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Dorming or Commuting – What’s the difference?
As we tour different colleges throughout the summer, students are getting a taste for what it could be like to spend their day on a college campus. However, depending on where your student is applying, they may have to decide between commuting or living on campus. There are pros and cons to both decisions, and […]
Talking to Your Teen About College Applications
As your scholar is preparing their college applications, it’s important for you to understand and get involved with more than just the FAFSA! Do you know what your scholar’s personal statement is about, or have you sat down to discuss their college list? Staying engaged in the process can help both you and your future […]
My teen is so moody…what should I do?
Adolescents almost all go through a period of moodiness–this is a normal part of development and for the majority of teens it will pass after a couple of years. Mood changes result from increased production of sex hormones during puberty. Changes also occur due to brain growth and social and environmental factors that your teen […]
I think my teen has an eating disorder…what should I do?
Have you noticed a change in your teen’s behavior at the dinner table? Are they cutting their food into small pieces, avoiding certain types of foods, or just eating less overall? Perhaps they are no longer gaining weight even though they are still growing, or they are losing weight. You also think you’ve heard them […]
I think my child has ADHD. What should I do?
Your teen is not paying attention in class. Their grades have been getting worse and you notice other changes as well – they are moody and irritable, can’t seem to stick to a schedule, and is missing deadlines. You’ve spoken with your school psychologist and she thinks your son may have ADHD. But, what is […]
Ingredient Spotlight: Eggs
Microwave scrambled egg: Beat eggs, milk, salt and pepper in microwave-safe bowl until blended. microwave on HIGH 45 seconds: stir. microwave until eggs are almost set, 30 to 45 seconds longer. Open Faced Breakfast Sandwich: Heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry the egg with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Spread mashed avocado […]
Ingredient Spotlight: Cucumbers
Healthy tzatziki: Combine 1 cup greek yogurt, 1/2 of a grated cucumber, juice of one lemon, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 30 minutes and enjoy as a dip for veggies! Zesty Cucumber Snack: Peel and slice the cucumber. Squeeze the juice of 1/2 a lime onto the cucumbers and sprinkle […]
Prioritizing Tasks to Pinpoint Your Priorities
This video allows individuals to identify the priorities that will allow productivity to flourish. Very similar to Eisenhower’s box, the video introduces a “Priority Matrix” that has four different colors — critical tasks, high importance tasks, medium importance tasks, and low importance tasks. The value of the task as well as the time sensitivity of […]
How to be More Productive By Using the Eisenhower Box
President Eisenhower developed a decision box system that helps to encourage productivity. To use an Eisenhower Box, you’ll need to divide it into four sections by drawing a horizontal and vertical line through the center of the box. On the top, you’ll mark one column as “urgent” and one column “not urgent.” On the side, […]
Warren Buffett’s “2 List” Strategy: How to Maximize Your Focus and Master Your Priorities
Warren Buffett, an extremely successful investor, has a 3-step plan for prioritizing your tasks. First, write down the top 25 things you hope to accomplish in your life and career. Next, circle your top 5 goals. This allows you to take some time to decide on what is most important to you. Then, review the […]
The Ivy Lee Method
The Ivy Lee method is a tried and true productivity tool, in use since the early 1900s. To stay organized and productive, Lee suggests following five simple steps. First, at the end of the day, write 6 tasks that you need to the next day — but only 6 tasks, nothing more. Then, prioritize that […]
Prioritizing: A Critical Executive Function
Neurologist and teacher Judy Willis explains the importance of prioritizing in her article “Prioritizing: A Critical Executive Function.” She recommends that children aged 10-12 years old focus on learning how to prioritize and delegate tasks. During this time period, the brain has more neuroplasticity, which means the brain’s circuits are developing and changing rapidly, as […]
Advice for Parents of First-Generation Students
By RJ Vega Parents are often our first and most consistent teachers. They teach us how to eat. How to walk. How to ride a bike or throw a baseball. They impart wisdom about life, love, responsibility, accountability, and respect. For the parent of a first-generation college student, this presents an interesting challenge. A first-generation […]
Blue Light and Sleep
These days, it’s hard to escape from screens – we’re on phones, laptops, tablets, or watching TV all hours of the day and night. But what happens when we bring these screens into the bedroom? The effects of TVs on sleep for teens have been well documented – the light from the screen can prevent […]
Adolescent Development & Changing Relationships
As children grow into teens and young adults, parents often struggle with their changing relationship. It may seem like teens start to distance themselves for no reason, but it’s actually an important developmental stage. During childhood, children rely on their parents for almost everything, including social support. However, as teens gain a sense of independence, […]
Opening lines of communication with your teen
Teens don’t easily open about what is going on in their lives. However, open communication with teens is a vital part of their relationship with you and is a key factor in your ability to support them. Here are some tips adapted from Time Magazine about improving parent-child communication. Create talking rituals: Pay attention to […]
Video Games and Aggressive Behavior
For years, parents have worried that violent video games could be a problem for teens. Some people think that video games promote criminal violence in young people. While possible, recent research did not find enough evidence to show a link to criminal violence. There was, however, a clear link to aggressive behavior. Aggressive behavior is […]
My teen is obsessed with video games…what should I do?
Video games are a popular pastime for millions of teenagers. Most teens play for a few hours per week, when they have free time after homework or sports practice. For some, however, video games grow into much more than an occasional source of entertainment. Teenagers can become obsessed with gaming, spending four or more hours […]
How to have Effective Communication with Teens
It’s often said that communication is the key to a healthy relationship. While it might sound like tired advice, it’s a skill worth learning that will help us do better in all our relationships. As your teen grows up, the way you communicate with them will need to change to reflect the new boundaries in […]
Is taking protein powders a good way to build muscle?
Protein powders may be the most popular exercise supplement out there. They are marketed to people who want to build muscle, and you’ll see them advertised in fitness magazines. You hear people at the gym talking about protein, and almost every grocery store sells ready-to-drink protein shakes near the checkout counter. But can taking protein […]
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
We love a chance to talk about mental health, and this is mental health awareness month! Mental Health America created a calendar with one simple thing you can do each day of the month to improve your mental health. Some of the challenges include: May 4th: Do something with friends and family – have a […]
Recipes from our Family Meal Event
On April 27th, we had the pleasure of hosting another Family Meal event at Teacher’s College at Columbia! Thank you to Teacher’s College for hosting us, and to all of our wonderful families and students who came out. We had a wonderful time cooking new, healthy recipes and learning about healthy eating! In case you […]
Family Cooking Event on April 27th
You are invited to our second BeWell family cooking event of the year on April 27th! We had our first family cooking event in December 2018 and had so much fun cooking healthy lasagna, making smoothies, and eating healthy desserts. We can’t wait to have our second family cooking event on April 27th. In case […]
NYC Fitness Events in March
It’s finally March, which means we’ve almost made it through the winter! With the changing month comes warmer weather, which means it’s time to get outside and get active again! Click here to see all the different fitness events being offered in March through NYC Parks. There are so many activities to choose from, including: […]
Did you know March is National Nutrition Month?
Eating healthy foods is an important part of living an overall healthy life. Choosing healthy foods is easier when we know how to find and prepare more healthful options. Here are some BeWell tips for choosing to eat healthy this month: Click here to access the BeWell healthy snacks map, where we highlight healthy options […]
Teaching Your Teen to Stand Up For Themselves
Many times teens will have to deal with situations and people that do not agree with their beliefs, values, and morals. It is important that in these situations, they are able to speak up for ourselves. Doing so is called being assertive. By being assertive, they are letting those around them know exactly how they […]
Challenging The Confidence Gap
Confidence can be an issue at any age, but as a teenage girl it can be especially difficult to fight back against inner negativity. Surveys have shown that between the ages of 8 and 14, confidence in young girls falls by 30 percent. This article shows parents how they can encourage young girls to be […]
Fresh, Canned, and Frozen Produce: Is there a Difference
All sorts of things can affect whether or not you eat fruits and vegetables-these include the taste, recipes you use, prize of the produce, or seasonal availability. Canned or frozen produce is usually cheaper, because the price of fresh produce can depend on factors like the time of year and where you live in relation […]
BeWell Bites Family Meal
On December 8th, 2018, BeWell hosted our first BeWell Bites event! We came together with BridgeUP scholars, families, and friends, and spent time preparing and trying new foods. We enjoyed the opportunity to meet everyone who came, and we’re looking forward to more events like this in the future! Here are some of the recipes […]
Helping your Teen Prepare for College
If your teen is thinking about college or applying right now, that means big and exciting changes may be happening soon! The transition to college and adulthood can be challenging. Check out this article to see what kinds of things you can do to help make that transition smooth and easy. Here are some of […]
BeWell Healthy Snacks Map
Sometimes it can be hard to find healthy snacks in our neighborhoods. If you’re having a hard time choosing healthy foods when you go to BridgeUP or walk around your neighborhood, we’re here to help! Click this link to access our BeWell Healthy Foods Map. We created this map to highlight that there are lots […]
Flu Vaccination Week
The first week of December is flu vaccination week! Have you gotten your flu shot yet? If not, here’s your reminder… If you are able, get your flu shot! Check out this article from the American Lung Association about preventing the flu. The flu shot is covered by most health insurance plans. It also causes […]
Vegan Mexican Food Recipes
Are you looking for healthy recipes to make at home? Check out veganmexicanfood.com! This is what they say about healthy Mexican cooking: “Many Mexican dishes are naturally vegan, like nopales and ensalada de frutas con chile, while others are easily made vegan, like rice, beans, and posole. For those dishes that may contain animal ingredients, […]
Is taking creatine safe?
If you’ve been going to the gym, talking to your friends about working out, or reading fitness articles online you’ve probably heard of creatine. Creatine is one of the most popular supplements on the market. What is creatine? Creatine is a natural substance found in your body. Along with other nutrients, your body uses creatine […]
My child is so moody…what’s going on and what should I do ?
Almost all teenagers go through a period of moodiness, where they get cranky and irritable. Sometimes they withdraw and just prefer to be left alone. This is a normal part of development. For the majority of teens it will pass after a couple of years. Thankfully! But what’s going on and how can parents and […]
8 Campus Resources Your College Student Should Know
The transition from high school to college can be challenging. Colleges offer a number of different resources to help make that transition a little smoother. Colleges usually have resources for tutoring, health services , counseling and more. To make the most of your college experience it’s important to know what your college provides and how […]
Breakfasts on the Go: Overnight Oats
We all know how hectic mornings can get. In between rushing to make it on school on time, to making sure that you get on your proper train/bus, the option for eating breakfast many times will fly out the door. But it’s important to understand how important breakfast is. It will help give you energy […]
10 Tips for Organizing Google Drive
Follow the author as she discusses why Google Drive is one of her favorite tools for organization and productivity. It can be easy to get overwhelmed by all of the documents and sheets you accumulate over the years, but she gives you tips to keep things manageable. She suggests using folders, proper file naming techniques, […]
Become a Google Drive Power User With These 20 Tips and Tricks
In this article, David Nield shares insight on how to navigate Google Drive, an online tool used by millions for academic endeavors, personal and business organization, presentations, and team projects. He emphasizes that many of these users, however, are unaware of many of the most important and powerful features Google implemented on the Drive. David […]
Drive Tips
Read this article in Google’s ‘G Suite Learning Center’ for information, tips, and tricks on Google’s popular application, Google Drive. Learn step-by-step instructions on how to record video meetings, turn on Drive notifications, attach and share files, manage any changes by collaborators, change themes, search for text and images embedded in files, add comments to […]
7 Google Drive Tips
Author Alice Keeler writes about her favorite part of G Suite, Google Drive. As an avid user of ‘The Drive,’ Alice offers seven tips for how to take full advantage of the free application. The article includes information on important url shortcuts, sharing a folder, what “breadcrumbs” are, viewing ‘recent’ files, using the Drive offline, […]
Managing Academic Stress Series Kickoff
BeWell and BridgeUP staff are so excited to be kicking off our academic stress management series! School work and college applications seem to be a big source of stress for teens everywhere and scholars at BridgeUP. We have created a series of tools to teach BridgeUP scholars about things that can be done to manage […]
Ingredient Spotlight: Sweet Potatoes
Ingredient Spotlight: Sweet Potatoes It’s finally Fall, which means a bunch of our favorite fruits and vegetables are now in season. Buying produce in season means it is cheaper and it tastes better. These are some of the ingredients that are in season in November: Apples Beets Broccoli Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Collard Greens Kale Pears […]
4 Google Keep Tips And Tricks For Better Notes, Lists And To-Dos
If you are interested in Google Keep, Google’s platform for note-taking and checklist writing, this article is for you. Author Mihir Patkar discusses the interface, functionality, and special features offered on Google Keep. Google Keep includes special features for staying organized, like a reminder system triggered by geographical location. For example, you can set the […]
How to Use Google Keep
Check out this site to learn about Google Keep, Google’s online tool for organization, note-taking, and checklist building. Learn how to use dictation to create notes with your voice, add pictures to notes, share notes across Google platforms, add drawings to notes, and more! This article will get you started with this free service and […]
Why Use a To-Do List
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by how many tasks you have that you need to complete? You are not alone! Sometimes, the best way to tackle that stress is to get organized, starting with a to-do list! Crossing items off a list will give you a sense of achievement that further motivates you to complete […]
Keeping Your Teen Safe on the Internet
When teens use technology, it can be scary for parents not to know what they’re looking at, who they’re talking to, or what they’re learning. Luckily, there are ways to guide your teen in the right direction. Many gadgets, websites, and apps have parental controls and privacy settings that can make them safer or more […]
Key Internet Terms to Define
Social media channels Snapchat: A social media app that sends a photo or video (called a “snap”) to someone that lasts only up to 10 seconds before it “disappears.” During that time, the recipient can take a screenshot, and the sender is notified that it was taken. Participants can also create “stories” that last for […]
Cyberbullying
In a world where teens are able to stay in contact 24/7, cyberbullying can be a real danger. Because teens can contact each other so easily and in so many ways, it can be nearly impossible for those being bullied to escape. While teens 20 years ago might have been able to get a break […]
Finding Your Community in College
By Horacio Romero Castillo Hello BeWell Readers, Whether you end up going to college 4 hours away or 40 minutes away, finding a supportive community at school is important. College brings along many responsibilities, experiences and challenges that will push your limits to the max. In my case, I did not have an older sibling […]
Why Go to College?
By Horacio Romero Castillo If you are heading into your junior or senior year of high school, you may be asking yourself, what’s next? Is college something I should think about? It may be hard to see yourself in college, especially if no one in your family has ever gone. But, consider some of the […]
Meet Horacio!
My name is Horacio and I am a current Post-Bac Pre-Med student at Columbia University. All that means is that I am taking MORE classes even though I already earned a college degree. Yes, I know, it sounds crazy! But I am doing so because I want to apply to medical school. A little more […]
Organization Skills for Students: 7 Practical Tips
Finding a balance between working hard, participating in recreational activities, and organization can be hard! The success of students has been proven to be correlated with their organizational skills. This article outlines 7 methods to staying organized inside and outside of school. Organizing documents and handouts in designated subject, topic, or task folders will help […]
Teaching Kids The Planner Habit
Getting kids in the habit of using a planner takes a little bit of time and repetition, but once you establish a routine, planners are conducive to organization and success. This article helps parents guide their students toward the efficient use of a planner. Beginning with the right planner for your child is important; there […]
8 Steps for Using a Paper Planner Effectively
If you have ever used a paper planner, you have probably found the following: they require maintenance, but they help you succeed! Writing down assignments on paper is a visual method of organization that is far more effective than creating a mess of calendar events on your phone! Once you become accustomed to using your […]
7 Tips for the Most Successful Planner
Have you ever used a planner? If you have, you know that it requires maintenance, but that it is the ultimate tool in helping you keep on top of assignments and stay organized. Being able to “check off” completed items and always knowing when things are due can be the best way to avoid the […]
Healthy Soup Recipes
Now that the weather is cooling down, it’s our favorite time of the year… soup time! Try making one of these healthy soup recipes which are nutritious, delicious, and keep you warm! Vegetarian Chili Cook time: 40 minutes You will need: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, peeled and chopped 2 cloves garlic, […]
10 Study and Organization Tips
Welcome back to school and BridgeUP! Getting back into the swing of things can be challenging after a long summer. Here are 10 study and organization tips to help you succeed in school! Put your phone away and turn it off while you’re studying or doing work. Watch this video about the Pomodoro Technique which […]
Actress Wendy Davis Talks About Her (and Her Daughter’s) ADHD Diagnosis
Actress Wendy Davis of Lifetime’s Army Wives partnered with Understood to discuss her daughter’s ADHD diagnosis, and how it led to her own ADHD testing as well. For more in this series with Wendy, check out this Understood playlist where Wendy talks about parenting kids with ADHD, the link between ADHD and creativity, building confidence for […]
I think my son/daughter has ADHD. What should I do?
Your son is not paying attention in class. His grades have been getting worse and you notice other changes as well–he is moody and irritable, can’t seem to stick to a schedule, and is missing deadlines. You’ve spoken with your school psychologist and she thinks your son may have ADHD. But, what is ADHD, exactly, […]
YouTube Fitness Videos
Interested in working out at home, but don’t know where to start? YouTube can be a valuable resource for you to try new workouts and get moving! Here are a few of our favorite fitness focused YouTube accounts for you to try. BeFiT Want to try something new? This YouTube channel features a variety of […]
Alcohol Abuse and Depression
Research has shown that up to ten percent of depressed people also abuse alcohol. Many people abuse alcohol when depressed because it makes the sad feelings go away. However this is only a temporary “fix”. People abusing alcohol think they are treating their depression when in fact large amounts of alcohol can actually worsen the […]
Family Conflict and Teens
Conflict is a normal part of family life and can often escalate during the years your children are teenagers. About 1 in 5 young people say they are concerned about family conflict in their home. Family conflict or issues can be caused by many different situations. There are simple tools parents can use to help […]
The Anytime, Anywhere Workout for Busy Parents
When you’re a parent, it can be hard to find time to do things that are just for you. Check out this quick workout you can do anywhere. Try doing these exercises in your apartment or explore a park with your kids or friends and try some of them! You don’t need a lot […]
Helping Your Teen With Eating and Body Image
People of all ages can struggle with negative body image, and it can be hard to know what to say if your teen is going through this. Read this article by Andrea Wachter, who battled negative body image herself and now works with people who struggle with food and weight. We love that Andrea explains […]
Fiber: An Important Part of Your Teen’s Diet
Fiber is a vital part of the diet, but unfortunately it is often overlooked! According to this article from the American Association of Pediatrics, a study found that teens who ate high-fiber meals not only ate sufficient amounts of calories per day but also benefited from the added consumption of vitamins and minerals that […]
A Teenager’s Nutritional Needs
Have you noticed a change in your teen’s appetite as they have started growing up? We turn to the American Association of Pediatrics for some guidelines on a teenager’s nutritional needs. Specifically, this article gives guidelines for your teen’s consumption of calories, protein, carbs, dietary fat, and vitamins and minerals. As the article explains, it’s […]
8 fitness Tips for Parents to Review with their Teenagers
Exercise can play an important role in your teen’s life by helping them relieve stress or maintain a positive body image as their body goes through changes. There are big and small ways you can help them reach their fitness and physical activity goals. Click here for eight tips to keep in mind to make […]
How to Manage Stress in College
College is the time in your life where you begin to figure out who you are and where your place is in the world. During these next few years you will learn to navigate new relationships and ultimately decide which career path you will choose. It is inevitable that you will feel “stressed out” during […]
Five Conversations You and Your Student Should Have as You Begin the College Admission Process
Before the college admissions process, it’s important to have an open conversation with your teen about college. Having honest discussions will better prepare them for the process and will allow them to maintain a realistic mindset while applying to colleges. Ask your student why they want to go to college and what their goals […]
What Do College Career Services Offices Do?
Colleges offer plenty of resources that are included in your tuition and fees. Take advantage of them ! Every college has a Career Service Office that gives you the tools needed to be successful after graduation. Here’s What to Expect From the Career Office at Your College: Career Decision Making Career Exploration Resume […]
8-Week Eat Clean Meal Plan
Are you looking to eat more wholesome foods but need some recipe inspiration? Click this link to check out Joanna Soh’s 8-week clean eating meal plan. We’re excited to try the black bean and sweet potato lettuce wraps and the 3-ingredient no-bake oatmeal bars! Eating wholesome, natural foods like these ones will help you feel […]
Helping Teens Build a Healthy Body Image
We love this story about Dawn Larkin-Wallace, a mother of three in Baldwin, New York, who took up running as a way to bond with and motivate her family to adopt healthy habits. Read about how Larkin-Wallace made healthy living a lifestyle for this family, and not just a fad. They explain the difficulty in […]
Work Through Problems With Your Teenager
Spending time on working through problems with your child is a really important way of teaching them problem solving and conflict resolution skills. Going through the steps of solving a problem will help them see how to break it down and figure out how to tackle it. Hopefully they will remember these skills later when […]
Understanding Depression: Just The Facts
Understanding depression can be very difficult. We have compiled a list of some symptoms and facts about depression to help you understand a bit more. Symptoms of Depression: Loss of Interest in activities, like hobbies Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or suicide Increased use of drugs and/or alcohol Trouble concentrating, memory, and making decisions Isolating yourself […]
Test Anxiety Relaxation Techniques
We know how stressful school and especially test taking can be. Click on this link to check out these test anxiety relaxation techniques the Love To Know project describes in this article! There are lots to choose from and they walk you through each step by step.
Why do we eat so much processed food?
Eating a diet that does not have enough healthy vegetables and fruits causes a lot of health problems. And, while unhealthy foods are often cheap to buy, they can be expensive to our health over the long run. Why do Americans eat so many processed foods? Government subsidies are given to farmers to grow corn and […]
Myths of hypertension: Learn about sodium
While adding a lot of table salt to your food is bad for you and can raise your blood pressure, the real bad actor is the sodium in the packaged food you buy and in meals from restaurants. Most people understand that junk food such as potato chips are high in sodium, but what people don’t realize […]
It’s Ok to Ask for Help
Did you know that… – Four million children and adolescents in this country struggle with a serious mental health issues that can cause them to have conflicts at home, at school, and with peers. -Approximately 50 percent of students with a mental illness age 14 and older drop out of high school – Suicide is […]
What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?
You may have learned about BMI in health class, heard your health care provider talk about BMI, or gotten a BMI report card from your school. BMI, short for body mass index, is getting a lot of attention lately because some schools in the United States are measuring students BMI and sending home BMI report cards. […]
Top 12 Tips to Master the College Search
Searching for college can be a daunting task. It can be scary to think about where you are going to spend the next 2 to 4 years of your life! Take a look at these top 12 tips for choosing a college to help ease your worries and narrow down your search: 1) Identify the […]
Top Tips for Getting Yourself to Drink More Water
Most people know that water is the healthiest beverage. Sometimes it can be hard to motivate yourself to drink enough water. Explore our top five tips for getting yourself to drink more water: Add fruit to your water. Adding slices of oranges, cucumbers, or berries is a great way to add flavor to your water in a […]
Making the Most out of High School
High school is supposed to be a fun and carefree time. But it’s also a time where teens have a lot more responsibility and are thinking about their future, which may include college, vocational training, or entering the working world. Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of high school […]
For Parents: Helping your Children Prepare for College
Parents, knowing how to help your children prepare for college can be difficult and confusing. Luckily, the CollegeBoard has created action plans for parents of high school students to aid their children in the difficult tasks of choosing a college, exploring majors and careers, paying for college, etc. Action Plans for parents of 9th […]
Drugs of Abuse: How Drugs Interact with Your Body
Alcohol, Inhalants, Marijuana, Nicotine, etc… there are many drugs that can become addictive and dangerous when abused. Visit this interactive activity to see how these drugs and others such as heroin, interact with the body. If you or anyone you know is struggling with any form of drug addiction, reach out to your BridgeUP Fellow, a trusted adult, your […]