University of Life Superstars

AG Coleman sues TikTok, says internal documents show company knowingly addicted Kentucky youth

2024-10-09

Kentucky joins a dozen other states and Washington D.C. suing TikTok, saying the social media company targeted and knowingly addicted youth in each state to the platform.

Tips For Dealing With Loneliness In Your Life

2022-11-03

COVID-19 isn't the only outbreak facing the world today. Loneliness was declared an epidemic earlier this year, according to Mailman School of Public Health. Back in 2019, a poll by Cigna revealed that 79% of Gen Zers, 71% of Millennials, and 50% of Boomers report feeling lonely. In the years since, the isolation required to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2 has brought the matter to the forefront, creating the perfect storm.

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Burnout rates are on the rise, especially among women

2022-11-02

After a year and a half as a supply chain manager, Jill Shaffer was feeling burned out. The 49-year-old had been putting in 50 hours a week at her job in the cannabis industry, working a typical eight-hour day in the office only to spend her evenings at home catching up on emails and texts. She began to question her position when she noticed her physical and mental health deteriorating.

Coaching Through the Pandemic: Reframing Coach Leadership and Guidance

2022-11-02

Students, coaches and advisers face challenges throughout any season. In fact, one of the reasons people gravitate to athletics is to find out how they respond to challenges in a safe and supportive environment.

A Teen’s Alcohol Addiction is A Family, Social and Community Affair – Get the Right Help

2020-02-17

Listen up parents, your teen is at that age where alcohol consumption will happen at the next party, under the bleachers at schools or in an abandoned house on the way home. The use of alcohol and drug abuse is not only affecting adults, but teens as young as 12 years are starting to experiment.

The reasons vary from higher level of availability, both from their schools, parties or from their “friends” in the popular group. All types of substances are causing teens to become abused or addicted including cocaine, meth, heroin, alcohol and prescription drugs. No question that all by themselves or combined are very dangerous. The consistent use can lead to severe addition and physical dependence without proper treatment – critical. Becoming familiar with the signs of alcohol and drug abuse is crucial, but getting them the best recovery treatment is imperative too.

Teen Alcohol Abuse

Simply, this means that your teen is drinking excessively and recklessly. Similar to drug abuse where the signs are more elevated in nature. The causes again may vary, but the physical signs of alcohol abuse in teens such as: persistent cough, increased fatigue, changes in weight, unexplained injuries, hangover signs like headaches and nausea, lack of concentration, short attention span, mood swings, being defensive and angry, irritability and mood swings. Teens emotional signs of depression, problems in school like bad grades or skipping class, lack of focus or interest in hobbies, having new friends you know little about, lying, running away, manipulating, stealing money, secretive and suspicious activities and getting into legal trouble.

As a Parent, What Can You Do?

Detox is the main treatment method offered to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms. With alcohol and drug abuse or any addiction, withdrawal symptoms are often very severe and uncomfortable. From nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, body tremors or spasms, irregular heartbeat, sweating and chills among other side effects. No question this can be a miserable and very painful way to go. However, if the support and fight to change is stronger than what got your teen there in the first place, a light will be at the end of this tunnel.

Recovery from Abuse and Addiction

This is quite similar regardless of the drug used. It all starts with the detox program to guide them through the various stages of recovery. This may include cognitive behavior therapy, group therapy, family therapy and/or private therapy. It is all part of the overall alcohol recovery program. Once you find the core of what drove your teen to start abusing it is the support of the family, school, community to rally around and show that there is hope, compassion and they are a part of a world that needs them too.

Adults can make poor choices as much as teens do without the experience. It is important, to keep the door open and dialogue flowing freely. To work on being understood is a two-way street where a lot of love and support should meet. Hang in there it does get better.

Teen Depression – A Mental Problem Needing Deeper Understanding and Support

2020-02-10

As a parent, guardian or friend who does not have this medical condition, it will be hard to really connect on the level required to make a difference, but you must. A deeper understanding and due compassion can make a difference in a world where a teen can sink or swim in loneliness and desperation.

Quick Overview

Simply, teen depression is first a medical condition that can with time, become a serious mental health problem. It causes one a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in most social or personal activities. The affects twerps how your teenager behaves, feels and think daily which can cause physical, functional or emotional issues. There isn’t a set time or phase when this occurs, but the signs may vary from teen to adulthood.

For parents, the issues such as academic expectations, peer pressures and the physical changes of the bodies are tumultuous alone and scary times. However, for teens, these ups and downs are much more than just temporary – they are a real symptom of depression. Wherefrom where he or she is positioned even more scary, lonely and exasperating because those who aren’t depressed – really don’t understand.

Even with the most nurturing relationships and love from a parent who might feel that with the right attitude and will power you can change things. It doesn’t quite work like that. Most likely your teen will need long-term treatments. For most teens, depression symptoms may quiet down with the right treatment which includes medication and psychological counseling. Of course, tons of support along the way.

Symptoms

Teen depression signs and symptoms may include a change from the teenager’s previous baseline attitude and behavior. This can cause noticeable distress and increased problems at school, home or in social settings. Basically, you can look for emotional changes (loss of interest, irritability, frustration or feelings of anger even over small things, low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, crying spells, ongoing sense that life and future is grim to death, dying and suicidal thoughts) and behavioral changes such as (tiredness and loss of energy, insomnia or sleeping too much, use of alcohol and drugs, social isolation, poor school performance, self-harm (cutting, burning, excessive tattoos and piercings), making suicide plans or suicide attempts which affects every facet of your teens life or, unfortunately, even death.

https://www.drugs.com/mcd/teen-depression#treatment

Teen Academic Problems and How to Handle Them Like a Boss!

2020-01-23

Parents are often disturbed when their teenagers have academic problems. They usually worry about if their children will be successful in life with poor grades in school. However, it is important to know the causes of their academic problems in order to find solutions to them.

Common causes of teen academic problems

At this stage of a teenager’s life, many reasons could be responsible for his or her academic problems. The following are common causes of teen academic problems:

Autism

This health condition is usually diagnosed during early childhood, but mild autism (Asperger Syndrome) can go undiagnosed until high school years. Teens with mild autism often fail to understand what are they taught and find it difficult to answer questions.

Learning disabilities

Learning disabilities such as dyslexia and ADHD are common in teens. Teens with dyslexia find it difficult to process visual information. They often see letters transposed, which makes it difficult for them to read. Teens with ADHD have problems focusing on what they are reading or what is taught in the classroom.

Behavioral issues

Some teens have anger management issues and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), which can affect their success in school. Such teens need to be treated before they become adults.

Other causes include depression, addiction, lack of motivation and social anxiety.

How to handle these problems

Here are some ways you can help them turn the situation around:

Have a discussion with them about what is going on. Ask your teen why he or she is struggling in school. Ask them to tell you what they think can solve their problem. Your teen might surprise you with insightful suggestions.
Seek professional care for your teen if the problem is serious, especially when they are suffering from a learning disability or a mental health condition. Seek help from professionals such as school guidance counselor, a therapist, and a primary care physician.
Set realistic goals. Don’t set too lofty goals for a teen that is struggling with most courses in school. Help them set academic goals they can easily achieve.

Ultimately, it is important to know that grades are not the only factors that will determine how successful your children will be in life. Give them the right support from early so that their journey to adulthood is less stressful. Trust us, you will thank yourself later.

On-Screen Violence in Your Teen’s “Real Life” World

2020-01-09

An average American kid watches television for at least four hours each day. Television can influence the behavior and development of value systems in children. It is disturbing to know that much of content children access today through television, laptops and other devices contains violence. Studies have shown that 37% of media targeted at teens contain scenes of verbal or physical violence. Also, 90% of movies, 68% of video games, 60% of TV shows, and 15 % of music videos contain some form of violence.

Many studies have revealed that on-screen violence can be detrimental to young children. If children are often/repeatedly exposed to violent content, they may begin to see violence as a way of solving problems. They will no longer be affected by the horror or graphic nature of violence, try to carry out the violence they see on television and begin to think they are like certain characters, victims and/or victimizers. Being quite vulnerable, they can also develop the perception that the world is a more dangerous place than it actually is. Creating a false sense of reality!

Exposure of children to on-screen violence causes violent behavior in children. At times, aggressiveness can be triggered by watching a single violent program. Children who view shows in which violence is very realistic, frequently repeated or unpunished are more likely to imitate what they see. TV shows, video games and music videos that contain violence are more likely to influence children with behavioral, emotional, and learning problems. The effects of these violent programs or shows may immediately begin to show in children’s behavior or later in their future as adults. Life is more challenging and the stakes much higher on dealing with things.

As parents, you can protect your children from these violent on-screen or television shows in the following ways:

Take note of the types of TV shows or programs your kids or teens are watching. Join them and if there are issues create an opportunity to discuss why they should not.
Don’t allow them to watch too much television shows or play video games. Offer a healthy alternative or join them in pursuing other interests.
Don’t allow your children to watch scenes or shows known to be violent
Point out that an actor might not be hurt or kill but such violence in real life leads to injury or death

Regardless of the content, parents need to moderate the amount of time their kids spend watching TV and spend more time on beneficial activities such as reading and developing hobbies. Your earlier input will be key to a healthier outcome – Use it!

Your Teen’s Obesity and Health Issues Lingers Longer Beyond Size

2019-12-29

As a parent, only a few things are more adorable than your teen with chubby cheeks. But this condition might turn into a serious health concern for your teen in the future. In developed countries, nearly 1 out of 4 teens are obese or overweight. It is a complex problem with far-reaching consequences on children. In recent years, the problem of childhood obesity in the United States has increased considerably. About 17 % of children and adolescents are obese in the United States. Teens with extra pounds are at risk of developing serious health problems such as asthma, diabetes, heart diseases, high blood pressure, kidney disease, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, fatty liver disease, etc. Apart from health problems, obese kids also may have emotional problems. They usually have low self-esteem and maybe bullied, teased and rejected by their peers. Obese kids always find it difficult to keep up with other kids and participate in sports. They are often rejected, bullied and teased by their peers, which may lead to substance abuse, low self-esteem, eating disorder and even depression.

What are the causes of teen’s obesity?

Childhood obesity occurs when a child’s weight is greater than the normal weight for his or her age. Obesity in kids is a puzzling disease. It remains largely unknown how our body controls weight and body fat. However, the causes of obesity are known. In fact, it is generally known that taking more calories than what you use for energy leads to weight gain in both teens and adults. Knowing this, it’s really important that a parent’s attitude to healthier eating will dictate what happens in the household. Understanding the causes of obesity in children is an important step towards finding solutions to the problem. Here are some of the causes:

Not getting enough sleep
Genes
Poor lifestyle
Eating fast and junk food
Lack of exercise
High carb intake
Poor metabolism

What to do to help prevent obesity in teens

Here are some tips to help your teen stay at a healthy weight:

Encourage regular exercise – it burns calories
Limit their screen time – don’t let them play video games or watch TV for too long (limit to 2 hours a day).
Eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily
Apply moderation with content and food portions
Encourage them to drink more water
Cut down on sugar intake
Get enough sleep
Help them to balance their everyday stress with calming solutions

Let’s Talk to Your Teen Before You Need to Talk About Getting Off Drugs

2019-11-21

Before the endless cycle of drug treatments, therapy and drug counselors and worse begin to circle your home like a tornado that won’t slow down. Let’s get to the core of why teens feel the need to take it in the first place.

Teenagers are going through a very vulnerable phase where fitting in gets more complicated and choices aren’t so clear anymore.

Some teens become drug users because that’s a sure way to fit in.

To be a member of the popular clique group requires loyalty, acceptance and seen as an equal. If that means breaking the rules, buying drugs and using it – it’s no brainer. For teens who are lonely on the fringes of their social groups, this is a way in and most will not miss that opportunity or need. You now “Belong” and to gain membership in your old or new high school is very seductive. The thought here is my parents won’t understand and this is where you have to create the dialogue that says “I do!”

A teen will find the “Drug Fun Train” isn’t all that it cracked up to be and soon start to run off track. At first, it appeared easy enough to get into the game and it is fun, but soon it starts to demand you to defy the rules of your home, your comfort and what you think you needed begins to fray. It has a mind of its own and you are scared to rock the boat. You get others seeing the doubt and that is now considered disloyalty or weakness. They will pounce on you and threaten you with bodily harm or worse if you try to leave. They see it as abandoning the group and that’s frowned on. In some groups, the teenager is told that if they become “chicken” they will hurt their family if you don’t do as they say whether It is stealing, hijack property, sell dope or use it. Slowly what a teen does to support the gang may well be to protect the family whose safety is threatened.

Some teen’s drugs are used for self-medicating to numb the pain of daily life.

The despair of daily stressors (school, social activities, demands at home, responsibilities in general, etc.) is for some teen just too overwhelming. An introduction to drugs, alcohol or other stimulants are bound to feel better in their minds and if at a party surrounded by their peers – watch out! The drug use increases because the teen feel like it releases a lot of what they are bottling up. Unfortunately, studies show that some teens are suffering from untreated depression or a high level of anxiety. However, if treated with proper medication early, these teens will no longer abuse illegal drugs.

Some teens feels a tremendous amount of pressure, sometimes from their own parents, guardians, and community, to be the best at all times. To stay competitive in everything you do will ultimately have a destructive effect and the “star” pupil will no longer reach for the sky or want to excel. Then what? The idea that they are no longer viable in the fields they used to excel creates a blow to self-esteem. So, begins the downward spiral from being the best to be the worst. It might get them negative attention, but it’s still attention. Right?!

Some teens use drugs for hoarding attention from peers or parents.

A teen in the throes of drug use no longer cares and slowly or quickly the academic, sports and school activities suffer in general. The star student is now barely getting passable grades which again adds to the despair and “I don’t care” attitude. If the star no longer gets the attention for great work, then being a “gang banger” might do the trick. Getting noticed by your parents for the wrong things may still get them riled up and that may still show they care. Even if as a teen you don’t really see their pain, they are your parents and they will be there. Taken for granted the anguish and pain that you are causing your parents. Unfortunately, most teens can’t quite connect on that level not until the consequences come calling. For now, the attention is still flowing and the pain is far away.

Some teen is just adrift and bored.

Initially play the “Defiant One” can seem exciting at first. However, the drama, stress, and risk of using, buying or selling drugs or hiding them can be a kind of cool high. It would be easy to ask this teen “Why not look for the natural high instead?” Doing things that do not involve feeling worse than you will in the long run. Finding another kind of excitement through passions and fun activities without drugs? What part of drug risk-taking is really worth the energy, time, cost or physical pain? What kind of healthy activities could replace using drugs, etc.? Finally, the real question to ask your teen before they go down this road is “What do you think is so scary about expanding your horizon, comfort zone or potential in a healthy, positive way?”

Some teens think that using drugs is a normal rite of passage.

Look around and they could tell you that they have friends whose parents are dope heads and probably smoke with them too. While adults can rationalize why they smoke and do illegal drug use that may not be as bad as alcohol, vaping and should be legalized too. Let’s face it, the number of tv ads about all the medications that can fix all kinds of ailment. Feeling like you need a lift? Try this? Pop one pill and feel right as rain. Take a drug for insomnia, or for a “Pick-Me-Up!” Let this drug company or that drug company help you get back to your normal self. Sounds familiar? We can see movies glorify the drug culture. Music makes it all sound so very cool and trendy. As parents, the need to model an environment that challenges teens receptors in other positive, healthy and creative ways. There need to be stimulating ways that teach our teens about the satisfaction and excitement that comes from stretching ourselves and succeeding.

Finally, of course, there is the possibility of a “Real” addiction to drugs. It’s simply not true that kids don’t develop a dependence on marijuana. Some do. It’s also possible that, as a parent, you don’t always know what else your child has been taking. So getting the correct information is critical to getting the right treatment too.