MASK The Magazine Winter 2015

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. Join MASK for an E3 parent workshop for $26 per person. Or call to schedule your private parent group (minimum of five) between the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the MASK office. MASK office is located at 8937 E. Bell Road in Scottsdale. DIGITAL SOLUTIONS Playing and staying safe online; cyberbullying and the ever-changing social media landscape Nov. 19, 2015 // 10 to 11 a.m. Dec. 2, 2015 // 10 to 11 a.m. Dec. 10, 2015 // 10 to 11 a.m. Jan. 14, 2016 // 10 to 11 a.m. CALL 480-502-5337 to register your private group or for more information. Space is limited.…

MASK offers assembly-style or small group E3 Youth and Parent Programs to schools, clubs and businesses. Choose from more than 70 topics available including: RELATIONAL DEVELOPMENT From bullying and peer pressure to communication and managing conflict DIGITAL SOLUTIONS Playing and staying safe online; cyberbullying and the ever-changing social media landscape HEALTH & WELLNESS From food, fitness, and nurturing self-esteem to the dangers of drugs and alcohol CALL 480-502-5337 for scheduling and pricing, or email info@ maskmatters.org…

I ntegrity is a funny thing, and everyone struggles at times in certain situations. Anything from a white lie, to your belief that you have a right to respond negatively to someone because they have hurt you, can test your integrity. Reactions, grudges, greed, and unforgiveness can all compromise our integrity. Webster’s dictionary lists integrity as a noun, but I have to say it often feels like a verb, as it seems like an action that we are supposed to take. I consider myself to be a fairly reasonable, loving person. But there have been many moments where the “not-so-nice Kimmy” wants to be unleashed – especially when it involves my children. Recently, my daughter and I were lucky enough to be at a concert in which my oldest son was…

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…

STACY BARRY // Writer Stacy Barry is a former public relations/marketing executive for the hospitality industry, and is currently a freelance writer in Houston, Texas. She received her degree in journalism from Texas Tech University and worked as a broadcast journalist for KAMC-TV in Lubbock, Texas. For the past 15 years she has done freelance and contract work from her home, while raising two children in the ’burbs. 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. GREMLYN BRADLEY-WADDELL //…

In today’s world, people are constantly absorbed by their electronic devices. As a result of this frequent use—and the common position people take to look down at their devices—a new condition has surfaced. Chiropractors and doctors credit “text neck” for neck, shoulder and back pain caused by continuous time spent hunched over. This displaces the spine from its natural position, creating a heavier load on the neck, as well as poor posture. When in its neutral position, the head weighs 10 to 12 pounds. As the head tilts downwards, the spine is placed out of its neutral position, increasing strain on the neck. As little as a 15-degree tilt forward can make the head feel like it weighs as much as 27 pounds. The further the head tilts down, the more the…