2nd April, 2023

What to do after you fell down the stairs

Falling down steps can happen to anyone. Knowing what to do when you fall down the stairs in advance can help minimize injuries and ensure help reaches you as soon as possible.

If you suffer a fall on stairs and you are alone, you can take the following steps:

Use your cell phone or call out for help.

-Bang the stairs or floor with a shoe or other hard object to attract attention.
-Get into a safe, comfortable position to wait for help if you are able. If possible, move off the stairs to a flat surface.
-If you think moving will exacerbate any injuries, then lie still and wait for assistance to arrive.

Once you or others have assessed your injuries, you can:
-Apply an ice pack to areas of minor pain to reduce the chance of swelling.
-Take over the counter pain medicine, such as ibuprofen, to reduce discomfort and inflammation.
-Seek emergency medical treatment for severe injuries like broken bones, open wounds or head trauma.
-Consult your doctor or medical professional if mild to moderate pain or injuries don’t improve in several days.

Posted at 10:45 pm | Comment (0)

22nd September, 2022

6 tips for managing stress and anxiety of studying during COVID-19

Many of us who endured the rapid transition to online studies during the emergence of COVID-19 might feel like we’re hanging by a thread during this pandemic. And for those who had hoped to return to university as I do, we might be dreading another semester of online classes as the pandemic continues across the world.

I’m certain we’ve all got divided opinions when it comes to online learning. While some of us rejoice at the thought of not having to wake up early and face the commute to morning classes, some of us feel stressed out about the massive workload that’s going to befall upon us as a result.

For those like myself, online learning is one of the least appealing methods of learning, and it was a really difficult adjustment for me.

Here are a few pointers I’ve learned during the uncertainty of the first semester of 2020 (with a few upgrades) to help you manage the stress and anxiety through a semester of online studies during COVID-19.

1. Plan and prepare for your classes

I can already hear a collective groan but hear me out. Keeping up with online classes takes a whole load of stress off your shoulders.

When my university migrated to online platforms during the first wave of the pandemic, I remember procrastinating for weeks. I reasoned with myself that I’d be able to catch up eventually since all the materials were available online.

However, my anxiety peaked during mid-term assessments when I had to comb through massive files of information and missed out on significant discussions during the tutorials. My grades inevitably took a slump, and I learned my lesson the hard way.

Even if you’re unable to prepare for classes in advance, ensure you attend the tutorials and listen to the lectures regularly.

2. Talk to friends and family

Uni friends are half the reason that makes university life memorable. Although for many of us it’s not possible to connect with them face to face or socialise the way we have before the pandemic, we can still connect with them through regular calls or video meetups to talk about classes or just about anything.

It’s also harder to retain a sense of university spirit when you’re not on campus. Thankfully, many university events have shifted digitally, so you can still join student union groups, clubs, events and activities to keep connected with your peers and your university community.

Talk to your family as well. Share your worries and anxieties about the semester with them. Talking openly about the issues that stress you out can be a breather after spending a long day before the laptop screen.

Don’t let loneliness consume you during your semester of online studies, because it’ll do more damage than good.

3. Reach out to professors for help whenever necessary

Although professors and tutors seem to constantly pump out video lectures, face-to-face tutorials, assignments and other activities, they’re very aware of the situation we’re in. Chances are, they’re also trying to beat the COVID blues as well.

Hence, they might be open to have a conversation with you and will be receptive if you take the first step to reach out. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance or advice when you need it.

For me personally, all it took was one email to my professor requesting help and I was provided with numerous resources to help me overcome some issues – both personal and academic-related.

So, if you’re struggling with adjusting to online learning or your workload, I highly recommend reach out to your professor or tutor in times of need.

Posted at 8:45 am | Comment (0)

22nd August, 2022

Why student stress during the pandemic

High school students are experiencing rising stress levels and lower engagement with learning since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study by NBC News and Challenge Success, a nonprofit affiliated with Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE).

Kids feel that “they are more stressed than they were before the pandemic, they have more work, they are less engaged in school, and their relationships with teachers and [other] kids are strained,” says Denise Pope, a senior lecturer at Stanford GSE and co-founder of Challenge Success.

On this episode of School’s In, Pope talks with show co-host and GSE Dean Dan Schwartz about the study – one of the largest national research projects to shed light on the pandemic’s impact on student connection, engagement and mental health. She also shares what parents and educators might take from its findings in the days and years ahead.

In addition to grades, workload and time management, the study found that one of the top sources of stress for students was lack of sleep. This surprised Pope, who thought remote learning would give students more flexibility and time to sleep. But 43 percent of the students reported sleeping less, and about 5 percent said they were getting less than four hours a night.

Other sources of stress included college and the future, finances and a lack of time to play and relax. Females and students of color in particular experienced high levels of stress and pressure.

Some good news: “People are now much more aware of these problems,” says Pope. “I think more teachers recognize the importance of checking in on mental health and how it’s connected to academics, and how it’s part of their job.”

Posted at 8:40 am | Comment (0)

12th July, 2022

Tips for Preventing Substance Abuse

While there is no one way or guaranteed way to prevent someone from abusing drugs and alcohol, there are things that everyone can do to prevent substance abuse.

Here are the top five ways to prevent substance abuse:

1. Understand how substance abuse develops. Substance abuse starts by:

• Using addictive drugs (illicit or prescribed) for recreational purposes
• Seeking out intoxication every time you use
• Abusing prescription medication

2. Avoid Temptation and Peer Pressure. Develop healthy friendships and relationships by avoiding friends or family members who pressure you to use substances. It’s often said “we become most like those we surround ourselves by,” meaning if you surround yourself with people who abuse drugs and alcohol you are more likely to as well. Peer pressure is a major part of life for teens and adults. If you are looking to stay drug free develop a good way to just say no, prepare a good excuse or plan ahead of time to keep from giving into peer pressure.

3. Seek help for mental illness. Mental illness and substance abuse often go hand in hand. If you are dealing with a mental illness such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder you should seek professional help from a licensed therapist or counselor. A professional will provide you with healthy coping skills to alleviate your symptoms without turning to drugs and alcohol.

4. Examine the risk factors. Look at your family history of mental illness and addiction, several studies have shown that this disease tends to run in the family, but can be prevented. The more you are aware of your biological, environmental and physical risk factors the more likely you are to overcome them.

5. Keep a well-balanced life. People often turn to drugs and alcohol when something in their life is missing or not working. Practicing stress management skills can help you overcome these life stressors and will help you live a balanced and healthy life.

Develop goals and dreams for your future. These will help you focus on what you want and help you realize that drugs and alcohol will simply get in the way and hinder you from achieving your goals.

Share these tips for avoiding and preventing substance abuse with your friends and family and help promote a healthier lifestyle free from addiction.

Posted at 12:37 pm | Comment (0)

7th June, 2022

How students can help protect the environment

The 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Reduce, reuse, recycle is a popular slogan that encapsulates core concepts of living sustainably, and in English-speaking countries it’s often taught to school kids. The three R’s have been with us since the 1970’s and they are as relevant today as they were back then – perhaps even more so!

• Reduce: Buy and use less. Buying less not only saves you money but it reduces the amount of raw materials being taken out of the planet; it reduces the amount of water being used for production; it reduces the amount of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere from production and transport; and it also reduces the amount of trash joining landfills or entering our oceans.
• Reuse: You may not be aware of it, but single-use plastics are one of the most polluting products in the world today. By using reusable packaging such as lunch boxes and reusable water bottles and coffee mugs, you are reducing the amount of litter entering the environment. Shopping for secondhand items is a great way of reusing that reduces waste and also saves you money. If you are finished using something that could still be valuable or useful to someone else, donate it – for example to a charity store.
• Recycle: For products that have reached the end of their lives, recycle them! Recycling is the process of taking waste and turning it into something new and useful. This reduces the amount of raw materials being taken out of the planet and reduces the amount of waste. When you have the choice, pick things that are made of recycled materials or of materials that are easy to recycle after use: for example, food packaged in tin cans or glass bottles. Buy recycled materials to help support the recycling industry.

Consumerism causes huge damage to the environment. We are brainwashed by advertising companies to always buy new things. But these new things have to come from somewhere! The pillage of our planet for raw materials causes habitat loss, affects the climate, kills animals and dislocates people from their homes. So, reducing your consumer footprint by reducing, reusing and recycling is one of the best ways you can help the environment.

Posted at 5:33 pm | Comment (0)

14th May, 2022

Benefits of Helping Local Communities

Not only is volunteering a great way to improve your local community and the lives of everyone who lives there, but it’s also a great way to develop key skills and attributes that set you apart from the crowd. Volunteering builds character and helps you become a more well-rounded person. So, the impact volunteering has on the community has just as much as an impact on your own future. Here are six benefits of donating your time to helping local communities.

1. Develop Skills That Stand Out

Volunteering is a fantastic learning experience for high school students. Though you may get involved with a community project because it showcases your current talents, you’ll also develop new skills as you work. You can:

• Develop new technical skills, such as how to operate machinery and software
• Learn about logistics as you organize, collect, or distribute supplies
• Gain leadership skills that will benefit you in any group setting

One specific skill you can develop from volunteering is time management. Between school, work, family, and friends, it may seem like an impossible feat to integrate volunteering into your schedule. However, studies have shown that those who volunteer actually feel like they have more time than those who don’t. Relief from feeling constrained by limited time will help you decrease the level of stress you feel while trying to manage your various commitments.

2. Boost Your Confidence and Self-Esteem

Perhaps the largest emotional benefit of volunteering is that it helps you develop self-esteem, improve your confidence, and increase your feelings of self-worth. Connecting with others helps stabilize your emotions, and studies show that volunteering improves your mental health. Most people feel good when they give back to a worthy cause. Feelings of satisfaction and altruism, along with the pride of seeing your work improve the lives of others, are just a few of the emotional benefits volunteering provides.

Volunteering also allows you to find a new place within your community. High school students are going through many changes as they transition into adulthood. If you’ve ever felt alone or like you haven’t found the activity that suits you best, volunteering may help you discover something new about yourself. Getting engaged with the community by volunteering surrounds you with new opportunities, friendships, and ways you can enjoy your time. Not only will you not feel alone, but you’ll also be helping other people who may feel lonely, too.

3. Learn Empathy and Compassion

Empathy and compassion are two attributes that can dramatically improve your community. Volunteering promotes empathy, which in turn promotes behaviors that continue to benefit society. When we choose to donate our time to those in need, we form a deeper emotional connection to the world around us. These experiences allow us to see what life is like in someone else’s shoes and recognize the parallels in our own lives.

Many volunteers often discover that those who need our help are not much different than themselves. We all love our families and cherish our friendships. When you see others—especially fellow students—struggling through one of life’s common obstacles, not only can you relate to their situation, but you’re also inspired to help. This empathy leads us to share our compassion with others, bringing out the best in all of us.

Volunteering is empathy in action. Although you aren’t volunteering your time and effort to get something in return, studies have shown that you do receive an especially powerful benefit: love. There is an undeniable relationship between the love you put into the project and the love you receive in return. The compassion you share with others, paired with your developing empathy, increases your propensity to feel that same love in your own life.

4. Improve Your Social and Relationship Skills

Empathy and compassion enable us to view the world from a new perspective. As we internalize the struggles and challenges of others, we learn more about those we live, work, and go to school with. The people you volunteer with feel this empathy, as well. When you work together to improve the lives of those who need support, you make an emotional connection with one another. These acts are manifestations of the values we consider most important—putting these values to work alongside others with the same passion brings us closer together.

You won’t need to wait long to see these relationship skills blossom. Many people notice they have stronger bonds of friendship with the coworkers, classmates, and individuals they volunteer alongside. Volunteering brings people closer together, whether they’ve known each other for their whole lives or just recently met through the project.

5. Earn Relevant Work Experience

One of the benefits of volunteering in high school is that you earn relevant work experience that helps your career. Research shows that the concept of civic-mindedness is becoming increasingly more important in the workplace. Employers are noticing that employees in the workforce—especially younger individuals—are socially-aware and try to work in fields or companies that share and reflect their values. The skills you can learn through volunteering showcase your strengths regarding teamwork and innovation, two qualities today’s employers consider important.

Aside from the actual skills, the social causes you’ve supported can also increase career development. Many companies and corporations actively support volunteer programs and encourage employees to engage with these organizations. Not only will your previous experience look good on your résumé, but the category in which you volunteered can help you build a positive relationship with an employer that advocates for the same causes.

6. Increase Your Happiness

When you choose to volunteer, you’re making the decision to selflessly work for the good of others without payment. This act of kindness is not only empowering, but it can also fill you with a profound sense of purpose. Whether you chose to volunteer in a capacity that has personal significance in your life—or if a new cause you’ve encountered finds a special place in your heart— you’ll be happier as you discover a new purpose.

Posted at 1:31 pm | Comment (0)

22nd April, 2022

How to Get Involved in Local Community Projects as a High School Student

You can become an advocate for social causes that impact those in your community and around the world. With so many options, you may be wondering how to take the first steps. Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities that will allow you to make positive changes in your community. Some opportunities are available through your school while finding others within the community will require a little research.

Before you choose a project, you should first think about you want to get involved. Here are four ways to get started.

1. Figure Out What You’re Interested In

What are you passionate about? Chances are high that the cause or interest you hold close to your heart has a volunteer experience associated with it. For example, if you love animals, you may consider volunteering at a local shelter. If you’re passionate about the environment, you can join a volunteer group that removes garbage from roadsides or plants new trees in local parks. If you love building and working with your hands, you may want to help build or remodel homes damaged by a fire, flood, or another disaster.

Are you unsure about which type of volunteer experience would interest you the most? Here are a few examples of common volunteer categories:

• Healthcare
• Arts
• Education
• Poverty
• Senior citizen services
• Women’s services
• Hunger
• Mental health services

This list is only a small sample of the many volunteer opportunities that may be available in your community. Even if you’re still not certain about which experience is right for you, that’s OK! It takes time to discover what you truly enjoy and care about, and the only way to do so is by trying.

2. Join Clubs or Other Extracurricular Activities

You don’t need to go far to discover a way that you can positively impact your community. In fact, you may only need to take a walk down the hallway at school.

A great way to discover and develop a passion for volunteering is to participate in clubs or extracurricular activities that are already involved in local community projects. The clubs your high school sponsors may already have established ways to get involved in your local community. Some of them may be directly focused on community improvement projects, while others devote time each year to volunteering for a specific cause.

If possible, try to volunteer or take on leadership positions in these clubs and organizations. These roles will give you more responsibility and allow you to have more influence during the decision-making process. When you act as a leader, you can encourage your group to increase the ways you give back to the community. If the organization or club doesn’t currently have a cause that it supports, you can start the discussion and help the group choose which volunteer opportunities you’ll complete together throughout the year.

3. Participate in Class Discussions and Be an Active Learner

Think about how much you’ve learned throughout your years in school—both in and out of the classroom. As you discover new ways to volunteer in your community, bring your thoughts and ideas back to the classroom with you. Many of the topics your classes cover throughout the year are directly related to a number of issues that impact your local community. History, civics, economics—these subjects and more continue to impact your local community every day.

As you explore the various social causes you could support, don’t be afraid to be an active learner by participating in class discussions. Ask questions to learn more about the state of our world and be courageous enough to express your own views, thoughts, and idea for positive change. Your teachers will take notice and encourage you to continue getting involved through discussions and volunteer work. In the future, some may even write you letters of recommendation that highlight your passion and kindness.

4. Volunteer Your Time to Help Local Community Organizations

Volunteering as a high school student is a great way to make a difference in your community. However, you should also explore opportunities outside of the ones available through your school organizations and clubs.

Every town or city has a wide variety of volunteer organizations and opportunities you can easily donate your time to. From established centers that provide food, clothing, safety, and housing to the community to newer groups that champion multiple community projects, these organizations support causes such as:

• Animal shelters
• Natural parks and community parks
• Food pantries
• Local libraries
• Museums and historical landmarks
• Political campaigns
• Community athletic centers
• Local schools
• Retirement homes
• Hospitals
• Disaster recovery services
• Health-related services

You can choose one of these areas to advocate for, or you can lend your time to many different projects. The beauty of volunteering is that anyone with any interest and ability can make a positive impact on the lives of others. One project, one day, or even one hour is all it takes to change the world around you.

Posted at 8:28 am | Comment (0)

3rd March, 2022

5 things we can do to reduce violence in our schools

Posted at 10:26 am | Comment (0)

24th February, 2022

10 benefits of helping others

1. Helping others feels good

There is some evidence to suggest that when you help others, it can promote physiological changes in the brain linked with happiness.  This heightened sense of well-being might be the byproduct of being more physically active as a result of volunteering, or because it makes us more socially active.

2. It creates a sense of belonging

Helping others can help us to make new friends and connect with our community.  Face-to-face activities such as volunteering at a food bank can also help reduce loneliness and isolation.

3. It gives you a sense of purpose

Studies show that volunteering enhances an individual’s overall sense of purpose and identity.  This is because helping others can make you feel rewarded, fulfilled and empowered.

4. Giving helps keep things in perspective

Helping others, especially those who are less fortunate than yourself, can help to put things into perspective and make you feel more positive about your own circumstances.

5. It’s contagious

One study found that people are more likely to perform feats of generosity after observing another do the same. This effect can ripple throughout the community, inspiring dozens of individuals to make a difference.

6. Helping others can help you live longer

Regular volunteering can improve your ability to manage stress and stave off disease as well as increasing your sense of life satisfaction. This might be because volunteering alleviates loneliness and enhances our social lives.

7. It will give you a sense of renewal

Helping others can teach you to help yourself. If you’ve been through a tough experience or just have a case of the blues, the “activism cure” is a great way get back to feeling like yourself.

8. You’ll boost your self-esteem

People who volunteer have been found to have higher self-esteem and overall wellbeing. The benefits of volunteering also depend on your consistency. So, the more regularly you volunteer, the more confidence you’ll gain.

9. You’ll create stronger friendships

When you help others, you give off positive vibes, which can rub off on peers and improve your friendships.  Being a force for good in a friend’s life can help build a lasting bond.

10. You become a glass half-full type person

Having a positive impact on someone else could help you change your own outlook and attitude. Experts say that performing acts of kindness boosts your mood and ultimately makes you more optimistic and positive.

Posted at 9:09 am | Comment (0)

4th January, 2022

7 WAYS TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE

1. VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME AT LOCAL SCHOOLS

Whether you have a school-age child or not, children are the future of this world. Spend time helping them reach their potential by tutoring, mentoring or taking part in an after-school program.

2. RECOGNIZE THE HUMANITY OF OTHER PEOPLE, AND RESPECT THEIR DIGNITY

Consciously realize that the homeless man you pass on the street every day is, in fact, a man. Through choices of his own or circumstances out of his control, he ended up in this situation, and that makes him no less human. Say hello and warmly greet him. Your greeting could bring healing to his heart, and help heal the world one person at a time. Treat people as equals, no matter how you interpret their social standing.

3. USE LESS PAPER

Our forests are being cut down at an alarming rate. Conserve the trees by conserving paper. Send an e-mail instead of a letter, type directions into your cell phone instead of writing them down, and bring your own fabric shopping bags to the store.

4. DRIVE LESS

Even the use of hybrid vehicles contributes to carbon emissions, greenhouse gases, and reduced air quality. Take a moment to consider how you can use your personal vehicle less. You could carpool or take public transportation to work, walk to church, or bike to pick up a few things from the store and make the world a better place.

5. CONSERVE WATER

Taking long showers and letting the water run as you brush your teeth are indulgences that negatively impact our world. Try to limit your water usage by timing how long you have the water running, and trying to beat that time the next time you turn on the faucet.

6. DONATE TO CLEAN WATER CHARITIES

A large portion of the world is without fresh drinking water. Educate yourself about the drought epidemic, and make the world a better place by donating to organizations and charities helping to fight against the lack of clean water around the globe. Your donation could result in the reduction of preventable, water-related diseases.

7. BE GENEROUS

It’s easy to be selfish with your time, money, and resources by getting caught up in our material-driven societal expectations. Try being generous and see how your life changes. Buy coffee for the person behind you in line at Starbucks, read to children at your local library, or simply stop and listen for the answer when you ask a friend how they’re doing. Chances are that your generosity will energize you, and you’ll feel less helpless about how to make the world a better place.

Posted at 9:08 pm | Comment (0)

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