One third of teenagers who die between the ages of 16 and 19 are killed in vehicle crashes. Of those, 16 and 17 year olds have three times the likelihood of a crash than older teens. The first 12 months for a novice driver is the riskiest period. Here's how parents and caregivers can make a big difference to reduce risk. Start with a parent-teen driving agreement. The CDC has one that you can find on the National Foundation for Teen Safe Driving "Parent Tips" page. You can also learn dozens of…

Is your child falling asleep with technology aglow? Children's eyes are not fully developed, and research shows their eyes are more sensitive to light than the eyes of adults are. This can affect the brain and disrupt circadian rhythms (the biological clock). Lack of sleep can contribute to excessive tiredness at the end of the school day, grade slippage, conduct problems, loss of interest in other pursuits, depression, and an increase in suicide risk. Make rules early on concerning the use of…

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. It is a time to raise awareness of mental illness and fight the stigma that goes with it. Every year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness, and some go without support or treatment. As symptoms of mental illnesses appear, family members often experience denial as they seek to cope with confusing or frightening behaviors, especially bipolar disorders and schizophrenia. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial, so…

Is there a "right way" or "best approach" for convincing a troubled friend or loved one to get professional counseling? Any approach will include unease, but don't let the adage "no one accepts help until they're ready" stop you from giving it a try. Contrary to popular belief, it is not fear of stigma that keeps people from accepting help for personal problems--resistance is usually founded on denial bolstered by brief wins at curtailing symptoms following negative events or incidents. These…

Are you tolerating a difficult workplace relationship? Thorny relationships are often tolerated because switching job functions or leaving is not an option. If this sounds like you, it's time to discuss your situation with an EAP counselor or job coach. People conflicts are the most common complaints of workers, but the fewest for which help is sought. The reason: Thinking it's hopeless. Numerous strategies exist for resolving workplace conflicts. Whether it it is learning different responses…

When family and couple communication problems are left unaddressed, they get worse. Habits of impatience, interrupting, refusing to listen, and poor empathy - they can all create resentment. Think of resentment as museum pieces of unaddressed dysfunctions in relationships. Got any? Stop the day-in-and-day-out anguish. Talk to a professional counselor or your EAP for a referral to a resource that can help. You'll learn to practice "honest conversations." These are communication tools to produce…

The arrest of a family member can be very upsetting. While taking steps to intervene, find an attorney, and overcome the shock. Don't overlook possible contributing factors, perhaps signs or symptoms of an alcohol use disorder (alcoholism). Use the crisis to break the denial pattern you may have seen slowly emerge among family and friends. An assessment with a professional counselor can help with a diagnosis. There is no time like the present because desperation, fear, and doing what it takes…

Try jotting down your to-do list for tomorrow before going to sleep tonight. You may sleep better. Surprisingly, the ritual helps you off-load thoughts and reduce worry, not stress you more about what lies ahead. The research seems to support another often recommended productivity tip-planning ahead for the next day. This includes jotting down your schedule, deciding what you will wear, planning breakfast, and choosing the personal items you'll take to work. Starting your day with less chaos,…

Try not to muddle through on decisions, especially big ones. Small decisions, like what color socks to wear, are easy. But big decisions with big consequences can provoke anxiety or dread. There is a way to make big decisions easier and be happier with their result. With your next big decision, rather than ask others what you should do, procrastinate, or make a decision in haste to overcome the angst, try the following: 1) Don't delay the process of working on the decision. Dedicate focused…