Page 2…………………...UAB Pediatrics Page 3……………………Safe Kids of Alabama Page 4……………….…..JCDH COVID Safety Tips Page 5……………………Elevate YOUth Mentoring
September 2020 Randall L. Woodfin, Mayor
Galvin Billups, Executive Director
1608 7TH AVENUE N | BIRMINGHAM, AL 35203 | PH: (205) 320-0879 | FAX: (205) 297-8139 | www.bhamyouthfirst.org
Healthy YOUth Awareness Campaign DYS Launches Healthy YOUth Campaign Welcome to a special edition of the Spotlight on Youth eNewsletter. This month the City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office Division of Youth Services’ (DYS) in partnership with University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Pediatrics and the Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH), is focused on raising awareness about how to stay healthy and fit during the COVID-19 pandemic. DYS wants to remind families not to forget about important health screenings and visits to the doctor as students return to school and other activities. September also serves as a month to focus on a number of health initiatives including Childhood Obesity and Mental Health Awareness Month.
This month’s newsletter will provide help to families looking to maintain healthy children both physically and mentally. Some of the information will feature
Miss. Alabama 2019, Tiara Pennington serves as this year’s Health Ambassador. Ms. Pennington battled COVID-19 and will share her story of hope and resilience in fighting the virus. You can CLICK HERE to watch her interview. In addition to this newsletter be sure to join us throughout September on all social media platforms for useful information.
information on health resources available for families in the Magic City, tips on healthy eating and fitness, health facts and ways to improve mental health.
If you have questions please contact DYS at (205) 320-0879 or email us at dys@birminghamal.gov.
UAB Pediatrics at Children’s of Alabama Committed to advancing clinical care, research, education and advocacy to improve the health of the children of Alabama, the region and the world The UAB Department of Pediatrics is dedicated to improving the health of children; discovering and applying important new knowledge to improve the outcomes for pediatric disorders; educating patients, families, and health care providers and training the next generation of pediatric providers and leaders in medicine. UAB Pediatrics strives to dramatically improve the health of children of Alabama, the region and beyond by delivering the highest quality care for all patients. The faculty of the UAB Department of Pediatrics at Children's of Alabama provide a diverse and extensive spectrum of medical expertise and health care services, from primary care to subspecialty services. To learn more about the many clinical services UAB Pediatrics provides visit: https://www.uab.edu/medicine/peds/
KEEPING FAMILIES FIT AND HEALTHY LOSING THE COVID 19!
It’s no secret that many people across the country have been on lock-down since the COVID-19 pandemic began in early spring. With that extra time at home, gyms closed, and sporting activities put on hold, many families have simply been packing on the pounds! The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends 60 minutes a day of physical activity for teens and children. You don’t need fancy gym equipment to get your family moving. We’ve got some ways to stay fit and active even while working from home and doing school virtually. Check out these simple activities and tips. For other options and some fun active workout videos checkout the links below:
https://health.gov/moveyourway#parents https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/ getting-active/25-ways-to-get-moving-at-homeinfographic https://www.beactivekids.org/beactive-at-home/ tips-for-healthy-active-families/
SAFE KIDS PROVIDING VIRTUAL ASSISTANCE TO FAMILIES Safe Kids Worldwide is a global nonprofit dedicated to protecting kids from preventable injuries, the number one cause of death to children in the United States and a global epidemic around the world. Safe Kids works with more than 400 network members in the U.S. and partners in 33 countries to keep kids safe at home, on the road and at play. The organization educates families, raises awareness, creates safer environments and advocates for improved laws to protect children. Safe Kids car seat distribution centers are currently closed mostly state wide, but experts are still available to assist families with proper installation of car seats and booster seats. In addition, Safe Kids still has educational resources for families. Visit: https://www.safekids.org/ for more information. Or contact
HEALTHY EATING ESSENTIAL TO GOOD HEALTH There’s lots of confusing information about how to eat healthy and what’s really best for your body. We’re here to make it simple. Check out these tips from www.teenhealthcare.org, to become the healthiest version of yourself. 1.Eating breakfast helps jump start your metabolism and curb cravings for sweets throughout the day. A morning meal also gives you more energy and can help you focus better in school or at work. Go for something with whole grains and protein, rather than a pop tart or sugary cereal. 2. It’s not good for your body to go for a long time without nutrition. Plan out your day and throw an apple, banana, granola bar, or some trail mix in your backpack or purse. This can keep your body fueled all day long. 3. Most people know that soda is full of sugar — but did you know that drinks like Gatorade and Arizona Iced Tea still have more than a day’s worth of sugar in one serving? Try to cut the number of sugar sweetened beverages you drink in half. 4. Teens typically get enough carbohydrates and protein, but don’t eat all their fruits and veggies. It may be hard to get these food groups in at every meal, but aim for at least one serving every meal. If you don’t like salad, go for carrots and celery dipped in hummus or add veggies to a whole wheat pita wrap. 5. Try to balance one unhealthy thing you love to eat with a healthy option as well. Go for pizza loaded with veggies rather than sausage or pepperoni. If you grab a slice of pizza for lunch, eat a banana as well — then you will hit a serving of fruit AND satisfy your cravings. 6. Get physically active! This keeps your body and your mind healthy, and it can help boost your mood and make you feel better.
JEFFERSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COVID-19 Command Center
The Jefferson County Department of Health’s (JCDH) mission is to prevent disease and assure access to quality health care, promote a healthy lifestyle, a healthy environment and to project against public health threats. During the COVID-19 pandemic JCDH has become a command center providing vital information about COVID cases, testing sites and COVID-19 prevention tips, as well as information about resources available for families. JCDH is providing weekly updates on the Pandemic. Check out the link below to be better informed about the COVID-19 pandemic, how to get tested and what to do if you test positive:
https://www.jcdh.org/
Mental Health Importance Combatting Depression and Suicide
Teens and young adults today in the United States are more stressed, anxious, depressed and lonelier than ever before, at least according to Clay Center for Healthy Minds. Although experts aren’t exactly sure why, many point to things like social media pressures, overscheduling, worries about the future and loner activities such as video games, and binge watching television shows as some of the reasons. Research suggests, young adults are more aware of their mental health challenges, particularly with anxiety and depression. Experts say suicides are on the rise and have reached an all-time high. Here are some things doctors recommend teens and young adults do to take care of themselves mentally. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
Carve out time Meditation Yoga Exercise Get Some Sleep Creative Expression Play with a Pet Meet and Communicate with Friends Appreciate Nature Turn off Smart Phones Do something for someone else
For full examples on how to take on some self-care routines visit: https://www.mghclaycenter.org/parenting-concerns/11-self-caretips-for-teens-and-young-adults/
Brother Boxes Distributed to Birmingham Youth The City of Birmingham Mayor's Office is thankful to "Brother Box" for delivering hundreds of boxes to young men in the City of Birmingham over the last month. "Brother Box" is an organization that is on a mission to inspire young Black boys to dream big and embrace their authentic selves. Through small moments of encouragement, the organization is dedicated to joining boys on that journey, reminding them that they are seen, supported, and valued. This organization gives boxes full of encouraging items (such as a formal tie and socks, hygiene products, and a book by a black author) to young Black men. The boxes were distributed to several Birmingham Housing communities and through mentoring organizations. Mayor Randall L. Woodfin commends "Brother Box" for the work they are doing to encourage and uplift young Black men (see Mayor Woodfin's video HERE). To support the organization or find out more information, visit Brother Box's website HERE.
Elevate YOUth Virtual Mentoring September 29 & 30, 2020 Virtual Mentoring through Zoom
The City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office Division of Youth Services (DYS) relaunched our mentoring initiative with a new virtual experience. We acknowledge that we are still in a global pandemic and must find ways to connect youth with opportunities to help develop skills needed to improve their lives. The initiative aims to help young people excel to the next level of professional, personal, and character development. The next Zoom sessions will take place on September 29 & 30, 2020. These Zoom meetings will feature guest speakers, fun, and interactive break-out sessions among other things. September meetings will focus on creative thinking and we’ll look at careers in the medical field.
Elevate YOUth will focus on topics relevant to the issues youth face today. The virtual mentoring initiative will serve boys and girls ages 8 - 17 years old. The program is designed to provide and equip Birmingham’s youth with the necessary tools to become the leaders of tomorrow.
The program’s virtual curriculum will topics centered around 21st century skills training including but not limited to: • • • • • •
Critical Thinking Collaboration Information gathering Creativity Character Building Communication
Youth are encouraged to register for the program, click the link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/ e/1FAIpQLSfrL76MjiZ5rADIP6hGE7HZcQ3AaFJ _t0heVEufNCKNv15zYw/viewform?usp=sf_link For more information contact the Division of Youth Services at (205) 320-0879 or visit www.bhamyouthfirst.org
Ayrika M. Jones Pens First Book!
BCS Elementary Student Offers Words of Encouragement to Others
“If you have a dream, then go ahead and do it,” that is the advice 10-year old Ayrika Jones has for other young people. The extraordinary young lady is definitely living her dreams, Ayrika is a published author. Her book is titled, How did you know it was me, Mr. Tomato? The story follows Mr. Tomato and his adventures as he tries to find his hat. For the rest of the story Ms. Jones says, “you’ll have to buy the book!” Her love for writing and reading began incredibly early. She says her mother would always read to her. Ayrika says she started writing short stories when she was just 5-years old, but became inspired to write her own book because her mother wrote a book. She says the best thing about writing is that “it’s fun and helps you think more.” Not only does Ms. Jones plan to continue writing, she has a book coming out around Christmas. She also wants to become “the first female black president.” Ayrika is a product of the Birmingham City School system attending Glen Iris Elementary School. She says she is enjoying virtual learning but can’t wait to get back to school to see her friends and teachers. For more information about her book or to support this outstanding young lady, visit her website, https://www.ayrikamjones.com.
Author, Ayrika Jones (middle) pictured with her family and Mayor Randall L. Woodfin
Applications Available for the Academy of Civic Engagement (ACE)! Want to learn more about how city government works? The Academy of Civic Engagement (ACE) is a City of Birmingham initiative with the central goal of getting residents directly involved and engaged with their local municipal government. ACE is a citywide leadership initiative aimed at bringing everyday residents together for a deeper understanding of how the city is working for them and how they can plug into a variety of opportunities. ACE wants to prepare residents to go out into their communities to act, serve, and lead. Applications are now open for the 2020 class of ACE and will close on October 21st. Sign up today at www.birminghamal.gov/ace and learn more about how you can get involved in city government.
City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office Division of Youth Services 1608 7th Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203 PH: (205) 320-0879
WWW.BHAMYOUTHFIRST.ORG WWW.BIRMINGHAMAL.GOV