MASK The Magazine Spring 2016

Out of all of the issues we’ve done, this is one I’ve been looking forward to doing. It’s on a topic I’ve been most passionate about. I’m fully aware this issue is going to spark reaction from many views and beliefs on this matter. I want to be very clear that this issue is to help bring awareness on the mixed message of marijuana and how it’s being portrayed to our youth. Since the inception of MASK, our desire has been to increase knowledge for both parents and children. Today, as a society, we know more. There is more research, and more studies and findings—so there is no excuse for ignorance. Our youth today believes using marijuana is safe because doctors can prescribe it. The bottom line is we know marijuana is the…

MASK addresses important topics and gives parents the resources they need to communicate with and empower their children. MASK (Mothers Awareness on School-age Kids) is a non-profit 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. MASK’s mission is to educate parents and children about the issues facing our youth and to empower children to make safe, healthy choices. MASK gives parents the resources that will allow an open dialogue with their children, which provides children with tools to live productive, happier lives. MASK fulfills its mission by engaging, educating and empowering parents and children through its E3 (Engage, Educate and Empower) Program and MASK The Magazine. The E3 program presents helpful insights on over 70 topics in…

ANGELA AMBROSE // Writer During her 25-year writing career, Angela Ambrose has written for Fortune 500 companies and the U.S. Public Health Service, as well as a number of magazines, newspapers and websites. A mother of two, Angela enjoys writing about the important issues affecting kids today and applying what she learns at home. Angela is also a nationally certified group fitness instructor and registered yoga teacher. TINA GREGGO // Photographer Tina Greggo has always been passionate about photography. Having photographed for local newspapers in New York and Arizona, where she became a staff photographer for The Arizona Republic, she keeps close to her true talent. Tina says she was thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with MASK on important subjects that, as a mom, are so close to her heart. STACY BARRY // Writer Stacy…

Engage + Educate + Empower Held at the MASK office REGISTER FOR A MASK E3 PARENT PROGRAM TODAY! Be prepared for what’s ahead and equip your child with tools and resources to address today’s issues. Call to schedule your private parent group (minimum of four) between the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the MASK office for $26 per person. MASK office is located at 8937 E. Bell Road in Scottsdale. HEALTH & WELLNESS From food, fitness and nuturing self-esteem to the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Choose a topic for your private parent group. CALL 480-502-5337 to register your private group or for more information. Space is limited.…

School can be challenging enough as it is, but if a student can’t make out what’s on the board or see printed notes clearly, things just got a lot tougher. Many kids may not even realize they are having a hard time due to their vision. Vision screenings and eye exams can detect problems before they worsen, aid in academic success, and improve the quality of life for your children. Eye exams for children are extremely important. Experts say 25 percent of school-aged children have vision problems. Early identification of a child’s vision problem is crucial because, if left untreated, some childhood vision problems can cause permanent vision loss. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), school-aged children should have an eye exam every two years if no vision correction is required.…

Executive function (EF) is a broad umbrella term that refers to the collection of processes involved in one’s ability to engage in independent, purposeful, goal-directed behavior. It involves the ability to attend, plan, organize, initiate, monitor, inhibit and problem solve. More simply put, executive functioning skills are self-regulating skills. They are used every day to do things like plan ahead, stay organized, solve problems and focus on what’s important. Beyond the obvious signs of a messy, disorganized desk or backpack, the following five signs may be indicative of EF and may warrant further investigation. 1 DIFFICULTY “SHIFTING GEARS.” At school, your child is not finished with a math sheet, but then it’s time to move on to P.E. (a desired activity). He resists leaving the classroom until the math sheet is…