Time to continue traditions, or maybe start a new healthy hobby! Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) – Partnership for Success (PFS), The Indigenous Wellness Academy (IWA) and the Youth Wellness Warriors (YWW) would like to help families build new healthy traditions. Our programs would like to encourage families to participate in cultural traditions, consistent communication, and healthy interacting. SPF PFS program’s purpose is to help prevent and reduce youth from developing substance misuse with underage drinking and prescription drug misuse. We encourage having more interaction with your family because it can lead to healthy routines and more fulfilled daily lifestyles.
Creating a strategy to help improve your family’s wellness doesn’t have to be a struggle. SPF PFS would like to offer some small tips. Take one step at a time; this will help your family transition into your new routine smoothly. Always keep communication open for suggestions. It’s important to remember to include our youth in the process. You never know, they may have great ideas! Ask your children what they like and don’t like about the new routine.
Here are some family wellness activities suggested from SPF PFS:
- Take the time to teach your children how to start a garden.
- Have a healthy family activity and learn how to preserve those leftover berries in the freezer.
- Ask youth if they know how to avoid or handle peers when they’re offered drugs.
- Get active as a family.
- Leaders, take some time to have a healthy conversation with youth.
Participating in all of these activities plays an important role in a child’s life because they are protective factors. What is a protective factor? It can be a parent, significant individual, grandparent, or even your community that helps create positive life qualities. These individuals can help you learn how to deal with stressful situations and lower the possibility of a negative outcome that might cause an impairment on your mental health. We hope to inspire and support the healthy changes in your community for the holidays and after. On behalf of The Division of Wellness and Prevention here at Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC), be the change for betterment for your family this winter, and please break trail for a healthy lifestyle alongside your family.
If you would like more information on Risk & Protective Factors on alcohol & drug prevention for youth, please contact the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) Partnerships for Success (PFS) Program. Autumn Cantu SPF Manager (907) 452-8251 ext. 3056.