Island Harvest is one of Long Islands largest hunger relief organizations. They work with people who have a surplus amount of food to those who have none. Volunteers and staff "rescue" or collect food from local residents, caterers, farms and other food related businesses. They then donate the food to soup kitchens, homeless shelters and other places where people can have easy access to it. Island Harvest also tries to educate people about the many people struggling with food shortages around the area and try to spread the word about their organization. If many people know about it, they would be willing to donate and helping with the hunger crises and maybe even end it on Long Island.
Recent studies have been done to show how many families are struggling with hunger on Long Island. The objective of Island Harvest was to see what kind of areas needed the most soup kitchens, food stamps, or other feeding programs.
There are many people suffering from hunger in many suburban areas. We can help them however by making money donations and/or food donations.
For more detailed information on how to donate visit the Island Harvest website.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Spreading the Word About Poverty Benefits
Poverty is a big issue in today's society. Most people don't know about the benefits that are offered by the government to improve the lives of the poor. Only 5% of the people living in poverty utilize their 3 supports for which they qualify: child care assistance, Medicaid, and food stamps. Organizations are trying to close this benefits gap mainly for two reasons:
1. States with a large number of people who are not taking advantage of these benefits are losing out on large amounts of federal spending, which is needed if communities want to emerge from this economic recession.
2. More people involved in these programs will make sure that their standard of living improves and they are able to make ends meet.
All of the options for low income families should be embraced if known about. This way, we can lead the way for a higher standard of living in communities and in individual families.
Improving Access to Benefits
1. States with a large number of people who are not taking advantage of these benefits are losing out on large amounts of federal spending, which is needed if communities want to emerge from this economic recession.
2. More people involved in these programs will make sure that their standard of living improves and they are able to make ends meet.
All of the options for low income families should be embraced if known about. This way, we can lead the way for a higher standard of living in communities and in individual families.
Improving Access to Benefits
Digital Media in the Classroom
Media and Computer use in the classroom has turned out to be a great learning tool for kids from pre-K to grade 12. PBS has conducted a survey beginning in 2002 to gauge the use of media in classrooms. Use of the media in classrooms result in a more effective individualized instruction. Kids actually benefit by using the computers in the classroom as a source to gain knowledge.
A significant increase in the usage of media in classrooms will give students an advantage in learning and increasing their chances of graduating.
More information about the results of these studies can be found on the PBS website.
A significant increase in the usage of media in classrooms will give students an advantage in learning and increasing their chances of graduating.
More information about the results of these studies can be found on the PBS website.
Text messages to help new mothers
New mothers don't always know what to do during their first pregnancy and the first year of their baby's life. Text4baby offers a free mobile information service to anyone who needs it. They send you facts, information, and guidelines via your mobile phone regarding your pregnancy. All you have to do is text BABY to 511411 and specify how many months you are and the predicted date of birth. From there, text4baby will send you 6 text messages during the first week, and after that 3 weekly tips timed to their due date or baby's month of birth.
These tips will cover a variety of topics including:
-Immunization
-Nutrition
-Seasonal Flu
-Mental Health
-Smoking & Alcohol
-Oral Health
-Safe Sleep
Information about child birth and prenatal care is provided by National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition with support from Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and the Health Resources and Services Administration. Following message development, they underwent a review process by several government organizations.
Research shows that 90% of mothers have cell phones. Allowing this important information to be at such easy access will save the lives of babies and mothers everywhere. Just knowing the right information will decrease the number of premature births, birth defects, and birth fatalities in the country, all of which are associated with lack of prenatal care.
This service will offer not only tips, but services that are available to mothers. They will send them information about prenatal care options around their neighborhood, and ways to be proactive about guiding a healthy lifestyle for them and their baby.
Mothers who sign up for text4baby are more likely to sign up for prenatal care. Prenatal care can help save money on health insurance. Premature births, which can result from lack of prenatal care cost a lot more money in hospital bills and health insurance than a healthy baby. Tips such as what to eat, when to exercise, smoking and alcohol texts will also ensure that their baby will be healthy.
This service will continue for a year after the birth. It will provide mothers with all of the essential information during their baby's first year of life.
This service is easy to activate just by texting BABY to 511411
Mothers can update their due date by texting UPDATE to 511411
And, if they would no longer like to receive these texts, they can stop them by texting STOP to 511411
These tips will cover a variety of topics including:
-Immunization
-Nutrition
-Seasonal Flu
-Mental Health
-Smoking & Alcohol
-Oral Health
-Safe Sleep
Information about child birth and prenatal care is provided by National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition with support from Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and the Health Resources and Services Administration. Following message development, they underwent a review process by several government organizations.
Research shows that 90% of mothers have cell phones. Allowing this important information to be at such easy access will save the lives of babies and mothers everywhere. Just knowing the right information will decrease the number of premature births, birth defects, and birth fatalities in the country, all of which are associated with lack of prenatal care.
This service will offer not only tips, but services that are available to mothers. They will send them information about prenatal care options around their neighborhood, and ways to be proactive about guiding a healthy lifestyle for them and their baby.
Mothers who sign up for text4baby are more likely to sign up for prenatal care. Prenatal care can help save money on health insurance. Premature births, which can result from lack of prenatal care cost a lot more money in hospital bills and health insurance than a healthy baby. Tips such as what to eat, when to exercise, smoking and alcohol texts will also ensure that their baby will be healthy.
This service will continue for a year after the birth. It will provide mothers with all of the essential information during their baby's first year of life.
This service is easy to activate just by texting BABY to 511411
Mothers can update their due date by texting UPDATE to 511411
And, if they would no longer like to receive these texts, they can stop them by texting STOP to 511411
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Lack of Sleep May Lead to Depression in Adolescents
Sleep is an essential part of everyone's life. It helps us function and go about our daily lives and keeps our emotional well-being in check. As expected, the younger we are the more sleep we need. Parents make the decision on when kids get to go to bed and basically control their sleep schedule. If it was up to kids, they would stay up all night watching cartoons and eating ice cream because they don't realize what lack of sleep does to them. Therefore, it is up to parents to make sure that kids get the right about of sleep to help them live healthier lifestyles and mental well being.
A study in the January issue of SLEEP journal showed that kids who went to bed later at a young age had a higher chance of depression and suicide. An adolescent with a parental set bedtime of 12 midnight and later had 24% higher chance of being depressed and considering suicide. The number of hours of sleep a night that an adolescent gets also has an effect on their depression and suicide rates. Adolescents who got five or less hours of sleep a night were 71% more likely to show signs of depression and 48% more likely to think of suicide than those who got 5 or more hours a night. James E. Gangwisch, PhD, assistant professor at Columbia University Medical center uses these results as more proof that short sleep duration plays an important role in the etiology of depression.
Detailed results of these sleep studies on adolescents can be found on the American Academy of Sleep Medicine website.
A study in the January issue of SLEEP journal showed that kids who went to bed later at a young age had a higher chance of depression and suicide. An adolescent with a parental set bedtime of 12 midnight and later had 24% higher chance of being depressed and considering suicide. The number of hours of sleep a night that an adolescent gets also has an effect on their depression and suicide rates. Adolescents who got five or less hours of sleep a night were 71% more likely to show signs of depression and 48% more likely to think of suicide than those who got 5 or more hours a night. James E. Gangwisch, PhD, assistant professor at Columbia University Medical center uses these results as more proof that short sleep duration plays an important role in the etiology of depression.
Detailed results of these sleep studies on adolescents can be found on the American Academy of Sleep Medicine website.
Childhood Exposure to Tobacco Smoke
Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health recently released a statement regarding tobacco smoke in the home and it's effect on children. Children who were exposed to tobacco smoke early in their life are more likely to get emphysema and their lungs at that age can't fully recover from the smoke inhalation. The study showed that the more cigarette smokers in the household, the more emphysema-like lung pixels appeared in the scan. An average of 20% scan pixels were emphysema like for those who lived with two or more smokers as a child, compared to 18% for those who lived with one regular smoker, and 17% for those who said that they did not live with a regular inside smoker as a child. Researchers are able to tell the difference between the lungs on the CT scans from being exposed to smoke as a child and those who were not exposed to smoke as a child. Air flow obstruction and anatomic damage to lungs from smoke inhalation as a child can not be reversed. Once they are exposed to it, their lungs become weaker and their chances of emphysema are higher. Although some effects of tobacco smoke are short term, through these studies we are also able to tell that they are long term as well. According to Gina Lovasi, assistant professor of epidemiology at Columbia's Mailman School of Public Health, combined emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are projected to be the third leading cause of death by 2020.
Child Care and Obesity
Obesity is a problem in America that most likely everyone is familiar with. The reason for this epidemic is mainly two things; lack of physical activity and bad food choices. With the growing number of video games and reality TV, kids are going to choose to play those instead of going outside and being active. And with the rise of McDonald's and Burger King on almost every corner of every street, it's no wonder that kids are forgoing vegetables for chicken nuggets. What parents don't realize is that kids aren't going to change themselves. They grew up like this and fast food and video games at an excess amount is the norm to them. Playing a sport or going outside and being active is optional and not a necessary part of their lives, according to children. They don't know the dangers that can arise from lack of physical activity and bad food choices. Therefore it is up to the parents to guide kids in the right direction. Teaching your kids the healthy lifestyle can save their lives in the long run. There are many useful tips for parents online about how to get your child to live a more physical lifestyle. Schools are cracking down and eliminating vending machines from their cafeterias. Some schools are going organic and will only sell healthy items on the menu. Gym class is also mandatory for every student. However, the extent of physical exercise in gym class is low, so kids are encouraged to include more physical activity in their day.
Studies were done to show how much physical activity kids get each day and also the eating habits of kids were observed as well. Results of these studies can be seen here.
Studies were done to show how much physical activity kids get each day and also the eating habits of kids were observed as well. Results of these studies can be seen here.
Parent Involvement
Sometimes parents can struggle with parent involvement issues for a number of different reasons. A parents involvement in a child's life has a much greater effect that one would realize. Children's Bureau Express listed all of the effective programs parents can take in helping their child grow up to be a strong, independent, loving child.
Children's Bureau Express: Parent Involvement Programs That Work
Children's Bureau Express: Parent Involvement Programs That Work
Child Abuse Drops Drastically in the US
A massive new federal study has shown a decrease in the number of incidents of serious child abuse, especially sexual abuse. Research shows that 553,000 children suffer from child abuse in 2005, which is down 26 percent from the 743,200 in 1993. Experts explained these findings by stating that the crackdown and awareness of child abuse is becoming more open in society. People aren't as afraid to say something and talk about abuse or get help for their problem.
The study was able to take off on the fact that over 10,000 "sentinels", such as child social workers, teachers, police officers and day care workers reported less abuse than before. The number of sexually abused children decreased 38 percent, the number of physically abused children decreased 15 percent, and the number of emotionally abused children fell 27 percent.
Experts try to explain this substantial decrease with a growing concern and public intolerance for child abuse. More people are less afraid to come forward if it is their family or someone they know. There has also been an increase in the number of programs and support lines for abusive parents and potential abusers.
The trend called the "troop surge" also led to this decline in abuse. Violent acts by parents are more punishable by the law and jail time is likely for any potential abusers. A greatly expanded use of medication has also helped in the decline of abuse. More and more parents are able to control their anger that otherwise would have been taken out on the child. With these medications being given more leniently, a growing number of parents are able to handle their problems in a calmer way and therefore leading to less physical and emotional strain.
The study was able to take off on the fact that over 10,000 "sentinels", such as child social workers, teachers, police officers and day care workers reported less abuse than before. The number of sexually abused children decreased 38 percent, the number of physically abused children decreased 15 percent, and the number of emotionally abused children fell 27 percent.
Experts try to explain this substantial decrease with a growing concern and public intolerance for child abuse. More people are less afraid to come forward if it is their family or someone they know. There has also been an increase in the number of programs and support lines for abusive parents and potential abusers.
The trend called the "troop surge" also led to this decline in abuse. Violent acts by parents are more punishable by the law and jail time is likely for any potential abusers. A greatly expanded use of medication has also helped in the decline of abuse. More and more parents are able to control their anger that otherwise would have been taken out on the child. With these medications being given more leniently, a growing number of parents are able to handle their problems in a calmer way and therefore leading to less physical and emotional strain.
Paternal Involvement and the Effect on Children
New research about a father's role in a child's life has surfaced with interesting results regarding the differences between paternal and maternal nurturing. A father plays an important part in their child's life and there is a link between father involvement and child-father attachment. Sometimes a child can feel closer to their father than their mother. Research studies show that self-asserting fathering and compensatory fathering are leading factors in these situations.
A study involving 236 families with children in kindergarten was done to examine the effects of parenting relations and attachment. A child responds more when paternal nurturing is involved with distress rather than the act of just being a warm, loving parent. When a father helps his child in a time of need, it will have more of an effect on the child than the father's overall warmth and comforting, which is virtually unrelated to any attachment issues.
Although less responsive parenting in both mothers and fathers is related to insecure attachment, parenting mechanisms associated with insecure attachment differed. Low paternal responsiveness is linked to insecure-avoidant attachment, and low maternal responsiveness is linked to insecure-ambivalent attachment. To understand why these differences occur, further research and studies are needed to examine the effects of paternal responsiveness.
With these studies, we see how a father plays an important part in a child's life in a more specific way and both parents are equally important in raising a child.
A study involving 236 families with children in kindergarten was done to examine the effects of parenting relations and attachment. A child responds more when paternal nurturing is involved with distress rather than the act of just being a warm, loving parent. When a father helps his child in a time of need, it will have more of an effect on the child than the father's overall warmth and comforting, which is virtually unrelated to any attachment issues.
Although less responsive parenting in both mothers and fathers is related to insecure attachment, parenting mechanisms associated with insecure attachment differed. Low paternal responsiveness is linked to insecure-avoidant attachment, and low maternal responsiveness is linked to insecure-ambivalent attachment. To understand why these differences occur, further research and studies are needed to examine the effects of paternal responsiveness.
With these studies, we see how a father plays an important part in a child's life in a more specific way and both parents are equally important in raising a child.
Interactive Web Feature Explains the Science of Early Child Development
The Center for the Developing Child at Harvard University recently added a new interactive feature to their Web site that explains core concepts in the science of early childhood development through images and text. It discusses how brains are built over time; the interaction of genes and experience; the damage caused by chronic, unrelenting adversity (“toxic stress”); and why early intervention matters to all of us.
It is available at: http://developingchild.harvard.edu/library/multimedia/interactive_features/coreconcepts/
It is available at: http://developingchild.harvard.edu/library/multimedia/interactive_features/coreconcepts/
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The 10 Deadly Sins of Career Development
1. Phobia – Whether it is fear of failure or fear of success, this psychological obstacle is the number one reason clients do not reach their goals. FEAR is really an illusion that stands for False, Evidence Appearing Real.
We choose safety over self-actualization because we fear the unknown and the ambiguity of the future. Fear is a test of commitment and a way to focus your attention on answering the question: “Is this what I really want?” When you risk, you loosen your hold on what you're certain of and you reach for something which you're not sure of, but you believe is better than what you have. Facing our fears means we step outside our comfort zone and grow the most professionally.
Conquering your fear means training yourself to be emotionally fit. Fear is merely a state of mind when thoughts run wild. If you control your thoughts, you can control your destiny. Acknowledge the fear, then confront it by erasing the tape of negative self-talk with positive thoughts then only obsess about those positive thoughts. Avoid all self-doubting thoughts which turn into self-doubting language and then self-sabotage. Often we are the ones holding us back. Find a way to get out of the way such as saying positive affirmations that motivate you. Without fear, there is no courage.
2. Pessimism – Attitude determines altitude. Where you go in life is really up to you. A poor attitude creates excuses and rationalizations that don’t serve you. Call a friend to be your career cheerleader if you need some positive attitude readjustment. Hope is critical for accomplishing your objectives. Don’t believe the negative lies you keep telling yourself. Kill all the negative automatic negative thoughts that clutter your mind. Replace them with the ideal outcome.
3. No Passion – You can’t enjoy your career if you don’t feel enthusiastic about it. Be clear as to what you want. Unclear goals only yield unclear results. If you obsess about success you will bring about success. You will overcome fear when you fixate on what you feel the most passionate about. Your vision is the promise of the career you truly want.
4. Poor Self-Esteem – Lack of confidence and faith are deal breakers. Don’t beat yourself up. Reach out to others to avoid the downward spiral of isolationism and depression. Speak with a therapist that you want on your dream team.
5. Poor Planning – Failure to plan is really planning to fail. Prior planning prevents piss-poor performance. Make sure your objectives are specific, measureable, action-oriented, realistic and time sensitive. Stick to a realistic plan that helps you avoid distractions. Disorganization can hider your search. Plan your work, and then work your plan.
Read the other 5 sins today at http://blog.timesunion.com/careers
Thanks,
Dr. Tom
www.CareersInTransitionLLC.com
careersintransition@yahoo.com
(518) 366-8451
We choose safety over self-actualization because we fear the unknown and the ambiguity of the future. Fear is a test of commitment and a way to focus your attention on answering the question: “Is this what I really want?” When you risk, you loosen your hold on what you're certain of and you reach for something which you're not sure of, but you believe is better than what you have. Facing our fears means we step outside our comfort zone and grow the most professionally.
Conquering your fear means training yourself to be emotionally fit. Fear is merely a state of mind when thoughts run wild. If you control your thoughts, you can control your destiny. Acknowledge the fear, then confront it by erasing the tape of negative self-talk with positive thoughts then only obsess about those positive thoughts. Avoid all self-doubting thoughts which turn into self-doubting language and then self-sabotage. Often we are the ones holding us back. Find a way to get out of the way such as saying positive affirmations that motivate you. Without fear, there is no courage.
2. Pessimism – Attitude determines altitude. Where you go in life is really up to you. A poor attitude creates excuses and rationalizations that don’t serve you. Call a friend to be your career cheerleader if you need some positive attitude readjustment. Hope is critical for accomplishing your objectives. Don’t believe the negative lies you keep telling yourself. Kill all the negative automatic negative thoughts that clutter your mind. Replace them with the ideal outcome.
3. No Passion – You can’t enjoy your career if you don’t feel enthusiastic about it. Be clear as to what you want. Unclear goals only yield unclear results. If you obsess about success you will bring about success. You will overcome fear when you fixate on what you feel the most passionate about. Your vision is the promise of the career you truly want.
4. Poor Self-Esteem – Lack of confidence and faith are deal breakers. Don’t beat yourself up. Reach out to others to avoid the downward spiral of isolationism and depression. Speak with a therapist that you want on your dream team.
5. Poor Planning – Failure to plan is really planning to fail. Prior planning prevents piss-poor performance. Make sure your objectives are specific, measureable, action-oriented, realistic and time sensitive. Stick to a realistic plan that helps you avoid distractions. Disorganization can hider your search. Plan your work, and then work your plan.
Read the other 5 sins today at http://blog.timesunion.com/careers
Thanks,
Dr. Tom
www.CareersInTransitionLLC.com
careersintransition@yahoo.com
(518) 366-8451
Reducing the Risk of SIDS in Child Care
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Healthy Child Care America is pleased to announce the release of a new online module on Reducing the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in Child Care! Based off of the AAP Reducing the Risk of SIDS in Child Care Speakers Kit, this FREE course is designed to educate everyone who cares for babies, including child care providers, health care professionals, parents, grandparents, and relatives.
In 1 hour, participants will learn how to create a safe sleep environment to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep related deaths. With an easy to use format, this course is available 24/7 from your home or office computer. Child care providers will receive a certificate of completion for 1.0 contact hour. Health care professionals can also receive credit (see flyer for details).
For instructions on how to access this FREE course, visit www.healthychildcare.org/pdf/SIDSmoduleflyer.pdf Feel free to disseminate this flyer to anyone who cares for infants!
For more information and materials on how to reduce the risk of SIDS, visit www.healthychildcare.org/sids.html
The Reducing the Risk of SIDS in Child Care online module is supported by Grant No. U46MC04436 from the US Department of Health and Human Services, Child Care Bureau and the Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, to the AAP.
In 1 hour, participants will learn how to create a safe sleep environment to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep related deaths. With an easy to use format, this course is available 24/7 from your home or office computer. Child care providers will receive a certificate of completion for 1.0 contact hour. Health care professionals can also receive credit (see flyer for details).
For instructions on how to access this FREE course, visit www.healthychildcare.org/pdf/SIDSmoduleflyer.pdf Feel free to disseminate this flyer to anyone who cares for infants!
For more information and materials on how to reduce the risk of SIDS, visit www.healthychildcare.org/sids.html
The Reducing the Risk of SIDS in Child Care online module is supported by Grant No. U46MC04436 from the US Department of Health and Human Services, Child Care Bureau and the Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, to the AAP.
2010 CWLA State Fact Sheets
The State Fact Sheets provide descriptive information on the condition of vulnerable children in all fifty states and the District of Columbia, using indicators of child protection, health, child care, education, and income support.
Download New York's at: http://www.cwla.org/advocacy/statefactsheets/statefactsheets10.htm
Download New York's at: http://www.cwla.org/advocacy/statefactsheets/statefactsheets10.htm
Webinar: ASIP and AMCHP Quarterly Webinar Series: Strengthening SUID, SIDS, Infant Safe Sleep, and Bereavement Services
In ongoing efforts to support State and Local Maternal and Child Health Programs, the Association of SIDS and Infant Mortality Programs (ASIP) and the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP) are pleased to co-sponsor a series of quarterly webinars to strengthen SUID, SIDS, Infant Safe Sleep and bereavement services across the U.S.
This is a time of change in our understanding of SUID and SIDS. Professionals are challenged by the diagnostic shift and continuing disparity in black and white infant death rates. The controversy about infant sleep environments and health education messages confounds the issue.
Read more and register for this webinar on Thursday, February 11th, from 3-4:30EST. Register online at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/686308521
This is a time of change in our understanding of SUID and SIDS. Professionals are challenged by the diagnostic shift and continuing disparity in black and white infant death rates. The controversy about infant sleep environments and health education messages confounds the issue.
Read more and register for this webinar on Thursday, February 11th, from 3-4:30EST. Register online at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/686308521
New Resources
America's Families and Living Arrangements: 2007
OJJDP Strategic Planning Tool
Social Science Rising: A Tale of Evidence Shaping Public Policy
The Team Around The Child (TAC) and the Lead Professional: A Guide for Managers
The Team Around The Child (TAC) and the Lead Professional: A Guide for Practitioners
The Forgotten Fifth: Child Poverty in Rural America
Evidence-Based and Evidence-Informed Programs: Prevention Program Descriptions Classified by CBCAP Evidence-Based and Evidence-Informed Categories
Factors Influencing Child maltreatment Among Families Leaving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
Policy and System Change: Creating a Successful Action Plan
Re-forming the Social Service Business Partnership: Setting out the Vision and Strategies for Reform
Financing and Budgeting Strategies
Setting a Community Agenda
Strategies to Achieve Results
The Data Difference: The Data User's Guide: Using Data for Better Decisions
OJJDP Strategic Planning Tool
Social Science Rising: A Tale of Evidence Shaping Public Policy
The Team Around The Child (TAC) and the Lead Professional: A Guide for Managers
The Team Around The Child (TAC) and the Lead Professional: A Guide for Practitioners
The Forgotten Fifth: Child Poverty in Rural America
Evidence-Based and Evidence-Informed Programs: Prevention Program Descriptions Classified by CBCAP Evidence-Based and Evidence-Informed Categories
Factors Influencing Child maltreatment Among Families Leaving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
Policy and System Change: Creating a Successful Action Plan
Re-forming the Social Service Business Partnership: Setting out the Vision and Strategies for Reform
Financing and Budgeting Strategies
Setting a Community Agenda
Strategies to Achieve Results
The Data Difference: The Data User's Guide: Using Data for Better Decisions
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