Carol Zuniga

The National InstituteJustice states that 73% of girls and 66% of boys report experiencing verbal abuse from their dating partner. Photo courtesy of Metro Editorial Services

Column: Our teens deserve better: Dating without violence

February 4, 2026 at 12:07 p.m.

In 2010, Congress proclaimed February National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. February is recognized as a time to come together to educate communities about the prevalence of abuse...

Reframing your thinking to focus on process means committing to daily actions, habits, and attitudes that move you forward. Photo courtesy of Metro Editorial Services

Column: Focus on process versus outcomes for mental wellness in 2026

January 7, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

It’s January, recognized by mental health advocates as Mental Wellness Month, to encourage individuals to prioritize their mental health as we go forward into the new year.

Photo courtesy of Metro Editorial Services

Column: Focus on gratitude during the holidays and always for happiness

November 7, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

Gift exchanging, a holiday season tradition deeply embedded in our culture, brings with it a full array of emotions and stress. Most of us have experienced the emotional lift we feel...

Emotional responses in an emergency can include feelings of anxiety, sadness, hopelessness, sleep issues, fatigue, irritability, anger, or aches, which improve over time. (Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Connection)

Column: A global priority: Everyone deserves good mental health

October 1, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

October 10 is recognized worldwide as World Mental Health Day – a day to mobilize efforts to create a world where mental wellness is valued and protected as a basic...

National Grief Awareness Day is Aug. 30. (Photo courtesy of Metro Editorial Services)

Column: When grief is not normal

August 5, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

Saturday Aug. 30 is National Grief Awareness Day. It's a day dedicated to open communication on loss and bereavement to raise awareness about the experience of grief and the grieving...

Column: Pride Month – understanding and celebrating our diversity

June 1, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

June is World Pride Month. Through parades, community events, and educational opportunities, Pride Month encourages awareness and acceptance and peacefully continues to stand up for creating communities with equal justice...

Column: Pride Month – understanding and celebrating our diversity

October 30, 2025 at 5:39 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Connection

Column: Mental Health: It’s time to act – awareness is not enough

May 1, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the United States each May to educate the public, highlight the importance of mental well-being, and advocate for better mental...

Column: Preventing child abuse: Be the one who starts the conversation

October 30, 2025 at 6:48 p.m.

Since 1983, April has been designated National Child Abuse Prevention Month (NCAPM). The CDC reports that one in every six children in the US experiences abuse and or neglect; the...

April has been designated National Child Abuse Prevention Month. (Photo courtesy of Metro Editorial Services)

Column: Preventing child abuse: Be the one who starts the conversation

March 30, 2025 at 12:00 a.m.

Since 1983, April has been designated National Child Abuse Prevention Month (NCAPM). The CDC reports that one in every six children in the US experiences abuse and or neglect; the...

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