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Hidden Figures
February is African American History Month. The original proclamation for African American History Month was issued by President Gerald Ford in 19762. From Rosa Parks to Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Barack Obama, African Americans have made and continue to make major contributions to American history3. African Americans have
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HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT
Teenage years can be an exciting time for growth and learning, but it can also be one of the most difficult. As they try to find their place in the world, they face pressures of changing times, changing norms, and never ending peer pressure. It is often at this time
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The Holidays and Grief
The holiday season is often an exciting and joyous time of the year; but for some it serves as a reminder of those loved ones who are no longer around. Grief is a powerful emotion that can wreak havoc in our everyday lives; causing anger, frustration, depression, and anxiety all
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Video Games and Substance Use
October brought us costumes, candy, pumpkins, and fall fun. November brings thankfulness and the start of our holiday season. Our Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa lists start to fill with gifts to buy for our family, friends, or even oneself. One of the most asked for items for kids, teens, and
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VAPING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
What is vaping? Vaping began as an alternative for adults who smoked cigarettes to help them stop smoking. It has now grown to include recreational use. Vaping involves the use of an e-cigarette, which can come in many different forms and brands. Some of these look like a USB drive
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Social Media and Substance Use
The social media era is upon us and everyone always seems to have a device of some sort in their hands. Whether it is Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat or any of the others, three out of four Americans use at least one social networking site2. Social media accounts help us
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SUBSTANCE USE AND TELEVISION
Televisions (TVs) have been popular since they were first developed. Now, they have become much more than just a source for information. They are a form of entertainment that allows us to see the news, TV shows, and movies of all kinds. Most families have at least one TV in
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Music and Drugs
Music is a major media source that has the ability to connect people to a wide range of topics. Music often serves as a break for people to get out of their own reality for a little bit. But how common is it for there to be explicit content in
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OPIOIDS IN THE MEDIA
The rate of overdoses related to prescription painkillers and other opioids within the U.S has increased over the past two decades; where an average of 91 Americans die from an opioid overdose each day.1 The term ‘opioid’ is becoming an everyday term heard on a multitude of media platforms. It
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Elevate Your Vibe
This month, RAYSAC will be holding the first ever, Elevate Your Vibe Fest! The event will take place May 11, 2019 from 10am-3pm in Wasena Park. Its purpose is to promote alternative wellness options for managing pain, sadness, boredom, and anxiety. Due to the increasing rates of substance abuse, RAYSAC
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APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS; AND ALLERGIES
Fun Fact: April, derived from the Latin term meaning “open”, is believed to be a reference to the “opening” or “blossoming” of flowers and trees. Spring is officially here; warm weather, blooming plants, outdoor activities, sunshine and allergies. Don’t let allergies control or ruin your spring or summer. Allergies, also
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Spring Fling in the Roanoke Valley
The Roanoke Valley is full of untapped resources for all ages; young and old! Help find your ‘natural high’ in your own way through some of these activities. Go out and see what Roanoke has to offer! Community Fun Hiking: McAfee Knob, Sharp Top, Tinker Cliffs, and Apple Orchard Falls
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Gabapentin: What You Need to Know!
What is it? Approved by the FDA to treat epilepsy and neuropathy, nerve pain, but is being prescribed for off label purposes; such as insomnia and anxiety. It is a schedule VI, which means it is not labeled as a controlled substance. Considered non-addictive Not an opioid, but affects the
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Helping Your Teen Cope with Stress
Stress is a normal part of life for everyone. It’s the body’s way of responding to any kind of demand and can be healthy or unhealthy depending on how it is managed. Teens have their own sources of stress that adults may not always recognize or understand. The American Psychological
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‘Tis the Season… for Holiday Stress
The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends but they can also be highly stressful. Managing the increase in shopping, travel, children’s activities and other obligations this time of year can be very helpful in reducing stress and allowing you and your family to enjoy the
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Red Ribbon Week is October 21st – 27th
October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention program reaching millions of Americans during the last week of October each year. By wearing red ribbons and participating in community anti-drug events, young people pledge to live a drug-free life and
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Juuling: A Teen’s Perspective
This month’s RAYSAC Radar is written by Zoe Farmer, a local high school student and member of RAYSAC Empowered Activist Leaders (R.E.AL. Team). An alarming new trend known as Juuling has made its way into the hands and health of teens in the Roanoke Valley and across the nation. Concerned
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Effective Alternatives for Managing Pain
It may not always feel like it, but physical pain from an injury or surgery can actually be helpful. Feeling pain keeps us from pushing too hard to use our bodies when it needs to rest. Pain keeps us from moving injured limbs as a way of protecting them from
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My Natural High: Soccer
Today’s guest post is written by Gemma B., a high school student here in the Roanoke Valley who wants to encourage other teens to find their natural high. …………………….. A natural high is finding joy in performing activities you feel passionately about without the use of drugs or alcohol. When
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Social Media Causes Isolation in Teens
Social media was originally thought to be something that would expand our worldview and help us feel connected to people who don’t live in our neighborhood. With only a few swipes on their smartphones, teens can now meet more people, develop relationships and have more opportunities for seeing beyond the
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Emerging Adults – Supporting the Transition into Adulthood
There’s a newish term for the period between ages 18-29: emerging adulthood. During these years, emerging adults travel a path during which they want to pull away from the struggles of their teenage years and feel more responsible for themselves, but are also still closely tied to their parents and
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Becoming More Positive in the New Year
The following information was adapted from 7 Ways to Get Rid of Negative Energy and Become Positive by Chris Talambas.1 Negativity affects ourselves and everyone around us. It limits our potential to become something great and live a fulfilling, purposeful life. Research has shown that people who develop negative energy