Peaceful Balance Health & Wellness Services

02/06/2026

Listed below are resources for survivors, advocates, and preventionists:
https://www.nsvrc.org/resource/serving-teen-survivors-manual-advocates/
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/pdfs/mm7005a4-H.pdf
https://www.joinrvcc.org/
https://www.loveisrespect.org

Listed below are resources for parents and caregivers:
https://www.loveisrespect.org/wp-content/uploads/media/sites/3/2021/09/Parent-Guide-2021_TAF_love-is-respect.pdf
https://www.loveisrespect.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Parent-toolkit.pdf
https://www.nsvrc.org/healthy-communications-kids-sheet
https://www.nsvrc.org/i-ask-how-teach-consent-early
https://www.nsvrc.org/parents-postcard

Below are movies that highlighting warning signs, coercive control, and the complexity of leaving for teens and young adults and may be a good teaching tool for those trying to help:
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Can You See Me? (Short Film)
No One Would Tell (1996 or 2018)
Unanswered Calls (Documentary)
It Ends with Us (2024)

02/05/2026

THE FOLLOWING STATISTICS MAY BE TRIGGERING. CONTINUE WITH CAUTION.

Teens and young people are experiencing violence at alarming rates according to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey:
- 60% of men and 70% of women were under 25 the first time they experienced intimate partner violence (sexual or physical violence, and/or stalking)
- 49% of women have experienced r**e as a minor
- female students experience a higher rate of sexual and physical dating violence than male students.
- 1-in-4 women were under the age of 18 when they first experienced intimate partner violence
- more than 80% of men and women report having been r**ed before the age of 25
- LGBTQ students experienced higher rates of physical and sexual dating violence than heterosexual students.
- over 28% of women who have experienced sexual violence under the age of 18 were r**ed by a current of former partner
- those who experience sexual violence as a child or teen are more likely to experience sexual violence as an adult
- sexual violence is typically committed by someone the survivor knows
- of women who were r**ed as minors, 35% were also r**ed as adults

So why is this rate so high?
Teens often think behaviors, like teasing and name-calling, are a "normal" part of a relationship. However, these behaviors can become abusive and develop quickly into serious forms of violence. Many teens also do not report unhealthy behaviors because they are afraid to tell family and friends.

https://www.nsvrc.org/blog_post/teen-dating-violence-prevention-resources-2025-update/
https://www.cdc.gov/intimate-partner-violence/about/about-teen-dating-violence.html

02/04/2026

February is observed as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) with the hopes to support and raise awareness of teen dating violence.

Teen dating violence can occur a current or former relationship and may include the following:
Emotional/psychological aggression- using verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm a partner mentally or emotionally and maintain control over a partner
Sexual violence- forcing or attempting to force a partner into sexual acts without their consent; this includes situations where the partner cannot consent. It also includes non-physical behaviors, like sharing sexual images or sexting without consent (sharing any photos of anyone under 18 is considered child po*******hy and is punishable by law)
Stalking- a repeated pattern of unwanted attention or contact from a past or current partner to the point there is fear of safety for the victim or other close to the victim
Physical abuse- the intent to harm a partner using physical force (hitting, kicking, etc.)

Teens who are involved in an abusive, unhealthy, or violent relationships may experience short and long term side effects that have negative effects on development such as symptoms of anxiety and depression, begin to display unhealthy habits (smoking, drugs, or alcohol), engage in antisocial behaviors (bullying, theft, lying, etc.) and even suicidal thoughts.

Experiencing violence at a young age sets the stage for all future relationships. This can cause the mindset of 'this is normal'. Teaching children at a young age what a healthy relationship is and by modeling that behavior can help shape their future relationships. Teaching the meaning of consent and practicing it in every day life can also promotes healthy relationship knowledge. Reminding youth that a healthy relationship must contain a healthy line of communication, trust, safety, and respect.

https://www.nsvrc.org/blog_post/teen-dating-violence-prevention-resources-2025-update/
https://www.cdc.gov/intimate-partner-violence/about/about-teen-dating-violence.html

01/24/2026

We have all smelled the milk to see if had gone bad. University Hospitals suggests that our senses can be more accurate regarding if food had 'gone bad' or if it just past the sell by date. Often only following 'best if used by' and 'sell by' can result in food waste and money loss.

01/22/2026

01/09/2026

With the winter season now in full swing, we are seeing a huge increase in illness; especially Influenza A. We have added charts that depict the potential spread of some of the most common illness for this time of year. We know vaccines are a controversial and a personal choice, we are just providing information and facts.

https://www.uhhospitals.org/

01/02/2026

12/23/2025

This week will more than likely be filled with Christmas parties, holiday celebration, and Christmas dinners, so it is important to remember not to drive impaired. This week we are highlighting National Impaired Driving Prevention Month hoping to help keep you safe this holiday season.

How can you help fight the number of drunk driving accident? It is simple, Plan Ahead!
- offer to host the party, this allows you to limit alcohol and takes driving home out of the issue. However as a host it is you job to ensure no one else leaves impaired.
- have someone be the designated driver, this person stays sober in order to drive those impaired home safely
- leave parties a bit earlier to avoid congested times
- keep safe distances if you notice other drivers driving erratically
- some may companies have a sober ride program or use a cab, Uber, or other ride sharing services
- local tow trucks may also have a special rate for not driving home drunk and letting them tow your car home
- if you feel different or impaired, DO NOT drive
- see if the host will allow you to spend the night

It is impossible to control the actions of other people, especially if they choose to drive impaired; don't be part of the problem, be part of the solution!

There also may be increased patrols and sobriety check points during the holiday season. You know the phrase "Drive Sober or get Pulled Over."

https://www.nhtsa.gov/drive-sober-december-and-every-month #:~:text=During%20this%20time%2C%20law%20enforcement%20will%20be,you%20choose%20to%20drink%2C%20don't%20drive%20impaired
https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/safety-topics/drunk-driving/drive-sober-or-get-pulled-over/winter-holidays
https://msblawkc.com/winter-holidays-bring-increased-driving-danger/ #:~:text=Amidst%20all%20these%20festivities%2C%20however,the%20rest%20of%20the%20year.

12/22/2025

This week will more than likely be filled with Christmas parties, holiday celebration, and Christmas dinners, so it is important to remember not to drive impaired. This week we are highlighting National Impaired Driving Prevention Month hoping to help keep you safe this holiday season.

Drunk driving statistics can be scary and daunting, but perhaps that will make people think harder before they have drinks and then try to drive home.

- In December 2023, approximately 1,038 people died in drunk driving crashes
- Between 2019-2023 the NHTSA have recorded almost 5,000 deaths related to drunk driving crashes during the month of December
- From 2019 to 2021 a study conducted over several medical centers and medical examiners offices found that among the drivers who were seriously injured or dead that approximately 25% had active THC in their system; however active THC can stay in the body several days after ingestion.
- 40% of traffic fatalities during the holiday stretch involve a higher rate of drunk drivers than the whole month of December
- NYE and Day see a large surge of deadly crashes increasing 130%
- young adults, more males, aged 21-34 are more likely to be involved in a impaired driving fatality

Why the increase? Holiday celebrations often lead to drinking in excess. The nights become dark earlier increasing the risk of a crash. Travel is very common for the holidays which leads to an increase in drivers on the road. The stress of the holidays, depression, and loneliness can lead to overconfidence in the judgement of their ability to drive.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/drive-sober-december-and-every-month #:~:text=During%20this%20time%2C%20law%20enforcement%20will%20be,you%20choose%20to%20drink%2C%20don't%20drive%20impaired
https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/safety-topics/drunk-driving/drive-sober-or-get-pulled-over/winter-holidays
https://msblawkc.com/winter-holidays-bring-increased-driving-danger/ #:~:text=Amidst%20all%20these%20festivities%2C%20however,the%20rest%20of%20the%20year.

12/21/2025

This week will more than likely be filled with Christmas parties, holiday celebration, and Christmas dinners, so it is important to remember not to drive impaired. This week we are highlighting National Impaired Driving Prevention Month hoping to help keep you safe this holiday season.

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month is a nationwide effort lead by government agencies and groups like MADD to fight drug and alcohol impaired driving. When the legal limit to drive was lowered and the drinking age increased in the 80's, the US saw a reduction of significance in the number of alcohol related crashes. This reduction was also due to increased education campaigns against drinking and driving. However drivers with the alcohol concentration at or above the legal limit of .08 still remain involved in 1/3 of all traffic related fatalities, even decades later.

To help reduce the toll of drunk driving deaths, the National Safety Council supports a national campaign aimed to educated Americans on how impairment starts at the first drink and efforts by the states to lower the legal limit as research has shown that at a .08 the drivers performance significantly decreases by this point.

Not only alcohol, but drugs can also impair driving skills. Drowsiness, affected mental judgement, affected motor skills, and altered visual functions may all be caused by some over the counter medications, opiates, or ma*****na. "Drivers should avoid driving while impaired by any of these factors, just as they would if they consumed alcohol."

Below is a link for the National Safety Councils Drug and Alcohol Impaired Driving policy statement:
https://www.nsc.org/getattachment/d09f0dd5-19c1-40cd-ac0d-b185ac0bce94/t-drug%20and%20alcohol%20impaired%20driving%20-%20176

https://www.nsc.org/road/safety-topics/impaired-driving?srsltid=AfmBOoqlKercqvqMYuyAB1EHNUSyUn8gT8FadvuI7sosQzPutQqBPtH-

12/19/2025

Our whole goal with our Facebooks posts is to encourage education on not only the known syndromes and diseases but also the uncommon ones. December touches on one that is not widely known but can be overwhelming and very confusing; this week we are focusing on Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). TTTS occurs in 15% of monochorionic pregnancies; about 2,000 sets of twins a year in the US.

With treating TTTS, there is hope. There are now several options to treat TTTS. For some, TTTS resolves on its own and does not require treatment. However if it progresses it may be advised to under go one or more procedures such as:
- Amnioreduction is the reduction of the excess of amniotic fluid in the recipient twins sac
- Septostomy requires artificially puncturing the internal membrane allowing passive equilibrium of amniotic fluid amounts
Both procedures do not treat the disease and are mainly to relieve symptoms and usually is typically suggested in areas where more advanced treatment cannot be done or if the TTTS is diagnosed during the third trimester of pregnancy.
- Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation of the placental anastomoses is the ideal treatment to stop the pathophysiology. This procedure uses a fine camera (fetoscope) introduced to the amniotic space to demonstrate the abnormal vascular connections. Those connections are then coagulated with laser energy.

Long-term outlook for those with TTTS depends on progression and severity. Most moderate to severe cases of TTTS that receive the fetoscopic laser photocoagulation of placental vascular connections present a significantly improved survival rate; up to 70 percent for both twins and 90 percent for at least one twin alive at birth. Survival varies depending on the disease stage, the size of the fetus, and ultrasound measurements. Also with umbilical cord ligation, a brain injury might be prevented in the surviving twin. Some survivors may do well and be completely healthy, while others may have injuries to their hearts and kidneys.

It is important to understand the risk of preterm delivery after any of these procedures.

https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/twin-twin-transfusion-syndrome-ttts?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=FCSC_condition_tier3&utm_content=ttts&utm_term=twin%20to%20twin%20transfusion%20syndrome&device=c&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22426090700&gbraid=0AAAAA-XpQDx8m4eYtTcUvQJ_ZE-apJSLB&gclid=Cj0KCQiA_8TJBhDNARIsAPX5qxT9FdbUJrvez7KR_Z04n4ymNDNk64vXG6GwJcIdNdtPFjQn49--AW8aAqjKEALw_wcB