HOWELL, N.J.—The Howell Alliance says a pediatrician's TED Talk on childhood trauma and long term health is a good resource to tap into.
"Watch pediatrician Dr. Nadine Burke Harris's powerful TED Talk "How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime" to learn more about the very real and serious impact of adverse childhood experiences," the alliance said in a news release.
Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACE, are serious childhood traumas and toxic stressors that can damage the developing brain, body and overall health, according to the information provided by the alliance.
The talk is described at its site as "an impassioned plea for pediatric medicine to confront the prevention and treatment of trauma, head-on."
ACEs and toxic stress increase heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and muscle tension, putting the child in a constant "fight or flight" mode of survival and protection, the news release said.
Because of this, ACEs can lead to stress levels and risky health behaviors that create life-lasting chronic diseases, as well as substance use and mental health disorders.
By meeting a child's basic needs, forming a network of supportive connections, providing a safe and nurturing environment, teaching resilience, modeling positive behaviors and coping skills, and cultivating positive social and emotional skills, adults can reduce the negative consequences of ACEs, the news release said.
The Howell Alliance is a committee of Howell Township. Members of the Howell Alliance collaborate across the community to prevent substance abuse, underage drinking, underage marijuana use, alcoholism, tobacco/nicotine use, vaping, and other at-risk behaviors through awareness and education. The Howell Alliance also promotes mental well-being and the reduction of substance abuse and mental health disorder stigmas.
Alliance stakeholders include law enforcement, educators, town officials, businesses, civic organizations, substance use/mental health support service providers, and concerned citizens.
Alliance meetings are held the third Tuesday of the month, 12:30 p.m. in the Howell Township Municipal Building's main meeting room (no July meeting), 4567 Route 9 N, 2nd floor. A Zoom link can be provided for remote attendance.
The contact is Christa Riddle, alliance coordinator, 732-938-4500 ext 4012; or email her at [email protected].
The Howell Alliance does not endorse or take responsibility for any resources or information shared, the services these resources provide, or any outcomes people may have as a result of these information resources or services. Our posts are for informational purposes only.
