A Wellness Magazine for St. Lucie Teens
Una revista de bienestar para los adolescentes de St. Lucie
Lucie Teen Health Awareness
August is Romance Awareness Month
August is exactly six months from February (Valentine’s Month) and serves as a reminder to celebrate romantic love. In the Northern Hemisphere, August often marks the last chance to enjoy warm, daylight-filled date nights before fall arrives. However, not all romantic connections are healthy. Have you ever heard of love bombing? If not, check out the article below, to learn how to recognize toxic behaviors in yourself and others. It could save you from heartache and mental distress.
August is National Eye Exam Month
Start the school year off right by checking your vision. Uncorrected vision can hinder academic performance by making it harder to see the board, read textbooks, or follow lesson plans. It can also increase the risk of accidents and limit participation in sports or recreational activities. Check out the information below to learn more about eye screenings.
July 29th is National Eyeliner Day
Modern-day eyeliner enhances the eyes and accentuates one’s beauty. But did you know that eyeliner originated as a form of preventive health? In ancient times, eyeliner, along with the plant oils and extracts used with it, helped reduce eye infections and protected the eyes from the sun’s glare. Check out the article below to learn more about the origins of eyeliner.
July 24th is National Feather Day
Birds typically have feathers for insulation against wind and cold, as well as for aerodynamics during flight. In male peafowl (a.k.a. peacocks), feathers serve extra purposes: they help to intimidate rival males, to perform mating dances, to appear larger to deter predators when spread out, and even to provide camouflage among vibrant foliage. In other bird species, feathers also help to repel parasites, to soak up water in belly feathers to bring back hydration back to thirsty chicks or generate distinct sounds (such as drumming or whistling) during courtship or flight.
Did you know? The length and coloration of a peacock’s tail feathers can signal genetic strength to peahens, when they’re choosing a mate. Check out the article below to learn more about the unofficial Fort Pierce mascot.
While you’re at it, complete the Lucie 22—a word search designed to reinforce the preventive health topics in our summer issue!
July 23rd is Gorgeous Grandma Day
Our capacity to reach centenarian ages (100+) has never been higher. Thanks to modern advances like vaccines, antibiotics, clean water, improved sewage systems, and a more stable food supply, people are living longer and healthier lives. Ideal nutrition from a plant‑based diet is a key component of reaching old age with vitality. So… if you’d like to be a gorgeous grandma one day, eat your vegetables! Check out the article below to learn more about the importance of eating plants.
July 10th is Chronic Disease Day
A chronic disease is an illness that is not easily reversible or curable. However, chronic diseases can be managed with tertiary preventive health measures to delay or prevent complications. Learn about the three stages of preventive health in the article below.
July 5th is National Bikini Day
Although ancient mosaics and statues depict women wearing two‑piece clothing, the modern bikini was first showcased on July 5, 1946. At the time of its release, it was considered scandalous, as it showed the belly button when modesty was highly valued. Today, many one‑piece swimsuits offer a “two‑piece feel” through cut‑outs and contouring without skimping on fabric. But if itsy‑bitsy styles are your thing, having a toned tummy can help you feel more confident. Check out the article below, on the 3 C’s to a toned tummy.
June is Migraine & Headache Awareness Month
Common migraine and headache triggers in teens include excessive screen time, high caffeine intake, inadequate sleep, chocolate, unmanaged stress or anxiety, hormonal changes, excessive consumption of preservatives or artificial flavoring, dehydration, skipping meals, exposure to bright or flickering lights, and uncorrected vision, such as needing glasses.
If you get frequent headaches, you are not alone.
💡 If you deal with frequent headaches or migraines, talk to a parent, school nurse, or doctor — there are real ways to get help, feel better, and protect your brain power.
Did you know? Oleocanthal, a phytonutrient found in olives, acts like ibuprofen. Check out the article below, to learn more about the “Awesome Power of Greens”
June 27th is National HIV Testing Day
HIV is a virus that attacks your immune system. Nearly 1 in 5 new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. are among those between the ages of 13–24. Even though effective treatment helps people with HIV live healthy lives, many still avoid testing due to fear and stigma; some teens might be concerned, about being seen at a testing location or are fearful of the result.
There are two HIV tests, an antibody test and a nucleic acid test. The antibody test is available as a finger stick or an oral swab, and the nucleic acid test is available as a blood draw.
Check out the article below, to learn more about HIV and HIV Testing Day
Want to get tested? Enter your zip code here: https://aidsvu.org/services/#/testing to find a location near you for a FREE HIV Test. If you prefer to take a test at-home, in private, you can order one here: https://together.takemehome.org/?utm_source=AidsVu&utm_medium=Partner-Organic-English&utm_campaign=selftesting05_GEN&utm_term=emory-no-campaign-term&utm_content=Link
Download or Print this Handout, to share . . .
June is Aphasia Awareness Month
Aphasia is more common than Parkinson’s disease, yet most people have never heard of it. Often misunderstood as an intellectual disability, aphasia is actually the loss of the ability to speak fluidly, even though other brain functions remain intact. Most cases occur after a stroke or head injury, where the left hemisphere of the brain is damaged. One surprising treatment? Music. Specifically, melodic intonation therapy, a form of music therapy, that can help people with aphasia relearn how to speak. Music has powerful healing potential, and humanity has been using it as medicine for thousands of years. Check out the article “Music As Medicine” below.
June is the start of summer!!
Every week, we counted down to Friday. All year, we counted down to summer. And now . . . it’s here! Once the bells ring, and the doors open, the months ahead are ours !!
Rest. Laugh. Try something new. Explore a new place. Read something that makes you think. Meet someone who changes your perspective.
May 31st is World No Tobacco Day
Clever ads, flashy packaging, and nonstop social media posts can make vaping seem like something worth trying. Well-resourced companies use sweet flavors, sleek devices, and influencers, to make vaping feel fun, trendy, and harmless. But what looks like a choice is often something you’ve been pushed toward, without even realizing it.
That’s why World No Tobacco Day, on May 31, exists. It’s a day to talk about the real risks of vaping and tobacco. It’s also a reminder to think for yourself, even though there are corporate forces working hard to shape your choices. You deserve to make decisions that protect your health, your future, and the people around you. Check out the article below, to learn more.
