Staying Safe on the Water

For many people, summer is a wonderful time for fun in the sun. Water destinations like beaches, pools, lakes, and rivers, provide an environment that appeals to all ages. These are ideal places for family gatherings and celebrations, which sometimes include drinking alcoholic beverages. This summer, “Protect What You’ve Earned,” by practicing these six safety tips:   1. Stay hydrated. Keep plenty of water and non-alcoholic beverages on hand.&n...

Five Health Care Checkups for Your Child Before School Starts

Summer isn’t quite over yet, but it’s almost back-to-school season. For parents, this means that it’s time to make a list of all the things your child needs for the new school year. As you begin to shop for new notebooks, pencils, binders, and clothes, don’t forget your child’s school-related health checklist. Now is the time to schedule appointments and beat the rush, as health care providers are usually busy just before the school year begins. TRICARE provide...

Plan Ahead for a Sane Summer with the Kids at Home

Some families thrive with strict summer schedules, while others manage best with only general guidelines. Whichever feels best for your family, consider using the following tips to help make this your best summer yet!  1.  Embrace Boredom.  Boredom is not a problem to be solved. It is an itch to scratch. Rather than stepping in when you hear the inevitable “I’m bored,” give your kids some time and space to explore the boredom. Watch their curiosity and ima...

Use Your Creative Side to Strengthen Your Coping Skills

Coping with emotions is a life skill that helps us adapt to challenges. Tapping into your creative side is a great, fun resource for healthy emotional expression. You don’t have to be an artist to do so! Creativity is expressed in many forms like visual art (e.g., drawing, painting), writing, cooking, or dancing. In visual art, images describe inner feelings and thoughts. When using art to express intense emotions, we experience catharsis, an emotional release that provides relief and red...

Don’t Sleep on Sleep Continuity

Why does sleep continuity matter?     Sleep continuity is the ability to sleep through the night without waking up and plays a significant role in the ability to cope with stress and regulate emotions. Disrupted sleep continuity is often referred to as fragmented sleep or interrupted sleep. If not feeling refreshed in the morning or experiencing daytime sleepiness, disrupted sleep continuity may be to blame.      What are the effects of sleep continuity disruption?  ...

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Discusses Resiliency, Trauma, and Stress

Connect to Protect: Support is Within Reach

As part of the year-round commitment to preventing suicide among Marines, families, and the civilian workforce, the Marine Corps observes Suicide Prevention Month each September. The year-long theme for suicide prevention, Connect to Protect: Support is Within Reach, highlights the importance of connecting fellow Marines and leaders to increase help-seeking behaviors. How can you Connect to Protect? Connect with self. It is important to focus on your own good health and wellness. Part...

Eight Ways to Ramp Up Your Career

1.  Google yourself. Specifically, if you are currently job searching or expect to be doing so soon, ensure you know what a recruiter or interviewer might find if they search for you online. Why? Potential employers conduct searches to learn more about possible hires. You don’t want anything to discourage a potential employer from moving you forward in the hiring process, and you don’t want any surprises to throw you off your game during an interview. The top hits are...

Marine Corps Child Care

Many military families with young children require some form of childcare. Unfortunately, the cost of child care is prohibitive for many families. Last month, in a memo titled "Taking Care of Our Service Members and Families," Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, outlined a series of policy changes to help military service members and their families. For Marine Corps families, it means some good news changes to its Child and Youth Programs (CYP) child care fees. Beginning October...

Building a Strong Special Education Team for Your Child

An Individualized Education Program or IEP is a document that spells out the specific services a child with a disability needs in order to access the free public education they are entitled to by law. It’s important to build a strong special education team and learn how to work effectively with them for the benefit of your child. Special education team members and their roles: The Student.  A child should always be welcome to participate in their IEP meetings and learn how to advoca...

HITT The Pool

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Do You Fight Fair in an argument?

Conflict is a normal and healthy part of every relationship. Well-managed conflict can promote growth, intimacy, and trust in a relationship. Unresolved conflict, poor communication, and unhealthy interactions can chip away at the foundation of a relationship and increase relationship dissatisfaction. Here are some guidelines for resolving conflict fairly in your relationship. Do not avoid it. Avoiding the issue will not make it go away. Pick a time and a place to discuss the problem. Leaving...

New Room Reservation Options Available for Lodging

A new 24/7 telephone room reservation service is now available for TDY, PCS and Marine Corps Community Services operated recreational lodging facilities by calling 1-888-409-STAY(7829). This new capability is provided in partnership with the Navy Exchange Service Command’s  Department of Defense Reservation Center. For those who may be overseas, or if you cannot access the toll free number, reservations can also be made online by visiting  www.innsofthecorps.com, or www.mccs...

Talking to Your Kids: How to Get Beyond Fine

How was your day? Fine. How did you do on your book report? Fine. Would you like to have pizza for dinner? Fine. Want to go beyond fine? Here are a few tips to get your child to open up: Set an example. Talking about your own thoughts, feelings, needs, etc., guides children in ways to express themselves appropriately. Model healthy self-expression by discussing why you are feeling happy, sad, or angry, or use a feelings chart to make confusing emotions more understandable. Create a ritual....

Connecting with the Program Staff and Your Peers for Mentoring and Support

Did you know that every major Marine Corps installation has an Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) office, with subject matter experts standing by to assist you with your disability-related needs? The EFMP team of professionals connects families with resources and referrals that will help grow their network of support and reduce additional stressors faced by families. Looking to connect with the local EFMP team? Be engaged. EFMP staff conduct quarterly check-ins with enrolled families. Us...

Talk To Your Teens About Dating Relationships

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Youth Risk Behavior Survey in 2019 indicates that among U.S. high school students who reported dating during the 12 months before the survey: About 1 in 12 experienced physical dating violence. About 1 in 12 experienced sexual dating violence. Youth who are victims of teen dating violence are more likely to experience depression and anxiety symptoms, engage in unhealthy behaviors like using tobacco, drugs, and alcohol,...

Budgeting for Summer Vacation

Don’t let budgeting for a summer vacation be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you plan a fun and affordable trip.   Set a spending limit for your trip and start saving now in a separate account to avoid putting the trip on your credit card.    Pick a destination that fits your budget.  Plan ahead and book early. Reserve your hotel/travel in advance to avoid price hikes.   Be flexible with your travel dates and t...

Saluting Gold Star Spouses

Gold Star Spouses Day is a solemn but important day of remembrance and recognition observed on April 5 each year. It is a day dedicated to honoring the spouses of military members who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. Gold Star Spouses Day has a rich history dating back to the aftermath of World War I, when families of military members would display service flags featuring a blue star for each family member serving in the armed forces. If a service member died in com...

Facing Changes? Tackle Them Like a Champ!

Change is a natural part of military life, but that doesn’t always mean it’s easy. Whether you’re making a permanent change of station (PCS), taking on more responsibility with a promotion, or returning home from a deployment, every situation brings different physical and emotional changes. Drinking patterns often change in times of stress, but there are healthier ways to conquer the situation and maintain readiness. Five tips to assist in tackling change like a champ: Take...

Sleep = Brain Power

Sleep is essential for everyone and it’s part of a healthy lifestyle. Children need more sleep than adults. Studies show that kids who regularly get an adequate amount of sleep have improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, and overall mental and physical health.  Getting enough sleep benefits you and also sets a good example for the kids in your life.  Exercise your brain by learning a new hobby, volunteering your time, taking an education course, obtaining a certificate,...

Marine Corps Veteran Services and Resources Near You

Once a Marine, always a Marine. Whether separated, disabled, or a retired Marine Corps veteran, there are services and resources available to you at your local installation. Different programs have different eligibility requirements, contact your local installation for more information. Visit your local: MCX or Commissary Fitness Centers Bowling Centers Golf Courses Outdoor Recreation and Equipment Rental Child Care Centers  Discover your local: Marine For Life Program Person...

SARC of the Year Award Winner

Congratulations to Maj Sharon L. Rollins, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command (MARFORCYBER), on being selected as the 2023 Liz Blanc Exceptional Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) of the Year. Rollins exemplified her extraordinary commitment to providing sexual assault survivors with quality support by leading the initiative to execute a comprehensive Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program for MARFORCYBER. Her engaging leadership style and professional demeanor...

The Importance of DEOCS and WGR Surveys

Marines live by a set of enduring core values that form the bedrock of their character. These values guide their actions and bolster their resolve. Honor, courage, and commitment lead them to victory over the physical, mental, and moral battles faced during combat or while serving in our communities on behalf of our nation.     Marines have an opportunity to complete two surveys that help the Department of Defense (DoD) address issues and shape decisions about programs and policy. By s...

Experience and Empathy Ensures Superior Service to Families of the Fallen

One small moment is all it takes to make an impact on the lives of families who have experienced a loss. In those moments, the simplest gestures, often the ones that are most overlooked, mean more to them than anything. These families need someone to provide them with care, service and support. It’s these moments that James Gorham, the U.S. Marine Corps liaison assigned to Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, strives to provide to each family member under his care.    Gorham, a...

Back to School on a Budget

School is out for summer, and many are looking forward to relaxing. Planning for the 2023-2024 school year may be the last thing on our minds, but getting an early jump start can save time by beating the rush and, most importantly, save money. Try these helpful tips to go back to school on a budget:  1. Take inventory: Identify what your child already has and recycle their gently used clothing. Children are constantly growing, so instead of replacing their entire closet all at once, pri...

Read Beyond the Beaten Path

    This summer, we encourage readers of all ages to Read Beyond the Beaten Path. Join us for “Summer Camp at the Library”, listen to adventure stories, explore the outdoors, learn some survival skills, make some nature crafts and you may see some special animal and reptile visitors.  Whether you read books, eBooks, graphic novels, or listen to audio or digital audiobooks, you can explore beyond the beaten path this summer!  Join your installation library&rsq...

Connecting to Others through Clear Communication

Communicating across generations is essential to connecting with the people around us and is one of the most challenging skills one can acquire. Our environment, upbringing, and age, influence how we communicate with others. The generation in which we were raised, educated, informed, and socialized; directly influence how we express ourselves to others. It is easy to misinterpret tone and meaning of a conversation when the expressions aren’t clear.  Have you ever received an email or...

Openly Discuss Children with Disabilities and Bullying

Children with physical, developmental, intellectual, emotional, and sensory disabilities are more likely to be bullied than their peers. Children with disabilities may not always realize they are being bullied. They may believe they have a new friend although this “friend” does not have their best interest in mind. All 50 states have anti-bullying legislation to help reduce and eliminate bullying in school or workplace environments. When bullying is based on a protected class (e.g.,...

Five Key Elements to Healthy Relationships

A relationship is a way two or more people are connected or the way they behave toward each other. You might have romantic, friend, professional, and family relationships. Healthy relationships include boundaries, self-control, communication, and respect. In healthy relationships, people feel supported, connected, and independent. Those in healthy relationships experience less stress, report lower levels of depression, and live longer. Healthy relationships often bring out the best in people,...

DoD Safe Helpline Offers Confidential Support for Individuals Affected By Sexual Assault

The DoD Safe Helpline provides live, one-on-one support to sexual assault survivors, their loved ones, and anyone within the DoD community looking for more information. All Safe Helpline services are confidential, anonymous, free, secure, and available worldwide, providing survivors with the help they need, anytime, anywhere. There are several options to choose from: Telephone 877-995-5247: Live, confidential help over the phone. The phone number is the same in the U.S. and worldwide via DSN....

Marine Corps Seeking Applications for the 2023 Male and Female Athletes of the Year

The Marine Corps is searching for its top Marine athletes. Marines who have excelled in intramural, varsity, All-Marine, national, and international competitions will be considered for the 2023 Male and Female Athletes of the Year.  Competitions must comply with the amateur regulations within nationally recognized governing bodies or affiliated organizations within the US Olympic Committee. Applications must include a professional biography encompassing the Marine’s calendar year acc...

L.I.N.K.S. PSA

Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge, and Skills, or L.I.N.K.S., is an interactive acculturation program to Marine Corps life and the local installation. Participants learn about Marine Corps history and ranks, local installation resources, services, benefits, military pay, separations and deployments, communication styles, investing in the community, and Marine Corps traditions and etiquette. Services Promotes positive adjustment and improved individual and family functioning. Train...

USMC Men’s and Women’s Golf Teams Finish Second and Third, Respectively, in the 2023 Armed Forces Golf Championship

Marine Corps Capt. Nicholas Brediger (center) took home the gold medal in the 2023 Armed Forces Golf Championship, which was held Sept. 21-24 at the Admiral Baker Golf Course in San Diego, CA,. Marine Corps Capt. Nicholas Brediger (OSS Charlottesville, VA) finished on top at the Armed Forces Golf Championship on Sept. 24, taking home the gold medal at the Admiral Baker Golf Course in San Diego. Brediger, an officer selection officer at the Officer Selection Center in Charlottesville, VA, is...

Maintaining Your Peace While Vacationing

In nature, plants are not intended to be in blossom year-round. They go through seasons of dormant rest, which help them to build strength and bear more fruit in their proper season. So, what does this have to do with maintaining peace during vacation? Well, the cycles of nature can serve as a valuable lesson to us all.   Yes, we may believe we must be constantly productive, but take a step back and reevaluate this desire. Routine and scheduled rest is essential, and often, we inte...

Drinking Alcohol Can Interfere with Your Fitness Goals

Even though the effects on the mind and body are known, athletes often reach for a drink after a hard workout — and they’re not the only ones. People who exercise to achieve or maintain physical fitness often do the same thing. Before reaching for a cold beer to relax and unwind, stop and consider the facts. Drinking alcohol negates the positive results of a hard workout. Alcohol impairs the body’s ability to process adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, the prim...

Family-Style Dining Helps Kids Build Social and Problem-solving Skills

Teachers and children sitting together to enjoy a meal or snack is an example of family-style dining. Family-style dining includes: Teachers and children eating in small groups at a child-size table and chairs. Children assisting in setting the table with serving platters, bowls, and milk pitchers that are small enough for toddlers to manage. Toddlers and preschool children self-serve their meals and teachers assist if needed. Teachers guide children hand-over-hand so they can practice se...

Making a Quit Plan to Kick Tobacco Habit

Giving up tobacco can be tough, but making a customized quit plan that you can access and update can help you reach your goals. If you want to kickstart your quit journey, you’re in the right place. The YouCanQuit2 Quit Plan is an online tool that you can access on any device (phone, computer or tablet). The interactive tool will show you how to prepare to quit and then give you the encouragement and tips to accomplish your goals. Throughout your quit journey you can (and should!) refer t...

Adaptive Fitness Allows Everyone to Build Physical Fitness

In a world where people with disabilities are inundated with obstacles and accessibility barriers, let’s remember that every human has the right to health and exercise programming. Adaptive fitness refers to the modification of a physical activity regimen. Exercises are adjusted to meet the unique needs of any individual with special needs or disabilities. The goal of adaptive fitness is to create opportunities. What’s unique about adaptive fitness is in the name – fitness pr...

Leveling the High School Sports Playing Field for Service Members’ Children 

Physical fitness is part of Marine Corps Total Force Fitness and an important part of personal development for Marines and their families. Children who play sports build physical strength and stamina, self-esteem, social-emotional intelligence, and motor skills. The children of service members can experience obstacles participating in sports because of the transient military lifestyle. A common hurdle to overcome for high school athletes is missing out on tryouts. The Military Interstate Child...

Marine Corps Reimburses Spouse Licensure Costs Related to PCS Moves

The 2018 National Defense Authorization Act allows each service to reimburse spouses up to $1,000 for licensure and certification costs resulting from moves that cross U.S. state lines — to include OCONUS to stateside moves. Who’s eligible? Military spouses of Marines of any rank who moved across state lines due to a permanent change of station (PCS) move under accompanied orders who wish to pursue the same licensure or certification at their new location are eligible. What ca...

Spouses Benefit from Self-Care While Marines Are Deployed

The home front can become overwhelming and stressful while your Marine is deployed. Oftentimes, taking care of yourself gets put on the back burner due to the many demands of daily life.  During the midway point of the deployment, it is normal to feel like time is standing still and the day of your Marine’s return is too far away to count down. It’s OK to give yourself permission to take care of you to better take care of others. Taking care of yourself is a great opportu...

Camping in the Great Outdoors, Military Style

A great way to recharge batteries, reconnect with family and friends, and experience the great outdoors is through camping. Military bases throughout the United States (U.S.) feature camping areas for active duty, reservists, retirees, and military veteran patrons. Marine Corps Community Services (www.usmc-mccs.org) is a super resource for planning your trek of a lifetime across the United States.     MCCS locations on the east coast, west coast, and Hawaii offer breatht...

Be Present in The Moment

Mindfulness is a skill that involves focusing attention on the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or thinking about the future. Mindfulness can be practiced anytime and anywhere, but that does not mean that it is easy to focus our minds on the present moment. With so many different distractions in today’s society, it could be difficult to take time to focus on the present. Whether it is worrying about a task that is due or an assignment you may have messed up on in the past,...

Managing Grief This Holiday Season

The holiday season can be a difficult time when you are grieving. You may feel isolated while others celebrate the holidays with family and friends, as the sights, sounds, and smells of the season may spark memories of loved ones. As a service member or military family, you face unique challenges when located away from your family support system. There are ways to support your well-being while coping with grief and loss. Acknowledge and feel your feelings. Give yourself permission to recognize...

How To Improve Your Credit Score in the Upcoming Year 

The Personal Financial Management Program (PFMP) offers education, training, counseling, and financial information and referrals to assist Marines and their families in achieving and sustaining personal financial readiness. The Consortium for Health and Military Performance offers these tips for getting your finances in order: Track daily spending. Create a budget and use it to track what comes in (income), what goes out (expenses), and what’s left over (your savings) each month. Mak...

Establishing Realistic Financial Goals

Setting realistic financial goals is crucial for achieving financial success. 10 things to consider when setting realistic financial goals: 1: Assess current financial situation. Understand your income, expenses, debts, assets, and liabilities. Create a budget to track where money is going and learn ways to evaluate financial wellness. 2: Define short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals. Break down financial goals into short-term (1-2 years), mid-term (3-5 years), and long-term (5+ years) goa...

Strengthening Your Family’s Well-Being

Our families can be considered one of our greatest resources. Whether you’re biologically related, friends, or fellow warfighters, a healthy, supportive family system is key to our overall well-being and personal development. A strong family unit is also crucial to readiness in the home, classroom, and battlefield.   Families provide a primary understanding of how the world works—how to problem-solve, manage finances, express feelings, learn to communicate, and develop...

Ways To Build Resilience

This time of year, we often hear phrases like New Year, New You. But what does that really mean? How can resilience skills help make the New Year better than the last?  What Does Resilience Mean? Resilience is the ability to adapt to difficult situations. In more formal terms, it’s the ability to withstand, recover, and grow in the face of stressors and changing demands. When you experience stress, adversity, or trauma, resilience enables you to cope with it, to not be disabled b...

LSP Assists Marine Sergeant in Pursuing College Degree

The Leadership Scholar Program (LSP) aims to support academically and professionally qualified Marines in their pursuit of higher education by assisting with academic preparation and the application process to highly selective colleges and universities across the country. Fortunately, Sgt Jacob Carew-Gonzales is one of many who will benefit from the program's assistance in achieving his educational goals.   Sgt Carew-Gonzales, known as Jake, is from San Antonio, Texas, where he spen...

Strengthen Your Bond by Setting Relationship Goals

The term “relationship goals” is used to describe a couple who appear to have everything one may want in a relationship. But, underneath the surface, that relationship takes effort, communication, and dedication. Setting relationship goals is a way to commit to something together and show you care about the relationship. Developing common goals encourages working as a team to enhance and sustain the relationship and deepens the bond. There are many goals that can strengthen a relat...