Teen Dating Violence Prevention Awareness

Many people think of school shootings when they think of teen violence. But teen violence includes many different activities. These include fights, gang violence, suicide and teen dating violence. February is National Teen Dating Violence Prevention Awareness month. Teens who commit acts of violence are more often than not involved in other risky and/or criminal activities. Make it your business to know who your kids hang out with and encourage healthy behavior and relationships.

1 in 3 adolescents in the US will be a victim of physical, emotional or sexual abuse from a dating partner. Nearly 80% of girls who have been physically abused in their intimate relationships continue to date their abuser. And two-thirds of teens who are in an abusive relationship never tell anyone about the abuse. It’s time to shine a light on this issue.

Get to know your teens’ friends. Encourage your teens to bring their friends to your home. Allow your teens to speak openly about their friendships. Listen don’t judge! Discuss the following warning signs of abuse with your teenage sons and daughters.

Ten Warning Signs of Abuse

While there are many warning signs of abuse, here are ten of the most common abusive behaviors:

• Checking your cell phone or email without permission
• Constantly putting you down
• Extreme jealousy or insecurity
• Explosive temper
• Isolating you from family or friends
• Making false accusations
• Mood swings
• Physically hurting you in any way
• Possessiveness
• Telling you what to do

Our teenagers have a right to safe and healthy relationships. As parents we should take the lead in raising awareness among teens and helping in the prevention of teen dating violence.

There are many ways that you can take part:

• Encourage legislators to introduce laws that require teen dating violence education in the classroom. Teens spend the majority of their time in school or at school-related activities and without laws in place to protect them, domestic and sexual violence among teens will continue to cause upheaval at home and at school.
• Know the laws http://www.breakthecycle.org/content/teen-dating-violence-state-law-report-cards.
• Take the time to educate yourself and others about teen dating violence.

We can make a difference. Be aware, be encouraging, be an advocate and embrace your journey.

Resources

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

www.breakthecycle.org

www.loveisrespect.org

www.thesafespace.org

Love is...

Photo Credit: Sunil Kumar

February is the month that brings out the romance in most of us. Cupid shoots her arrow and inspires many to explore romantic deeds. So for those of you who are unsure how to ask for the love you want and need, share this post with the one you love!

Love is...placing the toilet seat down so that she doesn't fall into the toilet in the middle of the night when nature calls

Love is...filling her gas tank at night so that when she's running behind in the morning she doesn't have to stop to fill up

Love is...giving her the remote and telling her that you'll watch whatever channel she chooses

Love is...keeping the kids away from her for at least 30 minutes so that she can decompress when she gets in from work

Love is...looking at her and letting her know how beautiful she is even though she needs to get her hair done and eyebrow waxed

Love is...letting her sleep in and willingly take your kid to his or her 6:30am swim meet

Love is...going to a 'chick flick' and staying awake

Love is...preparing her a meal even if it's not from scratch and sitting at the table to dine with her

Love is...planning a date night

According to the 1955 American drama-romance film, "love is a many splendored thing" and knows no boundaries. It's patient and kind. Love should not be confined to one month or one day. Love is complete and is a process that should be expressed daily. Calling in the middle of the day to check in is something that you can do at least once a week. All it takes is practice. So let this Valentine's day be the start of a thoughtful process that can be replicated throughtout the year. Be patient, be thoughtful, be loving and embrace your journey.  Muah xoxo

Heart Disease: No. 1 Women's Health Threat

 Actress Elizabeth Banks at AHA's Go Red for Women Event

According to the Mayo Clinic heart disease is the No.1 threat of women's health. Heart disease is preventable and if managed, women can live longer healthier lives. Celeb moms like Elizabeth Banks (who participated this year in Go Red For Women National Wear Red Day at Macy's Herald Square on February 3, 2012 in New York City), Heidi Klum (who has teamed with Coca Cola) and others have raised awareness and placed the spotlight on heart health over the years.

Major corporations like Coa-Cola team with the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to promote heart health. "The campaign introduced by Coke and Heart Truth not only tells women about heart disease, but also equips them to take action against risk factors. The website Go Red for Women has useful tips on how to keep the heart healthy and how to get involved in spreading awareness.

February is Heart Month and it's time for moms to make themselves a priority and live a healthy lifestyle. Give the gift of love to yourself and take care of your heart.

Here are tips you'll need  from NHLBI to live the heart healthy lifestyle you deserve:

• Don't smoke, and if you do, quit. Women who smoke are two to six times more likely to suffer a heart attack than non-smoking women. Smoking also boosts the risk of stroke and cancer.

• Aim for a healthy weight. It's important for a long, vigorous life. Overweight and obesity cause many preventable deaths.

• Get moving. Make a commitment to be more physically active. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on most, preferably all, days of the week.

• Eat for heart health. Choose a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, and moderate in total fat. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products. Also include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, and nuts in your diet.

• Know your numbers. Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure, cholesterol (total, HDL, LDL, triglycerides), and blood glucose. Work with your doctor to improve any numbers that are not normal.

  

This February, the Office on Women’s Health urges women to make the call to 9-1-1 immediately if they experience any one or more of the following symptoms:

• Chest pain, discomfort, pressure or squeezing
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Light-headedness or sudden dizziness
• Unusual upper body pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck, jaw or upper part of the stomach
• Unusual fatigue
• Breaking out in a cold sweat

RESOURCES
NHLBI
Mayo Clinic
Go Red for Women