One in three adolescents has been hit, harassed, emotionally abused or digitally stalked by a romantic partner. Be Smart. Be Well. asked 15 middle school, high school and college students about their experiences with abusive relationships on-camera. The resulting video, Teens Start Talking, now available on BeSmartBeWell.com, is an honest and courageous look at the risks of being young and in love in today’s fast-paced technological world.
Teens Start Talking explores teens’ views of dating abuse and provides tips–straight from teens–for how young people can escape an abusive relationship or help a friend who is in one. Produced in collaboration with LoveisRespect.org, the video is a frank and hopeful discussion of teen abuse from the teen perspective.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/50832-be-smart-be-well-abusive-relationships-straight-talk-from-teens
Fall sports are gearing up, and kids and teens across the country are suiting up for football, soccer and other activities. This season, parents and coaches can help keep young athletes safe by recognizing the signs of a concussion and understanding what to do for a concussion, say experts featured in a new video on BeSmartBeWell.com.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/50836-be-smart-be-well-keep-kids-safe-recognize-concussion-signs-young-athletes
When families gather for the holidays, talk may not naturally turn to long-term care and financial documents, but it should, say experts featured on BeSmartBeWell.com/Caregiving. Too often, families don’t discuss financial matters and healthcare wishes of aging relatives until there is a crisis, and then it may be too late. The holidays – when family members are all gathered in one place – are a good time to talk to aging parents about planning for the future.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/50840-be-smart-be-well-the-caregiving-talk-aging-parents
On November 17, millions of Americans will mark the American Cancer Society’s 36th annual Great American Smokeout by giving up smoking for the day, and maybe for good. Because smoking can trigger asthma symptoms in children, quitting is an important first step toward protecting kids’ health. BeSmartBeWell.com tells parents the steps they can take on the Great American Smokeout, and every day of the year, to lower the risk for childhood asthma.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/childhoodasthma/50826/
When it comes to their health, nearly 90 percent of Americans lack the literacy skills to understand basic medical information and instruction. Low literacy has been linked to poor health outcomes such as higher rates of hospitalization and less frequent use of preventive services. A few quick minutes with a physician is not sufficient for most of us to understand a complex or chronic medical condition and how we can manage it. But new research indicates that video storytelling can be an effective way to educate people about health conditions - and watching others share their health stories can empower people to take control of their own health.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/besmartbewell/50819/
Pregnancy is an exciting time filled with hopeful anticipation, and most pregnancies are uneventful and result in healthy babies. Pregnancy, however, is not entirely without risk, leading some expectant parents to worry about birth defects and whether they’ll give birth to a healthy baby.
Many birth defects are minor and easily treated. But about one in every 33 babies is born with a major birth defect, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Major birth defects may have a serious impact on development, functional ability and overall health. Throughout January, which is Birth Defects Prevention Month, BeSmartBeWell.com highlights pregnancy risks and preventable birth defects. At BeSmartBeWell.com medical experts, and real-life expectant moms, like Sharon, share information to help lower the risk for birth defects.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/birthdefects/50829/
Adults aren’t the only ones who should be thinking heart smart this February, as heart disease is a concern for an increasing number of children, too. Research shows that overweight kids are more likely to develop heart disease as adults. And many overweight children already have conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which puts them at risk for heart disease now.
The good news is that most kids can address these risks with changes in diet and exercise. Throughout February, which is American Heart Month, BeSmartBeWell.com highlights the heart risks facing overweight kids and provides advice for how to manage them.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/childhoodobesity/50830/
As many as one in five U.S. teens suffers from disabling mental illness. Throughout Mental Health Awareness Month in May, BeSmartBeWell.com highlights the issue of mental illness in teens and tells the stories of two teens who moved from diagnosis through treatment and recovery.
What does mental illness look like in teens? It looks like Colleen, who’s battled depression and anxiety since she was 13, and Katie, who struggled with addiction in her early teens. Mental illness in teens looks just like the kid next door – studies show nearly half of all youth will experience a mental disorder at some point in their lives.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/besmartbewell/50033/
BeSmartBeWell.com, an award-winning website, is dedicated to helping the public be healthy and safe through increased awareness and simple-to-use knowledge. In 2009, Be Smart. Be Well. created a series of videos about the childhood obesity crisis. Four years later, we checked in with a leading expert to ask: Are we winning the race?
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/61019-be-smart-be-well-childhood-obesity-are-we-winning-the-race
Whether you're entertaining at home, celebrating at a restaurant or attending a potluck party, the holidays are a time for friends and family to gather and eat. Don't let food poisoning spoil your holiday plans. At BeSmartBeWell.com, meet Chef Kang, a Le Cordon Bleu chef, and Ellen, a real mom who has some things to learn about food safety. They will show you how to keep your kitchen and holiday menu safe.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/foodsafety/50828/
They’ve been dubbed the “Sandwich Generation”–middle-aged people caring for aging parents while still taking care of their own children. Pulled in many directions, these family jugglers are at risk for stress, depression and other health problems. Older adults are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population; 10,000 people turn 65 every day. This will continue for nearly 20 years, and that means more and more people will find themselves aiding their aging parents.
Throughout November, which is National Family Caregiver Month, BeSmartBeWell.com sheds light on the challenges of caregiving and the particular issues facing the Sandwich Generation. At BeSmartBeWell.com, siblings Chris and Ann share their story of juggling jobs, family and caring for elderly parents.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/caregivingparents/50827/
With about one out of every three children in this country obese or overweight, it’s more important than ever to focus on healthy choices and changes that families can make together. Throughout March, which is National Nutrition Month, BeSmartBeWell.com shares stories of real families like Cindy and her children, who got healthier by cutting out junk food and exercising more.
“We lost over 200 pounds together as a family,” says Cindy in a video on Be Smart. Be Well. “After going back through and looking at pictures of where we were to where we’ve come, it’s just absolutely amazing!”
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/childhoodobesity/50831
