Newsletter #107 - Mini pesto pizzas; selecting birth control; DIY lip balm.

TeenHelp Newsletter

TeenHelp Newsletter #107 - February 23rd 2019 - 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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Latest Articles (February 3rd 2019)

Target Beauty Box review
The Target Beauty Box is a non-subscription box that sends five to seven beauty items with each purchase. Read one user's review of this service.

We're laughing with you, not at you: Using humor to discuss disability
Being able to laugh at yourself is an important life skill. It can help change how you view yourself and how others view your disability. This article explains how you can use humor to talk about disabilities.

The Lunar Chronicles: Book Series Review
The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer, is a science fiction series that retells classic fairytales with a futuristic twist. Check out one user's review of the series to see if you would like to pick it up yourself.

The different types of vision loss and what to do with them
There are a variety of types of vision loss that can affect people in different ways and require different treatments. Read this article to learn some terms related to vision loss.

Ways to conquer phone anxiety
Phone anxiety happens when someone has extreme fear surrounding making or taking phone calls, or leaving a voicemail. This article describes methods for tackling phone anxiety.

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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Stop A Bully

Stop A Bully was founded in 2009 by a British Columbia teacher and was a Canada-wide bullying program that allowed students to safely report bullying and cyberbullying to their school. Their website includes many useful resources such as anti-bullying videos and information about cyber safety.

http://www.stopabully.ca/

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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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How to make mini pesto pizzas

Pesto is commonly known as a pasta sauce, but it can be used with many other foods. It can be used as an alternative to tomato sauce in pizza, for instance. Below details how to make mini pesto pizzas.

• Gather your ingredients. To make these pizzas, you will need English muffins, pesto, and cheese and toppings of your choice.
• Cut your English muffin in half and leave the inside of them facing up. This will be the top of your pizzas. Use a knife or spoon to scoop out a little bit of pesto and spread it on the top. Know that pesto is thicker than tomato sauce so you will not need a lot of it.
• Add cheese and toppings of your choice. Pepperoni is a classic topping, but if you want something different or healthier, try different vegetables such as squash, eggplant, or zucchini.
• Bake until the cheese is melted. There isn't a particular temperature that works best. 400 degrees F (204 C) works well if you're in a hurry, but consider trying 375 degrees F (190 C) to prevent burning.
• Enjoy your pizzas! These pizzas are especially helpful for those making food and lifestyle changes. It's an illusion in that the two pizzas make people feel as though they are getting a lot, but the portion size is smaller.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f184-food-recipes/

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Selecting a birth control method

Birth control can help prevent pregnancy. Many, but not all, of them also help with symptoms related to menstruation. There are several forms of birth control available and sometimes it can be difficult to know what is best for you. Read on to learn tips for selecting a birth control method.

• Consider protection from sexually transmitted infections. Condoms are the only form of birth control that also protects against STIs. They can be used with other methods.
• Think about your ability to use the method correctly. Certain types of birth control, such as the pill, have to be taken at the same time each day. Other types, such as the shot, require you to visit the doctor every three months. So, see what method of birth control fits your lifestyle best.
• Think about what you're comfortable with. Some methods of birth control, such as a diaphragm, IUD, or the NuvaRing, have to be inserted vaginally. If you are uncomfortable with this, it may be a good idea to select a different method.
• Look at the ingredients and side effects. Some birth control methods are hormonal, and others are non-hormonal. Others may have potential side effects. It is important to remember that each body is different and therefore not everyone will react the same.
• Consider the cost. Depending on where you live, certain birth control methods may or may not be covered by insurance. The out-of-pocket cost may also be different.
• Speak with your doctor. Your doctor can help you to pick the right birth control method for you based on your body and individual needs. It is important to consult your doctor when making medical decisions.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f6-sex-puberty/

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DIY lip balm

Having access to lip balm can be beneficial to those of us who struggle with dry lips however purchasing lip balm can get expensive. This tip will describe how you can make a DIY lip balm.

• Gather your materials. You are going to need 3 tbsp beeswax pellets, 2 tbsp Shea Butter, 4 tbsp coconut oil or you can use almond oil or grapeseed oil and 10-20 drops of essential oils. It's important to find essential oils that are safe for lips; doing a quick search on google will help you find the ones that are best to use. You will also need a microwave safe bowl.
• Mix everything together. In the microwave safe bowl melt the beeswax pellets, shea butter and coconut oil. You will want to melt the three ingredients in 30 second increments so that they do not burn. Once the ingredients are melted add the essential oils; you can add as much or as little as you want but its recommended to use 10-20 drops.
• Pour the ingredients. Once everything has been combined you can pour them into lip balm containers. You can find these containers online or in some craft stores. Let the containers sit at room temperature for several hours until it has completely hardened.

http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f25-fashion-style/

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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

SSI
This user is asking for people's experiences with applying for SSI. You can come here to see what other people experienced throughout the process or join in on the discussion and share what you experienced while applying.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f122-...s/t158328-ssi/

TH book club
This user started a book club a while back but we disbanded it. The user wants to try and start the book club again but would like your input on what might make it better. Share your thoughts and ideas to try and get the TH book club going again.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f198-...elp-book-club/

Three good things about today
Sometimes when you're struggling it can help to acknowledge the good things in your day, no matter how large or small. Come to this thread to post three good things about your day.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f29-g...gs-about-today

The best chocolate chip cookies
If you enjoy baking, or are new to baking and want to try something easy, check out this recipe recommended by one of our users. This cookie recipe makes a tasty snack to share with friends.
http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f184-...-chip-cookies/

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Social Groups

Victims
This social group provides support for victims of sexual assault or abuse. If you would like to give or receive encouragement, join this group.
http://www.teenhelp.org/socialgroups/g46-victims/

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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 (.:Bibliophile:.) 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
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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)
Newsletter Officer: Jenna (.:Bibliophile:.)
Senior Newsletter Editor: Cassie (cynefin)
Newsletter Editor: Chantal (MsNobleEleanor)
Newsletter Editor: Dez (Melancholia.)
Newsletter Editor: Sammi (Ambedo.)
Newsletter Editor: Frankie (Oh, Bother)

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