness. Every 2nd and 4th Friday, from 6 to 7:30pm ET, via video or phone. Find info to connect here.

NAMI Wellness Chats

A place for anyone who needs to connect! Share how you’re handling life these days – your wellness, your mood…the good, the not-so-good, and the in-between. Share how you’re coping and dealing with anxiety during these challenging times. Every Friday 1pm to 2pm ET, via video or phone. Find info to connect here.

Is your child anxious? Is your teen acting out?

If your child is anxious, or your teen is skipping class, has excessive anger, or problems with eating or substance abuse, or is cutting, these can be signs of a mental health condition. If your child is showing any of these behaviors, NAMI Basics can help you help your child. New classes in June and July – email today to sign up.

Yoga for Mental Health

In this free 60 minute class, practice introductory yoga postures, calming breathing techniques, and meditative exercises to help calm your nervous system, and release stress and anxiety from the body and mind. All levels of yoga students are welcome – this class is suitable for first time yoga students. Every Tuesday, 6 to 7pm ET. Register now.

One of the nation’s leading researchers in the field of drug and alcohol abuse, Dr. Amelia Arria is respected by higher ed leaders and policy makers alike. A key driver of the influential Maryland Collaborative, she helps trustees and administrators forge sound strategies and intervention policies to help students stay healthy and successful on their academic journey. 

With all of the information swirling about COVID-19/Coronavirus, the health and safety of our community are of utmost importance. You can find up-to-date and credible information about the Coronavirus by visiting the Westchester County Department of Health website or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website. The CDC site also offers resources for businesses, schools and the community, as well as answers to frequently asked questions. You can also call the New York State Coronavirus Hotline at 888-364-3065.

Lastly, your children may be experiencing stress and anxiety around the current Coronavirus outbreak. Here are a few resources to help talk to you children and ease their fears:

• Child Mind Institute: Talking to Kids about the Coronavirus
• PBS for Parents: How to Talk to your Kids about Coronavirus
• Marketwatch: Does Coronavirus Affect Children?
• NBC News: How to talk to your kids (and ease their fears)
• New York Times: What Parents Need to Know

Stay safe and be well.

A new study published by Bertha K. Madras, PhD, Beth Han, MD, PhD, MPH, Wilson M. Compton, MD, MPE, Elinore F. McCance-Katz, MD, PhD, Christopher M. Jones, PharmD, DrPH, MPH and Elizabeth I. Lopez, PhD in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds a link between parental marijuana use and youth substance use. The study found that parental marijuana use was associated with increased risk of marijuana and tobacco use and opioid misuse by both adolescent and young adult offspring, and of alcohol use by adolescent offspring.

“CADCA believes that we must utilize the most up-to-date evidence-based research to influence our work in community coalitions throughout the world. We’re grateful to the authors of this new research study, which provides context for our prevention strategies.” said General Arthur T. Dean, CADCA’s Chairman and CEO.

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