November is a great time of the year to focus on the reasons why we are grateful. Even in challenging times, there are usually things that we can find to be grateful for.

grat·i·tude

/ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od/

noun

1. the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

World Kindness Day is an international holiday that was formed in 1998, to promote kindness throughout the world and is observed annually on November 13 as part of the World Kindness Movement. It is observed in many countries including the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia and the U.A.E. World Kindness Day presents us with the opportunity to reflect upon one of the most important and unifying human principles. On a day devoted to the positive potential of both large and small acts of kindness, try to promote and diffuse this crucial quality that brings people of every kind together.

All you need to do is wear odd socks! It's a great way to celebrate what makes us all unique in Anti-Bullying Week! Odd Socks Day will be observed on Wednesday November 16th at OBMHS.

Month

Adoption Awareness Month

Military Family Appreciation Month

National Family Caregivers Month

National Homeless Youth Awareness

National Runaway Prevention Month

WEEK

Anti-Bullying Awareness Week(Nov.14-18)

National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness (Nov.12-20)

Day

2nd -International Stress Awareness Day

13th -World Kindness Day

16th -International Day for Tolerance

17th -Children’s Grief Awareness Day

17th -National Parental Involvement Day

17th -Great American Smoke Out

19th Family Volunteer Day

19th National Adoption Day

21st International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day

25th Native American Heritage Day

25th Random Acts of Kindness Friday

There are No Surprises; Changing Tomorrow’s Outcomes Begin Today! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Tobacco Control Program is the only nationwide investment that supports comprehensive tobacco control efforts designed to prevent adolescents and youth from using tobacco, reduce secondhand smoke exposure, help smokers quit, and reduce disparities in tobacco use (CDC, 2021). Knowing approximately 4,100 children in Alabama will become new daily smokers each year, the time is upon us to have The Greatest Save on Tobacco. “Health is … influenced by a range of factors. The places where we live, learn, work, and play; the opportunities we have; and the choices we make all matter to our physical, mental, and social well-being” (CDC, 2021). These situations affect our ability to make healthy choices which foundationally impact living long and well. Further, the CDC shares any tobacco use by youth and young adults, including ecigarettes, is unsafe. Nearly all e-cigarette products sold contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the mid-20s. Compared with older adults, the brains of youth and young adults are more vulnerable to nicotine’s harmful health effects. These include nicotine addiction and the risk for future addiction to other drugs (2021). J

References Annual Student Incident Report, (2022, 2021, 2020, 2019). Alabama department of education. Retrieved October 18, 2022 from Alabama School Data - Alabama State Department of Education (alabamaachieves.org) CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Retrieved October 14, 2022 from https://www.cdc.gov Health Benefits of Quitting Smoking over Time. (2022). American cancer society. Retrieved October 14, 2022 from https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/onlinedocuments/en/pdf/flyers/how-your-body-recovers-after-quitting-smoking.pdf The Great American Smoke Out. (2022). American cancer society. Retrieved October 17, 2022 from https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-tobacco/great-americansmokeout/resources.html

My mission is to provide and assist families in finding mental health and community resources in our area. I work closely with our guidance counselors and administrators at both Orange Beach Elementary School and Orange Beach Middle & High School to ensure our students have the support necessary to be successful.

Email: lrogula@orangebeachboe.org
Website: https://www.orangebeachboe.org/families/mental-health
Location: 23908 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL, USA
Phone: 000-000-0000