Conversaciones de Salud e-Newsletter December 2023

VOL. 2 ISSUE 12 DEC, 2023

BY CARMEN ROBLES

Conversaciones de Salud

E-Newsletter ...serving the Hispanic/Latinx/Latine/Latino/Afrodecendientes/IndigenousLatino and Asian-Latino communities.

IN THIS SEASON WE WANT TO GIVE

GRACIAS TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS

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Carmen Robles Director of Carmen Robles & Associates Dear Supporters and Readers, As we bid farewell to this remarkable year, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey we've shared. We are profoundly grateful for the unwavering support you've extended to Conversaciones de Salud. Your commitment has been instrumental in our mission to create awareness, foster understanding, and address critical issues within our multicultural communities.

Throughout this year, your support has significantly contributed to our endeavors, allowing us to shed light on crucial topics such as Fentanyl, Mental Health, and Opioids. The impact has been farreaching, creating ripples of awareness and understanding in communities that need it the most.

Looking ahead to 2024, we are excited to continue this journey with you. Our focus remains steadfast on bringing awareness to communities, especially among our youth. Your continued support will be pivotal in amplifying our efforts and making a lasting impact.

Once again, from the depths of our hearts, thank you for standing by us. Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a new year filled with prosperity, good health, and shared victories.

Carmen Robles and Associates

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Minnesota is known for our cold and snowy winters, but staying warm and safe can be a challenge. Learn how to prepare for winter storms and prevent cold-related health problems, such as hypothermia and frostbite.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides excellent resources on staying safe and healthy during the winter, below are some of the highlights.

Be prepared before a winter storm hits by planning ahead.

Make a plan.

Prepare your home.

Prepare your car.

Bring your pets indoors.

Stay safe during a winter storm Winter storms can be dangerous. They can bring extremely cold temperatures, heavy snow, and ice, which can lead to power failures, loss of communication services, and dangerous road conditions.

Dress for the weather.

Check on your elderly neighbors.

Take precautions when traveling.

Stay informed.

Source: Department of Health

Click here to SEE more (Español)

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The misuse of and addiction to prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl is an increasing crisis that affects families and communities throughout the U.S.

MOST OPIOID OVERDOSES INVOLVE FENTANYL Fentanyl is a prescription opioid that’s also made and sold illegally. It’s up to 50 times stronger than heroin and up to 100 times stronger than morphine. Fentanyl is driving recent increases in opioid overdose deaths.

People may not know they’re taking fentanyl because it’s mixed into fake pills and other drugs.

Fentanyl can be addictive and deadly, even in small amounts.

Opioid effects are worse for some groups The opioid epidemic impacts people from all walks of life, but disproportionately affects certain groups. In Minnesota, American Indian people and African American people experience higher rates of opioid-related deaths and hospitalizations. These differences are influenced by disparities in the social determinants of health, such as housing, food, healthcare, and economic well-being.

Source: Hennepin County

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Hennepin County Opioid Framework Overview, December 13 Virtual: Wednesday, December 13, 2023, from 11 a.m. – noon All are welcome Pre-registration is not required Use the following link to join this event: Hennepin Opioids Public Meeting link:

Click here to JOIN

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What is Mental Health?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected.

Do you think someone you know may have a mental health problem? Talking about mental health can be difficult. Learn about common mental health myths and facts and read about ways to help you get the conversation started.

NEED HELP?

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.

Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

To learn how to get support for mental health, drug, and alcohol issues, visit: FindSupport.gov.

To locate treatment facilities or providers, visit: FindTreatment.gov or call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357).

SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-ayear treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

Also visit the online treatment locator.

CALL 1-800-662-HELP (4357) Source: SAMHSA

Click here to see more

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Jóvenes de Salud Where are ? w o n y the

Michelle Amparan, who served as the President of Harding HS Jovenes de Salud H.E.A.T. (Hispanic Energy ALL the Time) Class of 2008, is currently stationed in Hawaii as a Captain in the U.S. Army. She enlisted in 2009 and has 14 years in service.

In addition to completing her MBA and attending law school, Michelle is an active realtor in Hawaii and actively participates in philanthropy, all while serving as an Active Duty Captain in the U.S. Army.

Michelle's column in the 'Conversaciones de Salud' e-newsletter/magazine 'GANAS' will serve as a source of inspiration for Jovenes, encouraging them to dream big, achieve their goals, and make a positive impact in their communities.

échale

GANAS VISIÓN since 2005

GIVE IT ALL

YOU’VE GOT VISION since 2005

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rit: Embrace the power of perseverance and determination to overcome any obstacle in your path.

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mbition: Fuel your inner fire and set audacious goals that push you to reach new heights.

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ever give up: Let resilience be your guiding principle, refusing to surrender in the face of adversity.

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ction-oriented: Take decisive steps towards your dreams, actively pursuing growth and progress.

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uccess mindset: Cultivate a positive and resilient mindset, believing in your ability to achieve greatness.

"With G.A.N.A.S, you've got the motivation and drive to conquer any challenge and make your wildest dreams come true! A clear vision is all it takes!"

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Michelle Amparan is not only a dedicated realtor with Harosky Homes, but she is also actively involved in philanthropy projects with "Helping Ohana," a nonprofit organization that is committed to giving back to the community and making a positive impact on families, as the name suggests.

She is not only actively involved with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Hawaii but also works closely with Marysol Ruiz, the Vice President and Co-Founder of the organization."

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE Michelle Amparan, pictured in the first row far left.

WHAT IS JÓVENES DE SALUD?

Jóvenes de Salud; Latin Youth Taking Action for Health, Education, and Social Justice is an after-school peer-to-peer youth-led mentor program that embraces the 'it takes a village' concept by engaging families and empowering students to reach their academic goals through grassroots leadership. This program is further supported by dedicated adult mentors, and the youth participants have even created original bilingual Public Service Announcements.

Jóvenes de Salud originated in 2005 as a program of the Association for Nonsmokers MN, receiving crucial support from tobacco settlement dollars. When the tobacco support ended, Jóvenes de Salud successfully transitioned into an LLC, dedicating its efforts to addressing pressing issues such as opioids, fentanyl, and mental health.

Jóvenes de Salud Legislative Leadership: Engaging high school students in grades 9th to 12th, program empowers youth to actively participate in the legislative process, from conceptualization to implementation. These remarkable young individuals have achieved notable success in passing ordinances that promote smoke-free environments, including parks, restaurants, homes, and cars, thereby addressing secondhand smoke concerns and implementing necessary limitations Participating schools: Henry Sibley HS (Now Two Rivers HS) Harding HS Simley HS South St. Paul HS

Johnson HS Arlington HS Tartan HS

Original Public Service Announcement Art Work

by Michelle Amparan

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Students played a role in advocating for stronger smoke & tobacco-free policies on school grounds, successfully influencing school boards to adopt such measures. Their efforts to raise $5000 allowed them to replace the funding that the tobacco industry had offered, resulting in the tobacco industry being excluded from the 2012 Cinco de Mayo parade and replacing the amount the tobacco industry was offering festival organizers to hand out cigarette coupons.

Students also created educational materials and presented supporting documents to various Jovenes de Salud – Harding HS H.E.A.T. (Hispanic governing bodies, including district councils, Energy All the Time) with guest mentor Debra Lopezschool boards, legislatures, city hall, state capitol Burandt legislators, and representatives. By doing so, they effectively communicated the importance of implementing and enforcing policies that prioritize the health and well-being of the community. Their active involvement in voter registration activities demonstrates their commitment to creating long-lasting change through civic engagement.

Jóvenes de Salud was recognized best practices model by the Center for Disease Control and the National Latino Council on Tobacco or Health and has received numerous local and international recognition. Including being recognized as General Mills Healthy Champions and recipients of two Minnesota State Commendations and a State Proclamation.

GOVERNING BOARD The board of directors of Jóvenes de Salud is made up of mentors and alumni.

Mankato State University visit

Richard Aguilar President of “Aguilar Productions” adopts policy NOT to accept tobacco industry sponsorships and/or donations during Hispanic Heritage Month’s “La Familia Expo” 2008.

Presented by Michelle Amparan

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Navidad Soñando con

Puerto Rico

Christmas Dreaming of Puerto Rico, in my early mornings, far from my island of enchantment, I am inspired by the music of the Pianazzo, by the maestro Jaime Umpierre, the beautiful landscapes of my island, the streets, its beaches. My beautiful memories of my Puerto Rico, I carry you always in my heart, transporting my feelings this Christmas, thinking of my people. I LOVE YOU PUERTO RICO. Navidad Soñando con Puerto Rico, en mis madrugadas, lejos de mi isla del encanto, me inspiro con la musica del Pianazzo, del maestro Jaime Umpierre, los lindos paisajes de mi isla, las calles, sus playas. Mis bellos recuerdos de mi Puerto Rico, te llevo siempre en mi corazon, transportando mis sentimiento en estas Navidades, pensando en mi gente, felicidades! TE QUIERO PUERTO RICO.

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Traditional PuertoRican Christmas Music

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GOT ANY COMMENTS? Please send to afrolatino.news@yahoo.com

CONTACT INFO Click here

EDITOR OF THIS ISSUE: PAULINA LOPEZ- VALENCIA

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SUPPORTED BY: NEW GENERATION CHURCH Reverend Victor A Martinez

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