The Chicana/Latina Foundation's mission is to empower Chicanas and Latinas through personal, educational and professional advancement. Every year it does so by helping numerous young women in our Bay Area community complete their undergraduate and graduate education by providing scholarships.

This year the deadline for the Chicana Latina Foundation 2004 Scholarship is March 12th. There will be a number of workshops in the Bay Area to prepare students for the application process. For information about the application workshops, the scholarship requirements, and application process, please call the Chicana/Latina Foundation at (650) 373-1083. Click title above for the website.

Teenagers and Asthma

Adolescence can be a rough time for kids, and it can be even tougher for kids with asthma. The last thing they want their friends to know is that they are "different." Here are some tips to make parenting an adolescent with asthma a bit easier:

Many adolescents don't want to take medication in front of their friends, so talk with your doctor to find out if your child's medication regimen can be taken at home, morning and night. This plan also allows parents to make sure kids are getting all the medication they need.

A warning: many kids, especially teens, stop taking preventive medications and begin to rely only upon their quick-relief medication. This can be dangerous and even fatal. If this becomes a concern, discuss it with your doctor immediately.

It's very common for adolescents to deny they have asthma, so they stop taking medications and have more flares and symptoms. If this happens, you may need to monitor your adolescent's care until he's ready to do it by himself. Many parents have found it helpful to use the peak flow meter as the "final word" on whether or not an adolescent needs to increase medication to prevent a flare. Peak flow meters never lie, so kids can't deny they're having a problem - and parents are no longer the "bad guy" or overprotective, forcing kids to take medication.

Remember to maintain your child's dignity when dealing with asthma. Older children should be actively included in all discussions and treatment choices, because they are the ones who ultimately have to deal with side effects and daily compliance.

Prevention Basics for Families

For a limited time only, the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information is offering "Prevention Basics for Families" free of charge.

Raising healthy, drug-free children is a great concern for today’s families. As parents and caregivers, you teach your children important health and safety lessons as they grow. But as they approach their teen years, you may want to learn more about how to communicate effectively about the dangers of underage drinking, drugs, and other harmful substances.

In this Special Feature Kit, you’ll find practical ideas and tips about:

How to let your kids know what’s important to you
Turning everyday time together into “teachable moments”
How to communicate more effectively
The dangers and effects of specific drugs
And much more.

Special Feature Kit Publications

Keeping Your Kids Drug-Free: A How-to Guide for Parents and Caregivers—bilingual English and Spanish
Tips for Teens About Club Drugs, Cocaine, & Tobacco
Tips for Teens: The Truth About Alcohol
Marijuana: Facts for Teens
Marijuana: Facts Parents Need to Know
What Parents Should Know About Ecstasy—bilingual English and Spanish
Tips for Raising Drug-Free Teens
Fact or Fiction postcard
Words poster

"Prevention Basics for Families" will be available through February 2004 only.

Resources:

Click here for further information about "Prevention Basics for Families". You may also order the kit, toll free, by calling 800-729-6686 and requesting inventory number PBKIT.

Wellness Center

Christy Parsons (Wellness Coordinator) is available daily.

Ian Enriquez (Community Health Outreach Worker, Youth Outreach Coordinator) is available daily.

Monica Murphy (Nurse, Tobacco Intervention Coordinator) is available from Monday - Wednesday and Friday.

Sharon Wong (psychologist) is available Tuesday and Thursday.

Sheening Lin (psychologist) is available Monday and Wednesday.

Chris Pepper (peer resources) is available daily and teaches classes during 4th and 5th period.

Marie Chen (drug counselor) is available on Tuesday and Thursday.

Susie Li (Mandarin speaking counselor) is available on Wednesday and Friday.

Laura McGourty (counselor) is available on Monday and Tuesday.

Beth Ringheim (counselor) is available on Mondays.

Talia Korenbrot (relationship counselor) is available on Thursday.

James Guay (lgbt counselor) is available on Wednesday.

Reconnecting Youth classes held 5th and 7th period.

On-line Resources

Youth Employment

Volunteer Center

Youth Health

Mental Health

Local Therapist Finder

Health news provided by KidsHealth.
For more information click one of the following:

Parents
Teens