This post is made possible with support from the American Academy of Pediatrics through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All opinions are my own.
What are ACEs?
Have you ever heard of the term ACEs? ACEs is an acronym that stands for “Adverse Childhood Experiences.” ACEs are traumatic events that occur in childhood, including violence, abuse, or having family members with mental health or substance abuse problems. Until recently, I was not familiar with the term ACEs. However, ACEs are quite prevalent in our society, with 61% of adults reporting they had at least one ACE and 16% reporting they had four or more types of ACEs.
Even if you’ve never experienced an ACE, listen up because their impact on individuals can impact communities, which in turn, affects you, too. Luckily, YOU can be part of the solution.
It is important to recognize the presence of ACEs because the toxic stress caused by ACEs can potentially have a significant negative impact on a person’s well-being as an adult. These harmful effects are far-reaching and can range from depression to obesity to heart disease to substance misuse. There have been studies that show that preventing ACEs can help decrease the likelihood of experiencing chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse as an adult. See the charts below for some recent statistics:
For further information regarding ACEs click here.
What Can Be Done To Prevent ACEs? #FindYour3
Because the causes of ACEs are largely societal and systemic, trying to prevent them seems like an overwhelming task. While there are certainly broad policy changes that need to be made by employers, legislators, and healthcare providers, we as individuals also have an important role to play.
The ultimate goal is to create safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments for all children. Establishing these healthy relationships and environments goes a long way in the prevention of ACEs and their potentially harmful consequences. And this is where you can be involved…
The American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention want to encourage everyone to identify three people or resources they can rely on to create the safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments that are necessary to prevent ACEs. Examples of such positive role models can be anyone you interact with, including teachers, pastors, coaches, or neighbors. Having three people or organizations that you can turn to and rely on can make a huge difference in coping with problems.
I am so grateful that my kids are fortunate to have a network of trusted adults in their lives in addition to their dad and me. My kids’ support system includes their grandparents, school teachers, youth group leaders, basketball and soccer coaches, and scout leaders. As a parent, I think it is important to have a discussion with your children to help them identify their “three.” That way, they will know exactly whom they can trust if and when problems develop.
In addition, it is also important to think about how we can be part of someone else’s network of “three.” As a paraeducator at a public elementary school, I see how my everyday interactions with students in the classroom can make a positive impact on a child’s life. While everyone has a unique role, if we work together as a community, we can create the support systems that are necessary to prevent ACEs.
So think about it right now and tell me: who are your three?
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