SANITY SAVERS: Tips for Women to Live A Balanced Life is in bookstores and is filled with suggestions to save your sanity every day of the year.

A must for any woman seeking to find her balance!

Teenagers will experiment with different types of relationships. As parents of a teen, or as a teen yourself, it is important to know both myths and facts about dating violence. With guidance and support, teens can learn to choose healthy relationships, and leave unhealthy ones.

In dating violence, one partner tries to maintain power and control over the other through abuse. Dating violence crosses all racial, economic and social lines. Boys, as well as girls, can be victims, although most victims are young women, who are at greater risk for serious injury.

Dating violence is common and comes in many forms. Besides sexual violence, it includes verbal and physical abuse. Threats, put-downs, and being pushed around are common examples. Statistics show that one in three teenagers has experienced violence in a dating relationship.

Teen dating violence often is hidden because many teenagers don't tell their parents or friends about it. Typically, teens are inexperienced with dating relationships and may be pressured by peers to act violently or react submissively. In addition, they may confuse jealousy with love, and that violence is a demonstration of affection. They also hope that things will get better and that their behavior will help to their partner.

It is important that teenagers understand that they can choose better relationships. One positive step is to learn to identify the early warning signs of an abusive relationship, and believe that they deserve to be treated with respect. Signs of an abusive relationship include: refusing to take NO for an answer; acting jealous and possessive, controlling the partner's friends and activities; using threats or put-downs when alone or with friends; blaming the victim for what is wrong, or apologizing and giving excuses for violent behavior.

Teenagers struggle with independence from their parents. Parents have the responsibility to talk about healthy dating relationships and possible problems. If the teen is not comfortable talking to the parent, find another trusted person for your child to talk to. Focus on your child's safety and self-esteem. Develop a safety plan and be ready to help.

As a teen, you need to remember that no one deserves to be abused or threatened. You cannot change this person, and in time the violence will get worse. You need to take care of yourself. For parents and teens, ask for teen dating violence prevention and intervention programs at schools or through other community groups. We owe it to our teens speak out, become involved and help them become their own advocates.

TODAY Show (NBC)
July 11th: Tag Team Parenting

Achieving Optimal Wellness: A Retreat at Canyon Ranch
July 18th: 6:30-9PM, Featured Speaker. Topic: Sanity Savers for Aging Well.
Canyon Ranch, Berkshires. Lenox, MA

Jewish National Fund
July 28th: 7-9PM, Featured Speaker. Topic: Balance Shmalance.
200 South Ithan, Villanova, PA. Please Call 214-832-0697 for reservations.

See Dr. Atkins' article, Sanity Savers for a Balanced Life, in Black Tie Magazine, Volume 7, Issue 1, pg. 64. www.blacktiemagazine.com

Hear Dr. Atkins on the radio show, The M Word, hosted by Lori Sackler, WOR News Talk Radio 710, Sunday evenings 9:30PM EST.

We Can All Use A Good Laugh

There are physical and psychological benefits to laughing out loud. You take big breaths when you laugh out loud. Laughing helps rid the body of toxins. Laughing helps clear your mind. So find something to laugh about every day. Take a break from work and play with your child or your dog. Look at funny pictures; tell a joke; share with friends and family.

Find something funny in the world and have a good laugh.

Regardless of our political views, our military service members and their families deserve our respect, support and encouragement. Stickers and magnets that say "Support Our Troops" are pleasant sentiments, but we see them so often that it is easy to tune them out. In taking a closer look at these three words that have become so familiar, consider what it mean to truly support our troops.

Here are some tips to help you find meaningful ways to contribute support:

"We know that too much, in the end, is too little and that enough is always enough."

Gunilla Norris