News & Updates

  • Platique con sus adolescentes sobre maneras saludables de enfrentar momentos difíciles

    08/14/2020

    Read this page in English. Los padres están lidiando con muchas cosas en casa en este momento. Muchas familias están experimentando niveles más altos de estrés y ansiedad debido a problemas de salud y seguridad y/o problemas económicos. En tiempos difíciles, es especialmente importante que los padres se conecten con sus hijos, muestren maneras saludables de lidiar con el estrés, platiquen con

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  • Talking to teens about healthy ways to cope during difficult times

    06/17/2020

    Lea esta página en español. Parents are dealing with a lot right now. Many families are experiencing higher levels of stress and anxiety due to health and safety concerns and/or financial issues. In difficult times, it is especially important for parents to bond with their children, model healthy ways to deal with stress, talk with them about how they feel, and help them find positive ways to

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  • Observing Alcohol Awareness Month during COVID-19

    04/23/2020

    You may have seen reports of increased alcohol sales as people are stocking up on grocery items and looking for ways to relax and de-stress. As April is Alcohol Awareness Month, this is a good time to reflect on how alcohol affects our lives, and to consider if it should be part of a healthy response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Alcohol may appear to temporarily lower stress: it is a sedative and

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  • Vaping-associated Lung Injury and Young People: What You Need to Know

    09/26/2019

    The Washington State Department of Health is monitoring the outbreak of vaping-associated lung injury that has sickened hundreds across the country, including six people in Washington State (as of 9/24/2019). The condition is linked to the use of e-cigarettes and vapor products, which can contain THC (marijuana), nicotine, or flavored oils. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, nausea

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  • Is Your Teen Making Safe Choices behind the Wheel?

    03/14/2017

    Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death for teen drivers. Teens need regular reminders about making safe decisions when they’re behind the wheel, especially about never driving if they are impaired. In 2014, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported there were 4,272 fatalities in U.S. caused by drivers ages 15- 20. In Washington State alone, teen drivers were

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  • When is Marijuana “Poison”?

    03/14/2017

    Washington Poison Center When most people think of the Washington Poison Center, they do not immediately think of alcohol and drug prevention but associate us with Mr. Yuk and childhood poison prevention. In fact, whenever we are part of a conversation people often ask, “So why are you here?” The reason is simple; over the 60 year history of the Washington Poison Center the types of substances

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  • New marijuana education campaign asks real-life questions

    03/14/2017

    Parents are the most powerful influence in their child’s life. That’s why a new ad campaign asks parents across Washington State to talk with their kids about the risks of marijuana use. The campaign uses banner ads on websites and Facebook to pose simple, real-life questions and scenarios that parents could face with their teenagers. Questions include: “Your teen asks why marijuana is legal

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  • Help your teen have a prom and graduation to remember

    03/14/2017

    Prom night. Graduation! You want these milestones to be fun and memorable for your teen. But you also worry about their safety at after-event parties, and for good reason. The most dangerous time of year for teens is from prom night to graduation, especially when it comes to drinking and driving. So let's keep our teens safe by being informed and prepared. While most teens will make healthy

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  • There's No Trick to Keeping Teens Away From Alcohol

    03/14/2017

    There’s no trick and there’s no treat when it comes to underage drinking on Halloween. The spookiest holiday of the year is also considered one of the biggest drinking holidays, so it’s no surprise that the alcohol industry wants to cash in on getting into the spirit. Unfortunately, the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth researchers have found that that there is a link between minors who

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  • High School Senior Shares Reasons to Celebrate Sober

    03/14/2017

    As prom and graduation season approaches, this is a time when students, and their parents, celebrate their accomplishments. The following was written by a graduating senior of Mercer Island High School. It reminds parents that, while their children are graduating and entering adulthood, they still need your encouragement and reminders about why it is so important to keep making healthy

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