Here is your weekly news roundup of articles, reports, resources and webinars you might find interesting.
Today is Earth Day!

Did you know COVID-19 has had positive impacts on the environment? While you have been at home, the air and water got cleaner, the sky got bluer, mountain ranges became visible where they once were not and fish returned to the Venice canals. This is a temporary change that has come as a result of a devastating pandemic. Although the benefits aren't going to last once the world reopens, this has shown our actions can make a big difference and we can change things a lot faster than we thought. Let this glimpse of a cleaner world inspire us to make lasting changes for a sustainable, healthier planet!
Pollution made COVID-19 worse. Now, lockdowns are clearing the air.

While pollution inhaled in the past is still causing harm today, the temporary experience of cleaner air brought about by widespread shutdowns may offer lessons for the kind of world we want to build after the pandemic.

An Unintended Consequence of COVID-19 Shutdowns?

For environmental experts, it’s a glimpse at the cleaner, greener world that could be—but without a deadly pandemic and economic free fall. “What’s really necessary is to re-create our society in a way that dramatically reduces emissions, and rebuild an America that is much more sustainable.”

Rise in Single-Use Macro Plastics Seen During Pandemic
It is great to see the improvement in air quality during this time. However, the use of single-use macro plastic products has increased as a measure to contain the COVID virus. While this is understandable, Lila Karl, a Darien High School Senior who researches microplastics in her Authentic Science Research class, encourages us “to make sure we buy in bulk and use materials such as paper or glass rather than plastic during this time.” Here are two articles, one that highlights the issue and the other includes tips to reduce plastic use (thanks to Lila for pointing us to this article).
Don't let pandemic ruin fight against single use plastics
The coronavirus has triggered some unexpected environmental benefits in recent days.  Skies are clearing  over China, Italy, and the US, greenhouse gas emissions are down, and cars are parked in driveways with nowhere to go. But there's one area in which the coronavirus has potential to cause more environmental damage than before, and that is single-use disposable plastics. Read full article . Here is another article about this issue.
See this chart to learn more about the common types of plastics, their use, and their prevalence in the ocean.
Dispose of Your Medications at Home in an Environmentally Friendly and Safe Way
Safe storage and disposal of medications continues to be important. Due to the social distancing restrictions, medication turn-in events have been cancelled and medication drop boxes are not as readily used. However, you can dispose of them safely and in a way that is friendly to the environment. Learn about the disposal options .  
Alcohol Awareness Month continues.
This week we explore women and alcohol.
Did you know... " From 2001 to 2013, the prevalence of alcohol use among women in the U.S. rose nearly 16%. And during the same time frame, the percentage of women who have four or more drinks on a given day on a weekly basis shot up 58%."

Thank you to  Kathy Brown  for providing some of the articles in this section
Between career and financial pressure, the needs of kids and senior parents, and adjusting to empty nests and aging bodies, life can feel like a high-wire act, and sipping something smooth can ease the strain. The trouble is, now that booze has become so linked with relaxing, many of us don’t even think to question our consumption.  Read full article.
It's not all punny t-shirts and fancy brunches: Mommy wine culture has crossed a line.
When does a joke about moms drinking to get through motherhood cross the line? Is it when her friends are on the verge of alcoholism? Or maybe when the tumblers engraved with the words “mommy juice” just aren’t that entertaining any longer as it takes more and more of those to get through the day? Read full article.

Photo from Amazon.

Is 'Mommy Juice' culture hurting moms?
Good Morning America

In 2017, Celeste Yvonne's day began with sending her kids off to school and heading to the office -- usually with a mild hangover. Around dinnertime she'd pour her first glass of Cabernet, and once her little ones were in bed, it was certain she'd finish the rest of the bottle.
Woman Shares Journey Through Alcoholism: 'I Am A Mom In Recovery'
TODAY

After she had kids, Dana Bowman turned to wine as a release after long days of parenting. It wasn't a problem, until it was. Today she speaks out about recovery and parenting.
Source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism
Research shows that alcohol use and misuse among women are increasing.1–2 While alcohol misuse by anyone presents serious public health concerns, women who drink have a higher risk of certain alcohol-related problems compared to men.3 It is important that women be aware of these health risks. Learn more.

If you are concerned about your drinking,

For frequently asked questions and help about alcohol treatment, visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism website.
Please Like and Follow Us Today
We need you to help us grow our Facebook and Twitter communities!
Save the Date for These Online Trainings!
Tuesdays | 7:00 - 8:00 PM
In response to the uncertainty and circumstances surrounding COVID-19, we are hosting supportive online gatherings for adults of all ages designed to help maintain healthy connections with others, and gain helpful insight and ideas. Join our virtual support group led by Karen Krupnik, LPC.  Fees are billed through insurance. Most major insurances accepted. To register and learn more, call or email : Angelina Miceli, LCSW at 203-227-7644 x828.
Parenting High School Juniors and Seniors During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Monday April 27, 2020 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM
A guided discussion for parents covering important skills that parents can foster in high school juniors and seniors, even while sheltering in place.

Topics will include managing a wide variety of emotions, supporting students participating in virtual school and continuing to foster important skills as teens get ready to transition to life after high school.

Discussion led by Karen Krupnik, LPC, Positive Directions – The Center for Prevention and Counseling, Deb Slocum, Staples High School Counselor, and Dr. Valerie Babich, Coordinator of Psychological Services for the Westport Public Schools. Register today. 
FREE Stay-at-Home Resources
Fun Things to Do
Earth Day's Gone Digital. Here's Where to Find It.

New York offers many ways to celebrate online. You can hike, play environmental games, conduct experiments, meet scientists and blast into space - all without leaving home.

Read more
www.nytimes.com
Reports & Resources
Reports

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Americans are required to stay home to protect themselves and their communities. However, the home may not be safe for many families who experience domestic violence, which may include both intimate partners and children. Violence in the home has an overall cost to society, leading to potentially adverse physical and mental health outcomes. To help families and communities address intimate partner violence and child abuse health concerns, see SAMHSA’s  Intimate Partner Violence and Child Abuse Considerations During COVID-19   resource document.
Resources
NEW Mental Wellness Short Video Series
First Selectman Jayme Stevenson has initiated a mental wellness video series citing her "concerns for the social and emotional toll the Covid-19 crisis is having on us all.” The idea was to ask both public and private sector mental health professionals, clergy and representatives of other service provider organizations to share their expertise on how to cope and thrive in this unusual environment. Read full article .

You can view the video series on Darien TV79's Vimeo Channel (scroll down to find the videos).
When it builds up, talk it out

Parents and caretakers in need of help with the stress and increased needs resulting from caring for their children during the COVID-19 crisis are invited to call the state’s new “Talk It Out” hotline to receive assistance.

Read more
www.talkitoutct.com
Denise Daniels, a leading child development expert, has teamed up with Scholastic and the Yale Child Study Center to help children, families, and educators cope during this pandemic. First Aid for Feelings: A Workbook to Help Kids Cope During the Coronavirus Pandemic is a free 16-page downloadable workbook available in English and Spanish.



Get accessible COVID-19 information in 30 different languages to help all patients know when, and how, to seek care. Materials from the COVID-19 Literacy Project.

Visit our COVID-19 Resources page for a detailed list of resources.

COVID-19 Education Hotline from Connecticut Legal Services
Connecticut Legal Services (CLS) has a NEW statewide hotline for clients. Call with any questions about school, your educational rights, or your child’s education during the COVID-19 crisis. Eligible clients will speak with an experienced education attorney to help answer general and case-specific questions. The hotline will be staffed during regular business hours, between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

Download English or Spanish flyer.
Your Daily Dose of Humor ...