Grandparents often do more than share stories and traditions—they can help children develop emotional resilience and wellbeing. Research from Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child emphasizes that dependable, nurturing relationships with adults help children handle stress and regulate emotions. Children with stable, caring adults in their lives develop stronger social skills, better emotional control, and…
In this new PSA video, McGruff the Crime Dog returns as the face of the “Go For Real” campaign, warning viewers about the dangers of phony prescription pills. What seems like a harmless pill could actually be counterfeit—laced with deadly substances such as fentanyl, meth, or xylazine. Why This Matters What You Can Do to Stay Safe…
When people think about drug risks, they often think about pills or injections. But smoking substances carries serious health risks because of how quickly chemicals enter the body. When a drug is smoked, the chemicals travel through the lungs and move into the bloodstream almost immediately. Within seconds they reach the brain, which is why…
Doctors are warning about a condition called Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome, or CHS, as more cases are reported in emergency departments. Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome affects some long term cannabis users and can cause repeated cycles of severe nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. In some cases, symptoms become so severe that people seek emergency medical care. Researchers…
As marijuana laws change across the country, more Americans are using cannabis and stronger products are becoming widely available. Alongside these changes, some therapists, researchers, and public health experts say they are seeing new concerns emerge around mental health and regulation. In recent years, cannabis products have become significantly more potent. Many products today contain…
The dates for the Spring 2026 Guiding Good Choices® classes for parents, guardians and grandparents are as follows: April 14, 15, 21, 22 and 28 (optional class). Classes will meet from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom. Raising preteens and teens is tough. Wouldn’t it be great if adults could take a class that taught…
Counterfeit pills continue to pose a serious and growing threat to communities across the country. These pills are often designed to look exactly like legitimate prescription medications and may even be packaged in authentic-looking prescription bottles. Recently, DEA Houston agents seized counterfeit pills containing deadly fentanyl while arresting an individual attempting to sell them locally.…
Insights from Dr. Sarah Wakeman (Harvard Medical School, Mass General Brigham)Featured on Mel Robbins Podcast Alcohol is deeply embedded in American culture, often portrayed as a way to relax, socialize, or even improve health. However, modern medical research paints a very different picture. In a recent conversation with Mel Robbins, Dr. Sarah Wakeman, an addiction…
More information about future Life Skills and other classes and events will be shared in our newsletter. Quick Links: FREE! Life Skills Training for Grades 6-9 (and slightly younger/older). Also, looking for High School Student Assistants! Classes taught by HoCo-raised college students. We will consider students younger than 6th grade, especially if they are the sibling/friends…
As Americans reduce their alcohol consumption, a new product category is rapidly gaining popularity: THC-infused cannabis beverages. Often marketed as low-calorie, alcohol-free alternatives, these drinks are now appearing in bars, grocery stores, and major retail chains. Industry analysts expect sales to grow significantly over the next decade. While cannabis drinks are frequently framed as a…
