Reel Life…Reel Hope

In our increasingly digital age, relevancy is often measured in terms of how many views you have on YouTube. As it is, the would-be virtue of viral video is often lost to the finicky fame of popularity, kitsch, niche, and absurdity. If Palahniuk is right, we must teach our youth to positively impact their culture by modeling “the kind of world they demand to live in”. We feel strongly that this can be done through the conduit of video.

“The first step - especially for young people with energy and drive and talent, but not money - the first step to controlling your world is to control your culture. To model and demonstrate the kind of world you demand to live in. To write the books. Make the music. Shoot the films. Paint the art.” -Chuck Palahniuk

Please welcome A.R.T.C. video, our recently launched and primarily youth directed film project. Using YouTube as a vehicle for change our young people are empowered to share messages of HOPE and RECOVERY. Videos are reflective of the strengths, creativity, and special interest of the Youth Director. Participants are encouraged to reflect truth and a message of change that will impact their community. Current videos have addressed; alcohol related violence, trans-generational addiction, city life, drug overdose, and driving while under the influence. Take a moment to view an example where this young man discusses the importance of keeping our dreams within reach and facing our fears.

Please encourage our youth. Support their talents and desire for change. LIKE & SHARE! You can view more videos on our YouTube page. 

By Michelle Boonaerts 

About the author: Michelle is the A.R.T.C. Regional Coordinator for Preferred Family Healthcare's Eastern Region. 

Painkiller Plague

Painkiller addiction is an ever present problem in the US. With Americans using pills to get rid of their pains, the unforeseen problem of addiction often occurs with users. With pill overdoses killing around 15,000 the FDA would like to see companies making safer drugs. 

 According to MarketPlace.org, the FDA is considering a proposal to restrict access to those dangerous prescription painkillers and also want to see companies reformulate drugs. The FDA wants to see the new formulations cause less of a high feeling, be harder to crush, and more testing to fully see the drugs effects.

The FDA needs to follow through with these possible regulations because painkiller abuse cases have soared in the last few years. WebMD has looked into the subject saying, “Experts don't know exactly how many people are addicted to prescription drugs today, but all agree it's on the rise. 'It's partly an issue of availability,' says Robert Jamison, PhD, associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. "Vastly more people have access to these medicines today than 15 or 20 years ago”. They also mention how doctors are currently more open to giving out the opiates to those who complain of pain.

Another problem associated with the out-flux of painkillers is how easy it is for teens and even children to get their hands on the potent drugs. With the drugs being overly prescribed some bottles may end up collecting dust in medicine cabinets, within easy reach of children and teens. They can take the pills without your knowledge or even sell them.

Abuse of painkillers is ever prevalent in the U.S.

The new generation of pills -- if developed -- are still dangerously addictive. That’s why the doctor says the solution has to be more than yet another pill, albeit one that’s harder to abuse said Philadelphia Doctor, Aviva Fohrer.

Serving Since 1979

We understand how hard it can be when a family member needs help. We also understand how much care professionals take when making a referral. That's why, for over 30 years, both families and professionals throughout the midwest have trusted Preferred Family Healthcare.

Learn more about our services at www.pfh.org