Negocios Now

www.negociosnow.com Diciembre 2021 7 COMMUNITY ENERGY CENTER El Community Energy Center es una cooperativa con la National Newspaper Publishers Association y la National Association of Hispanic Publications Media, que brindará información y perspectivas sobre el papel integral que juega el sector energético en la vida cotidiana de las familias estadounidenses en una gran variedad de comunidades. Las soluciones climáticas requieren un esfuerzo colectivo Hoy en día, nuestra creciente población necesita de una gran cantidad de fuentes de energía para satisfacer nuestras necesidades diarias. Necesitaremos mayor acceso al transporte, más opciones de vivienda y de trabajo y más electricidad. Los estadounidenses podemos alcanzar estas metas y, a la vez, hacer frente al cambio climático. Necesitaremos que las mentes más brillantes de todo Estados Unidos colaboren, con diversas opiniones e ideas, para satisfacer nuestra creciente demanda de energía, mientras reducimos las emisiones de carbono en el país. Las comunidades de todo Estados Unidos pueden ayudar a emprender el camino. Para obtener más información sobre cómo el suministro de energía ayuda a su comunidad, visite CommunityEnergyCenter.org By Dr. Alicia La Hoz* I f you are frightened when hear- ing statements like, "Lately, I feel like I don't want to live any- more," or "I won't be a problem for you much longer," take these seri- ously and observe other warning signs of teen suicidality. These include: withdrawing from social contact; having mood swings; increasing use of alcohol or drugs; feeling trapped, hopeless, or helpless about a situation; doing risky or self-destructive things; and being severely anxious or agitated. Sadly, this is a very serious prob- lem in this country. In 2019, the sec- ond most common cause of death among Hispanics ages 10-34 was suicide. For more than 32 years, Latina teens have experienced a higher suicide rate than any other youth. This is when comparing male, female, Black, White, or Asian. Studies show that young women, especially those born in the U.S. to immigrant parents, think about suicide, plan suicide, and have a suicide attempt more than other young people. If you have a young Latina in your life, pay attention. Read these statistics again. If alarmed, you should be. We strive for our youth to flourish, but increasingly the cost is a painful loss. WHY IS THIS HAPPENING? Like all young women, Latinas are struggling to establish identities and become independent. As their children mature, parents see their influence slip away and often put pressure on them to conform. Another reason is that young women assimilate into a culture faster than their parents, causing conflicts to escalate, due to dif- ferences in values adopted, until there is a crisis. The excessive use of social net- works, and consumption of nega- tive messages about identity, is another compelling reason. One of the most extensive studies, Adverse Childhood Experience, shows the strong relationship between traumatic events, the childhood environ- ment and a number of health problems including suicide. When a young woman experi- ences abuse or neglect, this puts her at high risk of suffering with mental health. IT IS URGENT TO RESPOND TO THIS CRISIS. What is the solution? When par- ents increase their communication, affection, and positive interaction, the risk is reduced to 50%. Another study showed that when mothers interact positively at a ratio of 5 positive interactions to every nega- tive one, the incidence of suicide drops even more. The solution begins with you at home. Listen without being judg- mental. Take the time to sit with your child, granddaughter, or niece who longs to be valued and loved. They are hungry for a relationship with their parents or trusted adults. Not sure how to start? Learn to have cru- cial conversations by participating in a parenting workshop and learn about mental health. Visit our page, familybridgesusa.org for online workshops, programs you can bring to your community, and resources to strengthen the family. Suicide hot- line number: (800) 273-8255. Family Bridges against the scourge of suicides ALICIA LA HOZ is the executive director of Family Bridge

• Cover