MARCH/APRIL NEWSLETTER
I N T H IS ISS U E LAKELAND HILLS FAMILY YMCA APRIL 2024 AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH On Friday, April 19 at 6:30pm, join us for our Sip & Shop Event featuring 50 vendors and exciting social activities. Experience the welcoming ambiance of the YMCA transformed into an evening of local fun and flair. Connect with friends and show support for the heart and soul of our community. ARTICLES OF INTEREST In our newsletters we introduce articles of interest on numerous trending topics. In this newsletter we have included two articles that we think you will enjoy. Paper Organization and Why it is Important Your Brain is Hard Wired to Avoid Exercise. Here’s Why BI-MONTHLY ISSUE MARCH/APRIL 2024 UPCOMING EVENTS April is Autism Acceptance Month and we are excited to share insight from Helen Genova, PhD, Associate Director of the Center for Autism Research at Kessler Foundation and Director of the Social Cognition and Neuroscience Laboratory. April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, and we are in full swing with our Five Days of Action Campaign. The week of April 15-19 is designed to help you take action to protect children from sexual abuse. KNOW, SEE, RESPOND CHILD ABUSE AWARNESS MONTH CELEBRATE THE SUCCESS OF OUR LHY SWIM TEAM Check out the latest successes of our highly competitive swim team and their upcoming competitions. Plus, get information on their upcoming fundraiser and join in supporting all their incredible achievements. MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL MENTAL WELLNESS WORKSHOPS We are hosting the Mental Health Association for two 4-week wellness workshops for middle and high schoolers. Details inside.
5 DAYS OF ACTION April 15-19: Bringing Awareness to Prevent Child Abuse Media and technology are at the center of children’s lives every day. With more of life happening online, what catches their attention isn’t always what’s best for them. As a parent or caregiver, you may SEE a child interacting with media daily, and you can be equipped with the tools and resources to make sure any environment (including online) is free from any abuse. To learn more visit: commonsensemedia.org/articles/online-safety. KNOW KNOWing the facts about child sexual abuse can help adults better understand what to look for and how to prevent it. As parents, caregivers, and trusted adults to the young people in our lives, we play an important role in protecting them from abuse. Learn more about the different types of abuse, the signs, and how you can help at childhelphotline.org. RESPOND How can you RESPOND to the call to help prevent child sexual abuse? As a parent or caregiver, you may know it’s important to talk about it, but you may not know what or when to say it. Committee for Children has created the Hot Chocolate Talk campaign, packing decades of research into easy-to-use guides to help you begin these crucial conversations – at any age, from toddler to teen. Visit: cfchildren.org/resources/child-abuse-prevention/ to learn more and empower your child to report and refuse sexual abuse. The Know. See. Respond. campaign is back this year, and New Jersey Department of Children and Families has shared resources to support this campaign. Additionally, click HERE for a helpful hotlines/helplines printout, or visit the New Jersey Department of Children and Families hotline page HERE. SEE We take our commitment to child protection seriously and we hope you do too. For more information on reporting child abuse in New Jersey, click HERE. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. As part of our commitment to protecting the children in our community, we’re participating in the Five Days of Action - a week-long campaign to increase awareness of child sexual abuse and empower and equip us all to prevent it. By taking part in this important campaign and implementing abuse prevention practices yearround, Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is committing to the safety of all children in our community.
Supporting Young Adults with Autism in Job Interviews A NEW APPROACH Dr. Genova is pioneering a new approach to help individuals on the spectrum secure employment by focusing on improving their job interview skills rather than solely on job-specific abilities. "Many individuals on the spectrum possess employable skills and talents. Therefore, we decided to concentrate on the crucial first step in job acquisition—the job interview. Many young adults on the spectrum find job interviews challenging due to social anxiety or difficulties 'selling themselves' to prospective employers. Thus, we are teaching them how to navigate this crucial step," explains Dr. Genova. To facilitate this process, Dr. Genova has developed a web-based job interview training tool called Kessler Foundation Strength Identification and Expression (KF-STRIDE). This innovative tool features engaging videos and interactive activities designed to help individuals practice answering job interview questions effectively. Preliminary data show that KF-STRIDE significantly enhances interview skills, with participants on the spectrum expressing enjoyment in using the tool. For more information on our strengths-focused program, email: [email protected] Helen Genova, PhD Associate Director [email protected] "If we can assist young adults in securing job interviews, it's a significant step towards gaining employment," asserts Dr. Genova. She is particularly enthusiastic about KF-STRIDE because it was developed in collaboration with input from the autism community. "We are thrilled with the response from the autism community, who partnered with us and provided invaluable suggestions to enhance the tool further." Autism research has primarily focused on young children, leaving older individuals on the autism spectrum understudied with fewer available resources. This lack of attention is concerning, given that research indicates young adults on the spectrum face particular risks such as unemployment and a lower quality of life. Addressing these challenges, the Center for Autism Research at Kessler Foundation is working diligently to raise awareness and conduct cuttingedge research to support adults on the spectrum, especially those striving for independence. To learn more about KF-STRIDE or the ongoing work at the Center for Autism Research, interested individuals can contact the research team at [email protected]. Dr. Helen Genova from the Center for Autism Research at Kessler Foundation is leading efforts to identify the most effective ways to assist young adults on the spectrum as they transition into adulthood. "Adulthood poses significant challenges for young adults on the spectrum as they seek independence from their parents, with many facing unemployment," notes Dr. Genova. Shockingly, the unemployment rate among individuals with autism can reach 80%, meaning only about 1 in 5 individuals on the spectrum are employed, often in jobs below their skill level.
Let’s chat about mail. Ideally, it’s best to go through your mail each day as it comes in. If you prefer to tackle your mail less often, just make sure you have a reminder so this task doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. When you do go through your mail, do it near bins for recycling and shredding. The pile you are keeping should be split into (1) things you want to read for fun or reference (cards, magazines, catalogs, etc.) and (2) things you need to take action on (bills, invitations, etc.). The first category of items, the ones to read, should “live” where they will be seen and read. These items tend to be forgotten in the busyness of life, so make sure you go through this pile once a month or so. The “action” items should be put where you will sit and process those pieces of mail. This could be a desk in a home office, a certain part of the kitchen counter, or perhaps the living room coffee table. I would also suggest that you store your stamps, return address labels, and checkbook here as well - a one-stop shop for paying bills. You should also have a “system” for when and how you pay your bills. If you have trouble remembering to take this action, put a reminder on your phone every week or every other week to tackle these timely items. If there is something that you need to respond to immediately, put it where you cannot miss seeing it - whether that’s on your keyboard, taped to the mirror in your bathroom, or hanging out of your purse. Also think about how you can reduce the amount of mail coming in altogether. Can you turn off paper statements for some of your accounts? Can you sign up for a service to reduce solicitations and junk mail? Want more information? Lindsay will be at the Y’s Ladies Vendor Night on Friday, April 19 from 6:30-9:00 pm. Stop by and see Lindsay! by Lindsay Mahanna, owner of “From Clutter to Clarity” Paper Organization and Why It’s Important Articles of Interest Yoga Rock On REGISTRATION: WWW.LAKELANDHILLSYMCA.COM SEARCH “HEALTHY LIVING” FRIDAY , MAY 3 6:00 PM - 7 :00 PM $10 MEMBERS $15 NON- MEMBERS
CELEBRATING SUCCESS LHY SWIM TEAM’S ACHIEVEMENTS AND NATIONAL MEET Our talented swimmers will be representing Lakeland Hills Family YMCA from April 2-6 at the YMCA Short Course National Championship in Greensboro, NC. We have full confidence that they will showcase their hard work, dedication, and determination as they compete on a national stage. We invite you to join us in cheering on our swimmers and sending them positive energy as they strive for excellence at the national meet. Let's support them with enthusiasm and pride! Swim fast and GO LHY! Where can you take a family of 4 for a fun night for less than $50? Our Competitive Swim Team is hosting a baseball fundraiser on Saturday, May 18 at 6pm. We are excited to share the incredible success of the Lakeland Hills YMCA Swim Team during the 2023-2024 short course competition season. Our swimmers have broken records, achieved personal best times, and most importantly, experienced joy and camaraderie throughout their journey.
Another issue is that the human brain is highly sensitive to wasted effort. Studies have shown that they contain dedicated circuits, within the insula cortex, that calculate the effort required for actions – they're there to ask "Is it worth it? It’s an evolved tendency to stop us from squandering vital resources on pointless endeavours, like walking 20 miles for a handful of berries. Taking up exercise means changing all that, for uncertain results. To keep us safe, our brains typically tend to put more significance on risks rather than rewards, meaning we are even more reluctant to take up physically demanding activities. Thankfully, the human brain is a terrifyingly complex organ, so has a few tricks up its metaphorical sleeve. Most obviously, it isn’t ruled by its more primitive, immediate instincts and drives. While many species’ thought processes are limited to ‘Food, eat it!’, ‘Danger, run!’, ‘Pain, avoid!’, we’ve evolved beyond that. Human brains can form multiple long-term goals and ambitions. We’re rarely content with just dayto-day survival: we can simulate a desirable future scenario, figure out how we’d achieve it, and… do just that. Or at least work toward it. This directly impacts how our brain processes motivation and willpower, in many interesting ways. For one, it makes us capable of delayed gratification: we can recognize that rejecting a reward now can lead to a greater reward later, and act accordingly. In this case, we understand that eating four family bags of crisps while binging TV will be enjoyable at the moment, but going to the gym will mean we’re fitter, stronger, and healthier later. And then there's the ‘just world’ fallacy. This is where we assume the world is fair, which leads us to believe – and studies have shown this – that any suffering will surely lead to rewards later. No pain, no gain, as the saying goes. HOW YOUR BRAIN THINKS ABOUT EXERCISE Humans evolved to spend long periods physically exerting themselves, that is, exercising. But while many people do indeed enjoy exercising, they’re in the minority (as the less-crowded gyms and abandoned New Year’s resolutions of midFebruary reveal). While physical exercise isn’t that bad, it’s still typically unpleasant, and uncomfortable. It has to be; you’re pushing your body to its physical limits, which leads to significant discomfort – they’re limits for a reason. So why, even though we’ve evolved to do it, doesn't everyone enjoy exercise? The baffling complexity of the human brain is to blame. Evolving an ability doesn’t automatically mean we’ll want to use it. Creatures with armour don’t Ant actively want to be attacked. i-Aging Segment: Your brain is hard-wired to avoid exercise. Here’s why. by Dean Burnett | Science Focus Magazine We all know that working out makes us feel better. So why is it so hard? Humans aren’t the fastest or strongest species. We’ve no wings, fangs, claws, venom, or armour. Physically, we’re largely nature’s also-rans. Also-ran’ is an ironic term, though, because humans do physically dominate all other species in one area: longdistance running. Our bipedal gait and unique sweat glands mean humans can keep running long after other species collapse from exhaustion.
So how does the brain process all these different motivations? The selfdiscrepancy theory suggests we have several ‘selves’ active in our minds at any given time; our ‘actual’ self, our ‘ideal’ self, and our ‘ought’ self. Your ‘actual’ self is your current state, how you are right now. Your ‘ideal’ self is what you want to be. And your 'ought' self is the self that does all the stuff required to become your 'ideal' self. It’s the self that does what you ought to be doing. So, if your 'ideal' self is a professional footballer, and your 'actual' self isn’t, your 'ought' self is the one that spends a lot of time training, exercising, and getting better at football. There are other factors that, of course, play important roles. But as far as your brain in concerned, there are processes that discourage exercise, and processes that encourage it. Putting more “weight” on the processes that encourages is ideal. HOW YOUR BRAIN GETS MOTIVATED The 4-Week Wellness Workshop with the Mental Health Association is a FREE once-a-week workshop that meets on Wednesdays from 6:00pm – 7:00pm at the Lakeland Hills YMCA. The Middle School workshop will be held from April 3rd to April 24th, and the High School workshop will be held from May 8th to May 29th. The workshop focuses on being a safe space for youth to discuss different aspects of their wellness, obtain useful information and skills to promote healthy living, as well as allow youth to participate in art-based and mindfulness activities to learn new ways to express themselves. The workshop incorporates Mindful Movement such as gentle stretching at the beginning of each group, an education portion focused on developing further understanding of one’s self, an art-based activity related to building new coping skills and expression, and a guided breathing exercise to close out the group. During week one participants are given a questionnaire in which they can provide suggestions on what they would like to focus on throughout the workshop, and the educational and art-based activity portions of the group will be adjusted to match the requested topics. Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/r/9ZxS0gxq0V or direct any questions to the workshop facilitators, Genaya Palmer, LAC, ATR-BC [[email protected]] and Carissa Ali, LAC [[email protected]]. WE WILL BE HOSTING MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION FOR TWO, 4-WEEK WELLNESS WORKSHOPS FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLERS. MENTAL HEALTH WORKSHOP FOR YOUR YOUTH AND TEEN
Get ready to mingle, sip, and shop at the Y! We are thrilled to announce our upcoming Sip and Shop event, a delightful evening designed for our community and showcasing the incredible talents of our local businesses. This exclusive gathering is set for April 19th, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day, explore unique local offerings, or simply enjoy a night out with friends, our Sip and Shop experience promises an unforgettable blend of leisure, shopping, and community spirit. Step into the welcoming atmosphere of the YMCA, transformed for an evening of fun and local flair. The Sip and Shop event offers a perfect setting to connect with friends, meet new people, and support the heart and soul of our community. This event is not just about shopping; it's a sensory journey, complemented by the exquisite flavors and offerings from some our esteemed sponsors. Pamplona Pinchos, Boonton Liquor Locker, Señor Sangria, and The Fisher Group (part of Coldwell Banker Realty) are on board to ensure your evening is nothing short of fabulous. These local favorites will enhance your shopping spree with a touch of gourmet delight and spirited refreshments. Pamplona Pinchos will tantalize your taste buds with a selection of their finest pinchos, turning your shopping experience into a culinary adventure. Boonton Liquor Locker offers a curated selection of wines and spirits, perfect for discovering your new favorite drink or finding a great gift. Meanwhile, Señor Sangria brings a festive twist to the evening with their refreshing, fruity sangria, promising to keep the spirits high and the conversations flowing. As you meander through the event, each vendor will present a unique story, product, or service. From handcrafted jewelry to bespoke clothing, pet attire and treats to artisanal foods, the Sip and Shop event is a treasure trove of local craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit. Prepare to be charmed and surprised by the array of offerings, knowing that your attendance supports the vitality and diversity of our local community. JOIN US FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 6:30 - 9:00 PM SIP AND SHOP AT THE Y IS ALMOST HERE