The HealthFirst Family Care Center offered a program on May 21, 2008, that offered mothers and daughters ages 10 to 17 an opportunity to spend some quality time together while addressing some of the issues they both experience during the adolescent years. The first session featured a Safety Awareness and Self Defense program offered by Rick Medeiros, Director of Security for the Pawtucket Red Sox. The Center’s staff recognizes that adolescence represents a time of significant growth, change and development. Some of the issues that arise during these years can be confusing and frustrating for both daughters and moms. Offering both age groups an opportunity to voice what’s important to them and have their concerns addressed may help to ease some of the transition into adulthood. Some of the topics expected to be covered include smoking, eating habits, dating, peer pressure and more. For more information services offered by HealthFirst, contact Director of Community Relations and Development Paula Harrison at 508-679-9376, Ext. 204.
 

(Top row, left and center) Pawtucket Red Sox Director of Security Rick Medeiros talks about some of the strategy involved in maintaining personal safety as Lisa and her daughter Sierra and her friend listen. Rick demonstrates some of the misconceptions about self-defense with Sierra. (Middle row, left) Courtney Dolbeare shows Rick how she would respond to a personal attack. (Middle row, right) Lisa Lavoie, Dental Manager Donna Zitano, and Linda Medeiros, LPN, take a defensive stance. (Bottom row, left) HealthFirst pediatrician Nidhi Koul, M.D. follows Rick's instructions. (Bottom row, center) HealthFirst Director of Community Relations and Development Paula Harrison, Medical Assistant Betty Nunes and Medical Interpreter Karen Farya mimic Rick's moves. (Bottom row, right) Linda Medeiros demonstrates her best defensive stance.