Family & Youth Archives - Healthy Minds Philly®

Understanding Gaming Addiction: A Modern Concern for Families

Video games have grown from a hobby into a major part of everyday life. From early arcade games like Pac-Man to today’s immersive online worlds and competitive esports, gaming has evolved into an industry that entertains billions around the globe. For many, playing video games is a fun, social activity and even a way to build skills such as problem-solving and teamwork. But for some people, especially young people, gaming can slip from being an enjoyable pastime into something more concerning: gaming addiction. The World Health Organization added “gaming [...]

Janine Monico2025-09-08T15:52:38-04:00September 8th, 2025|Addiction & Recovery, Family & Youth|

BlazeBorn Band: AMLA Summer Music Graduates Rock and Roll

HealthyMindsPhilly interviewed BlazeBorn‘s band members after they performed at a local event. Elizabeth Melendez (15), Layla Delarosa Adrian (15), Inesanned Santiago (16), Nicolas Castillo (16), Zahir Cordero-Severino (18), Genesis Garcia Vega (15), and Daniela America Soriano Gonzalez (19) met while attending Esperanza’s AMLA Summer Music program. Although they have been playing together for just seven months, the band’s seven members feel “pretty close.” At AMLA program, music is more than just notes and lyrics-it’s a lifeline for young people seeking connection, self-expression, and personal growth. The impact of their songwriting [...]

Janine Monico2025-07-21T09:25:02-04:00July 21st, 2025|Family & Youth, Mental Health, Music and Mental Health, Self-Help|

New Work Requirements for SNAP and Medicaid

If you have Medicaid or get help to buy food through SNAP, there are new rules that you’ll need to follow soon. The new rule is called “Work Requirements” Work Requirements for SNAP will start on October 2025. Work Requirements for Medicaid will start on December 31, 2026. What SNAP (Food Stamps) Recipients will be affected by Work Requirements? For SNAP benefits, adults ages 18 to 54 without children must also work, volunteer, or be in job training for at least 80 hours per month. Starting in October 2025, adults up to 54 years of age must [...]

Janine Monico2025-09-12T13:42:45-04:00July 18th, 2025|Community, Family & Youth|

Children Who Self-harm: A Guide for Parents

Many children and teens self-harm. Most start in their early teen years, but some start earlier. What counts as self-harm? Self-harm is when a child hurts their body on purpose. Cutting or burning the skin are common forms of self-harm. Self-harm is more common among girls than boys. Most children who self-harm are trying to cope with overwhelming emotions and stressors. Some self-harm to stop intrusive thoughts. Helping your child cope and not turn to self-harm can offer an opportunity to help them feel better about themselves, learn to deal [...]

Janine Monico2024-05-16T14:02:32-04:00February 26th, 2024|Family & Youth, Self-Harm|