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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  • Teens + Alcohol + Cars = A Deadly Mixture

    03/14/2017

    This holiday season, when family celebrations may include alcohol, talk about the risks of underage drinking with your children and teens. Talk early, talk often, and let them know that most of their friends are making healthy and safe choices. The following article from a parent reminds us that the time to talk and act is now. By Joe Pallitto It was a long day and we all went to bed

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  • Summer begins 100 deadliest days for teen drivers

    03/14/2017

    Driver impairment is the leading contributor in most teen driving fatalities Summer is fast approaching and teens will soon be out of school, car keys in hand, and looking forward to a little summertime fun. With a little more freedom and increased opportunities for teens to get behind the wheel, parents need to be extra vigilant as we enter the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers. The months

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  • Practice talking to your kids with new mobile app

    03/14/2017

    Prepare for one of the most important conversations you may ever have with your kids about underage drinking (or other drug use). SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.” app is available on desktop computers and on the go from the App Store, Google Play™, the Windows® Store, and Windows® Phone Store. Watch this quick video to see how the app works (Video: 1:01).

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  • Doctor has important message for parents about teens and marijuana

    03/14/2017

    Dr. Leslie Walker with Seattle Children's hospital recently recorded a video message for parents about marijuana, teens and addiction. Hear what she has to say about the real impacts of marijuana on teens, and what parents can do.

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  • Talking with Your Teens About Washington's New Marijuana Laws

    03/14/2017

    You've talked with your teens about the health, safety and legal consequences of underage drinking, but what about marijuana? Before you talk with your teens, do you know the facts about the effects on teen health? Do you know how to talk with your teen, what to do and how to help if your teen is already using marijuana? Are you clear on what the new laws are for Washington? Two new

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  • Set clear rules about alcohol as your teen heads back to school

    03/14/2017

    As your teen begins a new school year, they will be exposed to exciting new experiences and increased independence. The choices they make now – such as making new friends, trying out for the team, joining a club, or planning for life after high school—will have an impact on their future. So will the decision whether or not to use alcohol. Before you say “Kids will be kids,” or “I drank alcohol

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