Home Newsletters

NEWS FROM NEW DIRECTION SERVICES

1027 Post Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10302 *Tel: 718-880-8773

Executive Director & Editor: Wendy De Shong-Neuhalfen, Msc,Ms, Ma, UNGCP

Associate Editor/Board Member: Olisa Okoh

www.newdirectionservices.org
Spring Summer 2010

Keeping Our Kids Healthy,

Active and Safe during the Summer

 

The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and kids are anxiously anticipating the arrival of summer. As the school year comes to an end, it is important for parents/caregivers to think about ways to keep kids safe, happy, and engaged in the coming summer months. Studies at the Johns Hopkins University Medical Center have shown that each school year, teachers spend, on average, two months re-teaching information lost during the summer. It is for this reason that we need to keep kids’ minds stimulated and engaged while on summer vacation. Little tips like these makes and immense amount of difference:

 

1) Visit your local public library. Find out what interests your child and select books on that subject. Participate in free library summer programs and make time to read every day.

2) Take educational trips, which can be low-cost visits to parks, museums, zoos and nature centers. When planning vacations, consider those with educational themes.

3) Practice math every day. A trip to the grocery store is an opportunity to review math skills. Cooking is a chance to learn fractions. Measure items around the house or yard, track daily temperatures. Every day experiences can be fun and interesting, while giving kids opportunities to learn the skills they need.

 

In addition to keeping their minds engaged, we need to encourage safe practices while having fun in the summer sun:

Always wear protective sun gear (i.e. hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.)

  1. Keep your kids HYDRATED!! Drink plenty of water and low-sugar drinks once every hour.
  2. Use a DEET-free/low-DEET bug spray when outside.
  3. Practice safe water skills when at the beach, pools, sprinklers, etc.
  4. If enjoying food outside, keep out of direct sunlight. Bacteria grows in hot weather, so contaminated food may be an issue.
  5. Use a buddy system, and check in on kids frequently!

 

Family Literacy Through Cooking Classes

 

We continue to register pantry clients’ children-ages 7 to 15 years of age. Parents and children will learn about cooking with fruits and vegetables, healthy dishes, and food safety as well as learning new ways of cooking. Our cooking classes keeps kids off the streets and in the kitchen.

 

Keeping Our Kids Protected

 

Parents are always scared that their child will encounter many forms of dangers. This is something we do not want to have to worry about. New Direction Services continues to focus on child safety. We share material on identity theft; fliers on prevention of holiday dangers and crimes. We also distribute Child ID kits at our pantry to make our clients aware of the community affairs officer at the local precincts.

 

Healthy Body, Mind, and Spirit!!

Our Healthy Body, Mind, and Spirit program includes blood pressure screenings by Nurse Caroline Herig who is a dedicated and committed service provider and volunteer. We also conduct healthy workshops during the summer. Please call for the next workshop date.

  • Heart Disease,
  • Food Safety and Health
  • Diabetes Awareness
  • Cholesterol Management
  • Foot care/Podiatry
  • And much more!!

Thanks to Donors: RCSF, SIBT, Shoprite, Wakefern, Banco Bradesco, Mizuho Bank, Wellmet, Assemblyw-Janele Hyer-Spencer, Counclw.. Debbie Rose, NYS DOH, FEMA, Christ Church, St Johns Lutheran Ch&School,and individual donors.

Childhood Obesity and Diabetes

There is an epidemic of childhood obesity in America today. Since 1980, the percentage of overweight children has doubled and the percentage of overweight adolescents has tripled. If your child is overweight now, he or she has a huge chance of developing bone and joint problems, asthma, Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease.

To help do our part, New Direction Services Inc. is following First Lady Michelle Obama’s plan to help end childhood obesity. We distribute lots of fresh produce to families.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->1) <!--[endif]-->Spend at least 1 hour a day being physically active.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->2) <!--[endif]-->Limit the use of TV and video games to no more than 1 hour a day.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->3) <!--[endif]-->Eat smaller amounts. Bigger is not always better!

<!--[if !supportLists]-->4) <!--[endif]-->Drink water instead of soda.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->5) <!--[endif]-->Eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->6) <!--[endif]-->Eat less fast food (no more than once a week).

<!--[if !supportLists]-->7) <!--[endif]-->Snack on healthy foods and eat less junk food and sweets.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->8) <!--[endif]-->Drink or eat 3 low-fat dairy foods a day!

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

Figure 1. Prevalence of Childhood Obesity

Community Service and Volunteer Projects

Thanks to all our volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This year marks their 8th year of dedicated service to us. These young men come from all over the world to make a difference in the lives of thousands at New Direction Services

*******************************

College students, high school, middle, and elementary students continue to volunteer at New Direction Services. Most recently, Kellie Joseph, a Notre Dame Academy student organized and led a community service project for us. The students collected 2,000 pounds of food, which helped feed about 400 needy families.

<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

Continue to Page 2
 
New Direction Services, Powered by Joomla!; Joomla templates by SG web hosting