Posts by rbean

Healthy Habits for Physical and Mental Health Taking care of our physical and mental well-being is the key to a happy, healthy life. Healthy lifestyle behaviors can prevent and treat a myriad of physical and mental health conditions. They also set the building blocks for lifelong well-being in children and teens. Developing and maintaining good…

Rittman SALT Coalition reminds you that providing alcohol to minors is illegal. While most parents and teens do not engage in underage drinking, this campaign encourages open communication about its dangers. Join us in promoting safe, sober celebrations. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) states that giving teens alcohol increases their likelihood…

Alcohol: How Much is Too Much? Alcohol is sometimes considered to be a safe substance because of the influence it has on our culture. It is part of celebrations and public events, available at most stores, and promoted in everything from the radio to movie theaters. Alcohol use has been normalized to the point that it goes…

Celebrating Social Work Social work is an integral part of society that often goes unnoticed. According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), “Social workers are found in every facet of community life, including schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, senior centers, elected office, private practices, prisons, military, corporations, and in numerous public and private agencies.” March…

Cannabis Effects on Physical and Mental Health The terms cannabis and marijuana are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different things. Cannabis refers to all products derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, and marijuana refers to the parts of the plant containing substantial amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the chemical that causes a person to…

Substance Use Prevention – A Year in Review: The Good, The Bad, and What to Watch for in 2026 The field of substance use prevention is constantly evolving as new substances become known, other substances get used less, and state and federal legislation and regulations change. Here is an overview of emerging drugs and substance…

Internet Safety and Media Literacy The internet is used in nearly every part of our lives, and that is especially true for today’s youth. Everything including schoolwork, social media, college applications, and many hobbies require an internet connection. Our constantly connected world brings a messy mixture of both good and bad. Staying connected to friends,…

Social Determinants of Health Our health and wellbeing are generally considered to be a result of our diet, exercise, and genetics. However, they are also influenced by other factors like our access to health care, economic situations, and the communities we live in. These other factors are known as social determinants of health (SDOH). The World…

Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) celebrates Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month every October. Their goal is to showcase the positive impact prevention is having in communities across the country by inviting everyone to share their prevention story. Prevention work is a growing field that…

The Hidden Costs of Substance Use: A Call for Awareness and Prevention Substance use affects individuals and society in profound and far-reaching ways. On a personal level, individuals may face physical and psychological health challenges, strained relationships, and disruptions in their education or careers. At the societal level, substance use contributes to increased crime rates,…