Son Of Late NFL Star Terry Glenn Dies Of Apparent Overdose

Terry Glenn Jr, son of the late NFL wide receiver Terry Glenn, recently died from an apparent accidental overdose on Thanksgiving. He was 22.Grieving His FatherShortly before his death, Glenn Jr tweeted about grieving his late father who suffered an untimely death three days before Thanksgiving a couple years ago."Thanksgiving was my dads favorite game to play in as a cowboy. And you best believe your boy was right there in the stands,” Glenn Jr. tweeted on the day of his death."I miss him so much," he revealed in a follow-up tweet. "This time of year is the hardest by far man...this was his holiday and the last one got cut short right before we were allll gonna be together....really just wonder why."On November 20, 2017, the elder Glenn passed away at the age of 43. He was involved in a fatal car accident where he was ejected from the car.  Prior to his death, Glenn Jr. worked as a sales associate at a Champs Sports store in Ohio. Justin Hoosier, the store's assistant manager, said this about Glenn Jr. “He definitely was hardworking and passionate,” said Hoosier. “He was always talking about the influence of his dad. He wanted to keep that legacy but also make a name for himself.”The Family Speaks OutA statement from the family was published on 10TV:Kimberly Combs-Matthew’s son - Terry Glenn, Jr. - died tragically on Thanksgiving Day in Columbus, Ohio of an apparent accidental overdose.Terry Jr. was a burgeoning entrepreneur, aspiring vlogger, and avid sports enthusiast following in his famous father’s footsteps. Those that knew him, commented on his infectious personality- “he never met a stranger.”Still grieving from the untimely death of his record-setting father - just two years ago in a November 2017 car accident - Terry Jr. reminisced on Thanksgiving Day in a Twitter post saying “I miss him so much. This time of the year is the hardest by far man... this was his holiday...really just wonder why.”Typically sharing the day with football and family, Terry Jr. stated “Thanksgiving was my Dad’s favorite game to play in as a Cowboy and you best believe ya boy was always right there in the stands.” Terry Jr. spent many of his formative years watching his father play America’s pastime as a star wide receiver.Terry Glenn, Sr. was as a key contributor to winning seasons and championships contests for National Football League teams including the New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, and the Dallas Cowboys.Prior to joining the NFL, Glenn Sr. played as an Ohio State University Buckeye, shattering school records along the way. Coping during the holidays can be difficult – especially when wrestling with depression and drug or alcohol addiction.Many people try to overlook their feelings and participate in holiday festivities alongside their friends and relatives, yet studies show that nearly 1 in 5 Americans will feel down during the holidays. If you, or a family member needs help with a mental or substance use disorder at any time, there are resources that can offer support.Call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration National (SAMHSA) Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.Both services are confidential, free, and provide 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year information help, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental health and/or substance use conditions. They provide referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.Arrangements for Terry Glenn, Jr. are pending and his family requests to allow them to mourn during this profoundly difficult time.We make this appeal for privacy on behalf of those close to us, who wish to remember Terry Jr. and celebrate his life quietly and in peace. We thank you for your love, understanding, and prayers of support. Terry Jr. lived a wonderful life, and he will be fondly remembered and terribly missed by his family and friends.

Morning Roundup: Dec. 3, 2019

Meth Is Killing More Utahns Than Ever [Salt Lake Tribune]Ben Affleck And Jennifer Garner Fight Post-Relapse [Radar Online]Teen Opens Free Mental Health Lounge For Kids In Need After Being Stabbed By Bullies [News3TV]The Class Of 2000 "Could've Been Anything." Until Opioids Hit [NY Times]Built For Counterterrorism, This High-Tech Machine Is Now Helping Fight Fentanyl [NPR]What Would A War On The Drug Cartels Look Like? [Town Hall]Public Health Crisis: 25% of Youth Are Addicted To Phone, Often With Mental Health Problems [Fast Company]"Secret Santa" Causes Millennial Anxiety [Mental Floss] 

Doctors Use "TikTok" To Teach Teens About Vaping Dangers

Figuring out a way to reach teens has been an ongoing issue for medical professionals, teachers and parents for decades. But now, a handful of doctors have found a very modern solution to raising awareness and educating teens and it's a popular app called TikTok.What Is TikTok?The app, which Slate describes as a "social network for amateur music videos," allows users to express themselves in 15-second clips that they can then upload for their followers to see.Dr. Rose Marie Leslie uses the app to inform teens about the health impact of e-cigarettes and other medical misinformation. For Dr. Leslie, it's important to dispel harmful health myths which are becoming more widespread thanks to the Internet. “I may not be the perfect health guru on social media,” Dr. Leslie told CNBC. “I don’t meditate or do yoga, I rarely get enough sleep, I’m not vegan and I don’t post inspirational quotes. But let me tell you, I have never and will never try to convince you that drinking celery juice cures cancer.”Dr. Leslie, who can be found on the app under @DrLeslie, practices family medicine at the University of Minnesota. Her TikTok videos have put a spotlight on vaping illnesses, birth control and she even busts medical myths for her 300,000 TikTok followers.Dr. Leslie is happy that her videos are making a positive impacts on teens' lives. She regularly receives letters, emails and comments from teens thanking her for helping them understand the issues. She also receives a number of medical questions that some teens are afraid to ask the adults in their lives. The Power Of Social MediaDr. Austin Chiang is also a big believer in the power of social media. He uses Twitter, Instagram and TikTok to help young doctors and to educate the public on how vaccines work. Public health experts see the use of social media in medicine as an overall positive thing. “I’ve heard the criticism that doctors and other medical professionals on social media are somehow less credible, or won’t be taken as seriously by their peers,” said Sherry Pagoto, a behavioral scientist and professor at the Department of Allied Health Sciences at the University of Connecticut. “But I think that school of thought is going to be a thing of the past.”Pagoto added that “it would be great for public health organizations to follow the lead of these medical professionals on TikTok.”

Willie Nelson Has Quit Smoking Marijuana

Country legend Willie Nelson, who smoked his first joint in 1954, revealed in a recent interview that breathing problems have forced him to stop smoking marijuana, his notable drug of choice.“I have abused my lungs quite a bit in the past, so breathing is a little more difficult these days and I have to be careful,” Nelson told KSAT TV.“I started smoking cedar bark, went from that to cigarettes to whatever. And that almost killed me.”Nelson, who has a history of emphysema, was left with no choice but to give up smoking the bud. “I don’t smoke anymore - take better care of myself,” Nelson said.Leaving Cigs & Whiskey BehindThe 86-year-old singer told Rolling Stone back in April, “I’m kind of the canary in the mine, if people are wondering what happens if you smoke that shit a long time,” he said. “You know, if I start jerking or shaking or something, don’t give me no more weed. But as long as I’m all right...”While the country legend first tried marijuana in 1954, it wouldn't be until over two decades later before he opted to make it his number one vice - a decision that the singer stands behind. He cut out the cigarettes and whiskey and never looked back.“I wouldn’t be alive. It saved my life, really. I wouldn’t have lived 85 years if I’d have kept drinking and smoking like I was when I was 30, 40 years old. I think that weed kept me from wanting to kill people," he told Rolling Stone, "And probably kept a lot of people from wanting to kill me, too — out there drunk, running around.”Willie's ReserveThough he may not smoke it anymore, he is still in the marijuana business. His medicinal marijuana brand Willie's Reserve launched back in 2016 and is still going strong. “This is a culmination of Willie’s vision, and his whole life,” said Michael Bowman, Nelson’s spokesman said in a statement about the launch. “Really, he wants it, at the end of the day, to envelop what his personal morals and convictions are.”Bowman continued, “Willie has spent a lifetime in support of cannabis, both the industrial hemp side and the marijuana side. He wants to be something that’s reflective of his passion. Ultimately, it’s his, but it was developed by his family, and their focus on environmental and social issues, and in particular this crazy War on Drugs, and trying to be a bright light amongst this trail as we’re trying to extract ourselves from the goo of prohibition.” 

If, When, and How You Should Talk To Others About Your Addiction

“Oh, you don’t drink? Why not?”It’s a question most people in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction have heard at least once. Although not all Americans drink, it sometimes seems like all of us are expected to. When you pass on a drink (or a drag, for that matter), it can prompt unwanted questioning. This is a situation that you’re almost guaranteed to encounter at some point in recovery, so it’s best to prepare ahead of time. If you’ve thought about how you want to talk to other people about your substance use disorder and your sobriety ahead of time, you’ll be better able to handle (or deflect) questions as they come up. Reflect On Your Comfort LevelThe first step in deciding how to talk to others about your addiction and recovery is to reflect on your general comfort level talking about addiction. Some people prefer to keep things private, while others enjoy the support they get from sharing milestones on social media and with wide circles of people they know. Both of those responses are fine; you just have to decide which one is right for you. This is a time to be honest with yourself. You might want to become an advocate for recovery eventually, but some feel that in early recovery it’s best to keep things private. It can be helpful to talk with your sponsor or other people in recovery as you decide what you want to share, if anything at all. No One Size Fits AllConsider that different people in your life might warrant different information on your addiction and recovery. The people closest to you, like your partner or children, were likely deeply impacted by your addiction, so you might feel that they deserve more insight into your recovery process. These people can likely benefit from understanding the disease of addiction and the process of recovery. Talking openly with them can help them understand your recovery process. Other people, like an acquaintance who notices that you aren’t drinking, aren’t owed an explanation at all. It’s completely fine to not discuss your addiction and recovery with these people at all. Remember, choosing not to discuss your addiction and recovery with strangers doesn’t mean you’re ashamed. After all, you likely wouldn’t discuss any other personal medical condition with someone you barely know. Then there are people who you don’t want to be particularly open with, but who were impacted by your recovery. This might include your colleagues. For these people, address the issues that need to be spoken about, without going into extra detail. You can assure your boss that you are reliable and able to do your job, without getting into the nitty gritty details about your addiction. Boundaries are always ok. Practice Deflecting QuestionsSometimes, it seems that people forget their manners when discussing addiction and recovery. No matter what type of openness you decide on, you’re likely to encounter some questions that you feel are too intrusive. Consider ahead of time how you’ll respond to these. “Why do you ask?” is a simple and polite response that puts the onus back on the person you’re talking too. Most likely, they’ll realize what they’re asking about is none of their business, giving you a chance to put the conversation back on grounds that you’re comfortable with. Check In Over TimeLike most aspects of recovery, how you discuss your addiction and sobriety will likely change over time. As you reach more recovery milestones and become more confident in your sobriety, you might want to share more of your story with people close to you and with strangers. Periodically check in with yourself, and think about your comfort level in sharing your story.Many people who deal with stigmatized conditions like substance use disorder find it empowering to speak out or advocate for changes that can make the road easier for those coming behind. Speaking out gives you the opportunity to control the narrative, and tell your story how you want it portrayed. After the disempowerment of living with active addiction, it can be powerful to feel in control. Learn more about Oceanside Malibu at http://oceansidemalibu.com/. Reach Oceanside Malibu by phone at (866) 738-6550. Find Oceanside Malibu on Facebook.

5 Ways To Practice Compassion Among Your Family and Friends Through the Holidays

The holidays are a time when families come together to celebrate the season of gratitude and while the season is often marked by abundance, it can also be a time of great need.It can be easy to assume that everyone is doing well during the holidays, but even in seemingly stable families, there exist struggling college students, extended family who may be going to the food bank for the first time, moms who are secretly going through a divorce and wondering how to get by during the coming year, and family members facing a diagnosis that will require hospitalization.Why not use this time together to look for and help your friends and family that could use an extra hand this holiday season?Here are five ways to weave compassion – for yourself and others – into the coming holidays.1. Check In: Don’t Assume It’s All OkayDo you have a friend or family member that you think might be going through something? Check in and ask. Offer to take them out to lunch, send them a card or a text. Make a phone call. You don’t have to pry into their life but be there and listen to what they have to say. The holidays can trigger all kinds of feelings and are a good time to touch base, especially amid the flurry of holiday cards and photos.2. Listen to UnderstandThere’s a difference between “listen to talk” and “listen to understand.” Listening to understand means you’re actively listening to the other person. You’re not in the “problem solving mindset,” you’re in the “exploration” mindset. Your friend may simply need to talk. Or they might need advice or a second opinion. Whatever it is, you won’t know unless you practice listening to understand. Creating space for those story-telling family members is a great place to start – studies show that recounting stories improves self-esteem in seniors.3. Care for YourselfMaybe you’re the one who is always there for everyone and always showing up when people need it most, and maybe this year, you’re going through struggles of your own. Tell someone you need to talk and make the time to do it, whether it’s a friend, a family member, a therapist, or counselor. Your needs are valid and important and your family and friends will respect that you know how to ask for and get the help you need to live your best life. Make it the gift you give yourself this year.4. Find Causes That Speak To YouFind nonprofits and causes that you can make an ongoing part of your life. Why? Because when a cause speaks to you, you’re more likely to look for creative ways to help it. When you’re actively involved with a cause you believe in, you’re more likely to talk about it with your friends and encourage them to give back in ways that are meaningful in their lives. Giving Tuesday is just one day, but a great day to start.5. Get OrganizedWhen you know someone who is going through a hardship, like a loved one in the hospital, the birth of a new baby, a sick child, or the death of a loved one, organize your friends and family to help them. This can be done with online tools like Give InKind that help you coordinate financial contributions, calendar tasks, chores, and more on a dedicated page that helps the person in need get exactly what they need. Time spent with family is a great time to pull together and make a plan for supporting someone you love.No matter how you give and give back this holiday season and beyond, stay mindful about those in need. May we all be lucky enough to not need, but when we do, may we all have the support of our loved ones and community to help us through. Laura Malcolm is the CEO and Founder of the social support network, Give InKind.

Kamala Harris Unveils Mental Health Plan With Charlamagne Tha God

Senator Kamala Harris unveiled her new mental health plan in South Carolina this week during an event featuring radio personality/author Charlamagne tha God. Harris sat down with The Breakfast Club host to discuss the state of mental health in America.  A Public Policy Failure"Probably one of the biggest public policy failures of America is the failure to address mental health and put the resources into it as a priority. The result of that is that people are silently suffering who should never suffer. We have so many children who are experiencing undiagnosed, untreated trauma, whether it is because they’re growing up in a home where there’s violence, which crosses socioeconomic lines, or a community where there’s violence, or growing up in poverty because — let’s be clear — poverty is trauma-inducing," Harris explained, according to Post and Courier. "All of the behaviors that result from that undiagnosed, untreated trauma are predictable. We’re failing to address it and then where we do address it is in the criminal justice system. We have basically turned jails and prisons into these gigantic mental health facilities without any mental health treatment."Charlamagne then touched on the issue of trauma and how he had to unlearn stigmatizing beliefs regarding who is affected by mental illness."They call it a correctional facility, but what are you really correcting? You’re taking these kids who are already dealing with so much trauma and throwing them in a situation that’s just putting trauma on top of trauma, and then you’re letting them out in the world — if they are blessed enough to come home — and they haven’t dealt with anything," he said. "I think one of the reasons they don’t get the help they need is because we don’t look at mental health services as something that should be part of a larger healthcare initiative. I didn’t even realize anxiety and depression was considered a mental health issue until I started going to therapy. When you think mental health, you think schizophrenia, you think somebody in a straitjacket, but no, it’s people dealing with these issues every single day and they just don’t have the proper tools and resources to go deal with it."Harris added, "And then we deal with it when it reaches a crisis level. You would never say that we should have a health care system that only deals with stage four cancer."In her new plan, Harris calls for an amendment to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) that would protect healthcare providers who give out patients' private information if they are acting out of "good faith."Disabled healthcare advocate Kendally Brown tweeted Harris in response to her proposed HIPAA amendments. "I adore you, but eliminating the IMD exclusion would remove the ONE protection mentally ill people have from the state locking them up in institutions long-term. I love that you're focussing on mental health, but any solution MUST be community based, not institutional."Brown's stance is a common one among recovery and mental health advocates who fight for patients with addiction and/or mental health issues to make their own healthcare decisions.Kamala's Mental Health PlanHere is Harris's multi-pronged plan to address mental health, according to her campaign website:Focus Federal Funding on Needed Mental Health ResearchKamala will direct federal funds to seek better treatment for mental illness and research on mental health issues more broadly, including research on adults with serious mental illness (SMI) and the use of interventions that reduce homelessness, arrest, incarceration, and unnecessary hospitalization.Expand Coverage of and Access to Mental Health ServicesThrough her Medicare for All plan, Kamala will deliver mental health on demand via telemedicine, providing care by phone or video to all Americans whenever and wherever they need it—all without deductibles or copays.A shortage of mental health professionals harms American families and communities. It also drives provider stress and burnout. Kamala will authorize an educational loan forgiveness program for mental health professionals that agree to practice in areas with a shortage of providers.Increase Access to Hospitals, Housing, and Other Care FacilitiesKamala will double the number of treatment beds nationwide, prioritizing states with shortages, including Iowa, Nevada, South Carolina, and Michigan, so persons with mental illness can receive the high levels of care they need.She’ll repeal the Institutions of Mental Disease (IMD) exclusion, which precludes Medicaid funding for adults receiving care in psychiatric facilities with more than 16 beds and has exacerbated a severe shortage of acute psychiatric care beds nationwide.Focus on Vulnerable PopulationsDouble US Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs (VA) research dollars to address and treat PTSD, military sexual trauma, and traumatic brain injury.Invest in evidence-based screenings for childhood trauma—including the fact that poverty is trauma-inducing—to diagnose and treat mental illness as early as possible.End the Mental-Illness-to-Jail PipelineKamala will expand Crisis Intervention Team training, which integrates specialized police, mental health professionals, EMS, 911 systems, and hospital emergency rooms in response to mental health crisis calls.You can read more about Harris's plan here.