MASK The Magazine Fall 2018

The mind is an amazing thing. We learn more and more about it as time goes by. I can tell you that if I were aware of the things I know today, it would have definitely changed the decisions I’ve made as a parent. As parents, we do what we can do with the knowledge we have at the time. Although it may be hard to stomach at times, the choices you’ve made for your child could have possible long-term effects. Did you know that the brain is the only organ in your body that doesn’t heal itself? Children’s brains continue to develop into their mid-20s. We know that things such as trauma, absorption and various medications can affect how the brain is wired and its overall development. Did you know that the brain is…

MASK (Mothers Awareness on School-age Kids) is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization created in 2007 by a group of dedicated mothers who recognized the need to consistently educate families on rapidly changing issues. The MASK mission is to engage and educate parents, children and the community about the issues facing youth and to empower children to make safe, healthy choices. MASK addresses important topics and gives parents the resources they need to communicate with and empower their children. MASK fulfills its mission by engaging, educating and empowering families through the MASK E3 Institute, MASK The Magazine and our vastly informative website. The MASK E3 Institute is a comprehensive year long multi-year approach to building and strengthening life skills for children, including MASK Storytime (Pre-K), MASK Academy (kindergarten to 6th grade), MASK Prep (middle…

When flu season seems to be getting longer and more severe, a flu shot may seem like the best way to ward the illness off. However, there are many factors to consider before getting the vaccine. Here’s what you need to know before booking your next doctor’s appointment. What exactly is a flu shot and how does it work? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine. There are many positives to getting a vaccine: It can keep you from getting sick with the flu; it can reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalization; it can reduce a child’s risk of dying from…

FIVE MUST-KNOW STUDY HABITS For many children, the ability to effectively plan, organize and manage time wisely doesn’t come naturally. However, developing solid study habits can be learned by all students in order to navigate through school—and life!—successfully. On-Track Tutoring and The Jones-Gordon School offer these five study habits to start the school year off on the right foot. 1 SELECT (AND USE!) A PLANNER. Help your child select one that best fits his needs. Have your child record ALL of his commitments and deadlines, not just his homework assignments. Teach your child to use the planner to break larger projects into smaller, more manageable tasks and to track progress. This helps develop time management, prioritization, and planning skills. 2 CREATE A ROUTINE. Schedule a set time each day for studying and homework.…

DRUG As part of normal brain development, the brain seeks high levels of reward—which is why young people may experiment with drugs, especially those that release high levels of dopamine. Fortunately, there are healthy activities—such as exercise, eating right, and getting plenty of sleep—that naturally release dopamine. Encourage your child to engage in and practice these activities, which will help them feel happier and more energetic. BULLY Bullying is an unfortunate cause of stress and depression in children, which can negatively impact brain development in areas such as serotonin levels, neural growth, and memory. Pushing your child to open up about possible bullying can cause them to shut down and keep their feelings inside. Be patient and empathetic when talking to your child about bullying—it will encourage openness when they are ready. TECH While technology…

Today there are more causes of stress in a teen’s life than ever. As schoolwork becomes more and more demanding, it can be hard to keep anxiety at bay. Unfortunately, instead of communicating their concerns to parents or a doctor, teens are going to another source to find relief: the dark web. The dark web is an area of the Internet similar to the black market. It is a secretive platform for illegal goods. Through this channel, teens are buying Xanax to self-medicate their anxiety. To them, it’s the easiest way to combat mental health issues, but it’s much more dangerous than they realize. The dark web is a secretive platform for illegal goods. On the dark web, Xanax is cheap and easily available. Beyond being illegal, it’s a simple way to begin…