Drug overdose not only affects those who have died—it also affects family members and loved ones left behind.

Around 42% of U.S. adults know someone who has died from a drug overdose. Overdose-related deaths are often sudden and cause extreme grief for the deceased’s family and friends.

Individuals struggling with drug misuse are more likely to keep their habit and whereabouts a secret from family and friends. Those left behind are often unaware their loved one was using drugs or had challenges with addiction. This can lead to feelings of distress and guilt for not noticing signs or intervening to prevent the person’s death.

How to cope with loss after someone overdoses

Death caused by an overdose, whether the person meant to or not, is a distressing situation that requires care, compassion and support for those left behind. Here are some helpful ways to cope with the trauma of losing someone to a drug overdose.

• Think about getting therapy. Loss of a loved one to a drug overdose can have a lasting impact on you and your family. The effects may vary from person to person. Therapy can help everyone address and process emotions.
• Check for and join in self-help activities. Practices, such as mindfulness meditation, journaling and exercise, can help with managing the stress and grief you may feel. These wellness practices are helpful tools for building emotional strength and personal development.
• Practice self-compassion. Drug overdose is often perceived as being preventable, even though addiction and substance use disorders are recognized as mental illnesses. Remember to be patient and compassionate with yourself. The process of grieving and healing takes time.
• Join support groups. Connecting with individuals who have experienced a similar situation may help you feel understood. You can support each other and share real-life stories that promote hopefulness and strength to get through this challenging time.
• Find meaningful ways to honor your loved one’s memory. You can cherish and remember good times shared with your loved one by supporting a cause they were passionate about, going through photographs, remembering happier times, or keeping something of theirs close to you.

Allowing yourself time and space to process your emotions is essential for coping with grief. There may be times when you feel guilty for not recognizing your loved one’s struggles with drug misuse or being unable to help them. However, this tragedy is not your fault. While you can’t bring your loved one back, you can make a difference by being alert and noticing the signs of drug misuse and overdose in others, potentially saving another life.

Drug misuse warning signs

People who misuse drugs frequently try to hide their symptoms. Here are some warning signs:

Physical

• Red/ bloodshot eyes or pupils larger or smaller than normal
• Slurred speech and/or impaired coordination
• Unusual odors from their body or clothes
• Change in weight

Behavioral

• Demonstrating conduct changes and mood swings (e.g., arguing, fighting or conflicts with authority)
• Avoiding once-pleasurable activities
• Appearing anxious or fearful for no reason
• Struggling financially (e.g., unexplained need for and willingness to steal money)
• Making changes in friends
• Fluctuating sleep patterns or appetite
• Behaving secretively
• Neglecting home, work or school duties

What to do if you think someone has overdosed

• Call 911 right away!
• Check for overdose symptoms:
  • Unresponsive or appears lifeless
  • Absence of breathing or shallow/slow breaths
  • Gasping for air or snoring
  • Blue lips and fingertips
  • Clammy skin
• Turn the person over to their side to help avoid choking.
• Check for any visible drugs or bottles that may have caused the overdose.
• Stay with the person until emergency responders arrive.
• Perform chest compressions if there’s no sign of breathing or pulse.

If you have a loved one using opioids, learn more about Naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdose. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has a drug facts page and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) offers an Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit that can be downloaded.

Resources for bereaved families and loved ones

Mental health and substance misuse support:

• Crisis Call Center: 800-273-8255 or 988
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides resources and free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information services, including a National Helpline:

– Phone: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

– Website: samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

Support for grieving individuals and families:

• Griefshare is a worldwide directory of support groups for people grieving the death of a family member or friend.
• National Alliance for Children’s Grief provides a directory of programs and support groups for children dealing with grief and loss.
• National Funeral Directors Association provides resources from community experts.
• The Compassionate Friends provides support for people who have experienced the death of a child.
• What’s Your Grief is a website devoted to families who are going through grief and loss.

For more mental health resources, visit magellanhealthcare.com/about/bh-resources.

This article is for your information only. It is not meant to give medical advice. It should not be used to replace a visit with a provider. Magellan Health does not endorse other resources that may be mentioned here.

SOURCES:

• https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/21/health/us-adults-overdose-survey/index.html
• https://www.ihs.gov/asap/familyfriends/warningsignsdrug/
• https://mountainside.com/blog/secrecy-in-addiction/
• https://sadod.org/sites/default/files/2021-02/How-to-Help-Newly-Bereaved.pdf

Activities for Educators and Parents

Children consistently learn and develop new and increasingly complex cognitive skills throughout early childhood. During this period, it is not practical to use a one-and-done approach to learning and skill building. Like an athlete or artist, when it comes to social and emotional learning, children need to practice and fine-tune these skills inside and outside of school to gain mastery. It is important to remember that some children understand a skill or concept quickly while others may need additional practice before gaining mastery of those same skills or concepts.

In her book Play Therapy Activities, Melissa LaVigne, LCSW, offers 101 social and emotional learning activities for children between the ages of three and nine. The activities provided below are examples from the book that can be used in individual or group sessions. They can also serve as great suggestions to educators to use within the classroom and for family members to use at home with children.

Worry Jar

This activity is used to address feelings of anxiety or uncertainty a child may have.

• Materials needed: jar with lid, post-its, and a pen/pencil
• Directions: When a child has a worry, concern, or anxious feeling, invite the child to write it down on a post-it and place it in the jar. Explain they do not need to share it, confirm that everyone worries at times, and also talk about other ways to manage the feelings of being worried. For younger kids who do not yet write or spell, offer to write down the worry for them if they want. Once written, hand the paper back to them so they can put it in the jar.

Felt Feeling Faces

An emotional intelligence activity, this helps children think about and understand how feelings present on someone’s face.

• Materials needed: oval-shaped felt paper to represent faces, felt paper in an array of colors, and scissors (optional: glue stick to make permanent feeling faces)
• Directions: Instruct children to cut out the shapes of eyes and mouths expressing emotions such as happy, sad, mad, etc. If needed, have children use a hand mirror to see the shapes their own faces make with different facial expressions. Once cut, have the children use the oval-shaped pieces of felt with the eyes and mouth to create “feeling faces”. Have the children guess what feeling each face is making and discuss what they can do when they see someone feeling that way. Note: Pre-cut out these shapes for children too young to safely use scissors.

Feelings Play List

This activity draws on the emotional connection of music to help children identify feelings or remember fond memories.

• Materials needed: access to a music streaming device or an audio search device (e.g., Alexa)
• Directions: Begin a group discussion by asking the children to name feelings they want to talk about. If possible, encourage a balance between positive and negative feelings. Ask the children if they can think of songs they like that match a feeling. If possible, listen to the song or look up the words in the song. Ask the children why the song matches a certain feeling for them. For an added activity, make a playlist of songs that match positive feelings such as happy or calm. The song names can be written down and shared so families can make their own playlists.

Bubble Tag

This breathing and impulse control activity can be modified to accommodate individual or group work.

• Materials needed: bubble wand and bubble solution
• Directions: Introduce this activity by explaining how breath control can be used to create a sense of calm and discus how deep and steady breathing makes good bubbles. Use a bubble wand to take turns blowing bubbles while the child tries to pop the bubbles before they hit the ground. For group sessions, have one member blow the bubble while another pops it, or consider splitting the group into teams. During the bubble-blowing exercise, ask the child (or group) to think about what will make more or bigger bubbles and ask them to experiment with their breath to find out. Use positive praise when the child uses good breath control, model breath control if needed, and talk about how breathing can help manage feelings.

Enjoying the Classics

Games like red light green light, freeze dance, musical chairs, and duck-duck-goose provide children an opportunity to connect their mind to their body by listening and then acting on what they heard. This can help with building better self-regulation skills as well as their overall emotional intelligence.

References: LaVigne, M. (2020). Play therapy activities: 101 Play-Based exercises to improve behavior and strengthen the Parent-Child connection. Rockridge Press.

“Being a teenager is easy,” said no one, ever. Pressure to fit in, taking risks, and learning how to navigate the world are all cornerstones of normal teenage life. On top of these pressures, military teens have the added stress of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves.

When a PCS occurs, teens often feel sad leaving their friends and anxious about finding a new social group. While this can be an overwhelming and difficult time, Military and Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) can help ease the transition into a new place by inviting teens to join lunch groups, connecting them to peers with similar interests, and sharing local events. In addition to MFLC support, there are resources available for teens and parents as they acclimate to their environment.

Youth Resources

• On-post youth centers offer military youth a fun, safe place with activities for a variety of interests. At these centers, teens can connect with their peers and support staff.
• Military teen adventure camps, Operation Purple, the Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA, and 4-H all offer age-appropriate opportunities for military kids to join a social group, learn new skills, and build confidence.
• School programs such as Student 2 Student can help teens feel supported and connected when starting a new school.

 Parent Resources

• Military OneSource provides information on the Interstate Compact and the Exceptional Family Members Program, which can be useful to parents when they register their children in school and have concerns about loss of credit hours or setting up 504 or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) plans.
• The Military Child Educational Coalition offers resources for families such as a PCS checklist and a military student consultant.

A PCS move during the teen years can be life-changing for military-connected kids. However, with the help of MFLC support and the many resources available to them, it can also be a fun, exciting, and positive experience.

Sources

• https://www.militaryonesource.mil/benefits/military-youth-teen-programs/
• https://www.militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/military-student-consultants/

Transitioning from a structured military life to the civilian workforce is a significant change that is often met with uncertainty and frustration. For transitioning Service members, the process can feel overwhelming with endless options, possibilities, and decisions to make, often leading to decision fatigue. When mental fatigue and frustration set in, so does stress.

It is often extremely hard for Service members to translate and adjust their military duties into civilian terms so that they can enter the civilian workforce. Magellan Federal helps deliver the Education and Employment Initiative (E2I), which has a wonderful model of support to ease the transition. Here are some tips our E2I coordinators often give to ease the transition to a civilian career.

Tips for Transitioning to the Civilian Workforce

• Do not have visions of grandeur facilitated by the “Thank You for your Service” effect. This does not guarantee employment. While your Service is a unique differentiator, the job market is very competitive.
• Start the transition process early. It is recommended that you start your planning 18 months to 2 years before the end of service. Make your transition the number one priority.
• Knowledge is power. Thoroughly research career information resources. This information will help you make the best career choice for yourself and your family.
• Avoid the chatter. Do not get caught up in conversations with military peers or leadership who know as little as you do about transitioning to the civilian workforce.
• Know your value. Do what has always made you successful. Work hard, make a plan, and execute your plan. There is always a need for quality, hardworking, and dependable professionals.
• Adjust your military duties into civilian terms. Put in the work to translate your resume to skills and abilities that resonate with the civilian workforce. Reach out to civilian friends and family to network and get advice.
• Take advantage of transition resources. If you are assigned to a warrior transition unit or are going through a medical board, take advantage of the Employment and Education Initiative (E2I) program.

The E2I Program

The Education and Employment Initiative (E2I) is a Department of Defense (DOD) program that assists wounded, ill, and injured service members early in their recovery process to identify their skills and match them with the education and career opportunities that will help them successfully transition to civilian life.  E2I is available to all wounded, ill, and injured service members in all branches of the military services, as well as all components of those services: Active, Guard and Reserve.

E2I Regional Coordinators are located throughout the United States. These individuals work with wounded, ill, and injured service members to identify skills, career opportunities that match those skills, and determine educational requirements for a desired career path.

Even if you are not able to participate in the E2I program, your military experience can serve as a wonderful foundation for a successful civilian career.

BIPOC Mental Health Month is focused on raising awareness about the unique challenges and mental health disparities that may affect Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) not just in July, but all year long. Despite growing recognition of mental health issues across the country, some in the BIPOC community continue to grapple with misconceptions that can sometimes lead to stigma and inadequate support. Addressing these misconceptions can help to ensure that all communities have access to the care and support they need.

In this Q&A, Magellan’s Mary Hinson, Ph.D. LCMHCS, a counselor with the Military and Family Life Counselor program, shares four misconceptions about mental health in the BIPOC community.

Q: Why is BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month important?

Dr. Mary Hinson: There are several reasons this month is a BIG deal! But here are a few… First, by talking about mental health, it makes it less of a taboo. This month also spotlights mental health challenges specific to BIPOC communities.  Which in turn allows for advocacy for culturally sensitive care and draws attention to unequal access to mental health services.

Q: What are some misconceptions about mental health in BIPOC communities that need to be addressed?

Dr. Hinson:

• Thinking mental health issues mean you’re weak in some way (this stems from societal stigma and misconceptions about the nature of mental illness.)
• Assuming therapy’s only for people who are “touched” (ignores the wide range of benefits therapy can offer to people dealing with everyday stresses and life challenges.)
• Believing you should keep mental health problems hush-hush in the family (reflects cultural attitudes that prioritize privacy and fear of social judgment over seeking necessary help).
• Thinking old-school healing and modern mental health care are incompatible.

Q: How can individuals raise awareness about BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month within their own circles?

Dr. Hinson:

• Post about BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month on your socials (most people have one, so hit share)
• If you work virtually, you could use a virtual background highlighting this month
• Check out resources to you are prepared to share resources (i.e. the Loveland Foundation, Boris L. Henson Foundation, Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective)
• Start conversations about mental health with your circles.

What role can schools and workplaces play in supporting BIPOC mental health?

• Connect people with mental health resources.
• Train staff on how to be more inclusive.
• Create relaxed spaces where people of various backgrounds can talk about mental health.
• Enacting policies that combat discrimination and promote overall wellness.
• Recognize that all do not accept the term BIPOC either. Lumping all these groups together may suggest that everyone is having the same experience, which is inaccurate. Instead, we can consider referring specifically to the group we refer to.

We’ve all been there. The moment when our anticipation for the long-awaited vacation quickly turns to unwanted anxiety and stress. Will it be a good vacation? Will the family enjoy it? Will the photos look good? How much will it cost? How will I make sure I can break away from work? So much uncertainty can start to emerge. This can be especially true for military families taking their precious leave or perhaps connecting a vacation to their Permanent Change of Station, moving to their next installation and home.

It’s natural to have frequently changing thoughts, so here are two ways to intentionally shift your mentality to make the most of your summer vacation.

1. Identify the opportunity each moment presents ahead of time.

When on vacation, it is human nature to pay attention to annoyances, even the mundane ones. We worry about work, get annoyed at the heat, high prices, crowds, or loud commotion around. Frustrations can run higher when you add in the challenges of a kid, significant other, or friend who found all the right buttons to press. When we focus on these annoyances, our focus becomes trapped on them. We feel drained and need a vacation from our vacation!

Try looking through a lens of opportunity, shifting your focus to notice and savor the little pleasures that a vacation offers. Enjoy the laughter of children playing, the warmth of the sun on your skin, and the vibrant colors of blooming flowers. In amusement parks, choose to notice the joy of those around you, the incredible engineering and designs around each ride, and growing excitement as you wait for your turn for fun. In every instance, there is an opportunity to connect with others, perhaps learn something new about someone, or see them in a different light. The learning can even be about yourself: “I can’t believe I actually went skydiving!” Anticipating and being on the lookout for these opportunities sets the stage for us to be fully immersed in the joy the present has to offer. Ask not what you need to do for your vacation but what your vacation can do for you!

2. Slow down to become present in the moment.

When you find yourself caught up in the chaos that is often part of a vacation, take a moment to pause and breathe. Focus on your senses and the beauty around you. This practice can bring a sense of calm and clarity, allowing you to experience and enjoy the moment fully.

Slowing down helps us remember that this moment is something we’ve been waiting for. This moment may not be the exact image we had in our mind as plans can go awry, but it often isn’t the specific event that makes something special; it’s the presence that squeezes out every bit of meaning that sticks with us.

May you welcome the opportunities a summer vacation brings by being open to new experiences and adventures. Whether trying a new outdoor activity, exploring a new place, or simply relaxing and unwinding, allow yourself to engage fully and appreciate these moments.

During a ride, remain seated and always keep your arms and legs inside. During a vacation, stay present and keep your mind focused on opportunities at all times. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable vacation!

As we near election day in November, individuals may find themselves grappling with heightened stress and anxiety. However, there are tips and useful resources available to help navigate the election season and maintain one’s mental well-being.

In this Q&A, Magellan’s Mary Walston, LCMHC, a counselor in the Military and Family Life Counselor program, offers practical strategies for mental wellbeing.

Q: What are effective strategies to manage stress and anxiety related to political discussion and news?

Mary Walston:

Limit Exposure by Setting Boundaries: Allocate specific times for checking news and avoid consuming political content right before bed to prevent sleep disturbances. Choose specific times of the day to check news updates. Avoid consuming news first thing in the morning or right before bed. Set a time limit for how long you spend reading or watching news each day (e.g., 30 minutes to an hour).

Curate Sources: Consider using news aggregators to filter the most relevant information. News apps can help filter and summarize the news, presenting the stories without overwhelming detail.

Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: When you do consume news, focus on it fully rather than multitasking. This helps you process the information better and reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed. After reading or watching the news, take a few minutes to reflect on what you’ve learned and how it makes you feel. Engage in regular mindfulness or meditation practices to center your thoughts and reduce anxiety. Use deep breathing techniques to calm your nervous system when feeling overwhelmed by political news.

Engage in Healthy Distractions such as Hobbies or Interests: Spend time on activities you enjoy, such as reading, gardening, or exercising, to shift your focus away from political stressors. Engage in non-political conversations with friends and family and participate in community activities that bring you joy.

Seek Professional Support: Consider talking to a therapist or counselor if political anxiety is significantly impacting your mental health. Join support groups or online communities where you can share your concerns and learn coping strategies from others facing similar challenges.

Self-Care Practices

Journaling: Use a journal to express your thoughts and emotions, which can be therapeutic and help clarify feelings.

Creative Outlets: Engage in creative activities like drawing, painting, writing, or crafting to divert your mind from stress.

Pampering: Take time for self-care activities such as baths, skincare routines, or massages.

Physical Activity

Exercise Regularly: Engage in physical activities like walking, running, or any form of exercise that you enjoy. Exercise helps reduce stress and improve mood.

Nature Walks: Spend time outdoors in nature to disconnect from the digital world and relax your mind.

Q: What are some ways to respectfully disengage from political conversations that cause distress?

Walston:

Express Personal Boundaries

Simple Decline: Politely say, “I’d prefer not to discuss politics right now.”

Set Clear Limits: Use statements like, “I understand this is important, but I find these discussions stressful and would rather not engage in them.”

Redirect the Conversation

Change the Subject: Shift to a neutral topic by saying, “Let’s talk about something else. How was your weekend?”

Shared Interests: Bring up a shared interest or hobby to steer the conversation in a different direction.

Acknowledge and Exit

Show Respect: Acknowledge the other person’s viewpoint without engaging further, such as, “I see where you’re coming from, but I need to step away from this conversation.”

Graceful Exit: Excuse yourself from the conversation by saying, “Excuse me, I need to take care of something,” and physically leave the space if possible.

Use Humor

Lighten the Mood: Defuse tension with a lighthearted comment like, “Politics can be heavy. How about we save the world later and talk about something fun?”

Time-Limited Engagement

Set Time Limits: If you feel obligated to engage, set a clear time limit: “I’m okay discussing this for a few minutes, but then I need to move on to other things.”

Scheduled Discussions: Suggest discussing political topics at a later time when you feel more prepared, saying, “Can we talk about this another time?”

The 2024 Summer Olympics are right around the corner! The exciting world of elite sports is often associated with physical prowess, unparalleled dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The world will come together to observe in awe, cheer for their favorite athletes, and be instilled with patriotic pride. We hope that fans will also take a moment to appreciate and support the lives of competitors in the games.

Recent high-profile performers, such as gymnast Simone Biles, skateboarder Rayssa Leal, and sprinter Noah Lyles, have bravely brought to light the significant challenges faced by top athletes. Their nuanced self-awareness and recognition of the ebb and flow on the mental and emotional states we all experience were critical to their safety and wellbeing. This awareness of elite amateur and Olympic athletes is crucial for optimizing their overall performance, long-term health, and wellbeing. Whether you are an athlete or a spectator, it’s important to understand the role that mental health plays in performance.

Understanding Mental Health Awareness in Sports

Mental health awareness refers to an individual’s ability to recognize their current emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It reflects a deep understanding of how we think, feel, and act, influencing how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Wellness is a holistic concept that encompasses physical, mental, and social aspects of health, aiming for a balanced and fulfilling life.

Elite amateur athletes face unique pressures that can affect their mental health awareness and wellness. The intense training schedules, high expectations to perform, and constant public scrutiny can lead to significant stress. The pressure to excel not only comes from personal ambition but also from coaches, sponsors, and fans, which can create an environment where mental health issues are more common than most may realize.

The Impact of Mental Health Practices on Performance

Prioritizing mental health practices is essential for athletes to perform at their best. When athletes are disciplined in their mental practices, they can maintain focus, manage stress effectively, and cultivate sustainable motivation. Confidence elevates and performance excels.

Conversely, poor mental discipline can severely impact an athlete, leading to decreased performance levels, increased risk of injuries, burnout, and/or early retirement. While many athletes may be able to perform at high levels during these challenges, this is often not sustainable and may have long-term detrimental impacts. To combat these challenges, mental resilience, mental skills training, positive support systems, healthy coping mechanisms, and work-life balance are all countermeasures these top-level athletes call upon to maintain mental health.

Common Mental and Emotional Challenges Among Elite Athletes

Continuous high-intensity training and competition can lead to burnout and chronic stress. Symptoms include physical and emotional exhaustion, decreased performance, and a sense of detachment from the sport.

Anxiety and Depression are among the most common mental and emotional challenges faced by elite athletes. High prevalence rates are often linked to the immense pressure to perform, fear of failure, and the struggle to balance personal and professional lives. Symptoms can include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and excessive worry.

Substance Abuse can be a coping mechanism for dealing with stress, pain, and performance anxiety. Unfortunately, it brings long-term consequences, including addiction and severe health problems. Athletes may turn to performance-enhancing drugs, alcohol, or other substances to manage the pressures of competition.

Athletes, particularly those in sports with a focus on appearance, weight, and body composition, may develop eating disorders. The pressure to maintain a certain body image can lead to unhealthy eating habits, negatively affecting both physical and mental health.

Strategies for Promoting Mental Health and Performance

Individual Level

Adopting self-care practices and routines that promote mental health and performance, such as mindfulness meditation, regular physical activity, and adequate rest is critical. Seeking professional help from licensed clinical psychologists or counselors is crucial when dealing with severe mental, emotional, or social challenges.

Team and Organizational Level

Creating a supportive environment within teams and organizations is essential. This can involve implementing mental health policies, providing resources, and fostering open communication about mental health. Encouraging a culture where mental health practices are prioritized can make a significant difference. Preventing and mitigating mental and emotional challenges requires recognizing the nuance of early signs and implementing strategies, often with a multidisciplinary approach.

Community and Public Level

Raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental health awareness and practices in sports is vital. The role of media and public figures in promoting mental health practices cannot be underestimated. Public campaigns and educational programs can help change perceptions and encourage athletes to seek help.

Supporting Athletes

The significance of mental health awareness for elite athletes cannot be overstated. Good mental health awareness and discipline is intrinsically linked to peak performance, overall wellbeing, and career longevity. Athletes who prioritize their mental wellbeing often perform better, as they are more likely to adopt best practices to decrease the likelihood that mental and emotional challenges become detrimental to their performances. Their high degree of self-awareness allows them to recognize early signs of mental and emotional challenges and take proactive steps to manage them. These strategies are beneficial for everyone as they go from good to great and explore the bounds of their potential.

Starting with youth sports, we can all play a role in prioritizing mental health initiatives and providing ongoing support and resources to ensure athletes can perform at their best and lead fulfilling lives.

• Leverage and encourage the integration of technology and mental health apps to provide access to resources for athletes while reducing stigma.
• Support the advancements in sports governance that advocate for mental health resources.
• Act with awareness and intention. Observe, engage, and create a culture of open communication.

Encouraging a holistic approach to mental health and wellness will benefit not only the athletes but the entire sports community. As the Olympics commence, let’s commit to being fans with a purpose – appreciating and prioritizing the lives within the games!