Being knowledgeable in first aid and CPR can save a life. Performing CPR can double or triple a person's chance of survival.

How to do CPR 

To become certified in CPR/AED usage, click the link below.

redcross.org/take-a-class

The Dominic Murray Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act is a new law as of July 1, 2022. This law requires that schools, students, and parents/guardians have information on sudden cardiac arrest risks, signs, and symptoms. 

Dominic Murray Law 

The Heimlich maneuver can save a life in the event that a person is choking. First, ask the person if you can assist them, upon approval, stand behind the person choking and wrap both arms around, place one hand in a fist above the navel (belly button) but below the ribcage, wrap your other hand around the fist, and thrust upward and inward forcefully.

Heimlich Maneuver 

Having smoke and carbon monoxide alarms within your home is the most important part of fire safety. Always ensure the batteries are changed regularly. Making an escape plan with your family and having an escape ladder if you live in a 2 story building is vital for communication and safety. Please note that if there is an oil fire in your kitchen, you should NEVER pour water on it as that will only cause it to spread. If you can, cut off its oxygen supply with the pan lid, or pour baking soda on the flames for a small fire. Being knowledgeable on how to use a fire extinguisher and reacting quickly could be the difference in losing your kitchen or losing your home.

National Safety Council 

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Having a reusable water bottle and recycling according to local regulations can help our planet more than you'd think. Reducing the amount of plastic and waste in our environment will help wildlife live in a more authentic habitat, as well as reduce climate change. Turning off unused lights, only using water when rinsing, and unplugging unused appliances are just a few ways you can help from home.

What happens to plastic when you throw it away? 

Ever heard the phrase "you are who you surround yourself with?" The common saying is insinuating that the people you spend the most time with significantly influence your behaviors, attitudes, and overall outlook on life. Part of building healthy relationships is choosing who's in your circle, and ensuring those people are trustworthy and honest people. One skill that many people need practice in is setting boundaries, seeing whether a person will respect a boundary is reflective of how they value your relationship. When choosing friends, make sure they have the following qualities to ensure a positive environment; trustworthy, respectful, understanding, ability to compromise, and kindness (among many more). These qualities also apply to a romantic partner. In any relationship (platonic or romantic) ensure that your boundaries are respected, and that the other person is thinking of how you feel, not just maintaining their own desires.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, help is available.

Common examples of an unhealthy relationship include emotional abuse such as manipulation, consistently insulting or ridiculing, neglecting their partner's emotional needs, intense jealousy, isolation from family or friends, and controlling behavior. Physical abuse includes any non-consensual physical contact which includes but is not limited to hitting, pushing, kicking, spitting, and coercion into sexual contact among many other examples.

Domestic Violence Support 

Annual dental/physician visits are vital to ensuring the continuation of your health. Those with chronic health conditions may need to see their doctor more than once a year, and may need to do regular tests to check for certain diseases or monitor current irregularities. Prevention is the best medication, being honest with your doctor is the best way to prevent many common diseases in the United States as well as consuming a balanced diet and exercising often. Having your teeth cleaned every 6-12 months can not only assist your health, but also your heart health. Dental health is directly linked to heart health, so make sure you floss, brush, and fluoride on a regular basis!

Energy drinks can have many negative health effects, including: 

They can cause anxiety, depression, and stress, they can also disrupt sleeping patterns. Energy drinks can cause heart palpitations and arrhythmias, they can also increase blood pressure. These drinks can lead to dehydration as they are a diuretic which means the body requires more water to stay hydrated. Regular consumption of energy drinks can lead to loss of bone mass and osteoporosis. Energy drinks can be high in sugar and calories, which can lead to weight gain as well as increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Regular consumption can cause a caffeine overdose as it is toxic due to it affecting many receptors in the body, including those that control the heart, blood flow, and brain. Caffeine can be habit-forming, causing the body to build a tolerance then requiring more product to receive the desired effects. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, which means it makes blood vessels smaller, thereby creating higher blood pressure. One withdrawal symptom is headaches due to the vessels returning to normal size, causing an increase in blood flow to the brain. 

Energy drinks can contain caffeine, sugar, amino acids, and herbal extracts which can become problematic in certain doses.

Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States and around the world. Some of these diseases include; cancer, heart disease, diabetes, brain damage, immune system issues, dental problems, osteoarthritis, and many other serious health complications. An estimation of 11.6% of adults smoke cigarettes in the US, 6% of adults use vapes or electronic cigarettes, and 3.8% use chewing tobacco. Tobacco is addictive because it contains nicotine, a chemical that directly affects the brain by triggering the release of dopamine, creating a pleasurable feeling that leads to cravings and dependence when the substance is not present. Nicotine interacts with receptors in the brain, causing a surge of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure. When someone stops using tobacco, they experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating due to the lack of nicotine. 

How do cigarettes affect your body

Why vaping is bad for you

Alcohol is a prevalent portion of American culture, people use the substance for celebrations such as parties or weddings, relaxation to unwind, or use as social purposes. While many use in moderation, alcohol use can become a serious problem when used too regularly or in excessive amounts. The drinking age in the United States is set to 21 years old, this is due to the development of the frontal lobe being inhibited by the substance, which does not fully develop until the age of 25. Alcoholism is a disorder in which a person is unable to control or stop drinking habits. It is a chronic, progressive condition that can affect many aspects of an individual's life, including their physical health, relationships, and mental well-being. Over time, people develop a tolerance and require more of the substance to feel an effect. People with alcoholism can begin neglecting responsibilities at places such as work, school, or home. This can lead to joblessness, financial instability, and family problems. The liver processes ethanol (the active ingredient in alcoholic beverages) through the action of an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). This enzyme converts ethanol into acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that is even more harmful than ethanol itself. Acetaldehyde is a highly reactive compound and can cause damage to cells and tissues in the body. This means that in order to fully digest the substance, the body must convert it into something extremely harmful to the body which over time can cause a multitude of health complications and diseases.

Never get in a vehicle with someone who has been drinking, if you have been drinking contact a sober driver to get you home. About 32% of fatal car accidents involve an impaired driver. Your parents would rather get a call for a ride home at 2am than a call from a police officer stating you have been in an accident.

If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol use, help is available. SAMHSA offers a confidential and free helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), available 24/7.

How does alcohol make you drunk?

Drugs are chemical substances that can change how your body and mind work. They include prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. These illegal substances include anabolic steroids, cocaine, heroin, inhalants, marijuana, methamphetamines, and the misuse of prescription medicines, including opioids. Misuse means taking the medicines in a different way than the health care provider prescribed, this includes; taking a medicine that was prescribed for someone else, taking a larger dose than you are supposed to, using the medicine in a different way than you are supposed to. For example, instead of swallowing your tablets, you might crush and then snort or inject them.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use, help is available. SAMHSA offers a confidential and free helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), available 24/7.

How do drugs affect the brain?

Is marijuana bad for your brain?

Gender identity is a person's internal sense of their gender, which can be the same or different from their assigned sex at birth. Gender is a social construct that changes over time and across countries. It's based on assumptions about what women, men, girls, and boys should be like, rather than how they want to be. People can express their gender in a variety of ways, including their clothing, hairstyles, physical appearance, and behavior. This is known as gender expression. Some examples of genders include; cisgender: a person whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth, transgender: a person whose gender identity is the opposite of their assigned sex at birth, agender: a gender identity where a person doesn't identify with any gender or feels their gender is neutral or doesn't exist, gender non-conforming: a term used to describe people whose gender expression, roles, or behavior don't match gender norms , non-binary: a person who doesn't fully identify as a man or a woman, gender fluid: people feel like a mix of the two traditional genders, but may feel more like one gender some of the time, and another gender at other times, gender queer: a person who identifies or expresses themselves beyond what is often linked to their assigned sex and gender. 

Sexual orientation is a person's romantic, emotional, or sexual attraction to others, and can be based on the gender of the person they are attracted to. Sexual orientation is a personal identity that can change over time, and people may not feel comfortable with any of the common labels. Some people may choose not to label their sexuality at all. Sexual orientation is not caused by a person's upbringing or childhood experiences. It is also not a sign of mental illness or abnormality, however, LGBTQ+ people can face discrimination and prejudice from others. Examples of sexualities include; heterosexual: also known as "straight", this describes someone who is primarily or exclusively attracted to the opposite gender, homosexual (gay, lesbian, or queer): this describes someone who is primarily or exclusively attracted to the same gender, bisexual: this describes someone who is attracted to both men and women, but not necessarily equally or at the same time, pansexual or omnisexual: this describes someone who is attracted to people of any gender, asexual: This describes someone who is not sexually attracted to any gender.

Puberty is the process of a child's body developing into an adult's body, marked by physical and emotional changes. In girls, puberty typically begins between the ages of 8 and 13, and includes breast development, pubic hair growth, the beginning of their menstrual cycle, and a growth spurt. In boys, puberty typically begins between the ages of 9 and 14, and includes lowering of the voice, facial and genital hair growth, the beginning of producing mature sperm, as well as a growth spurt. Other physical changes include acne, body odor, as well as more (and thicker) hair on the arms and legs. Puberty can be a time of emotional changes, and many children choose different ways of engaging with their family, friends, and teachers. Puberty can also be a time when children feel more peer pressure, and be more susceptible to anxiety, depression, or eating disorders. Puberty marks the beginning of being able to sexually reproduce, girls begin releasing mature eggs and boys begin creating sperm which is capable of fertilizing an egg, which could result in pregnancy.

Pregnancy is the period of time when a fetus develops in a biologically born female's uterus, usually lasting around 40 weeks, or just over 9 months. Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters, each lasting about 13 weeks. Pregnancy occurs when a sperm (male sex cell) fertilizes an egg (female sex cell) and implants in the uterus. Understanding a female's menstruation cycle is key to understanding when they have the ability to get pregnant. A menstrual cycle is the time between the first day of one period and the first day of the next. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, but it can range from 21 to 35 days. Cycles are often irregular for the first few years after a person starts menstruating, but they tend to become more regular and shorter with age. Each phase of the cycle is described below.

Menstruation. The first phase of the cycle, which begins on the first day of the period and typically lasts about five days. This phase occurs when the lining of the uterus sheds as blood due to an egg from the previous cycle not being fertilized by sperm. Follicular phase. This phase occurs between days 6 and 14 of the cycle. During this phase, an egg matures in the ovarian follicle, and the uterine lining prepares to receive a fertilized egg. Ovulation. This phase occurs around day 14 of the cycle, and lasts about 24 hours. During ovulation, the ovary releases an egg that can be fertilized by sperm. This is the only phase where the egg is able to be fertilized, women can only be impregnated during other phases if the sperm and egg are still viable (sperm can survive in the body up to 5 days). Luteal phase. This phase occurs after ovulation and before menstruation. During this phase, the body produces progesterone, which causes the uterine lining to soften and prepare to shed. If the egg is not fertilized, the uterine lining sheds, leading to menstruation, bringing us back to day 1 of the next cycle.

Birth control can help prevent pregnancy in a variety of ways, and there are many different methods available. When choosing a birth control method, you can consider things like; side effects, effectiveness, convenience, cost, health conditions, and family health history among other considerations. Forms of birth control include;

Hormonal methods: The pill, patch, ring, and shot prevent ovulation or prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Most hormonal methods contain estrogen and progestin which are naturally found in the body, but can create complications if there is a family history of certain health conditions. Barrier methods: Condoms, diaphragms, sponges, and cervical caps prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Natural rhythm methods: Involve avoiding sex (abstinence) or using other forms of birth control during the most fertile days. Sterilization: Female or male sterilization surgery prevents sperm from reaching the egg or eggs from being released.

Pornography is defined as printed or visual material containing the explicit description or display of sexual organs or activity, intended to stimulate erotic rather than aesthetic or emotional feelings. 

Psychological and Emotional Effects: Desensitization: Over time, some individuals may become desensitized to the content they consume. This can lead to the need for more extreme or varied material to achieve the same level of satisfaction or excitement. Unrealistic Expectations: Pornography often portrays unrealistic scenarios, body types, and sexual performances, which can lead to distorted views about sexuality, body image, and relationships. This can negatively affect self-esteem and expectations in real-life sexual encounters. Guilt or Shame: For some individuals, pornography consumption may be associated with feelings of guilt or shame, especially if it conflicts with personal values or cultural/religious beliefs. Escalation: In some cases, consuming pornography may escalate to the desire to explore more extreme content, which could potentially lead to unhealthy or problematic behavior patterns.

Impact on Relationships: Relationship Strain: If one partner consumes pornography and the other disapproves or feels uncomfortable, it can lead to tension, trust issues, or emotional distance. In some cases, partners might feel neglected or insecure if they feel their partner’s sexual attention is diverted to pornography. Sexual Satisfaction: Some studies suggest that heavy consumption of pornography may lower sexual satisfaction within a relationship, as individuals may develop a preference for the fantasy depicted in porn rather than real-life intimacy.

Addiction and Compulsive Behavior: Pornography Addiction: For a minority of individuals, excessive consumption of pornography can turn into compulsive behavior, often described as pornography addiction. This can interfere with daily life, relationships, work, and even mental health. Impact on Mental Health: For some, excessive pornography use can contribute to issues like anxiety, depression, or social isolation. It may act as a coping mechanism for stress, but it can exacerbate feelings of isolation or loneliness in the long term.

Aggression in Pornography: Some forms of pornography depict violent or aggressive sexual behavior, including physical harm, domination, or coercion. This portrayal may, in some cases, normalize or trivialize harmful behavior toward others, particularly women. When these portrayals are consumed frequently, there is a concern that viewers may become desensitized to real-world violence or develop distorted ideas about consent and sexual power dynamics. Fantasy vs. Reality: It is essential to note that many people consume pornography purely as a form of fantasy and may never act on those fantasies in real life. For some, the distinction between fantasy and reality is clear, and they understand that consent and respect are non-negotiable in real-life sexual encounters. However, for others, there may be a blurring of these lines, particularly if their consumption is habitual or escalates over time. 

"Hypersexual behavior has been associated with anxiety problems, mood disorders, substance use disorders, and sexual dysfunction. Low mood, melancholy, lower self-esteem, and decreased appetite are some of the physiological impacts of porn." NIH scientific study 

Connection between sexual violence and porn consumption 

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide – including right here in the United States. It can happen in any community and victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality. Traffickers might use violence, manipulation, false promises of well-paying jobs, or romantic relationships to lure victims into trafficking situations.

Language barriers, fear of their traffickers, and/or fear of law enforcement frequently keep victims from seeking help, making human trafficking a hidden crime.

Traffickers look for people who are easy targets for a variety of reasons, including psychological or emotional vulnerability, economic hardship, lack of a social safety net, natural disasters, or political instability.

dhs.gov 

Different types of trafficking:

Sex Trafficking: This involves coercing or deceiving someone into engaging in commercial sex acts, such as prostitution, pornography, or other forms of sexual exploitation. Victims of sex trafficking are often forced or manipulated into performing sexual services for money, where traffickers exploit them for profit. Labor Trafficking: Victims are forced or coerced to work in exploitative conditions, often in industries such as agriculture, construction, domestic work, or manufacturing. They may be subjected to long hours, poor working conditions, and little or no pay. These workers are often deprived of their freedom, threatened with harm, or isolated from society. Child Trafficking: Children can be trafficked for various purposes, including sexual exploitation, forced labor, and the use of child soldiers in conflict zones. Children may be trafficked by organized groups or individuals who prey on vulnerable families or communities. Organ Trafficking: A less commonly discussed form of trafficking involves the illegal trade of human organs, where people are forcibly made to give up their organs for sale, often without their consent or under duress. 

For more information please visit this website.

If you have any information or need support, call the human trafficking hotline 888-373-7888.