Important Messages:
SPRING/SUMMER HEALTH AND SAFETY – 2024
Looks like sunny weather is finally here. We recommend clients carry sunscreen and bug repellant in their backpacks so they can apply it before outdoor activities. We encourage everyone to apply sunscreen daily before leaving home. SPF 30 or greater is recommended. Staff is able to assist them as needed but we encourage them to be as independent as possible.
If you’d like bug spray to be applied – please send that in as well. Mosquitos usually are not a major problem during daytime hours but if we go to the arboretum or woodsy area applying it is helpful. Bug spray, light weight long pants, socks and covered feet can help prevent tick bites. We also encourage you to assist your PRIDE client in examining exposed areas for ticks/tick bites.
We will not be able to use sunscreen or bug spray that is not specifically brought in by the individual client as there is a concern people may be sensitive to certain ingredients. PLEASE LABEL ALL ITEMS WITH CLIENT NAME AND REACH OUT TO THE CENTER DIRECTORS FOR SPECIFIC CLIENT NEEDS.
Just so you are aware – it is PRIDE policy that if the temperature is 90 degrees or above, or if in staff judgement weather conditions are potentially dangerous, outdoor activities are cancelled. If on any given day you want your client to remain indoors due to medical issues impacted by seasonal conditions (heat, high pollen etc.), contact your center supervisors via voice or email before the start of the day. We also encourage clients to stay well hydrated at all times when we are outdoors.
It's also important for clients to be dressed appropriately for the weather. We know some love to wear sweatshirts even during the summer – but if you can persuade them carry a short sleeve shirt in their backpack than we can work with them to wear that when we go out in the community! Footwear can also be an issue when we are doing outdoor activities. Wearing flip flops or other shoes without backs is not recommended, especially when we are doing outdoor sports.
Lastly – good time to review hygiene with your son or daughter. Regular showering, use of deodorant and changing clothes becomes even more important during the hot weather!
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Health Office at 973-601-5318 or email at tharris@eclcofnj.org.
Annual Physical Reminder
As part of our commitment to your loved one's wellbeing, we're sending a reminder that their annual physical may be due. Please check their last physical date; if expired, kindly schedule one with their primary care provider.
Attached is the annual physical form for your convenience. It's also available on the Pride portal at www.prideportal.org under the health tab, click on "DDD required medical forms" button. Please have your healthcare provider fill the annual physical form out at your visit and provide us with a copy.
Additionally, expect an envelope containing time-sensitive Emergency Cards and Consent Forms in the mail soon. These documents will need to be reviewed, signed, and returned to Pride.
For any questions or concerns, please contact the Pride health office. Thank you for your cooperation.
Spring Updates - Nutrition
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Click on these links to view the short videos associated with this lesson:
Winter updates
2023
Exercise
There are plenty of indoor places for exercise like the gym, a yoga session, or even using a video to work out to at home, or bundle up and head outdoors.
Moisturize
Winter time brings about dry skin for many of us. After bathing we should moisturize, (lip balm to keep lips from getting chapped helps too.)
Layer Up
With the cold weather outside and the heat on indoors it can be tough knowing what we should wear. That is why putting on layers of clothing helps. We can put them on and take them off as needed. (Think coat, sweater, t-shirt.)
Hats and Gloves
Hat & Gloves- Protect your head and hands from the cold weather with a hat and a set of gloves or mittens.
Sick
The holiday season means we go to many social gatherings. This increases the amount of germs we come in contact with and makes getting sick more likely. Remember if you do not feel well please let a parent, caregiver, or PRIDE staff person know. We should stay home from program if we do not feel well enough to participate at PRIDE.
Spare clothes - stay seasonal
For PRIDE client's that keep spare clothes in the health office- Please ensure your PRIDE participant's spare set of clothing is in season. Don't forget to label the clothing bag with the PRIDE goer's name.
Socially responsible behavior concerning male sexuality education
This program is for male clients, female programming will be coming in the near future
October 2023 - Event took place on 10/27/23. Sign up is closed.
The well-being and safety of our program participants are of the utmost importance to us, and as part of our ongoing commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment, we wanted to inform you about an important discussion we plan to have in the coming weeks.
Pride staff have seen an increase in questions from clients regarding sexuality and personal relationships. Therefore, we will be addressing these topics with our participants. This discussion will be gender-specific, in order to create a more comfortable and open space for our clients.
We understand that discussions about various aspects of sexual behavior, boundaries, and relationships can be sensitive and complex. Our goal is to ensure that every participant feels heard and supported during this discussion, while also gaining a deeper understanding of appropriate conduct.
Pride’s health office team will facilitate this client lesson and the activity will promote healthy and respectful conversations regarding this subject matter. However, if we feel as though further discussions with other trained professionals are necessary, we will consult with Melissa DiGioia, Certified Sexuality Educator.
We want to assure you that the purpose of this is purely educational and preventative. Participation is entirely optional, and your loved one’s involvement will depend on their comfort level and your consent as parents or guardians. We are also committed to providing alternative resources and support for those who may not wish to participate.
Please fill out the consent form on this page no later than Wednesday, October 25th. If you wish to discuss this further or have specific questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We greatly appreciate your trust in our program and our commitment to the well-being of your loved ones.
Happy Spring! With the warmer weather upon us, the PRIDE health office would like to remind you that the following is important for your PRIDE participant
April 2023
Hydration the higher temperatures and increased outdoor activity means we all need to drink more. Please send your PRIDE goer to program with an extra water bottle. (Water and electrolyte beverages are ideal).
Supportive shoes/footwear. Supportive sneakers that have backs are strongly encouraged. This type of shoe gear reduces the likelihood of falls and foot/ankle injuries.
Hats and sunglasses. Both items help protect PRIDE participants when outdoors.
-Sunscreen and bug spray. Both of these products are helpful to have on hand for your PRIDE participant during the spring and summer. If you would like us to keep a supply for your PRIDE goer, please send in a supply that is labeled with their name. The PRIDE health office will store it so that it may be used throughout the day.