Observed from January 22-27, 2019, National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) exists to educate teens about substance abuse and addiction. It connects teens and scientific experts. Your business can participate in NDAFW as you support your employees and their loved ones.
What is NDAFW?
NDAFW started in 2010. In 2018, over 2,100 NDAFW events were hosted by schools, community groups, hospitals, and other organizations. These events provide education and information about specific community concerns or general drug or alcohol use.
Why does NDAFW Matter to your Company?
Your company will want to participate in NDAFW events if you employ teens. This information can empower them to understand the effects, challenges and dangers of drug and alcohol use, including accidental exposure, opioid pain medication, experimentation, and peer pressure.
NDAFW participation also helps your adult employees. Many of your staff members may have family, friends, neighbors, or acquaintances who have been affected by substance abuse or addiction. Use NDAFW events and awareness to address these concerns, help employees to help their affected loved ones and address personal drug or alcohol dependency.
You can also use NDAFW to make a difference in your community. Sponsor, host or advertise NDAFW events as you take a leadership role and start conversations about substance use and addiction.
How to Support NDAFW
Because it’s important, encourage your employees to support NDAFW in several ways.
- Take the National Drug and Alcohol IQ Challenge. It’s a 12-question, multiple choice quiz that’s available in English and Spanish. The quiz takes 10 minutes to complete and can be accessed on a mobile device by individual employees or projected onto a large screen, allowing your entire company to take the quiz together and learn more about the challenges teens face.
- Observe the National Drugs and Alcohol Chat Day on January 24. Scientists and science writers will answer questions from teens across the country. Topics include drugs and drug misuse, addiction and its effects, and how to help loved ones who are abusing drugs.
- Share information about NDAFW on your corporate and personal social media pages and include the hashtag #NDAFW.
- Write and record a public service announcement about teen drug and alcohol use or sponsor PSAs written and recorded by local high school students.
- Spread the word with brochures and posters about local events.
- Sponsor an event, such as Lunch and Learn, at a local school.
- Add information about drug and alcohol use, addiction prevention tips and recovery information to your employee handbook.
- Encourage employees to use their health insurance to get help if necessary.
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is important to your company, employees and community. Participate this year as you make a difference.
Read more
Every January, nearly one in five people resolve to lose weight or improve their overall health. While those goals are admirable, there are several additional New Year’s resolutions that can do more than help you feel better — they can help you live longer. As you plan for the year ahead, consider adding a few of these life-extending habits to your list.
Support Your Immune System With Vitamins
A strong immune system is essential to long-term health. Many people benefit from regular Vitamin D intake (paired with about 15 minutes of sun exposure to help activate it), along with a quality multivitamin. Zinc — especially when combined with amino acids to improve absorption — can also help support immune function and illness prevention. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting new supplements.
Eat Fewer Calories — Mindfully
Food fuels your body, but excess calories can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Eating smaller portions, slowing down at meals, and stopping when you feel satisfied (not stuffed) can help you maintain a healthy weight and improve overall longevity.
Add Brain-Boosting Foods to Your Diet
Certain foods support brain health and help your body function at its best. Incorporating these “brain foods” into your regular meals can support memory, focus, and long-term wellness.
- Avocados
- Beans and legumes
- Blueberries
- Nuts and seeds
- Pomegranate juice
- Whole grains
- Wild salmon
Meditate More Often
Meditation is a powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety while improving mood and mental clarity. Research shows it can even increase gray matter in the brain, which supports decision-making, self-control, and sensory processing. Whether through guided meditation, calming music, or quiet reflection, building this habit into your daily routine can pay long-term dividends.
Learn Something New
Challenging your brain helps keep it sharp. Learning a new skill — whether it’s taking a class, exploring photography, or watching educational talks — strengthens memory, improves cognitive function, and keeps your mind engaged at any age.
Move Every Day
Regular movement improves cardiovascular health, reduces stress, and helps fight depression. Even better, spending time outdoors can lower blood pressure and boost immunity. Whether it’s walking, dancing, gardening, or joining a sports league, aim to stay active and work toward moving at least 10,000 steps per day.
Start (or Rediscover) a Hobby
Hobbies like cooking, reading, gardening, or crafting add joy to daily life. Many also help reduce stress, sharpen focus, and improve mental well-being. Making time for activities you enjoy can significantly improve your quality of life.
Make Time for Play
Play isn’t just for kids. Adults benefit, too. Games, puzzles, recreational sports, and creative activities help reduce stress and stimulate the brain. Whether it’s bowling, shooting hoops, or tackling a jigsaw puzzle, adding play into your routine supports both mental and physical health.
Schedule Your Annual Physical
Your annual physical exam gives you and your doctor the opportunity to review your health, identify potential concerns early, and manage ongoing conditions. Staying proactive with preventive care is one of the most effective ways to protect your long-term well-being.
Resolve to Live Better — and Longer
Small, consistent lifestyle changes can have a powerful impact over time. These resolutions don’t just improve how you feel today — they support a healthier, longer life for years to come.
Read more
