Underage drinking raises risk for trouble
The Health Policy and Systems program at San Juan Basin Health Department is highlighting the dangers of underage drinking as part of Alcohol Awareness Month.
Alcohol use by young people is extremely dangerous and is directly associated with traffic fatalities, violence, suicide, educational failure, alcohol overdose, unsafe sex and other problem behaviors.
Young people who start drinking alcohol before age 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol abuse or dependence than those who first use at age 21 or older.
Health Policy and Systems of San Juan Basin Health works to reduce youth alcohol, tobacco and other drug use through community-level, evidence-based strategies.
For more information, visit www.sjbhd.org.
Learn to manage anxiety disorders
“Working with Anxiety Disorders Through a Nervous System Lens” will be presented by Ruby Jo Walker from 12:30 to 4 p.m. May 8 in the Pine River Valley Bank meeting room, 1701 Main Ave.
Using the latest information about the autonomic nervous system, this training will focus on managing anxiety disorders.
Participants will gain an understanding of anxiety and its physiology in the autonomic nervous system as well as learn techniques to apply to have better results with clients.
Presented in a clear and easy-to-understand manner, this training is appropriate for all skill levels of caregivers.
There will be a demonstration and an opportunity to practice this method. Also, 3.5 continuing-education credits are available.
The cost is $100, or $90 if registered by Thursday. To sign up or for more information, email emilyLnewcomer@gmail.com or call Emily Newcomer at 903-7517.
Control your weight with natural medicine
A free weight-loss clinic will take place Friday at Durango Natural Medicine, 117 East Animas Road (County Road 250).
Naturopathic medicine provides many options to help people attain and maintain a healthy weight.
Naturopathic doctor Nancy Utter will provide free consults about how people can use natural medicine to achieve their desired weight.
To set up an appointment, call 247-0737.
Red Cross releases emergency app
The American Red Cross announces the release of its new Emergency App, which gives people instant access to weather alerts, life-saving information and ways to contact family and friends in one free, easy-to-use app for mobile devices.
This app provides expert advice on what to do in case of disasters such as floods, home fires, wildfires and more.
The free Emergency App is available in app stores for smartphones and tablets by searching for the American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/apps.
The app covers 14 different types of disasters and lets users customize more than 35 emergency alerts, so they will know what to do no matter where they live or travel.
Boys, Girls clubs honored for events
San Juan Basin Health Department, with nomination from Celebrating Health Communities Coalition, awards the Healthy Event Seal of Approval to Boys and Girls clubs of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and of La Plata County for holding Teen Nights with themes, such as “Ugly Sweater Night,” and healthy competitions, such as pancake eating and video games.
The free, monthly events are open for all local teens regardless of club membership. Boys and Girls Club staff members take special precautions to ensure safe, drug- and alcohol-free events.
The event organizers will be given their Healthy Event Seal of Approval at their facilities in Durango and Ignacio.
San Juan Basin Health presents the Seal of Approval to any organization that holds a public event that is entirely alcohol-free; appropriate for children, youth and/or families; and is affordable for all participants.
To nominate a group, email Cindy Schultz at cschultz@sjbhd.org.
Herald Staff
