In this Issue...
Dear Supporter,
 We know that friends have a huge influence on teens. Peer pressure, the need to fit in, and the "cool" factor are all common reasons why teens experiment with drugs or engage in other negative behavior. Who they "hang" with defines who they are for many teens. In Natural High 3, Grammy winning vocalist and dancer, Mya, discusses the peer pressure many teens feel to do drugs to fit in. Mya suggests that "sometimes you just have to isolate yourself or get involved with other people that can bring some healthy decisions around you." Taking a step back and fully assessing the whole picture is a useful tool in any situation. When it comes to drugs and so-called friends, taking a step back can actually be taking a step forward.
Bonus Discussion Guide Question: If you need to isolate yourself for a little, what are some natural highs you can experience on your own?
Stay Cool,
Kelly Frank
Manager of Marketing and Communications
Natural High/Sundt Memorial Foundation
Quote of the Month
"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." -William Arthur Ward
Taking the Message Further: Using YouTube in the Classroom
 Looking for an inspiring Friday activity to promote the Natural High message to your students? Start having YouTube Fridays. On each Friday, spend the last five minutes of class watching a YouTube clip featuring an activity considered to be a Natural High. Clips from www.youtube.com/naturalhighnetwork can be used or get your students involved by showcasing videos that they upload themselves of their own natural high. Students are responsible for submitting clips for your approval by Thursday afternoon. A suggestion is that the clip be no longer than 3 minutes. Start a contest to see who can produce the best video and have an award for the winner. For teachers with multiple classes, make the contest between all sections. This activity has proven to be a useful tool in motivating and inspiring students to find their natural high and make the right choices over the weekend.
Natural High Teacher Spotlight: Marie Dasteel
.jpg) Marie Dasteel is a high school English teacher in San Diego, California. Her natural high, among many, is enjoying the beautiful beaches of Southern California. "Miss D", as her students call her, uses the Natural High DVDs in her classes to bolster the message that being naturally high is the way to live life. "In modern society, where teenagers are constantly bombarded with images and lifestyles that are not necessarily healthy or beneficial to becoming a functioning citizen of the world, positive role models are needed more than ever to give these teenagers the power and motivation they need to rise to their full potential. The celebrities featured in the Natural High DVD Series drive home the message that being drug-free is cool." Living close to our headquarters, Marie also volunteered at our annual fall Fundraiser last year, "Caribbean Jam". Thank you Marie for your dedication to student?s well being and supporting the Natural High mission!
Team Sports Wins a Battle Against Teen Smoking
 Tobacco products are one of the most heavily marketed and least regulated consumer products in the United States, according to the American Lung Association. Because tobacco companies are prohibited from advertising their products in television, newspapers and radio, they pay large sums to promote their products in movies. Recent Studies have shown that the likelihood of teens starting to smoke is increased by the exposure to smoking they see in movies. On the bright side, the July 7, 2009 issue of Science Daily reports that team sports have a positive influence on the likelihood of teens not smoking cigarettes. A study, supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute, concluded that youths participating in team sports were less likely to become established smokers if they were encouraged to play sports and had minimal early exposure to movie smoking. Hmmm sounds like natural highs are working with smoking as well! To read more about this study, click here.
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"We loved the comment Switchfoot made in Natural High 3 that no one who does drugs says it's great... and they don't have any problems...etc. The DVDs are great. Thank God that you turned a horrible situation into an arena where you help others. Thank you for all you do and keep up the good work."
-Pauline Cook, Counselor, Regina Howell Elementary, TX
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:: Our mission is to influence the hearts and minds of kids by inspiring them to live their natural high and to reject drugs ::
The Natural High DVDs are distributed for free to every middle school public, private or alternative in the country.
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