Socioeconomic status & health risks

This blog post stems from an article that was posted this morning by @LaDonna Coy from a ScienceDaily article entitled "Low Socioeconomic Status Affects Cortisol Levels in Children Over Time" (January 21, 2010).  When we think of the challenges children face, it's important to keep in mind the influence of environmental factors but to still explore how we can build assets and have meaningful relationships with children despite - or maybe because - of their situations. 

While reading this particular article, I was reminded of the PBS Series "Unnatural Causes" which addressed themes of racism, infant mortality, poverty, diabetes and the impact of chronic stress on the health of our nation.  If you have some time, I encourage you to read the article and view the trailer of this film.  In addition, I encourage you to think of ways YOU can (and/or continue to) build assets in your community so that youth - and communities -  can thrive!

Learn more about the 40 Development Assets  and Thriving & Sparks from Search Institute

Building Assets into Halloween

From the blog, Giving Youth the Asset Edge

"Halloween offers an opportunity to move beyond candy to old fashion porch sitting and friendship building. The list of 40 Developmental Assets provide guidelines for how this year’s Halloween experience can be enjoyable for the kid in all of us and help build a caring neighborhood (asset #4). Halloween is a great opportunity for getting to know neighbors, have fun and make the holiday last a little bit longer."

Click HERE to read more...