A Vital Discussion on Opioids, Pain, and Children’s Mental Health
6th Annual Virtual Town Hall – Featuring Guest Speaker Dr, Alfonso Morales, MD and Carmen Robles .
For nearly two decades, Conversaciones de Salud has been a trusted platform, serving the Hispanic, Latino, Afro-Latino, Indigenous, and Asian-Latino communities with crucial health information. In our sixth annual virtual town hall, we continued this vital mission, tackling some of the most pressing health issues facing our families today: the opioid crisis, the dangers of fentanyl, and children’s mental health.
Hosted by community advocate Carmen Robles and featuring leading proactive care physician Dr. Alfonso Morales of Viva Vitality, this conversation provided expert insight, compassionate advice, and a powerful message of hope and prevention.
Conversaciones de Salud Key Topics Discussed
The virtual town hall covered a wide range of interconnected issues, emphasizing that true health involves the whole person—mind, body, and community.
- The Opioid and Fentanyl Crisis: Understanding the devastating impact on communities and the importance of prevention.
- Children’s Mental Health: Addressing the unique stressors and trauma affecting our youth.
- Holistic Pain Management: Moving beyond prescriptions to sustainable, whole-body solutions.
- The Power of Prevention: Why proactive healthcare is the key to long-term wellness.
- Community Trauma: How current events and immigration fears create additional mental health burdens.
- Nutrition and Exercise: Foundational elements for physical and mental well-being.
Conversaciones de Salud Virtual Town Hall Summary
Dr. Morales, a physician with 35 years of experience and a passion for preventive medicine, shared his profound insights. He framed the discussion around a core belief: traditional medicine is often reactive, but the future of health is proactive and holistic.
He emphasized that treating chronic pain or addiction successfully requires looking at the whole person. This means not just writing a prescription, but addressing factors like diet, exercise, hormone balance, and mental health. “If you don’t remove them from the environment that’s triggering the addiction,” Dr. Morales noted, “they’re still going to go back to the addiction… The importance was to try to remove them out of that environment and make them healthy overall.”
A significant portion of the conversation focused on mental health, particularly in children and teenagers. Dr. Morales and Carmen Robles discussed the immense pressures young people face, from social media and “doomscrolling” to the trauma caused by immigration fears and community violence. They stressed the importance of connection, family support, and simple acts of kindness—approaching a child who seems isolated or bullied—as powerful protective factors.
Dr. Morales also provided practical advice on pain management for seniors, cautioning against automatic surgery for issues like bone-on-bone arthritis in older adults. He advocated for alternatives like physical therapy, regenerative injections (like exosomes), and hormone optimization to improve quality of life without the risks of surgery and immobilization.
The message was clear: health is an investment that starts young. Through education, community support, and a shift toward preventive care, we can build a healthier, more resilient future together.
Watch the Full Conversation:
Watch the full virtual town hall on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/cVE92S1g8OI?si=8vvsDR_CrHltJ_NY
FAQs
What is Conversaciones de Salud?
Conversaciones de Salud is a long-running health education series presented in service to the Hispanic, Latino, and other communities since 2004, focusing on critical health topics through virtual town halls and discussions.
Who is Dr. Alfonso Morales?
Dr. Morales is a board-certified physician specializing in pain medicine and addiction, with over 35 years of experience. He is the founder of Viva Vitality in Lakeville, MN, and a leading advocate for holistic, preventive healthcare.
What is holistic pain management?
Holistic pain management is a whole-person approach to treating pain. It goes beyond medication to include strategies like nutritional counseling, physical therapy, hormone optimization, and addressing mental health to treat the root cause of pain and not just the symptom.
How does mental health connect to physical health?
Mental and physical health are deeply connected. Stress, anxiety, and trauma can manifest as physical pain (like headaches or back pain) and can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, including substance use. A holistic approach treats both simultaneously.
What are alternatives to surgery for senior pain?
For seniors with arthritis or chronic pain, alternatives to surgery can include targeted physical therapy, regenerative medicine injections (like platelet-rich plasma or exosomes), and hormone replacement therapy to improve strength and bone density, reducing pain and improving mobility.
How can I talk to my kids about opioids and fentanyl?
Start with open, honest, and age-appropriate conversations. Educate them on the extreme dangers of pills not prescribed directly to them, as many are counterfeit and laced with lethal doses of fentanyl. Emphasize peer pressure resistance and assure them they can come to you with any questions.
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About Carmen Robles
Carmen Robles is the passionate host and driving force behind “Conversaciones de Salud.” For years, she has dedicated herself to elevating health education and resources within the community. Through her work with partnerships like the Strong Mind Strong Body Foundation and the Youth Community Journalist Institute, she empowers voices and fosters crucial dialogues that break down stigmas and save lives. Her commitment to community wellness and youth advocacy makes her a trusted and respected leader.
▹ Follow Carmen Robles on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@carmenroblesandassociates3371
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Take the Next Step for Your Health with Dr. Morales
Are you or a loved one struggling with chronic pain, low energy, or the challenges of aging? Don’t wait for a health crisis to be reactive. Embrace a proactive, holistic approach to wellness.
At Viva Vitality, we offer:
- Personalized Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Holistic Weight Management Programs
- IV Vitamin Therapy & Nutritional Support
- Addiction Recovery Support
- And So Much More!
¡Se habla español! Reserve su cita con el Dr. Alfonso Morales hoy mismo.
Our team is fluent in both English and Spanish to ensure you are comfortable and understood.
Book your appointment with Dr. Alfonso Morales today to start your journey to optimal vitality.
📞 (952) 999-0433
