In this episode of the Just Say Something podcast, host Philip Clark talks with Maureen Gavin, a team member at Just Say Something. Maureen shares alarming insights from her recent work conducting vaping and tobacco education in Greenville County Schools.

The discussion reveals disturbing trends about youth vaping, including administrators finding seven, six-year-olds vaping on an elementary school playground. Maureen explains that many children are getting vapes from family members, including uncles and aunts between 18-25 years old who willingly provide these products to minors.

Particularly concerning is how young children are starting to vape, with many middle schoolers reporting they tried their first vape between ages 6-12. The episode highlights the emotional toll on students, including one child who expressed fear about both parents potentially dying from cancer due to vaping.

The conversation covers how vaping devices are designed to appeal to youth - resembling toys, school supplies, featuring screens, and offering candy-like flavors. A local doctor reports treating increasing numbers of adolescents for vaping-related injuries, including EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Associated Lung Injury). One example involves a 15-year-old Greenville teen who experienced collapsed lungs and was breathing through a tube, yet described it as "a cool experience."

Philip and Maureen discuss the correlation between vaping and other substance use, including studies connecting vaping with opioid use. They emphasize the importance of parents, caregivers, and community members having open conversations with children about these dangers, noting that Just Say Something offers free resources to help facilitate these difficult discussions.

For tobacco and vaping education resources, contact Just Say Something at 864-467-4099.

#justsaysomethingpodcast #tobaccoeducation #vapingducation #greenvillecountyschools #greenvillecountyvapingcrisis

This episode of the Just Say Something podcast, hosted by CEO Philip Clark, continues the series on mental health awareness days by discussing National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (February 24th through March 2nd). The statistics about eating disorders are alarming, with someone losing their life every 52 minutes to an eating disorder. These conditions have the second highest mortality rate among mental health challenges, yet many suffer in silence. This year's theme (2025) is "The Time is Now," emphasizing that many people delay seeking help due to stigma, shame, or denial.

Early intervention for eating disorders is crucial. Warning signs may include changes in eating patterns, excessive exercise, or withdrawal from meals. Common misconceptions include the belief that eating disorders only affect women, when they actually affect all genders, ages, and body types. They are not choices or phases, and recovery requires more than willpower; professional help is essential.

Support resources are available through the National Eating Disorders helpline at 1-800-931-2237 or by texting NEDA to 741741 for immediate assistance. The national crisis line 988 can also direct callers to local resources. For those concerned about someone who may have an eating disorder, it's important to reach out to healthcare providers, contact eating disorder specialists, join support communities, and share recovery stories when comfortable. Supporters should learn early warning signs, listen without judgment, share reliable resources, and advocate for awareness.

Recovery stories demonstrate that healing is possible, and research advances continue to bring new treatments as communities grow stronger through awareness. Philip emphasizes that anyone struggling should pause the podcast and call the helpline, as everyone deserves support.

Please subscribe to our podcast. Share, follow, like, and comment on our episodes. We want as many people to get access to this information as possible.

We will see you next week!

#justsaysomethingpodcast #eatingdisorders #mentalhealth #nonprofitpodcast #greenvillesc

In this episode of Just Say Something's podcast, CEO Phil Clark discusses the significance of Random Acts of Kindness Day, celebrated on February 17th, emphasizing that kindness should be practiced daily, not just for 24 hours. The episode explores how small gestures of kindness can significantly impact someone's day, from a stranger holding a door to a coworker buying coffee.

The biological benefits of kindness are highlighted, with research suggesting that regular acts of kindness can increase life satisfaction by up to 40%. Kindness triggers the release of oxytocin, which helps reduce blood pressure and stress levels. In professional settings, kindness creates positive ripple effects through actions like mentoring new colleagues, publicly recognizing hard work, helping during busy periods, and sharing treats with the team.

Local community involvement opportunities are abundant. Communities need volunteers at shelters, food banks for inventory and sorting, and schools for supplies. Elderly or sick neighbors might need assistance with groceries, home repairs, or prescription pickup. Animal shelters seek dog walkers and foster parents, while community gardens require maintenance volunteers. Just Say Something welcomes volunteers at 864-467-4099.

For immediate action, individuals are encouraged to give three genuine compliments, send a grateful message to someone helpful, and share an encouraging post online. The weekly goal involves helping a neighbor with a specific task, volunteering for two hours, and making a small donation to a cause. Monthly commitments could include starting a community kindness project, organizing group volunteer days, or mentoring others in your field.

For those with limited financial resources, the episode emphasizes that time is equally valuable. Contributions can include writing appreciation notes, teaching skills, or offering companionship, particularly to elderly individuals seeking conversation. The episode concludes by reminding listeners that even five-minute acts of kindness count, and in our divided world, kindness serves as a necessary bridge, with every major movement beginning through individual actions.

Please subscribe, follow, like, comment and share this podcast with your friends and family!

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In this episode of The Just Say Something Podcast, CEO Phil Clark examines Safer Internet Day, observed globally on February 11th. Phil notes Tim Berners Lee's invention of the World Wide Web in 1990 and traces how Safer Internet Day evolved from a 2004 EU project to its current status as a globally recognized initiative observed in nearly 130 countries and supported by major tech companies.

The episode focuses on three essential practices for online safety: regularly reviewing social media privacy settings, implementing strong password security through methods like password managers, and recognizing that internet safety is crucial for all age groups. Phil emphasizes that online threats don't discriminate by age or technical expertise, with recent data showing billions lost to scammers through various schemes including romance fraud, phishing, credential theft, and ransomware attacks.

To illustrate the reality of these threats, Phil shares a story about a team member who fell victim to a gift card scam, demonstrating how even those familiar with internet safety can be vulnerable. The episode stresses that digital literacy is essential for everyone, from grandparents protecting their retirement savings to IT professionals defending against sophisticated attacks.

We want you to share your internet safety tips using the hashtag #SaferInternetDay and to maintain vigilance while using online services. The episode serves as a reminder that internet safety requires constant awareness, regardless of technical expertise.

Please subscribe, follow, share, comment and like our podcast!

To learn more about Just Say Something, visit our site: justsaysomethingsc.org

#podcast #justsaysomethingsc #greenvillescnonprofit #saferinternetday

In this episode of the Just Say Something podcast, CEO Philip Clark explores self-esteem in recognition of International Boost Self-Esteem Month.

Phil explains that self-esteem—our feelings about ourselves—can fluctuate but is ultimately within our power to strengthen. He shares four key strategies:

1. stopping negative self-talk

2. accepting unchangeable characteristics

3. celebrating personal strengths through daily reflection and

4. practicing comprehensive self-care beyond surface-level activities.

This episode emphasizes that building self-esteem is an ongoing journey and concludes with information about the 988 crisis line for those needing professional support. For more resources, visit powercollectivesc.com.

If you have questions about Just Say Something, contact Phillip Clark at 864-467-4099.

#justsaysomething #selfesteemmonth #mentalhealthawareness #podcast #selfesteempodcast

This week on the Just Say Something Podcast, CEO Phillip Clark is promoting the Sweet Talk Valentine Fundraiser! Here are the details:

• Date: Friday, February 7th
• Time: 6:30 PM
• Location: The Mill in Fountain Inn
• Entertainment: The Synergy Twins

• Delicious food and desserts
• Live entertainment
• Raffle prizes (new format replaces previous auction system)
• Perfect for an early Valentine's celebration or gift shopping

• Parenting programs
• Tobacco and vape education talks
• Impact Youth program
• Life skills education
• Power Collective (opioid prevention and education)

The fundraiser supports Just Say Something's core mission of:

• Building bridges between parents and children
• Creating open dialogues
• Empowering youth to make positive choices
• Prevention education and community support

Purchase Tickets or Donate:

• Buy Tickets Here!

"It's going to be one sweet evening for an even sweeter cause."

For more information, follow Just Say Something on:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Website: justsaysomethingsc.org

#justsaysomethingsc #podcast #fundraisergvl #valentineeventsc

This episode of the Just Say Something Podcast discusses National Fun at Work Day, celebrated on January 27th in the United States (internationally celebrated on April 1st). Phillip Clark, CEO of Just Say Something, shares a few fun ideas for making work more enjoyable and building team relationships. They include:

1. Team Trivia

2. A Scavenger Hunt

3. Team Bingo

4. A Staff Talent Show :)

5. Movie Day

6. Escape Room Experience

7. Food-Related Activities (we all love food!)

8. Include the Family Ideas

Check out teambulding.com or cooleaf.com for more ideas!

We want you to share your Fun at Work Day celebrations. Send us photos!

For more information, contact Just Say Something at 864-467-4099.

#podcast #nationalhavefunatworkday #justsaysomething #greenvillenonprofit #parentingcourses #tobaccopreventioneducation #opioidprevention #powercollectivesc

In this episode of Just Say Something's podcast, we tackle the phenomenon of Blue Monday - dubbed the most challenging day of the year for mental wellness, falling on January 20th.

This episode explores practical strategies to combat the January blues and post-holiday slump.

Recommendations:

-Choosing active over passive activities

-Incorporating regular exercise

-Practicing mindful techniques like smiling and meditation, and

-Maintaining gratitude practices through journaling and photo documentation.

The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing when winter blues may require professional intervention, particularly if feelings persist beyond a week or impact daily functioning. Call the 988 crisis line for local support, along with the reminder that many free treatment options are available within the community.

If you have any questions, please call Just Say Something at 864-467-4099

#podcast #justsaysomething #bluemonday #988 #mentalhealth #greenvillescmentalhealth