If you have Prostate Cancer

Posted on May 3, 2019 by jwatrel

If you have Prostate Cancer

What is prostate cancer?

Cancer can start any place in the body. Prostate cancer starts in the prostate glad, It starts when cell in the prostate grow out of control and crowd out normal cells. This makes it hard for the body to work the way it should.

Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body. Cancer cells in the prostate can sometimes travels to the bones and grow there. When cancer cells do this, it’s called metastasis (pronounced met-TAS-tuh-sis). To doctors, the cancer cells in the new place look just like the ones from the prostate.

Cancer is always named for the place where it starts. So when prostate cancer spreads to the bones (or any other place), it’s still called prostate cancer. It’s not called bone cancer unless it starts from cells in the bone.

The Prostate:

The prostate is a gland found in men, so only men can get prostate cancer.

The prostate is just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The tube that carriers pee (urine) goes through the prostate. (It’s called the urethra(yoo-ree-thruh) The prostate makes some of the fluid that helps keep the sperm alive and healthy.

Are there different kinds of prostate cancer?

There are few types of prostate cancer. Some are very rare. Most prostate cancers are a type called adenocarcinonoma (AD-no-KAR-suh-NO-muh). This cancer starts from gland cells. Your doctor cancer tell you more about the type you have.

Questions to ask the doctor:

*Why do you think I have cancer?

*Is there a chance I don’t have cancer?

*Would you please write down the kind of cancer you think I might have?

*What will happen next?

How does the doctor know I have prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer tends to grow slowly over many years. Most men with early prostate cancer don’t have changes that they notice. Signs of prostate cancer most often show up later as the cancer grows.

Some signs of prostate cancer are : troubling peeing, blood in the pee (urine), trouble getting an erection and pain in the back, hips, ribs or other bones.

If signs are pointing to prostate cancer, more tests will be done. Here are some of the tests you may need.

Tests that may be done:

PSA blood test: PSA is a substance in the blood that;s made by the prostate glade. Prostate cancer can make PSA levels go up. Blood tests will be done to see what your PSA level is and how it changes over time.

Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS): For this test, a small wand is put into your rectum. It gives off sound waves and picks up the echoes as they bounce off the prostate gland. The echoes are made into a picture on a computer screen.

Prostate biopsy: For a biopsy (by-op-see), the doctor takes out a small piece of tissue where the cancer seems to be. This tissue is checked for cancer cells. A core needle biopsy is often used to find prostate cancer. Ask the doctor what kind of biopsy you need and how it’s done.

Lymph (limf) node biopsy: lymph nodes are small bean-shaped parts of the immune system. A lymph node biopsy may be done if the doctor thinks the cancer might have spread from the prostate to nearby lymph nodes.

CT scan: This is sometimes called a “CAT scan.” It’s a kind of x-ray that takes many pictures of the body. A CT scan can show whether the cancer has spread outside the prostate. CT scans can also be used to guide the needle during a biopsy.

Bone Scan: This test may be done to see if the cancer has spread to your bones. To do it, a small amount of low-level radioactive material is put into your blood. It settles in damaged areas of bone all over the body. A special camera finds the radioactivity and makes a picture of your bones.

MRI: Uses radio waves and strong magnets instead of x-rays to make clear pictures. MRI scans show the prostate gland and can show if the cancer has spread outside the prostate.

Grading prostate cancer:

The prostate cancer cells will be given a grade using the Gleason system. Grading the cancer helps to know how fast the cancer might grow and spread.

Cancer cells are graded from 2 to 10 based on how much they look like normal prostate cells. Those that look very different from normal cells are given a higher grade and are likely to grow faster. Ask your doctor to explain the grade of your cancer. The grade helps the doctor decide which treatment is best for you.

Questions to ask the doctor:

*What tests will I need to have?

*Who will do these tests?

*Where will they be done?

*Who can explain them to me?

*How and when will I get the results?

*Who will explain the results to me?

*What do I need to do next?

How serious is my cancer?

If you have prostate cancer, the doctor will want to find out how far it has spread. This is called staging. You may have heard other people say that their cancer was “stage 1” or “stage 2”.

Your doctor will want to find out the stage of your cancer to help decide what type of treatment is best for you.

The stage describes the growth or spread of the cancer through the prostate. It also tells if the cancer has spread to other parts of your body that are close by or farther away.

Your cancer cancer be stage 1,2,3, or 4. The lower the number, the less the cancer has spread. A higher number, like stage 4, means a more serious cancer that has spread outside the prostate.

For most men, the stage is not known until after surgery, so your doctor may wait until then to tell you the stage. Be sure to ask the doctor about the cancer stage and what it means for you.

Questions to ask the doctor:

*Do you know the stage of the cancer?

*If not, how and when will you find out the stage of the cancer?

*Would you explain to me what the stage means in my case?

*Based on the stage of the cancer, how long do you think I’ll live?

*What will happen next?

What kind of treatment will I need?

There are many ways to treat prostate cancer. The main kinds of treatment are watchful waiting, surgery, radiation, hormone therapy and chemo. Sometimes more than one king of treatment is used.

The treatment that’s best for you will depend on:

*Your age

*Any other health problems you might have

*The stage and grade of the cancer

*Your feelings (and your doctor’s) about the need to treat the cancer

*The chance that treatment will cure the cancer or help in some way

*Your feelings about the side effects that might come with treatment

Watchful waiting:

Because prostate cancer often grows very slowly, some men may never need treatment at all. The doctor may plan to keep  track of the cancer without doing treatment. This is called watchful waiting. It might be done if the cancer is small, is not causing problems and seems to be growing very slowly.

Surgery for prostate cancer:

There are many types of surgery for prostate cancer. Some are done to try to cure the cancer; others are done to control the cancer or make symptoms better. Talk to the doctor about the kind of surgery planned and what you can expect.

Side effects of surgery:

Any type of surgery can have risks and side effects. Be sure to ask the doctor what you can expect. If you have problems, let your doctor know. Doctors who treat prostate cancer should be able to help you with any problems that come up.

Radiation treatment:

Radiation (pronounced RAY-dee-A-shun) uses high-energy rays (like x-rays) to kill cancer cells. There are different way to use radiation to treat prostate cancer. It can aimed at the prostate gland from a machine outside the body. In some cases. small radioactive pellets or seeds, each about the size of a grain of rice, are put right into your prostate.

Side effect of radiation treatments:

If your doctor suggest radiation treatment, talk about what side effects might happen. Side effects depend on the type of radiation that’s used. The most common side effects of radiation to the prostate are:

*Diarrhea, leaking stool or blood in the stool

*Having to pee (pass urine) a lot, leaking urine, burning when you pee or blood in your urine.

*Erection problems

*Feeling very tired (fatigue, which is pronounced fuh-TEEG)

*Fluid build up in your legs

Most side effects get better after treatment ends. Some might last longer. Talk to your doctor about what you can expect.

Hormone Treatment:

This treatment reduces your levels of male hormones, called androgens (AN-druh-jens) or stops them from working. This often makes prostate cancers shrink or grow more slowly. But hormone therapy does not cure prostate cancer. If you’re going to get hormone treatment, ask your doctor what you can expect it to do.

Side effects of hormone treatment:

Changing your hormone levels can cause side effects like less desire for sex, trouble getting an erection, hot flashes, bone thinning and weight gain. Talk to your doctor about what you can expect from your hormone treatment.

Chemo:

Chemo (KEY-mo) is the use of drugs to fight cancer. The drugs may be given into a vein or taken as pills. These drugs go into the blood and spread through the body. Chemo is given in cycles or rounds. Each round of treatment is followed by a break.

Chemo may be used if the cancer has spread outside the prostate gland and hormone treatment isn’t working. It’s not used for early prostate cancer.

Side effects of chemo:

Chemo can make you feel very tired, sick to your stomach and cause your hair to fall out. But these problems go away after treatment ends.

There are ways to treat most chemo side effects. If you have side effects, talk to your cancer care team so they can help.

Clinical trials:

Clinical trials are research studies that test new drugs or other treatments in people. They compare standard treatments with others that may be better.

If you would like to be in a clinical trial, start by asking your doctor if your clinic or hospital takes part in clinical trials. You can also visit http://www.cancer.org/clinicaltrials or call our clinical trials matching service at 1-800-303-5691 to find studies near you.

Clinical trials are one way to get the newest cancer treatment. They are the best way for doctors to find better ways to treat cancer. If your doctor can find one that’s studying the kind of cancer you have, it’s up to you whether to take part. And if you do sign up for a clinical trial, you can always stop at any time.

Questions to ask the doctor:

*What treatment do you think is best to you?\

*What’s the goal of this treatment? Do you think it could cure the cancer?

*Will treatment include surgery? If so, who will do the surgery?

*What will the surgery be like?

*Will I need other types of treatment, too?

*What’s the goal of these treatments?

*What side effects could I have from these treatments?

*What can I do about side effects that I might have?

*Is there a clinical trial that might be right for me?

*What about special vitamins or diets that friends tell me about? How will I know if they are safe?

*What should I do to be ready for treatment?

*Is there anything I can do to help the treatment work better?

*What’s the next step?

What about other treatments that I hear about?

When you have cancer you might hear about other ways to treat the cancer or treat your symptoms. These may not always be standard medical treatments. These treatments may be vitamins, herbs, special diets and other things. You may wonder about these treatments.

Some of these are known to help but many have not been tested. Some have been shown not to help. A few have even been found to be harmful. Talk to your doctor about anything you’ve thinking about using, whether it’s a vitamin, a diet or anything else.

What will happen after treatment?

You’ll be glad when treatment is over. But it’s hard not to worry about cancer coming back. Even when cancer never come back, people still worry about it. For years after treatment ends, you will see your cancer doctor. At first, your visits may be every few months. Then the longer you’re cancer free, the less often the visits are needed.

Be sure to go to all of these follow-up visits. Your doctors will ask about symptoms, do physical exams and may do blood tests and maybe other tests to see if the cancer has come back.

Having cancer and dealing with treatment can be hard but it can also be a time look at your life in new ways. You might be thinking about how to improve your health. Call us at 1-800-227-2345 or talk to your doctor to find you can do to feel better.

You can’t change the fact that you have cancer. What you can change is how you live the rest of your life-making healthy choices and feeling as good as you can.

How can I learn more?

We have a lot more information for you. You can find it online at http://www.cancer.org. Or you can call our toll free number at 1-800-227-2345 to talk to one of our cancer information specialist. They can provide you with the latest cancer information, day to day help and emotional support 24 hour a day, 7 days a week.

Words to know:

Biopsy: (BY-op-see) Taking out a small piece of tissue to see if there are cancer cells in it.

BPH: Swelling of the prostate that is not cancer.

Lymph nodes: (limf): Small bean-shaped parts of the immune system.

Metastasis: (muh-TAS-tuh-sis): Cancer cells that have spread from where they started to other places in the body.

Prostate gland (PROS-tate): A gland found only in men. It’s just below the bladder and in front of the rectum.

Prostatectomy (PRAHS-tuh-TEK-tuh-me): Surgery to take out all or part of the prostate gland.

PSA: A substance made by the prostate gland. Prostate cancer cause the amount of PSA in the blood to go up.

Rectal exam: An exam in which the doctor puts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any bumps on the prostate that might be cancer.

Urologist (yur-OL-uh-jist): A doctor who is an expert in treating problems of the urinary tract and genital area in men.

This is a booklet about prostate cancer.

It tells you things like:

*What this cancer is

*How it’s found

*How it’s treated

*What you can expect after treatment

It also gives you lists of question to ask your doctor and other information that can help you learn more about prostate cancer and how to deal with it.

For the latest cancer information, day to day help and emotional support, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345. We’re here when you need us-24 hours a say, 7 days a week.

cancer.org/1-800-227-2345/1-866-228-4327 TTY

Disclaimer:  This information was taken from the American Cancer Society pamphlet and I give them full credit for it. Please call the above number for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Shops at Paramus Gardens Mall

Posted on April 29, 2019 by jwatrel

via About

Please check out the link above!

The Shops at Paramus Gardens Mall is a simulated project run by my Introduction to Business Class in the Business/Hotel Management School at Bergen Community College.

The students in my class created this project from a frame work that I designed and they broke into teams to propose renovations and a redesign of the former Paramus Garden Mall, a mythical mall in Paramus, NJ that needed an update for the Millennia.

They did excellent work and I could not have been prouder of my students.

Orion Malls Inc.

Orion Malls Inc. Logo.jpg

Professor Justin Watrel, School of Business/Hotel Management

Bergen Community College

Orion Malls Inc. CEO

 

Posted in Bergecco-Parc Consulting Inc. Projects, Bergen County NJ Programs, My walk in Manhattan Blog, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Soar Experience: Social Skills, Outdoor Fun, Arts & Crafts & Relationships

Posted on April 28, 2019 by jwatrel

The SOAR Experience: Social Skills, Outdoor Fun, Arts & Crafts & Relationships

Making friends, dancing, music, drama, games and songs.

About SOAR Experience is a Therapeutic Social Skills program conducted in an environment rich in social skills for your child who experiences the social communication and social skills challenges seen in Autism Spectrum Disorders (HFA and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities) or Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder.

Examples of SOAR Goals:

Building Relationships, Increasing Flexibility, Enhancing Perspective taking, Problem Solving, Resolving Conflicts, Coping, Successful Transitions, Improving Social Scanning, Decreasing Anxiety, Experiencing Newness and Change and Coping with Sensory Experiences.

Participating will expand skills in the following areas:

*Successfully engage with peers

*Increased understanding of nonverbal behavior (i.e. eye gaze, facial expressions, body language, personal space, voice volume/tone)

*Initiating and maintaining conversations

*Demonstrating interest in others and sharing interests appropriately

*Understanding other’s emotions and point of view, as well as responding accordingly

*Handling disagreements wisely

*Trying new things in a safe environment

*Coping with unexpected events and situations

*Scanning situations to increase social opportunity and maximize safety

*Support during exposure to sensory and motor based activities

All this while having fun!

About the Counselor in Training (CIT) Program:

The CIT program is for individuals, ages 14-24, who experience the social communication and social skills challenges seen in Autism Spectrum Disorders (HFA And Nonverbal Learning Disabilities) or Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder. CIT’s will gain a valuable vocational experience including completion of applications, interviewing experience, extensive training and daily guidance and support as they develop as they develop their work related skills. As valuable members of the team, the CIT’s will work side by side with the clinical staff in delivering an exciting camp experience to children and teens on the spectrum. There is a $600.00 application fee for the CIT program.

Each week The SOAR Experience will have a ‘theme’ such as: Anthropology Adventure, Never Stop Questioning, Color My Mind, Dancing Through The Decades, Lost in Space, Lights-Camera-Soar… Many of the activities, games and trips will incorporate the weekly theme. Participants will be provided daily snacks and one lunch per week. Family to provide lunch for remainder of the week.

SOAR Tuition: (subject to change): 6 Weeks $4,200.00/3 Weeks $2,200.00. Applications available on our website http://www.westbergen.org. Participants: 6 years old-17 years old. Counselors in Training (CIT): 14-24.

A $600.00 deposit is due at the time of application. Please complete applications in full and return with all requested records. An interview may also be required. These procedures assist in predicting whether this program is a good fit for your child. Deposit to be returned in full should applicant not be accepted or the minimal registration for the program not be met. Please note, deposits will not be returned if you withdraw from the program after being accepted. Please note there is a maximum number of participants that can be accommodated. Early application is recommended. There is also a minimum number of participants that must be registered. In the unlikely event that we do not meet the threshold number  to run the program, the full deposit or tuition paid will be refunded. Payment options: Credit cards or checks payable to West Bergen Mental Healthcare. For schools or agencies guaranteeing payments, a contract, confirmation letter, purchase order and any additional documents required by sending entity must accompany application, accompanying documents and payment to:

The SOAR Experience

c/o West Bergen Mental Healthcare

1 Cherry Lane

Ramsey, NJ 07446

*The family is responsible for transporting children to/from program. Transportation to and from trips and swims to be provided by the program.

West Bergen Mental Healthcare over 50 years in your Community:

West Bergen Mental Healthcare was founded in Ridgewood as a child guidance clinic in 1963. Over the years, the Center has expanded to provide comprehensive mental health services for children and adults in over a dozen specialty areas. Operating out of three locations in Ramsey, Ridgewood and Mahwah, NJ, this community mental health agency has played a significant role in offering quality mental health services at an affordable rate. Recognizing the growing and unmet need for counseling and psychiatric services for children throughout the county, West Bergen established the Center for Children and Youth in Ramsey in 1990. This high quality mental health center offers parents and children meaningful and effective services as they face a changing and challenging society. The Center for Children and Youth has served more than 6,000 children, adolescents and their families.

Service Locations:

West Bergen Mental Healthcare

120 Chestnut Street

Ridgewood, NJ  07450

West Bergen Center for Children and Youth

One Cherry Lane

Ramsey, NJ  07446

West Bergen Counseling Group

860 Wyckoff Avenue

Mahwah, NJ  07430

Online@www.westbergen.org

For additional information or to schedule an appointment please contact our Access Center at (201) 485-7172.

Disclaimer: This information was taken from The SOAR Experience pamphlet and I give them full credit for the information. Please call the number above for more information.

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Child Program Services, New Jersey Children's Programs, New Jersey State Program, Senior Services, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Valley Health Lifestyles Fitness Center: Designed to significantly improve the health and well-being of the individuals and communities we serve.

Posted on April 27, 2019 by jwatrel

Valley Health Lifestyles Fitness Center: Designed to significantly improve the Health and well-being of the individuals and communities we serve.

Valley Health System:

The Valley Hospital recognizes the benefits of quality wellness and prevention programs as part of your overall good health. Whether it’s increasing physical activity, toning muscles, balancing your diet, strengthening your heart, lowering blood pressure or losing weight-We can help you!

Valley Health Lifestyles, a professionally supervised health and fitness facility at the Valley Center for Health and Wellness is designed exclusively to help you maintain the healthy lifestyle that’s right for you. We offer a full-service program that is based on health education, meaningful physical assessments and the prevention and treatment of chronic disease.

Read on to learn more about medical fitness difference-our integrative approach to healthcare using “Exercise as Medicine”.

Our Team:

We have a dedicated, comprehensive team of degreed and credentialed exercise specialists, licensed certified athletic trainers, personal trainers, registered dietitians and wellness experts who are ready to get you going on the road to good health and wellness. Our medical director and medical advisory panel oversee and monitor our programs, truly offering medical supervision and guidance.

Exercise Prescription:

When you join Valley Health LifeStyles, you will receive a comprehensive physical fitness assessment and exercise prescription plan conducted by our staff of exercise professionals who assist you with developing an individualized exercise plan that meets your needs.

As you begin to work toward your goals, you will have the opportunity to review your programs and update your plan with our staff on a regularly scheduled basis or whenever your feel necessary.

Personal Attention:

Valley Health Lifestyles staff takes pride in the one-on-one commitment care and attention given to members and their health and wellness needs. Being a part of the Valley Health System. Valley Health Lifestyles members will enjoy the same exceptional customer service and programming for which The Valley Hospital is nationally known.

Amenities:

Lockers, complimentary towel service, showers, steam and sauna rooms and dressing rooms are basic member services. For your convenience, our well-appointed locker rooms include make-up vanities, hair dryers, curling irons, body/hair wash dispensers and a TV lounge area. Members can access the pools from the locker rooms and the family changing rooms.

Wellness Education:

Valley Health Lifestyles encourages continued wellness education and offers a multitude of free education classes geared to help you along your journey to wellness. Nutritional counseling as well as exclusive programming is available to you if you if you have a specific issue that requires assistance or if you would just like to learn how to improve your health through proper nutrition.

Valley Health Lifestyles offers a monthly, free program where you can learn about the latest topics in nutrition and physical fitness, share healthy recipes and participate in wellness topic discussions with our professional and clinical staff in addition, cooking demonstrations will be offered as a part of our wellness programming using our ‘mobile kitchen’.

Personal Training:

Go one-on-one or join a small group with a credentialed personal trainer who motivates an coaches you through focused, individualized exercise sessions. Valley Health Lifestyles offers this additional service at competitive rates and with unmatched professional standards.

Group Exercise Classes:

Valley Health Lifestyles group exercise classes are designed to help you achieve your prescribed fitness and wellness goals. An exercise specialist will be happy to review your file and recommend classes that may help you meet your personal fitness goals. No prior group exercise experience is necessary for participation and classes range from beginner to advanced. We offer more than 40 innovative group exercise classes per week for members of all ages and fitness levels. All classes, including cardio, strength, mind-body, aquatics and cycling are included with every Valley Health Lifestyles membership.

Recreation Activities:

Add variety to your workout with our rock-climbing wall and gymnasium activities, including basketball and volleyball games. Valley Health Lifestyles also offers a variety of special population programs and youth fitness activities.

Aquatics Program:

Warm Water Therapy Pool-

The warm water therapy pool is used for low-intensity water exercise therapeutic movement or just a warm retreat for no-impact movement. This can benefit individuals with special consideration including, but not limited to, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, total joint replacement, chronic lower back pain and/or fibromyalgia.

25 Meter Six-Lane Lap Pool:

Valley Health Lifestyles offers a six-lane heated lap pool that is available during all hours of operation. A  certified lifeguard is on duty to supervise activities and maintain a safe environment.

Group Exercise/Leisure Pool:

Valley Health Lifestyles offers a dedicated pool for aquatic exercise classes such as Aqua Zumba, Hydor Rx and Aqua Intervals taught by credentialed instructors. In addition, this pool offers members an opportunity to continue their individualized therapeutic exercise program.

Swim Lessons:

Our learn to Swim program is designed for children as young as six months as well as for adults. Students will progress through the levels at their own pace, mastering the skills in one level before advancing to the next. Each level of classes includes training in basic water safety and helping others in an emergency, in addition to stroke development.

Babysitting and Family Oriented Programs:

These programs are available for children ages six weeks and older for a nominal fee. Infants ages six months to 1 year old are allowed a maximum of two hours of babysitting per day and children over 1 year old may utilize the babysitting services for up to three hours per day.

Youth summer and holiday camps as well as Family Fun Nights and Parent’s Night Out are also offered at various times throughout the year.

KidStyles Youth Fitness:

KidStyles is a supervised play area for youth ages 5-12 years old, who are part of a family membership. A qualified attendant is on duty during the hours listed below. Attendants will engage the youth in activities such as rock wall climbing, circuit training, gym activities, group games, jump rope, parachute games and free play. A nominal free is associated with children who are guests of a member.

Convenience of a Healthcare Hub:

Valley Health Lifestyles is located within the Valley Center for Health and Wellness and provides convenient access to a variety of outpatient services. Whether you need an X-ray, ultrasound, mammogram or blood tests or need to fill a prescription, you can find it all under one roof. Urgent care and primary care services provided by Valley Medical Group are located in the Center along with specialty physician offices. Valley Diagnostic Imaging, a retail pharmacy and laboratory services.

Conference Center:

The Valley Center for Health and Wellness boasts a premium conference center equipped with state of the art audio-visual technology and multi-room capability. There is a convenient prep kitchen for catered events and exclusive rental options for Valley Health Lifestyles members. The conference center space may be rented for community events, private functions and group meetings.

Valley Health LifeStyles

1400 MacArthur Boulevard

Mahwah, NJ  07430

(201) 389-0839

http://www.ValleyHealthLifeStyles.com

http://www.valleyhealth.com/socialmedia

Disclaimer: This information is taken directly from the Valley Health Lifestyles pamphlet and I give them full credit for the information. Please call the above number for more information on the program.

 

 

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Health and Life Support Services, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Brain Injury Alliance New Jersey: It can happen in an instant

Posted on April 27, 2019 by jwatrel

Brain Injury Alliance New Jersey: It can happen in an instant. The voice of brain injury in NJ since 1981.

http://www.bianj/.org

Home

The mission of the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey (the Alliance) is to support and advocate for individuals affected by brain injury and raise public awareness through education and prevention. Since being founded in 1981 by a small group of concerned parents of children with brain injuries, the Alliance has grown to serve over 10,000 New Jersey residents each year.

Information & Resources:

Through out professionally staffed helpline, the Alliance provides a wealth of information to people with brain injury, their family members, caregivers and those working in the field of brain injury. The Helpline offers emotional support and provides information about brain injury and connection to resources. The Alliance maintains a library of books and videos and has an extensive database of services and supports. Helpline professionals provide assistance in many areas and direct individuals to the right services and programs for their needs.

Camp TREK:

TREK (Together in Recreation, Exploration & Knowledge) is a week-long summer camp and independent skills-building experience for individuals with brain injuries over age 16, which also provides respite for their caregivers.

Support Groups:

The Alliance offers monthly meetings throughout New Jersey, giving people with brain injuries and their families the opportunity to connect with others in similar situations, while receiving valuable emotional support and fostering friendships. Support groups hold social and recreational events and often will schedule speakers to discuss topics of interest.

Family Support:

The impact of a brain injury often goes beyond the injury and initial recovery. For people who sustained brain injuries and are under the age of 21, Alliance staff help coordinate care, access services and provide direct assistance for issues faced by the individual with brain injury and their family. Our Community Resource Specialist are trained professionals who work with families through in-person visits and via the phone and can serve as an advocate for securing appropriate and treatment.

Brain Health Network:

The Alliance is committed to education about brain injury and prevention initiatives for people of all ages. Out staff work in the community and raise awareness of brain injury and brain health through educational sessions in a variety of settings. Our programs cover a range of topics and are geared for those affected by brain injury, professionals and the general public. The Alliance also provides educational materials and information through our website, addressing multiple topics, including transportation safety, concussion awareness, fall prevention and much more.

Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey:

No brain injury is too mild to ignore or too severe to lose hope.

BIANJ

825 Georges Road, 2nd Floor

North Brunswick, NJ  08902

bianj.org

Helpline: 800-669-4323

Phone: 732-745-0200

Email: info@bianj.org

Connect with us!

Facebook: Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey

Twitter: @BrainInjuryNJ

Instagram: @BrainInjuryAllianceOfNJ

YouTube: BrainHealthNetwork

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey pamphlet and I give them full credit for all the information. Please call the above numbers for more information on the program.

 

Posted in Bergen County NJ Programs, Health and Life Support Services, Men's Programming, New Jersey Senior Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Rehabilitation Programming, Senior Services, Uncategorized, Woman's Programming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Alliance for Positive Change Presents: Healthy Relationships

Posted on April 27, 2019 by jwatrel

The Alliance for Positive Change Presents: Healthy Relationships

Healthy Relationships is a small group workshop for MSM’s living with HIV, to develop decision making skills to reduce sexual risk & stress in their lives.

Dates: 2019

Time: 10:00am-4:00pm

Location: The Alliance Midtown Central

64 West 35th Street, 3rd Floor

New York, NY  10001

Refreshments, MetroCards and incentives will be provided.

Pre-registration is required.

For more information, contact Claude Pierre at (212) 645-0875, ext. 354.

Disclaimer: This information was provided by The Alliance for Positive Change and I give them full credit for the information. To get more information on this program, please call the above number.

Posted in Alliance for Positive Change Programming, Depression Programming, Health and Life Support Services, Homeless Service Programs, Men's Programming, New York City Caregiver Programming, Senior Caregiver Programs, Senior Services, Sexual Assault and Violence Help Programming, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Center for Hope & Safety: Rebuilding lives beyond Domestic Violence

Posted on April 25, 2019 by jwatrel

Center for Hope & Safety: Rebuilding lives beyond Domestic Violence

24 Hour Confidential Hotline

(201) 944-9600

Center for Hope and Safety: assists women and children who are victims of domestic violence, including emotional, sexual and physical abuse. Available 24 hours, seven days a week, Center for Hope and Safety is Bergen County’s only non-profit organization providing temporary safe housing, hotline counseling and life-changing support services to women and children every year.

Since 1976, Center for Hope and Safety’s mission is to foster healing and change. We provide emergency and transitional housing, emotional support and a diversified continuum of services focused on safety, empowerment and self-sufficiency. Through community partnerships and group and individual contributions. Center For Hope And Safety raises awareness, provides critical services and educates community members about domestic violence.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic Violence (DV) is a pattern of abusive behavior that is used by one partner to gain power and control over another intimate partner. DV can be physical, sexual emotional or psychological actions or threats of actions. This can include:

*Emotional abuse

*Harassment

*Physical abuse

*Bullying

*Verbal put-downs

*Threats of physical

*Forced sexual relations

*Financial Control

Are you affected by Domestic Violence?

*Do you live with or date someone who is excessively jealous, overly controlling, angry or badgering?

*Does your partner blame you for “all” the problems in the home?

*Does your partner ever humiliate you, slap you, curse you or threaten you?

*Has your partner alienated you from your friends and family?

*Do you ever feel like you are walking on eggshells?

*Do you feel isolated?

*Do you think your partner has two personalities?

*Does your partner control all of the money?

*Are you afraid for your own or your family’s safety?

*Did you know: Children from violent homes suffer from emotional and often physical abuse.

*If the answer is “Yes” to any of the above questions, there is help. Call our confidential hotline at (201) 944-9600 and speak with one of our counselors.

Counseling and Support:

*Safety planning

*Individual and group counseling for women and children

*Parent support groups

*Project Self-Sufficiency (job-readiness training)

*Community referrals and housing searches

*Bilingual services for Hispanic families Services in other languages can be arranged

*Court accompaniment and legal advocacy

*Skills building for empowerment

*Educational and employment guidance

Emergency Shelter Support

*Safe, confidential, emergency shelter 24 hours a day for woman and children

*Specially trained domestic violence counselors available day and night

*Families reside together

*Three nutritional meals every day

*Creative arts therapy for women and children

*Preschool activities and tutoring for children

*Recreation

*Child Advocacy

*Did you know four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime?

Transitional Housing:

*Post-shelter housing

*Homes located throughout Bergen County

*Counseling services

*Financial literacy support

*Assistance with securing permanent housing

Community Children’s Program:

Project CHILD builds Confidence Hope Independence Love and Direction

*Individual and group are, play and music therapy

*Case Management

*Counseling for the non-abusive parent

*Transportation available

For project CHILD services call (201) 300-6666.

Community Services:

*Case management for victims not seeking shelter

*Information and referrals

*Follow-up services for former residents

*Community education and training

*Support services for men, elderly and disabled victims and individuals with multicultural needs

For Community Services call (201) 527-6222: Services in Spanish are available and can be arranged in other languages.

Deaf and hard of hearing individuals can text us at (201) 587-4734.

Safety: Help in Crisis 24×7 Confidential Hotline/Crisis Counseling/Court Accompaniment/Food and Shelter/Children’s Services/Job Readiness Training

Short Term

Strength: Transition to Self-Sufficiency: Supportive Counseling/Education/Vocational Assistance/Transitional Housing/Mentoring

Long Term

Hope: Sustaining a Life Free from Violence: Follow up Program/Creative Arts Therapy/Community Outreach Services/Community Education

Ongoing

All victims at any stage: 24×7 Confidential Hotline/Counseling/Legal Advocacy/Housing Support/Community Referrals/Bilingual Services

All stages

Donors & Volunteers: We need your help!

Much of the funding for our services is through the benevolence and charity of donors. This includes individual contributions, family foundation gifts, the purchase of personalized bricks in our “Pathway”, a bequest in a will or other planned giving opportunities. To make a gift or join our mailing list, call our administration office at (201) 498-9247

Our agency has an extensive volunteer program, which is integral to our success. We rely on the generosity of our volunteers, who contribute their time and skills. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, call our Director of Volunteers at (201) 836-1075 or email volunteer@hopeandsafetynj.org.

Administrative Office:

12 Overlook Avenue, Suite A

Rochelle Park, NJ  07662

Office: (201) 498-9247

Fax: (201) 498-9256

Hotline: (201) 944-9600

Email: info@hopeandsafetynj.org

http://www.hopeandsafetynj.org

Center for Hope and Safety is a private, non-profit incorporated agency in Bergen County, NJ. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Center for Hope and Safety pamphlet and I give them full credit for the information. Please call the numbers above for more information.

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Center for Hope & Safety: Dating Violence: Information for teens and young adults about violence or controlling relationships

Posted on April 23, 2019 by jwatrel

Center for Hope & Safety: Dating Violence: Information for teens and young adults about violence or controlling relationships.

Rebuilding lives beyond domestic violence

24 hour hotline

(201) 944-9600

http://www.hopeandsafety.org

12 Overlook Avenue

Rochelle Park, NJ  07662

(201) 498-9247

A Message from the Department of Community Affairs:

Being in a dating relationship doesn’t mean you have to deal with physical, emotional, verbal or sexual abuse. Although you may want to be committed and supportive of your partner, there is no excuse for this kind of behavior.

This brochure is designed to help you recognize if you are being abused or if you are abusive in your relationship. It’s important to identify problems if they exist and do what is necessary to make sure the abuse stops.

Please read through these checklists and take some of the suggestions outlined here. If you think you are in an abusive relationships, you should end the relationship, get help from an adult that you trust or go to your counseling center at school. There is help if you are in an abusive relationship and it is only a phone call away.

Are you Abusive?

*Do you constantly check up on your partner and accuse her or him of being with other people?

*Are you extremely jealous or possessive?

*Have you hit, kicked, shoved or thrown things at your partner?

*Do you constantly insult or criticize your partner?

*Do you become violent when you drink or use drugs?

*Have you threatened your partner or broken thing in your partner’s presence?

*Have you forced your partner to have sex with you or intimidated your partner so that he or she is afraid to say no?

*Have you threatened to hurt your partner?

*Have you threatened to hurt yourself if your partner breaks up with you?

If you checked one or more of these boxes, realize that you are inflicting physical, emotional, verbal or sexual abuse on your partner.

If you do any of these things, you:

*Must take responsibility for your actions.

*Can’t blame your behavior on your partner or drugs or alcohol.

*Can change the way your act if you get supportive counseling.

*Can call 1-800-572-SAFE (7233) or go to the counseling center at your school and your violence will increase.

*Must do something about it or it’s going to get worse and your abusive behavior.

Are you being Abused?

*Are you frightened by your partner’s temper?

*Are you afraid to disagree with your partner?

*Are constantly apologizing for your partner’s behavior, especially when he or she has threatened you badly?

*Do you have to justify every place you go, everything you do or every person you see just to avoid your partner’s anger?

*Does your partner constantly put you down and then tell you that he or she loves you?

*Have you ever been hit, kicked, shoved or had things thrown at you?

*Do you not see family or friends or do things just because of your partner’s jealously?

*Have you been forced into having sex when you didn’t want to?

*Are you afraid to break up because your partner has threatened to hurt you or himself/herself?

If you checked one or more of the above boxes, your are in an abusive relationship.

You can:

*End the relationship and choose not to see your partner.

*Get help from someone your trust, preferably an adult.

*Go to your counseling center at school.

*Call 1-800-572-SAFE (7233) for referral to a local support program in your area.

Myths about Dating Relationships:

All these excuses are excuses. There is no excuse for any kind of violence in a dating relationship.

Your rights in a Dating Relationship:

In your relationship, you have the right to:

*Express your opinions and have them be respected.

*Have your needs be as important as your partner’s needs.

*Grow as an individual in your own way.

*Change your mind.

*Fall out of love and break up with someone and not be threatened.

*Have a relationship free from physical, sexual or emotional abuse.

*Not take responsibility for your partner’s behavior.

Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline:

1-800-572-SAFE (7233)

TTY: 609-392-2990

For further information on the video and its accompanying study guide, contact:

Intermedia Inc.

1165 East Lake Avenue

Suite 400

Seattle, Washington 98109

1-800-553-8336

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Center for Hope & Safety pamphlet and I give them full credit on the information. Please call them directly for more information. (201) 498-9247.

 

 

 

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How to Apply for a NJ Child Care Subsidy

Posted on April 23, 2019 by jwatrel

How to Apply for a NJ Child Care Subsidy:

There is so much to think about when choosing child care. Balancing location, cost, quality and just feeling good about the child care provider can make this important decision challenging. New Jersey’s child care program under the Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development can provide you with valuable information to help you make that selection. The state’s child care program can support you with information about applying for child care assistance, where to find child care, licensing and complaint data and what makes a quality program.

As so many families know, child care costs can take up a lot of the monthly budget. The Child Care Subsidy Program can help lower-income families who are working, in training or in school or a combination of these activities to pay a portion of their child care.

If you are thinking about or are applying for a child care subsidy, here’s what you need to know.

Applying for a Child Care Subsidy:

As an applicant/parent seeking a child care subsidy, you will be required to provide proof of income, training/school hours and household size to help determine eligibility. All required documents must be submitted to be considered for a subsidy.

Applicant(s)/Parents Eligibility Requirements:

*Must be a New Jersey Resident

*Must meet income requirements and not have assets that exceed $1 million

*Must be working full time (30 hours or more), attending school full time (12 credits or more) or in job training (at least 20 hours a week)

*Depending on family size and income, may have to contribute to the cost of care ( co-pay)

Child Eligibility Requirements:

*Up to the age of 13 or less than age 19 if under the NJ Division of Child Protection and Permanency’s protective supervision or mentally or physically incapable of self-care

*Must be a US Citizen or qualified non-citizens

*Must reside with parent(s) or individual(s) acting as parent(s) (in loco parentis)

Provider Eligibility Requirements:

*Providers must be either a licensed child care provider, a registered family child care provider or a home or summer camp that is approved by the state

*All providers must complete numerous health and safety trainings and required criminal background checks.

Completing and Submitting an Application:

To get started, you must first complete, sign and submit an application with the required documents to the Child Care resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency in your county. For a complete list of required documents, contact your CCR&R or visit http://www.ChildCareNJ.com.

The CCR&R will review application within 10 business days of receiving them and a final determination of eligibility will be made within 45 calendar days. You will receive a letter from the CCR&R telling you if you are eligible, not eligible or if additional information is needed.

You can request an application by visiting or contacting your local CCR&R or printing one at http://www.ChildCareNJ.com.

Payment:

Before payment can start, you must first be approved and sign the Parent/Applicant and Provider Agreement (PAPA) and e-child Care agreement (ECC).

Parent Co-Payment and Additional Provider Fees:

Families eligible to receive a subsidy are required to share the cost of child care; known as a co-pay. The co-payment is based on your family size, gross annual income, hours of care needed and the number of children in care. Co-pays are paid for the first two children only. The co-pay for any child thereafter will be zero.

Selecting a Child Care Program:

Once your family has been determined eligible to receive child care assistance, you must choose a provider. To make the process move quickly, it is recommended that you find an eligible, quality provider prior to being approved. That means the provider must be licensed, registered or approved by the state.

If you need help finding a child care provider, the CCR&R can provide a list of providers that meet your family’s needs. For a list of CCR&R, visit ww.ChildCareNJ.com or call the NJ Child Care Hotline 1-800-332-9227.

Finding Quality Child Care:

Look for a Grow NJ Kids participating program. Research shows that children who are in quality child care and early learning programs when they are young are better prepared for kindergarten with better reading skills, more math skills and larger vocabularies.

Grow NJ Kids is New Jersey’s program to raise the quality of child care and early learning across the state. It offers child care and early learning providers access to training, professional development, grants for equipment and materials and staff scholarships for continuing education. Professional raters visit the program to review quality standards and then programs receive ratings-up to five stars-by meeting an extensive list of quality benchmarks. Go to GrowNJKids.com to find a participating provider near you.

Social Service Programs with Child Care Components:

There are certain social service programs that include child care. To receive child care through one of the program listed below, you must be participating in that program/service.

*Child Protective Services (CPS)

*Kinship Child Care

*Work First New Jersey (WFNJ)-welfare

*Transitional Child Care (for former WFNJ recipients)

*Post Adoption Child Care

If you are participating in one of these programs and need child care, contact your CCR&R.

Important Information and Community Resources:

The New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development (DHS/DFD) works in partnership with service providers and other state and municipal agencies throughout the state to help families access quality programs and services that meet their needs. You can find more information by visiting http://www.ChildCareNJ.com or at http://www.NJ.gov/humanservies.

Bergen County Office for Children

One Bergen County Plaza

Hackensack, NJ  07601

(201) 336-7150

co.bergen.nj.us/officeforcechildren

NJ Department of Human Services

Disclaimer: This information comes from the Bergen County Office for Children and was produced by the NJ DHS Publications Unit and I give them full credit for the information. Please call the above numbers for more information.

 

 

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Bone Mass Measurement: What the Numbers Mean

Posted on April 21, 2019 by jwatrel

Bone Mass Measurement: What the Numbers Mean:

*What is a bone density test?

A bone mineral density (BMD) test can provide can provide a snapshot of your bone health. The test can identify osteoporosis, determine your risk for fractures (broken bones) and measure your response to osteoporosis treatment. The most commonly used BMD test is called a central dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry or central DXA test. It is painless-a bit like having an x-ray. The test can measure bone density at your hip and lumbar spine.

Peripheral bone density tests measure bone density in the lower arm, wrist, finger or heel. These tests are often used for screening purposed and can help identify people who might benefit from follow-up bone density testing at the hip and lumbar spine.

What does the test do?

A BMD test measures your bone mineral density and compares it to that of an established norm or standard  to give you a score. Although no bone density test is 100 percent accurate, the test is an important predictor of whether a person will have a fracture in the future.

The T Score:

Most commonly, your BMD test results are compared to the bone mineral density of a healthy young adult and you are given a T-score. A score of 0 means your BMD is equal to the norm for a healthy young adult. Differences between your BMD and that of the healthy young adult norm are measured in units called standard deviations (SD’s). The more standard deviations below 0, indicated as negative numbers, the lower your BMD and the higher your risk of fracture.

As shown in the table on page 2, a T-score between plus one and -1 is considered normal or healthy. A T-score between -1 and -2.5 indicates that you have low bone mass, although not with osteoporosis. A T-score of -2.5 or lower indicates that you have osteoporosis. The greater the negative number, the more severe the osteoporosis.

Low bone mass versus osteoporosis:

The information provided by a BMD test can help your doctor decide which prevention or treatment options are right for you.

The World Health Organization definitions based on bone density levels:

Normal: Bone density is within 1 SD (*1 or-1) of the young adult mean

Low bone mass: Bone density is between 1 and 2.5 SD below the young adult mean (-1 to -2.5 SD)

Osteoporosis: Bone density is 2.5 SD or more below the young adult mean (-2.5 SD or lower)

If you have low bone mass that is not low enough to be diagnosed as osteoporosis, this is sometimes referred to as osteopenia. Low bone mass can be caused by many factors such as:

*Heredity

*Low body weight

*A medical condition or medication to treat such a condition that negatively affects bone.

Although not everyone who  has low bone mass will develop osteoporosis, low bone mass is an important risk factor for osteoporosis and fractures.

As a person with low bone mass, you can take steps to help slow down your bone loss and prevent osteoporosis in your future. Your doctor will want you to develop or keep healthy habits such as eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D and doing weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging or dancing. In some cases, your doctor may recommend medication to prevent osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis. If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, these healthy habits will help but your doctor will probably also recommend that you take medication. Several effective medication are available to slow or even reverse bone loss. If you do take medication to treat osteoporosis, your doctor can advise you concerning the need for future BMD tests to check your progress.

Who should get a bone density test?

The U. S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all women age 65 and older should have a bone density test. Postmenopausal women who are younger than age 65 and at increased risk of osteoporosis as determined by a formal clinical risk assessment tool should also have a BMD test.

Due to a lack of available evidence, the Task Force did not make  recommendations regarding osteoporosis screening in men.

Resource:

For more information on osteoporosis, contact the: NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center.

Website: https:/www.bones.nih.gov

If you need more information about available resources in your language or another language, please visit our website or contact the NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases-National Resource Center.

For your information:

This publication contains information about medications used to treat the health condition discussed here. When this publication sheet was developed, we included the most up to date (accurate) information available. Occasionally, new information on medication is released.

For updates and for any question about any medications your are taking, please contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) toll free at 888-INFO-FDA (463-6332) or visit its website at https://www.fda.gov. For additional information on specific medications, visit Drugs@FDA at htts://www.acessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf. Drugs@FDA is a searchable catalog of FDA-approved drug products.

NIH Pub. No 18-7887-E

National Institute of Health

Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases-National Resource Center

2 AMS Circle

Bethesda, MD 20892-3676

Phone: (202) 223-0344

Toll Free- 800-624-BONE

TTY: (202) 466-4315

Fax: (202) 293-2356

Website: https://www.bones.nih.gov

Email: NIHBoneInfo@mail.nih.gov

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the NIH Osteoporosis pamphlet on Bone Mass Measurement and I give them full credit for the information. Please call the above numbers for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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