Teen Rejection and Chronic Disease

A recent article in Time Health and Family, supported a theory we have had at Spring Ridge Academy for long time.  In a study of teenage girls led by Michael Murphy of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, found "targeted rejection, in which students are singled out for taunting or personally rejected by a friend, can have measurable effects on the immune system. If sustained, these changes can increase risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, mental illness and some cancers later in life, even among those considered to be at the top of the teen social hierarchy."

Researchers found that one link seems to connect the chronic teen social stress to a more sensitive immune system triggering an inflammatory state that can damage the brain and body by a near-constant state of anxiety or of feeling threatened.    

At Spring Ridge Academy, we have long believed that the effects of trauma, as well as, social stress and rejection have long term effects on the lives of young women.  This study supports the importance of treatment and stress reduction in young women.  

Spring Ridge Academy - Addressing the Challenging Issues of Teenage Women

Art of Recovery Expo

Spring Ridge Academy is proud to be part of the  Art of Recovery Expo weekend on September 21 and 22, 2012  in Phoenix, Arizona.  The weekend kicks off Friday, September 21 with the Inaugural Bill Brown Memorial Golf Tournament with partial proceeds going to support MusiCares.  Jeannie Courtney will be leading the Spring Ridge Academy team.  

On Saturday, September 22, The Art of Recovery Expo will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center from 10:00 am- 5:00 pm.  The Expo offers education, resources and solutions for addictions and behavioral health, with an emphasis on adolescent, young adult, and family recovery.   John Bradshaw and Herschel Walker will be headlining at the Expo.  The Art of Recovery Expo is free to the public. For more information about this event, visit http://www.artofrecoveryexpo.com.

Thoughts to Share...

So, I have reached some clarity as of late: Life has a funny way of bringing people into our lives when we least expect it.   Every encounter we have whether its brief and short or long periods of time, is presented before us to teach us, impact us, change us, mature us and most of all help us grow.  As every day passes we learn something new, as we encounter different relationships whether they last ...or end, they teach us values, importance, what we will settle for, what we will compromise and what we won't, and most of ALL they prepare us for our future.  We have all faced heartache, pain, anger and strife, but its when we choose to let those memories and feelings go that we become free. We create the ability to move forward in life, to see opportunities that stand before us without regret. They open our hearts and give us the ability to accept things that are good and pure. We are able to see things more clearly, feel things more clearly and become more accepting of life and others. We begin to open our hearts out to what life truly has to offer and what is in store for us. What I am trying to say to everyone is simple: " Don't spend your days, focused on the negative, pain and hurt. Find the strength to let it go, because if you can come to a place of acceptance and growth - better things will come."  Cherish those in your life with everything you have, tell those you care about how you feel, take the time to impact the lives of others in a positive manner, take life with an optimistic approach and most of all trust the process.

-SRA Graduate

What is Your Teenager Hiding?

Do you know what your child is hiding?  Possibly not.  There are a lot of places where kids hide drugs without their parents even noticing.  Kids hide drugs in common household items like pens, toilet paper rolls, lipstick, in cars, under toilet tanks, potato chip cans, etc.  It is very important for parents to become aware of where kids can hide drugs.  For more information, check out this video with a teenager sharing his story on ABC News.  In addition, go to Mask Matters for a list places where kids hide drugs.