Newsletter #99 - Staying safe when it's dark; how to keep cool at night; how to loosen up when working at a computer.

TeenHelp Newsletter

TeenHelp Newsletter #99 - June 18th 2018 - http://www.teenhelp.org

Welcome to the TeenHelp Newsletter! Our Newsletter contains a lot of useful information about our current work, including updates to our site and services, new resources, details of upcoming events, short bits of advice, interesting links and more!

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TeenHelp News

TeenHelp regularly makes changes to its site and services. Some of these are large and noticeable, and others are small and much less so, but each one contributes to the positive development of TeenHelp and how our users experience our community. Below are some of the most recent developments.

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TeenHelp's 20th Anniversary competition (June 10th 2018)

TeenHelp's 20th Anniversary is approaching quickly and as a way to celebrate we are holding a competition. You can enter up to three times and the winner will receive a gift voucher of their choice. We look forward to receiving your submissions!

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f2-an...y-competition/

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Important changes to the Terms of Service, Code of Conduct and Privacy Policy (May 27th 2018)

Our Terms of Service, including the Code of Conduct and Privacy Policy, has been updated for clarity and to better serve our users. Please take a moment to review what has been changed and ask questions if needed.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f2-an...rivacy-policy/

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Latest articles (June 1st 2018)

Coping with mass shootings
Mass shootings have become more common in the past few years and more people worry about becoming victims themselves. Read this article to learn how to cope with these worries.

What is gaslighting?
Gaslighting is the act of manipulating someone into questioning their own sanity, normally in order to control them. This article explains more about how to recognize gaslighting and what to do if you experience it.

Top news of 2017
Many significant events took place around the world during the year 2017. This article highlights some of these important news stories.

Living with your abuser
Living with your abuser can be dangerous and triggering time. Read this article to learn how to cope if you are living with your abuser.

Terrorist attacks in England
From March to September 2017, England went through five separate terrorist attacks. This article explains the events that took place during each of these attacks.

http://www.teenhelp.org/articles/

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Resources

TeenHelp works with a range of different organisations and websites in order to help and educate young people. Below is a selection of some of them. For a full list of the organisations we work with, please visit our Resources page.

http://www.teenhelp.org/resources/

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PTSD Coach

PTSD Coach is a mobile application that was developed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs to assist veterans and military service members with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) recovery, and anyone who may be experiencing symptoms. Download the application to learn more about PTSD and seeking professional help, track your symptoms, and find useful coping strategies. PTSD Coach offers tools for relaxing, such as ambient sounds, guided mindfulness exercises, and you can also personalise it by adding your own soothing pictures and songs.

PTSD Coach is considered suitable for people aged 12 and over, is user friendly and is available for free on Apple and Android devices through their application store.

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Tips Of The Month

Each month we share small bits of practical advice that you can implement to improve your life or that of others.

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Staying safe at night

It is important to stay safe at night, especially when it's dark outside. Here are some tips you can utilize to ensure your safety at night.

• Let someone know where you are going. Tell someone, like a friend or family member, where you will be going so they are able to check in with you. This will allow them to know that you are safe and if something happens, they will know where you will be.
• Use lights so you can be seen. When it's dark outside, it can be hard for motorists and people to see. Wearing bright clothing (neon colours) can reflect light off you so others are able to see you. Wearing a reflector vest or using flashing lights on your body or bicycle alerts others that you are there and make it easier for you to be seen.
• Stay in well lit areas. Taking a walk when it's dark can be helpful for us to de-stress as it can be peaceful and quiet when it is darker outside. Pick a route that is well lit with lights so you are easily visible to others. Walking in dark areas can be risky and dangerous because others can't see you if you are in distress.
• Be watchful of your surroundings. Try to avoid distractions such as listening to loud music, but if you want to talk on the phone to feel safer, be sure to pay attention to your surroundings.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f16-general-health/

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Staying cool during summer nights

It can be difficult to sleep at night when it is uncomfortably hot. Here are some way's to keep cool for a better night's sleep.

• Try to use cotton sheets. Cotton sheets are breathable and allow for airflow during the summer nights. This prevents you from getting as hot as you would if you were to use satin or polyester sheets. Adding to this, you can place your sheets in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer a few minutes before bed to allow for a more cooling effect; this will not keep you cool all night but might give you a short reprieve from the heat.
• Use an ice pack. You can fill a water bottle, use a bag of ice or get some of the cold packs you can purchase in store. Stick them in the freezer and at night, place them by your feet or wrap them in a towel and sleep with them on top of your pillow. The cold packs are probably the most comfortable option to use on a pillow.
• When using fans point them towards an open window. A lot of the time, fans just circulate hot air; however, if you point the fans towards your open windows it will push the air back out which can help with keeping your place cool. You could also place a bowl or ice tray in front of your fan. As the ice melts you will notice that the air blowing from the fan becomes cooler.
• Take a cool shower. This can be done throughout the day but if you are someone that struggles with getting hot at night, you can take a cool shower just before bed. This will cool you down quite a bit and might make falling asleep a bit easier. It can help to let your hair dry naturally because wet hair will keep you cool for longer.
• Keep hydrated. If you become dehydrated you are more likely to succumb to heat stroke or heat exhaustion. It's best to do what you can to drink as much water as possible. You lose water through sweat to help you keep cool, so it's important to keep hydrated throughout the day. An easy way to try and do this is to always keep a water bottle with you and be sure to take small sips every 15-20 minutes.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f16-general-health/

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Ways to loosen up when working at a computer

Lack of movement while working at a computer can lead to aches and pains. Taking regular breaks is recommended; here are a few stretches you can do to loosen up. Repeat these exercises ten times each for a simple stretch routine. Remember, only perform these exercises if it is safe to do so and stop if it feels painful.

• Wrist circles. Make a fist with your hands and slowly circle your wrists ten times in one direction and then again in the other direction.
• Shoulder shrugs. Take a deep breath and at the same time, move your shoulders up towards your ears. Slowly exhale and roll your shoulders back and down to their starting position.
• Neck retraction. Keep your spine straight and your face level, and move your head forwards and backwards slowly. Hold each position for three seconds and then go back to the starting position.
• Back extension. Sit up straight and place the palms of your hands on your lower back. Move your shoulders back and your hips forward so that your spine is arched slightly. Hold the position for three seconds and then release.
• Leg extension. Hold the side of your seat with both hands and lift your leg up slowly. Keep your leg in the air and loosen your ankle by pointing your toes up to the ceiling and back down again; repeat three times, and then do the same with your other leg.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f16-general-health/

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Interesting Things (on TeenHelp)

A lot of content is posted to TeenHelp every single day, from threads to articles, social groups to albums. But it is difficult for even the most veteran user to keep on top of it all, so we have selected a few items from among the masses that we thought were interesting to draw your attention to.

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Threads

Using TeenHelp as a way to boost job prospects
If you are currently looking for a job, this is a great place to discuss using volunteering experience on TeenHelp to boost job prospects. If you have mentioned TeenHelp when applying for a job, share your experiences here, and find out if other users have done so, too.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f22-e...-job-propects/

Frustrated mommy
Being a parent can be stressful, especially when it is your first time. This user is looking for information about caring for a five month old. Come share your experiences here.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f7-pr...strated-mommy/

Help me pick my book for July
Help this user pick a book to read for the month of July. They plan on reviewing the book after reading it as well. This is a great way to interact with other users on the site and learn about new books.http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f198-...ick-book-july/

Keep the energy all day
Are you someone who struggles with keeping your energy levels up every day? Come view this thread to discuss ways you have found to help you maintain energy throughout the day.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f16-g...nergy-all-day/

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Social groups

Photographers of TH
If you are a photographer or interested in becoming one, join this group to discuss techniques and meet others who share your interest.
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups...ographers++th/

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Picture Of The Month

Each month we feature a picture by one of our users. If you would like to see your picture here please contact us by replying to this Newsletter, emailing us at publications@teenhelp.org, or messaging our Newsletter Officer on the website.


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Donate to TeenHelp

In order to continue providing free services to young people around the world, TeenHelp requires a constant income of voluntary donations to support our regular costs. If you are able to, we ask that you please donate any money you can to us, even if it's only a few dollars.

http://www.teenhelp.org/donate/

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Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and Twitter

Our social networking pages are a great place to get a lot of high-quality information. We aim to connect you to interesting organisations, volunteering opportunities, events, news stories, pictures, videos, and more!

Facebook: http://www.teenhelp.org/facebook
Instagram: http://www.teenhelp.org/instagram
Tumblr: http://www.teenhelp.org/tumblr
Twitter: http://www.teenhelp.org/twitter

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Editorial team

Publications Team Leader/Editor-in-Chief: Haley (Halcyon)
Senior Newsletter Editor: Cassie (cynefin)
Newsletter Editor: Chantal (MsNobleEleanor)
Newsletter Editor: Dez (Melancholia.)
Newsletter Editor: Jenna (.:Bibliophile:.)
Newsletter Editor: Sammi (Ambedo.)

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