Almost half way through 2016 and it is not looking good for that sweet substance we call sugar; especially the liquid form found in soft drinks, sweetened teas and coffees, fruit juices, flavored waters, sports drinks, and energy drinks. If you do a quick Google News search for sugary drinks, you will see recent headlines like “Here’s how Sugary Drinks Bring you Closer to Death”, “New Study Links Sugary Drinks to ‘Deep’ Fat”, and “Here’s How Sugar Might Fuel the Growth of Cancer.” Really?…Death? Cancer? We all know that sugary drinks are not a health food, but are they THAT bad for us? Let’s find out by taking a closer look into some of the latest research on sugar and sugary drinks.

Kick Butts Day is a national day of activism that was created to combat nicotine addiction where tobacco reliance often begins – America’s youth. 90% of adults start smoking by the age of 18. On March 16th each year, schools and communities hold events to raise awareness about the hazards of tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure among children across the country. In recognition of this year’s Kick Butts Day, Baltimore’s own Mount Royal Elementary Middle School held a rally to raise awareness about tobacco use in their community and picked up cigarette butts and tobacco product litter around their school and community. 

The holidays are a time to gather with loved ones and celebrate while looking ahead to the new year.  But for many Baltimore families, this time of year also brings deep sadness: they must move forward without missing loved ones that have been lost to street violence. 2015 has been the most violent year Baltimore has seen in decades, with over 344 homicides across the city.  This surge in homicides and violent crime has caused an incalculable ripple effect of increased trauma for Baltimore residents.  Recognizing this deep trauma, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake has declared Baltimore a ‘trauma informed city’ and strives to help all city workers recognize the signs of trauma.