Communi-Key
Cumberland, North Smithfield & Lincoln Prevention Coalitions
February 2022
And just like "THAT"...the first month of the new year is a wrap! The holidays are officially packed away for another year, and it is time to get back to work! New Year's Resolutions have either been forgotten or perhaps now become habit. We look forward to 2022 with hope, optimism and above all, gratitude! Our mission becomes all the more obtainable because of the tremendous support we receive from our communities!
“Without Valentine's Day, February would be... well, January." ~Jim Gaffigan
Thank you, Janine Ethier
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Janine Ethier, school nurse of the North Smithfield High School, for her dedication and support of the North Smithfield Prevention Coalition as well as her retirement from the district.
For so many years, Janine has been instrumental in the health and wellness for the North Smithfield High School students. Her role intensified during these last few years with Covid. Her tireless efforts have surely been nothing short of astounding.
In addition to her role as school nurse, the North Smithfield Prevention Coalition has been honored to have her as a member, contributing a wealth of knowledge and insight. We are truly grateful for her unwavering support to our mission.
Congratulations on your retirement. You've earned it after years of excellent work! May you continue to live a fulfilling life. Thank you, Janine
Sunday is the BIG GAME! Let's celebrate....SAFELY!
Super Bowl Sunday is just days away! While our beloved Patriots will be sitting this one out, it is still an exciting time to enjoy some family time, let's remember to keep it safe!
Are you hosting a party this year but don’t know how to manage with the kids around? Here’s some great Kid-Friendly Super Bowl tips to make sure your children are having a great time. Just remind everyone not to walk in front of the television! LOL!
Party Games Entertain the kids during commercials or halftime with some fun football games. They can play origami flick football, commercial bingo, or hut, hut, hike (same as duck, duck, goose). Additionally, create a separate space to play board games that’s appropriate for all ages. If possible, use an empty room to have a fun tournament with a video game system like the Wii. The children can pair up in teams depending on age and ability.
Team spirit: Temporary tattoos and face paint are fun ways to get the kids excited about the game. These items can be purchased at your local party store. Set up a small station as if you were tailgating. Play the team fight song as you get ready for the big game. Make sure they are wearing their team colors or jersey.
Fun food: What’s Super Bowl without great food? I always look forward to eating all the delicious treats. Make sure to provide snacks and meals for everyone especially picky eaters. Whip up some fun food that’s shaped like a football. Pinterest is a great source to find fun recipes. Kids love to move around a lot and don’t tend to eat when they are busy. Create a snack table where they can grab their own food. Chips, crackers and fruits are great finger foods for children.
Craft table: Set up a craft station for the kids. Put out football themed printables and crayons. Host a contest for the best picture and winner get a small prize. In addition to the printable activity, they can make diy pom poms or fingerprint football.
Stay Connected!
Stay on top of all the latest news, trends and events by "Liking" & "Following us! Our Facebook page is, Blackstone Valley Prevention Coalition! Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bvprevention/
And last, but not least, we are on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BVPrevention. Be sure to "Like" and "Share" us with your friends and family!
Have questions? Any suggestions? Please email Pam Shayer, at pshayer@lincolnri.org.
We want to hear from you!
Are Winter "Blues" getting the best of you?
When your mood is falling as fast as the thermometer, these small lifestyle changes may help boost your spirits.
If you’re starting to feel like nothing but a very full, very strong pot of coffee will get you out of bed, join the club. Holiday bills are high, temperatures are low, and the days are way too short. Here, scientifically proven ways to lift your spirits and ease the mid-winter doldrums.
1. Make your environment brighter.
When your body is craving more daylight, sitting next to an artificial light—also called a light box—for 30 minutes per day can be as effective as antidepressant medication. Opening blinds and curtains, trimming back tree branches, and sitting closer to windows can also help provide an extra dose of sunshine.
2. Eat smarter.
Certain foods, like chocolate, can help to enhance your mood and relieve anxiety. Other foods, like candy and carbohydrates provide temporary feelings of euphoria, but could ultimately increase feelings of anxiety and depression.
3. Simulate dawn.
People with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that usually begins in late fall or early winter and fades as the weather improves, may feel depressed, irritable, lethargic, and have trouble waking up in the morning—especially when it’s still dark out. Studies show that a dawn simulator, a device that causes the lights in your bedroom to gradually brighten over a set period of time, can serve as an antidepressant and make it easier to get out of bed.
4. Exercise.
A 2005 study from Harvard University suggests walking fast for about 35 minutes a day five times a week or 60 minutes a day three times a week improved symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Exercising under bright lights may be even better for seasonal depression: A preliminary study found that exercise under bright light improved general mental health, social functioning, depressive symptoms, and vitality, while exercise in ordinary light improved vitality only.
5. Turn on the tunes.
In a 2013 study, researchers showed that listening to upbeat or cheery music significantly improved participant’s mood in both the short and long term.
6. Plan a vacation.
Longing for sunnier days at the beach? Research shows that the simple act of planning a vacation causes a significant increase in overall happiness.
7. Help others.
Ladling out soup at the local shelter or volunteering your time can improve mental health and life satisfaction.
8. Get outside.
Talking yourself into taking a walk when the temperatures plummet isn’t easy, but the benefits are big: Spending time outside (even when it’s chilly!) can improve focus, reduce symptoms of SAD, and lower stress levels.
Interested in becoming a member of the Cumberland, Lincoln or North Smithfield Prevention Coalition?
Interested in finding out or becoming a member of the Blackstone Valley Prevention Coalition? Please join us for our monthly meeting!
(For Lincoln Residents) The third Tuesday of each month, at 6pm, Lincoln Police Station.
(For Cumberland Residents) The third Tuesday of each month, 4pm, McCourt Middle School.
(For North Smithfield Residents) The third Thursday of each month, at 2pm, NSHS.
Please join us & learn how YOU can be a part of prevention for the community!
Please watch our Facebook page, Blackstone Valley Prevention Coalition, for more exciting news!