Providing researched based educational resources to meet the needs of Long Islanders
It seems that ever since the Pandemic, a day doesn’t go by without someone mentioning how our mental health has been affected. Many of us feel that our stress levels are elevated. The Mayo Clinic reports that 27% of adults in the U.S. are so stressed most days that they are unable to function. And…
Talking and teenagers are often seemingly contradictory terms. As puberty hits, teens begin to assert their independence and may begin pushing their parents away. Parents oftentimes find themselves feeling like they are getting nowhere with their teens. Here are a few techniques parents can consider to improve communication with their teen: 1 – Focus your…
While suicide is a leading cause of death for children and adults, spotting warning signs isn’t always easy. The hope of Suicide Prevention week is to bring much needed attention, especially in the era of post COVID-19, to the importance of recognizing verbal, behavioral and emotional warning signs of the risk of suicide. While nothing…
Play benefits children in each domain of development like nothing else does. It helps children learn about the world, develop the skills they need to interact with others, manage their emotions, and it promotes curiosity and learning. Research on play tells us that play is essential for children’s well-being. In fact, “play is so important…
If you have been diagnosed with Diabetes, chances are you’ve been given a glucometer so that you can check your blood sugar at home. You may have been told by your provider to check your sugar a certain number of times a day or to aim for certain numbers. But beyond that, it’s possible you…
Anxiety affects our mental health. We all feel anxious at times, no matter what age we are. There are a number of things that can cause children to be anxious, such as having a difficult time in school or forming friendships. As a parent, you can help by asking your child how they feel, and…
By now, we have all heard that being outdoors can boost your family’s resilience. Spending time outside has been recommended for reducing anxiety, depression, loneliness, and other ailments that come with social isolation. Recent studies have shown that time spent in nature, or viewing scenes of nature, is associated with a positive mood and psychological…
In 1994, the National Extension Parent Education Model was published. This model still guides our work in parent education today. The National Extension Parent Education Model lists 6 areas of essential parenting practices that include: Care For Self, Understand, Guide, Nurture, Motivate and Advocate. Of these 6 areas, parents seem to struggle the most with…
“Come to the woods for here is rest.” This concise but poignant quote by John Muir (American naturalist, writer, and conservationist who helped establish Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks) captures the essence of how spending time in nature is associated with better mental health and well-being. Most of us agree that collecting shells with our children…
Getting enough sleep is crucial for good health. What you may not know is that not getting enough sleep can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and can lead to poorer control of your DM (Diabetes Management) if you are already living with it. Studies show that not getting enough sleep can also…