Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy the warm weather and participate in exciting activities. Whether you’re a high school student, a parent, or just someone looking to make the most of the season, Meriden, Connecticut, has plenty of programs to offer. From fitness passes to food programs, there are numerous opportunities to stay active, healthy, and safe. Here are a few safe summer tips and an overview of some fantastic local programs.   Safe Summer Tips 1. Stay Hydrated: With temperatures rising, it’s essential to drink plenty of water. Carry a reusable water bottle and make a habit of sipping regularly, especially if you’re spending time outdoors. 2. Use Sunscreen: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating. 3. Stay Active Safely: Engage in physical activities during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon. Wear appropriate gear and take breaks to avoid overheating. 4. Stay Informed About Weather Conditions: Check the weather forecast regularly and be prepared for sudden changes. Seek shelter during thunderstorms and avoid outdoor activities during extreme heat warnings. 5. Practice Water Safety: Whether you’re at the beach, pool, or lake, always follow safety guidelines. Never swim alone, and ensure that children are supervised by an adult.   Programs in Meriden, Connecticut Free Planet Fitness Pass for High Schoolers Planet Fitness is offering a fantastic opportunity for high school students to stay fit this summer with their free summer pass program. This initiative allows teens aged 14-19 to work out for free at any Planet Fitness location from May 15 to August 31. This is a great way for students to stay active, build healthy habits, and enjoy a safe environment to exercise. Meriden YMCA The Meriden YMCA offers a variety of programs for all ages, promoting health and wellness within the community. Some of the summer highlights include: Summer Camps The YMCA offers day camps with activities ranging from sports and swimming to arts and crafts. These camps provide a safe, supervised environment for children to have fun and make new friends. Fitness Classes For adults and teens, the YMCA has fitness classes such as yoga, Zumba, and strength training. These classes are a great way to stay active and meet like-minded individuals. Swimming Lessons: Swimming is not only a fun activity but also a crucial life skill. The YMCA offers swimming lessons for all ages and skill levels, ensuring everyone can enjoy the water safely. Free Food Programs Ensuring access to nutritious food is vital, especially during the summer months when school meals are not available. Meriden offers several free food programs to support families in need: Summer Meals Program This program provides free breakfast and lunch to children and teens aged 18 and under at various sites throughout Meriden. No registration or proof of income is required, making it easy for families to access nutritious meals.

With the end of the school year approaching, the YIA has been busy promoting safe driving and a Prom Promise campaign. Students wrote safe driving tips on sticky notes and posted them around the school to raise awareness, emphasizing the importance of staying safe during spring. Additionally, for the Prom Promise campaign, in partnership with Rushford, SADD had a table during all lunch waves. We encouraged students to pledge to return safely to school the Monday after prom.   As the school year wraps up, it’s a great time to reflect on your accomplishments and set goals for the future. Make sure to take care of yourself during the summer by staying hydrated, protecting your skin from the sun, and planning ahead for any summer activities or trips. When it comes to graduation celebrations, it’s important to have fun while also being responsible. Whether attending parties or gatherings, remember to make smart decisions and look out for your friends. Celebrate your achievements safely and create lasting memories with those you care about.   As you enjoy your summer break, keep in touch with loved ones and stay connected. Whether you’re traveling or staying close to home, maintaining communication is essential for your safety and well-being.   By following these tips, you can make the most of the end of the school year, have a safe and enjoyable summer, and celebrate your graduation in a responsible manner.   Works Cited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Tips to Keep You and Your Family Safe and Healthy This Summer.” *CDC*, 21 May 2021, www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/kidsafety/index.html. Accessed 28 May 2024. Mothers Against Drunk Driving. “Graduation and Prom Season: Keeping Teens Safe.” *MADD*, 15 Apr. 2023, www.madd.org/underage-drinking/graduation-and-prom-season/. Accessed 28 May 2024. “Tips for a Safe Summer.” *Safety 1st*, 12 June 2022, www.safety1st.com/summer-safety-tips. Accessed 28 May 2024. American Psychological Association. “Staying Connected During Summer Break.” *APA*, 30 May 2023, www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2023/summer-break. Accessed 28 May 2024.

Written By Fatima Mir, Meriden Healthy Youth Coalition Youth Peer Advocate As we grow up, there is one major thing to help guide us – healthy relationships. As teenagers, we often find ourselves grappling with several changes, both internal and external. Amidst this whirlwind, creating and nurturing healthy connections becomes not just important but crucial for our overall well-being and mental health. It’s also a major factor in shaping who we will become when we are adults. First and foremost, healthy relationships provide a support system that acts as a protection against the challenges we face. Whether it’s academic stress, familial issues, or personal struggles, having a reliable network of friends and mentors can make all the difference. It creates a safe space where we can express ourselves without fear of judgment and find solace in shared experiences. They are someone we can be comfortable with and have a sense of trust. Moreover, these relationships contribute significantly to our emotional development. Our teenage years are marked by emotional highs and lows, and navigating this rollercoaster is undoubtedly easier with a strong support network. Healthy relationships offer empathy, understanding, and emotional validation, fostering emotional intelligence that is invaluable throughout life. This is vital to helping us not only understand our emotions but the feelings of others around us too. Communication skills, a cornerstone of healthy relationships, are honed during these formative years. Learning to express our thoughts and feelings effectively, and equally important, listening actively, are skills that extend beyond personal relationships. Mutual Respect can help with this. By emphasizing the importance of mutual respect. Acknowledge each other’s perspectives and differences, fostering a sense of understanding and appreciation. Beyond the personal growth aspect, healthy relationships also play a pivotal role in shaping our perceptions of trust, respect, and boundaries. Navigating friendships and romantic connections teaches us the importance of mutual respect and the necessity of setting and respecting personal boundaries. These lessons are invaluable as we transition into adulthood, where establishing healthy boundaries becomes even more critical. Having boundaries is vital for successful relationships. Define and discuss expectations regarding responsibilities, expectations, and other rules. Clearly communicated boundaries foster understanding and reduce misunderstandings. In the digital age, where social media often blurs the lines between real and virtual relationships, the importance of genuine, face-to-face connections cannot be overstated. Healthy relationships in the teenage years provide a foundation for building authentic connections, fostering a sense of belonging that is vital for mental well-being. In conclusion, as teenagers, we stand at the threshold of adulthood, and the relationships we cultivate now shape the trajectory of our future. Investing time and effort in building healthy connections not only contributes to our immediate happiness but equips us with essential life skills. It’s a journey of self-discovery, emotional resilience, and the foundation for a fulfilling life ahead.

As we all prepare for the next year, it is essential that we remember this time is for more than surviving the post-holiday, winter blues and the typical resolutions. January is also recognized as Mental Wellness Month, where we are encouraged to focus on ourselves mentally and emotionally. It’s a yearly reminder to give ourselves a mental high-five and focus on feeling good. Kicking off the year by learning more about self-care is a great way to celebrate our well-being! Here are some tips on how teens can make the best of Mental Wellness Month. Mindful Moments: Start your day with a few minutes of mindfulness. Whether it’s deep breathing, meditation, or a quick gratitude journaling session, set aside time to ground yourself and cultivate a positive mindset. Digital Detox: In a world dominated by screens, give yourself the gift of a digital detox. Take breaks from social media, turn off notifications, and engage in activities that don’t involve staring at a screen. Your mind will thank you! Connect with Nature: Step outside and breathe in the fresh air. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike, or simply sitting in your backyard, connecting with nature has a profound impact on our mental well-being. Express Yourself: Embrace your creative side! Whether you love writing, drawing, or playing an instrument, expressing yourself through art can be therapeutic. It’s not about perfection; it’s about the joy of creating. Prioritize Sleep: As teenagers, it’s easy to underestimate the importance of sleep. Make a conscious effort to establish a consistent sleep routine. Quality sleep plays a significant role in maintaining good mental health. Healthy Habits: Fuel your body with nutritious foods and stay hydrated. A healthy diet contributes to a healthy mind. Small changes in your eating habits can make a big difference in how you feel. Reach Out: Don’t hesitate to talk to someone if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or a mental health professional, sharing your thoughts and feelings is a sign of strength. Never forget that self-care is never selfish: Self-care is a necessary investment in your well-being. January should be a month of self-discovery, growth, and embracing the journey towards a healthier you. Remember, you’re not alone, and your mental health is a priority. Here’s to rocking January like the incredible teens we are!