Menstruation is a natural part of a girl‘s life and is an important milestone for her. It marks the beginning of puberty and a transition from childhood to adolescence. For many girls, getting their first period is both an exciting and a scary time.  Although getting your period can be exciting, it also comes with a lot of changes. Physically, girls experience cramps, bloating, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Emotionally, it can be a time of increased sensitivity and mood swings. It can also be a time of confusion about what is happening to their bodies and how to handle it all.  The best way to handle the onset of menstruation is to be prepared. Girls should talk to their parents, guardians, or a trusted adult about what to expect. They should also make sure they have the right supplies, such as pads or tampons, and know how to use them properly. Additionally, it‘s important to know when to seek medical help if needed.  Menstruation is an important part of a girl‘s life and should be embraced. With the right preparation, girls can make this transition easier and more 

manageable.  

I really wish there was all this information about periods when I was growing up because it was hard!!!

National Diaper Need Awareness Week is scheduled for September 18 – 24, 2023. The week draws attention to the issue of diaper need in the United States.

How can we draw attention to diaper need in Essex County?  

Proclamations

Getting our politicians to recognize that Essex County is an epidemic and to understand that our neighbors need help with basic necessities is a job and this starts with a Proclamation. I would like to invite you to celebrate it with us by donating diapers and wipes or better yet host a diaper drive.

Established in 2015, MCDBEC provides free diapers for babies and toddlers living in poor
and low-wage families, many of whom struggle to afford the most basic needs required to keep children clean, dry, and healthy. Diapers are expensive and safety-net programs typically do not cover the cost of diapers.

By providing clean diapers we know that it can reduce the incidence of preventable diseases. We also learned that access to a reliable supply of clean diapers affects families in significant ways, like enabling
parents to maintain employment, complete their education, and improve the health and well-being of their children. We know that our work has a positive impact on children and families in Essex County. We witness that impact on a daily basis through the gratitude in the people we serve

Having incontinence can happen to anyone at any age.

What is period inequity?  it is unequal access to period products due to gender, income, race, and other intersecting factors. Period inequity can have a significant impact on people’s health, well-being, and education, and it is an issue that needs to be addressed.

First and foremost, period products should be more widely available and affordable. As of now, many people struggle to afford period products, especially those living in poverty. In some areas, period poverty is so severe that people are forced to use unsafe alternatives such as rags, paper towels, and newspapers. This not only puts people at risk of infections and other health issues, but it can also lead to embarrassment and stigma.Dashboard

Second, there needs to be more education and awareness about period inequity. Many people don’t understand the issue or how it affects people’s lives. By educating people about period poverty and the need for access to period products, we can create a more inclusive and understanding society.

That’s why the Alliance for Period Supplies is helping to educate communities on period poverty and leading the conversation with local politicians to address the issue by changing policies.

Visit the Alliance for Period Supplies and read about how you can get involved in fighting period poverty in your community.

How often you change your infant or toddler’s diaper matters because if they are left in a soiled diaper longer than normal they are subject to all types of diseases..

 Thank goodness diaper rash can usually be treated with basic at-home solutions including air-drying, ointments, and more frequent diaper changes. Mild cases will typically disappear after just a few days and your baby’s skin will be back to normal. But it is important to note that techniques for preventing and treating diaper rash go hand-in-hand, and families experiencing diaper need are also more likely to see more severe cases of diaper rash, which require medical attention. 

Although common diaper rash can be painful and uncomfortable for the child and parent. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent your child from experiencing this irritating condition.

1. Change diapers often: One of the most effective ways to prevent diaper rash is to change diapers often. This helps to keep your baby’s skin clean and dry, which can help to reduce the chances of irritation.

2. Clean thoroughly: After each diaper change, it’s important to thoroughly clean the area to help remove any bacteria or irritants that may be present. Use warm water and mild soap or a specifically formulated baby wash to clean the area. 

3. Use a barrier cream: Applying a barrier cream, such as petroleum jelly or zinc oxide cream, to the area can help to protect the skin from further irritation. Be sure to apply it each time you change the diaper.

4. Wear loose-fitting diapers: Wearing loose-fitting diapers helps a LOT!!

Don’t forget to kiss your infant and toddler after every diaper change!!!

Incontinence is a condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is a condition that is often embarrassing and difficult to talk about, but it is important to know that you are not alone. Incontinence is a very common problem and there are treatments available to help people manage it.

Incontinence is the inability to control one‘s bladder or bowel movements. It can be caused by a variety of things, including age, illness, injury, and medications. It can range from mild to severe and may be temporary or chronic. It can also be caused by the overactive bladder muscles that can cause sudden urges to urinate. Oh, and don’t forget ANY one at ANY age can get incontinence.

In order to take care of ourselves I believe we should be as honest as we can with our physicians, that way we know the path we need to live our best lives.  One of the most important and pressing reasons for early
diagnosis is that incontinence is always a symptom of something else happening in
the body so, please have that conversation before it’s too late.

Once you know the reason that your bladder is misbehaving, and the possibility
of a serious medical condition has been ruled out…the choice is yours.

If you suspect you might be suffering from incontinence please speak up….

grewThe COVID–19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on poverty all around the world. The effects of the virus have had a particularly devastating impact on vulnerable communities and those living in poverty, as these communities are more likely to suffer from the social and economic impacts of the pandemic. The economic impact of the pandemic is particularly acute for those living in poverty such as our senior community. Many seniors and those with disablities who living in poverty have experience their caregivers losing their jobs which reduced the household income.  They experienced reduced work hours, meaning they have lost vital income to sustain themselves and their families. This has caused many to slip into deeper poverty and depression. 

At the same time, the pandemic has caused a rise in the cost of living, as the prices of food and basic goods have risen significantly. This has meant that those living in poverty are struggling to meet their basic needs, as they are unable to afford the necessary items. This has created an even greater strain on already vulnerable populations, as they are unable to access the resources they need to survive.  

The health impacts of the pandemic also grew significantly for seniors. The communities they live in often lack access to quality healthcare and, they are more likely to experience severe symptoms and longer recovery times if they get get sick with Covid-19 than any other group.  

We could always find time for everything else in life so, find some time to check in on your friends and loved ones or just call them.  I’m sure they would appreciate the attention and you would contribute to their mental state as well.

Since the pandemic, lots of our residents lost jobs and are now on fixed incomes or had to take a lower-wage job to make ends meet.   MCDBEC is here to not only help the low-income resident but the working poor as well.

We all know people who have jobs but still can’t make the rent or other basic needs, we call those people ALICE — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE are people who educate our children, keep us healthy, and make our quality of life possible, yet do not earn enough to support their own families. ALICE households are forced to make tough choices, such as deciding between quality child care or paying the rent, which have long-term consequences not only for ALICE, but for Essex County residents.

The amount of men raising their children without a mother has grown over the years.  Because they have stepped into that role they are no longer a part of the workforce because raising little ones is a  fulltime job on its own.  I have a father from East Orange who felt embarrassed to get help from the diaper bank he said ” I didn’t think it would be this hard to be with my child 24/7 after my kids mother died from Covid.

Know your financial status and don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Visit the United Way, Alice Project and read all about it.