twenty-four seven by LASA Ezine

twenty-four seven spring 2018

twenty four seven

photo courtesy of Margaret Clark

twenty-four seven 1

photo taken by Kenneth Kleiman

dear readers,

Being a teenager is an eye-opening and sometimes difficult experience. As a group, we wanted to highlight the most important and impactful aspects of teenage years. Because we go to LASA, it’s important to remember that we are teenagers, even though we go through rigorous academic stress every day. We thought bringing health, sports, and food to light would help do so. Our Ezine ranges in topics to appeal to every teenager. Athletes might find Isaiah Hernandez Gold’s story, “physical exercise in a whole” (page 16), informative. Any teen who is going through a rough patch or knows a friend who is, reading Alisha Morejon’s story, “a healthy heart and mind” (page 4), might be able to improve their mental health more efficiently. Foodies should read “crossing cultures” (page 10), by Nallely Rivera. Throughout the semester, our group has gone through a series of challenges and difficult decisions to get where we are now. We worked hard to deliver this final product, and we hope you enjoy twenty-four seven.

alisha

about the authors alden

Alisha Morejon was the copy editor for twenty-four seven, as she enjoys writing and editing. She was born in DeKalb, Illinois, and moved to Austin in 2011. She attended Cowan Elementary, and then Kealing before coming to LASA. She owns two cats and has four siblings. In her free time, she plays softball and does tech theater. Alisha does not have a favorite food, and her favorite color is grey.

Alden Harris is the graphics editor for twenty-four seven. He enjoys shopping and surfing the web. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts and moved to Austin in 2008. Alden has one brother and one cat that he enjoys spending time with. He attended Patton Elementary and Fulmore before coming to LASA. His favorite color is mint green and he loves listening to Drake. Alden drinks lemonade.

Isaiah Hernandez-Gold was the layout editor for twenty-four seven. He enjoys hanging out with friends, playing soccer, and eating creating cara-cara oranges. He was born in Austin, Texas and has grown up with the culture. He has one brother and two dogs at his house. He attended Kealing and before that went to Zilker Elementary. His favorite color is phlox and is always listening to the artist, Juice Wrld.

Nallely was the content editor for twenty-four seven. Nallely Rivera was born in and has spent her whole life in Austin, Texas. She attended Barrington Elementary and Fulmore Middle School before LASA. Nallely has three siblings and enjoys spending time with her three dogs and hanging out with her friends. Her favorite food is popcorn and she loves the color navy blue.

isaiah

photos taken by Sebastian Reyes

nallely

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table of contents 8

a healthy heart and mind alisha morejon

how much water should you drink everyday? alisha morejon

crossing borders nallely rivera

spring rolls and peanut sauce nallely rivera

physical exercise in a whole isaiah hernandez

did you know... isaiah hernandez

grailed alden harris

game pages alisha morejon, nallely rivera, isaiah hernandez

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a healthy heart and mind

the importance of staying healthy as a teenager by alisha morejon

photo courtesy of Alisha Morejon

ntangible aspects of health can lead to more serious ratifications, aren’t always talked about, especially at academically intense but those are the types of schools like LASA. Many people conversations people need to be don’t understand the amount of having - especially ones about mental stress teenagers are put through and emotional health in teenagers. because of school, friend groups Teenagers are always told how and extracurriculars. This often important it is to stay healthy, but makes teens think that they’re there are so many stressed because facets to being in they’re not living good health. Being right, when in turn, healthy includes it’s actually quite eating well, the opposite. Stress exercising, staying isn’t something organized and anyone enjoys, and it being mentally and often makes people emotionally stable. lack self confidence, When it comes become depressed to being healthy or lose aspects in the brain and of their social heart, people lives. Sometimes, don’t always voice moderate amounts their struggles or of stress are how they feel. In normal, especially turn, most adults in high school. just continue to However, it’s often nicollette violante, therapist remind teens to hard to know when eat healthy, stay and how stress is on top of their school work and affecting mental health. exercise. It can be incredibly “The workload, college applications, beneficial to stay aware of feelings extracurriculars, standardized about school, friends and family. testing and navigating social Stress can be a major problem and circles, is enough to affect anyone’s

“helping high school students develop the tools and skills that they need to manage stress is crucial.”

what problems are people my age also facing? “Teens tend to handle their emotions by lashing out--at others or at themselves.” “...anxiety, depression, self harming behaviors, ...low self esteem.” “bullying or hurting others instead of asking for help when you are hurt, or just feeling different moods or ways of sadness, anger, emotions that are up and down. Just not knowing what to do when those things come is definitely the biggest thing.”

violante; pierce; jones

(left) Healthy leaves are displayed at a local Austin park.

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mental health,” said Nicollette Violante, a bilingual therapist at ACGC. “Not to mention that adolescence is an incredibly confusing and emotional time.” added Violante. Being mentally unhealthy because of stress might not seem like such a large problem, but it can lead to other emotional issues. Emotional health is one of the most important aspects of being a teenager because it can affect academics, friends and someone’s future. Most teenagers don’t know how to help themselves with depression or trauma, but being aware of the problem and encouraging

photo courtesy of Alisha Morejon Healthy teenagers laugh and joke around as they spread their happiness to peers.

public awareness can help teens looking to improve their mental health. “Many of the stressors placed on kids today like academic pressure, peer pressure and social media easily lends itself to depression, anxiety and other mental illness diagnosis’ among teens,” said Kristen Pierce, a licensed marriage and family therapist. There is a countless number of things

who should I talk to about my problems?

“I recommend talking to someone you trust! Especially an adult, like a parent, teacher, counselor, or mentor.” “If you feel that a situation is intense or potentially dangerous, the best thing to do to help is to tell an adult, such as a parent, teacher, or counselor.” ”...sometimes you need someone who is more experienced and can give you resources or help you if you are really struggling with mental health.” “I cannot overstate the importance of having a reliable and trusted adult behind you.”

violante; pierce

a peer can do to someone to cause emotional pain. Teenagers can then turn around and either hurt themselves or others because of it. It’s important to know that bullying or taunting can lead to dangerous repercussions, which could lead to mental and emotional pain in others, and even self harm. Adults who work closely with teenagers agree that, when teenagers do get hurt by peers, they see most teens letting their emotions out negatively. “Bullying or hurting others instead of asking for help when you are hurt, or just feel different moods or ways of sadness, anger, emotions that are

up and down” said Alicia Jones, the program manager for Communities in Schools at LBJ High School. Especially when teens have more serious issues, like those at home and in families, communicating is a big deal. What happens a lot of the time is a feeling of uncertainty, based on whether or not telling someone will help or damage the situation more. Teenagers, mostly those in difficult financial or family stress, sometimes feel a lot of responsibility over things that others don’t have to. When parents are more financially stable and able to

photo courtesy of Alisha Morejon

Communities in Schools, a program that aids students in need with resources and help with the goal of keeping children in school, has offices all over Texas. The Central Texas branch is located in Lyndon B. Johnson High School and is a safe space for students to go to for help.

what should I do if I think there’s a problem? “Don’t be ashamed if you are feeling sad, or you don’t understand what you’re feeling but you know that something has shifted within your mind. Have someone that you feel safe to talk to about things you’re going through, and don’t be ashamed, and to ask for help if you need it.” “Avoid masking your feelings by using substances that numb your feelings like drugs and alcohol.” jones; pierce

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provide a stable environment for their children, teenagers do not have to end up feeling the need to step up and take on larger problems that people their age shouldn’t be facing. However, most teens aren’t that lucky. Lots of teens end up helping care for their siblings, or working to earn money for their family. Teenagers in these situations often don’t get the best education possible for them because they don’t have resources. In this generation, students are incredibly privileged to have resources and help all around them. “That’s why LBJ and schools like LBJ have programs like CIS, because we know that they are at a higher risk to drop out, and to need more services,” explained Jones, regarding the counseling resources in Title 1 schools. Even when problems are overwhelming and serious, there are people to listen, understand, and help. “Sometimes you need someone who is more experienced and can give you resources or help you if you are really struggling with mental health. Don’t be ashamed if you are feeling sad, or you don’t understand what you’re feeling,” advised Jones.

A lot of the time, teenagers tend to think that no one understands what they’re feeling. In reality, it’s likely that a lot of other teenagers understand. Some problems may seem uncomparable and massive, but that doesn’t mean there’s no where to find help. Especially in high schools, there are safe places around every corner to speak to a counselor or a teacher. It may seem hard to grasp, but counselors do their jobs because they care about student’s emotional and mental health. “I know there are students who appreciate and need a positive, supportive person… that’s what keeps me coming to work every day,” said Jones. With the access to resources, a community to help keep teenagers stay healthy, and knowledge of why things can go wrong, it can be a lot easier to stay on top of mental and emotional health. “Your mental health as a teen will determine how you’re going to act as an adult, and will teach you about how it can affect you, school, your body, and how you treat yourself and others,” said Jones. 12

9 6

how can I tell that my friends are becoming depressed? “If you notice a shift or a change in a friend... where they’re isolating themselves, removing themselves from their friends or they aren’t interested in the things they used to be interested in... of course talk to them, ask them, and sometimes they aren’t open to share. Checking on them but also talking to an adult and telling them what you see, because sometimes students can put on a good face for the adults to try and mask what they’re really feeling.”

jones

how much water should you drink every day? alisha morejon

women

men 96 oz 128 oz

124

120

125 ounces 3.7 liters 1 gallon

women 18+

teenagers

64 oz 84

116

60 80

112

men 18+

56 76

108

52 72

91 ounces 2.7 liters .7 gallons teenagers 14-18 67 ounces 1.9 liters .5 gallons

104

48 68

100 44

steps to calculating how much water you should drink per day: 1. know your weight. 2. multiply your weight by 2/3 or .67. this is the amount of water in ounces you should be drinking. 3. add 12 ounces of water to the total for every 30 minutes that you work out. 4. stay hydrated! twenty-four seven 11

crossing cultures

a look into austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diverse cuisine by nallely rivera

photo courtesy of Mandolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Italian Kitchen

raised for its diversity, Austin, “Over these years we’ve seen all the Texas, is no stranger to new different ethnic groups coming in, and things, so it is no surprise some of the new ethnic restaurants that enjoying food from almost are really quite wonderful and quite anywhere in the world can be done exciting, so I see that happening and here. It is a city where food from all I’m really happy for it.” said Gilliland. over the globe can come together to Fonda San Miguel isn’t the be shared and enjoyed by everyone. only restaurant that has noticed Austin is the host of many Austin’s influx of ethnic restaurants. restaurants that love spreading “I am proud of Austin’s diversity,” diversity and positivity through the said Juan Meza, the owner of Juan city. Their owners in a Million, a opened their Mexican restaurant restaurants in that has gained hopes of spreading much fame over diversity, culture the years and has and their love been visited by of food to other many local and out Austin diners. of town celebrities. Many of these I see it at the restaurants have restaurant. I have been around for often said that more than 40 my restaurant is years, becoming a reflection of the reyna vazquez, co-owner of veracruz all staples to United Nations. natural the local There are many Austin eatery. people from all “I think it’s great, I really do,” said over the world enjoying our food.” Tom Gilliland, co-owner of Fonda Although culture and diversity are San Miguel, a Mexican restaurant things restaurant owners are not only that has been open for 43 years. happy for but proud of, meeting their “When I first moved here… in customers’ needs is also a priority 1962, there were lots and lots of of theirs. As customers themselves, Tex-Mex restaurants, one Chinese owners know the needs and wants of restaurant, quite a few steak houses, their consumers and how to fulfill them. a lot of barbeque and a lot of “It is a luxury to eat out, and chicken fried steak.” added Gilliland. we have to be willing to spend the The addition of new restaurants right amount of money on food, has been greatly welcomed by whether its at a restaurant or at restaurant owners all around Austin. the grocery store to ensure that

“it’s a city where you can find a little bit of everything.”

(left) Parma pizza and spagetti with meatballs is served at Mandola’s Italian Kitchen. Mandola’s Italian Kitchen has been a staple Italian restaurant for over 20 years.

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the animals and employees are being well-treated and that the environment is not being harmed.” said Adam Orman, co-owner of L’Oca d’Oro, a local Italian restaurant. Every restaurant wants to make their customers dining experience as unique as possible, so making sure their customers have a pleasant experience is always a priority. “Diners should leave with higher standards for what they eat and a better understanding of the impact of where food comes from, at best. At least, they should leave feeling that a restaurant with a strong presence of chef and ownership can deliver a more personalized, more unique dining experience.” Orman added. The crowds that tend to visit these restaurants has started to vary throughout the years. As new restaurants are coming in so are new people with new likes for different food. For many restaurants it has been a challenge to keep up with

what the current crowd enjoys, but many have mastered it over the years. “We’re very much of a restaurant that appeals to a lot of people I guess and a lot of age groups. Now we’re starting to see what are called the millennials who are coming in and we’re keeping up.” said Gilliland. Lately, families that dine at Fonda San Miguel regularly are now bringing in their next generation. “Everybody who are our regulars of many years were all baby boomers and now they have grandkids. So the grandkids and their kids are starting to come to the restaurant more and more so we’ve seen a mix of people.” added Gilliland. Not only do restaurants have to deal with changing crowds, but they must also stay true to original recipes and make ‘proper’ authentic food. “We make sure every dish takes you to Veracruz. We serve authentic mexican food. Tacos, tortas, quesadillas, chilaquiles, enchiladas, etc.” said photo courtesy of Mandola’s Italian Kitchen

Cannolis and a latte are served at Mandola’s Italian Kitchen.

Reyna Vazquez, co-owner of Veracruz All Natural, a popular food truck and restaurant with several Austin locations. Many of these restaurants use family recipes as a way to bring tradition and originality to their customers plate. “These recipes are Damian’s family recipes that have been passed down generation to generation. Damian has homes in Italy and is very passionate about sharing the Italian culture to those who don’t have the opportunity to go there.” said Mandola’s manager, who has known the owner of the restaurant, Damian, for more than 20 years. Since everybody has a different definition of what it means to be authentic and stay traditional, many restaurant owners strive to do the best they can to be as authentic and traditional as possible. “Authentic is a loaded word”, said Orman. “For me, authentic means ingredients grown by real people and all cooked in-house. Being able to oversee every stage of a dish’s

development from soil to plate. It’s important because it’s better nutritionally for our guests, makes less impact on the environment and is better for the local economy.” Sharing their story is something restaurant owners are passionate doing, as they love to inspire those around them. “I would say that we live in a great country. It truly is a land of opportunity. I believe that any goal anyone sets their heart on can be achieved through hard work.” said Meza, a previous school teacher, now owner of one of the most recognized Austin restaurants. “’The American dream’ is real,” said Vazquez. “People come to this country to have a better life and you have to work hard for it. We are an example of people who have sacrificed a lot but persevered to make our dreams real, we never gave up.” 12 3

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photo courtesy of Nallely Rivera Veracruz All Natural’s, a restaurant that serves healthy Mexican food, outside is shown.

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spring rolls and peanut sauce nallely rivera

prep time: 20 minutes assembly time: 15 minutes total time: 35 minutes makes 8

spring roll ingredients: - half a carrot, cut into match strips - half a cucmber, sliced into match strips - 8 rice papers - 8 slices of tofu or 16 shrimp - a pack of vermicelli noodles - half an avocado - 2 cups of purple cabbage - half a cup of cilantro - a cup of warm water peanut sauce ingredients: - 1/4 cup of peanut butter - 1/3 cup of water - 1 clove of garlic, minced - 1 tsp soy sauce - 1 tbsp of hoison sauce - 1 tbsp of sriracha - 1 tsp of sesame oil - 1/3 cup of water spring soll steps: 1. place warm water in a large dish and soak rice paper in the warm water until smooth (about 10- 15 min) 2. take rice paper out of water and smooth down on a new plate 3. place lettuce on rice paper first then place vermicelli noodles on top 4. add some carrots, cucmber and shrimp or tofu on top of the roll 5. finally top it off with some avocado and cilantro 6. to wrap, bring bottom of items over and fold the edges of the roll towards the center- closing the spring roll in 7. finally roll the remaining of the roll towards the end of the rice paper peanut sauce steps: 1. mix peanut butter and water together until smooth 2. add hoison sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, sesame oil, garlic and mix twenty-four seven 17

staying healthy while exercising exercising and its negative and positive effects by isaiah hernandez-gold

photo courtesy of Max Weinreb

any believe that exercise and efficient through effective training can only lead to beneficial regimens,” Dr. Jake Norman said. effects, but what they don’t Sports therapists have many know is that, without complete tasks that differ between knowledge of their actions, they occupations and appointments. are prone to a world full of pain. “Physical therapists are movement Over 73 percent of Americans exercise specialists striving to optimize safe on a regular basis, which goes to show movement for a return to day to how popularized different exercise and day life and/or high-level activities/ sports-related activities have become. sports,” Dr. Monica Battafarano said. During exercise, people become liable Not only are sports and physical to a multitude of injuries and illnesses. therapists there to allow people to To cure their effects, people must continue exercising; they also make visit the right professions, including sure that they are healthy while they doctors, sports therapists, and physical conclude on their daily activities. therapists. These Sports therapy is professionals help not a singular job, resolve injuries with rather a tree that “starting to different medications branches into many and activities to different subsections. implement exercise strengthen and “I am a ‘hybrid early makes it more stretch muscles, coach’, which basically to ultimately help means I provide a ingrained as a lifestyle get people back hybrid of functional instead of a ‘chore’ into their routine. training services along Getting into the job with sports therapy when you grow up” is one of the most and rehab treatments. important aspects I take a functional monica battafarano, sports therapist becoming a sports approach to my doctor or therapist. training philosophy, “I always wanted which means that to do something that involved I make it a goal to help my clients active people or sports, but never move the best that they can with thought of becoming a chiropractor the functional tasks that they carry until I found out they had a strong out in day to day life,” Norman said. presence in the sports community,” When playing sports, it is Dr. Tommer Arbuckle explained. important to always be cautious Being a sports therapist takes of certain possible injuries such as numerous hours of dedication and skill broken bones or strained muscles. to do. Many people feel it is too difficult “Some of the most common injuries are to get into or to do as a full-time job. the repetitive stress injuries that involve “I’ve always been fascinated with how the knee, hip or shoulder. Doing any the body works, how it has the capacity sport puts extra stress on the joints and to become stronger, more coordinated, muscles leading to injury” Arbuckle said.

(left) Maverick Trumpler running across a field on April 9th, 2018.

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photo courtesy of Pixabay Free Use Photos A doctor tests a child for whether they are physically ready for excercise.

Competing in sports and exercise can lead to numerous sports injuries that can then inhibit the use of certain muscles or bones. Exercising at an early age can change how people will live their life in total. Exercising can be done both as an adult and as a child but, when done young, can have many positives and fewer negatives rather than starting to exercise as an adult. When people exercise at a young age, their body becomes more adaptable and they’ll be able to exercise and have less of the consequences. “Everyone is unique and a lot of it comes down to biomechanics and the way we move,” Arbuckle said. Just because people start to exercise as adults does not mean they are more prone to injuries. Anyone who exercises faces the potential of being injured and

getting diseases such as osteoporosis. Exercise does not only affect one’s mental and physical health, but also other aspects of life such as test scores and sleep patterns. “There have been numerous studies that suggest that moderate exercise at a minimum can increase cognitive capacity a great deal,” Norman said. There are also other positive aspects of exercising, such as improving stress and energy levels. “Exercise has been shown to improve overall mood, boost energy, promote better sleep, relieve stress,” Arbuckle said. Now, exercising is not always completely beneficial, and while it does have lots of positive side effects, it also has multiple negative ones which lead us to worry about the amount we should exercise and if “over-exercising” is really true.

“We are seeing way too many Exercise has multiple possible injuries from kids under the age negatives, but countless positives and, of 16, most commonly from kids if done properly with physical therapy, who are single-sport focused and it can make life the best it can be. playing year round,” Norman said. As said before, one of the main Exercising can also help prevent more benefits of exercising is improving serious diseases. Cancer is a sickness the body physically and mentally. that can affect anyone and numerous wwwwwww“Physical exercise cancers have no cure, but tests and strengthens your muscles and studies have been done to show that bones, improves your cardiovascular exercising can lower the probability fitness, and can help improve of having different types of cancer. sleep” Battafarano explained. “Yes, exercise reduces levels of Exercise is a label for something stress hormones in the body such that has many different effects and as cortisol. High cortisol levels are possibilities being good and bad. Many linked to a lot of health conditions people only know about the surface such as cancer, obesity, diabetes, image of excercising but what most depression,” Battafarano explained. don’t know are the negative side effects. “If done properly (not in excess), Fully informing people on excercsing is exercise has significant immune- essential as more people continue to do it. enhancing benefits, which can aid in the prevention of many diseases in the future,” Norman added. A man uses a roller which demonstrates a way of physical 12

therapy and releasing stress from the muscles, taken Dec, 21, 2016. photo courtesy of Funcional Sports Therapy

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did you know... isaiah hernandez-gold

only one in three children are physically active every day

25.6% of persons with a disability reported being physically inactive during a usual week, compared to 12.8% of those without a disability

less than 5% of adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day

28.0% of americans, or 80.2 million people, aged six and older are physically inactive

only 35 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 44% of adults 75 years or older are physically active, and 28-34% of adults ages 65-74 are physically active

if you exercise you can lower the probability of...

having cancer heart disease obesity having cancer cancer

having cancer type 2 diabetes having high high blood pressure blood pressure twenty-four seven | 23

hype

teenage trends today alden harris

hype core grails

Many of today’s hypebeasts buy their clothing online, especially those who don’t live in large cites where brands have their botiques or ghold pop-ups. There are several large online communities for hypebeasts. These communities act as places for people to buy, sell and trade high end designer clothing, with the end goal being that they find their “grail,” or the piece of streetwear that the most covet, on the platform. Grailed, the larget of these communities, is unique in that it seperates listings into three categories of clothing: “core,” which are the generally less expensive pieces everyone should have, “hype,” which are pieces that are more expensive but more coveted and finally “grails,” which are the most expensive, most highly coveted items. People generally use Grailed to buy and sell clothes from brands such as Supreme, Bape and Anti Social Social Club that release clothes in limited drops rather than as entire collections.

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a day long crossword a day long crossword 1 2

10 11 12

down: 1. a feeling of intense sadness 3. the energy in food 4. where you eat Down: 5. team based exercise events 1. 6.awhat feeling oftointense sadness you do recuperate yourself at night something that 3. 9.the energy indoctors food help you maintain 11. what you eat 4. where you eat

5. 6.

team based exercise events what you do to recuperate yourself at night 9. something that doctors help you maintain 11. what you eat

across: 2. mental pressure on a person 7. something you do to stay in shape 8. an act that physical therapist help you do to stay Across: fit and make sure everything is working in your 2. mental pressure on a person body 10. being injuredyou or harmed 7. notsomething do to stay in shape 12. someone you see to maintain your health help you 8. an act that physical therapists

to stay ďŹ t and make sure everything is working in your body 10. not being injured or harmed 12. someone you see to maintain your healt

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a day long crossword 1 2

S T R E S S P

E X E R C

O N

R E

S S I

S E

P H Y S A L

C A L

S L

C A L T H E R A P Y R

S A F E

D O C T O R

O D

Down: 1. a feeling of intense sadness 3. 4. 5. 6.

DOCTOR HEALTH MINDFULNESS SAFETY

Across: 2. mental pressure on a person

the energy in food where you eat team based exercise events what you do to recuperate yourself at

7. 8.

night something that doctors help you maintain

something you do to stay in shape an act that physical therapists help you do to stay ﬁt and make sure everything is working in your body

10. not being injured or harmed 12. someone you see to maintain your health

DEPRESSION FOOD MIND POSITIVITY TRADITIONAL

11. what you eat

CULTURE EXERCISE MEALS PHYSICIAN STRESS f

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Build your own custom worksheet at education.com/worksheet-generator

words a day wordin search

Created with TheTeachersCorner.net Word Search Maker

Name:

photo courtesy of Margaret Clark

twenty four seven

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