news

COVID-19
All AOK staff and youth attending AOK After School and Nathan’s Place will be required to wear a mask when social distancing is not possible. For questions please contact Jerod, Zach, or Kelsi at one of the buildings.

Announcement
All tax information for parents and donors have been mailed. If you have not received yours or have questions, please contact Jerod or Zach.

AOK would like to thank Mrs. Beem and rest of LHS staff and administration for allowing us to lead discussions about healthy life choices. AOK staff will be leading discussions now through end of the school year promoting healthy choices for grades 9–12.

Happy Birthday!

Drake McElroy – February 3rd
Keaton Wolfe – February 6th

Drug-Free Message of the Week

Prescription Pain Medications and Treating Teens

Prescription opioids are medications that are chemically similar to endorphins or opioids that our body makes naturally to relieve pain and they are similar to the illegal drug heroin. In nature, opioids are found in the seed pod of the opium poppy plant. Prescription opioids usually come in pill or liquid form and are given to treat severe pain, like, pain from dental surgery, serious sports injuries, or even cancer. If you are in the hospital, medical providers can administer these medications many times through an IV in your arm. Opioids are sometimes prescribed to treat pain that lasts a long time as well in pill form.

When opioids are taken as prescribed by a medical professional for a short time, they can be relatively safe and can reduce pain effectively. However, taking prescription opioids puts you at risk for dependence and addiction which means you feel withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drug. Continued use can lead to addiction, where you continue to seek out the drug and use it despite negative consequences. These risks increase when the medications are misused. Prescription medications are some of the most commonly misused drugs by teens, after tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana.

If you, a loved one, or someone you know needs information or treatment in a confidential, safe, judgment-free atmosphere, please contact AOK directly by calling or texting 417.682.6002 or visit aokyouth.org/rcc-project.

Follow this newsletter to learn more about this crisis and how it can affect those around you.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Taquito

Each building will participate in an activity that involves sampling of taquitos, along with an educational piece.

 

 

NATHAN’S PLACE

Announcement
Watch for an upcoming Valentine's Day event at Nathan’s Place.

Awareness
Kids grow dramatically during the teen years. Drug abuse at any age can cause serious health effects, but teens who abuse drugs are at particular risk for negative consequences. Teens who misuse drugs are more likely to struggle with addiction later in life and have permanent and irreversible brain damage. During the month of February, the VolunTeens will be focusing on Opioid and Drug Misuse Prevention. This week’s prevention activity will be a variety of interactive trivia games teaching the dangers that drugs have on the growing adolescent body and teaching the myths and facts of harmful substances.

This week’s resource for families to discuss with their children is Mind Matters: Drugs and the Brain.

Food of the Month
Cherry and Grapefruit are the foods of the month.

Cherries are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals and are also well known for their antioxidant properties. This week, the VolunTeens will be preparing Mini Cherry Cheesecakes.

Try the recipe for yourself here.