Submit to Our PSA Contest!

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As of today, the Healthy Teens Project is officially launching its PSA Contest! We are now accepting submissions for short videos answering the question: “What does having a voice in your healthcare decisions mean to you?”

Details, including submission guidelines and team registration, can be found here. On April 11th, we’ll post accepted submissions on our page, as well as a system for you and your friends to vote for your favorite video.

If you have any questions, please call Audrey at (509)209-2603.

Let the fun begin!

Winter Sport Safety

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Now that we’re in the thick of winter, you may have been hitting the slopes for a while. But whether you ski, snowboard, snowshoe, sled, or ice skate, it’s always good to remember the risks that come with each sport, and the best ways to prevent accidents or other mishaps.

  • Wear a helmet, especially when skiing and snowboarding. No matter how skilled you are, collisions by other people are always a possibility, and the best way to make sure you don’t accrue brain damage is to make sure you protect your head.
  • Dress warmly in fitting clothes. As we’ve posted about before, hypothermia is a real threat when temperatures drop.
  • Take a buddy. Make it fun! Organize a group trip to your favorite winter sports instead of going alone. After all, it’s more fun, and safer to go with friends who can call for help if needed.
  • Watch the weather. Sometimes, snow melts and then re-freezes to become ice. A trip down an icy hill can lead to a lot of problems–the biggest threat of which is losing control of your sled, board, or skis. Make sure to pay attention to any advisory warnings. On sunny days, make sure to bring sunscreen. Just because it’s freezing doesn’t mean the sun is any less harsh.
  • And of course, stay hydrated and well-fed. All that physical activity will make you thirsty and hungry, so take snacks and a water bottle with you.

Have a great weekend!

Staying Healthy in Winter

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We all know that winter is infamous for the colds, flu, and bad moods–but how much is there we can do to actually cure these things, or just prevent them altogether?

First up are the cold and flu. Herbal supplements are frequently hailed as a great ways to strengthen your immune system, as is exercise and laughter. If you do end up getting sick, there are some foods you can eat to feel better, and of course, get plenty of sleep and drink lots of water. Stay away from caffeine, fats and sugars, as these tend to make your body work harder to get better, and you stay sick longer.

But how to escape the blues that come with little sunlight? Well, as this article on PsychCentral suggests, taking care of yourself is key. Also keep your stress levels down through yoga and tea, or even just deep breathing when things get a little too tough.

And maybe the best cure of all is remembering that spring isn’t too far away!