Hello July and all things Summer! Our July Holidays bring us wonderful opportunities to recognize our surroundings and the people we see and speak to every day.
This month is Disability Pride Month, National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, UV Safety Month, National Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention Month, Cord Blood Awareness Month, Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, Group B Strep Awareness Month, Sarcoma Awareness Month, Independence Day, National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, and Parents’ Day!
In this month’s edition of Positively Pearl, you can expect to see the following:
• June Recap – Pearl Appreciation Day!
• CCO Onsite Pearl Appreciation Day
• July: A Month of Awareness and Empowerment
• Disability Pride Awareness Month
• National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
• UV Safety Month Information
• Sarcoma Awareness Month Information
• Our Favorite Independence Day Recipes
• Employee Recognitions
• What’s Coming Up
• The Unofficial Pearl Joke Book
• Your Pearl Pets
Pearl Appreciation Day – Company Wide
We are delighted to share the success of our inaugural Pearl Appreciation Day, a celebration dedicated to honoring our most valuable asset—you, our extraordinary employees! Your hard work and commitment have driven our success, and it was our pleasure to show our gratitude. Throughout Pearl Appreciation Week, employees enjoyed complimentary lunches, choosing from a variety of gift cards available through their Paycom accounts. We also had fun brain break games, which included a cupcake matching game and a fun puzzle. The positive feedback and enthusiastic participation demonstrated just how much this gesture of appreciation was valued. Thank you for making our first Pearl Appreciation Day a memorable event. We look forward to celebrating with you again next year!
Pearl Appreciation Day – Onsite KY CCO
Onsite in Kentucky, we had Pearl Appreciation Day, which hosted a yearly favorite event, Slime Time! We also featured a raffle and photo backdrop to bring the event in red carpet Hollywood style and Fazoli’s catering. Check out all the fun that was had during the CCO’s onsite Pearl Appreciation Day event below!
Pearl Appreciation Day CCO:
Raffle Winners:
Slime Time:
60 Jodi Rudd & Matthew Thacker
July: A Month of Awareness and Empowerment
As we step into July, we’re presented with an abundance of opportunities to engage with several crucial health observances that impact many lives. We would like to spotlight National Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention Month, aiming to educate and provide resources on these congenital conditions. By promoting understanding and support for affected individuals and their families, we can contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate community. Learn more about cleft and craniofacial conditions and find resources for support and advocacy here.
In addition to craniofacial awareness, July is also Cord Blood Awareness Month. Cord blood, rich in life-saving stem cells, holds the potential to treat over 80 diseases, including leukemia and lymphoma. Understanding the importance of cord blood banking and donation can make a significant difference in advancing medical research and treatment options. For more information on how cord blood can be a life-saving resource and how you can contribute, visit Be The Match.
July also marks Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month and Group B Strep Awareness Month, both of which bring critical health issues to the forefront. Juvenile arthritis affects nearly 300,000 children in the United States, causing joint pain and other debilitating symptoms. Raising awareness can lead to earlier diagnoses and better treatments. Explore resources and support networks at the Arthritis Foundation. Meanwhile, Group B Strep remains a leading cause of infection in newborns. Educating expectant parents and healthcare providers about prevention and treatment is essential. Learn more about Group B Strep and prevention strategies at the Group B Strep International.
Disability Pride Month: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
July marks Disability Pride Month, a time to honor the contributions, achievements, and experiences of people with disabilities. This month-long celebration shines a light on the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in all aspects of society. At our company, we recognize the value of a diverse workforce and strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive. Disability Pride Month is a reminder of the progress made in disability rights and the ongoing work needed to ensure equal opportunities for all. It’s an opportunity for us to reflect on how we can continue to support our colleagues, customers, and community members with disabilities.
To learn more about Disability Pride Month and how you can get involved, we encourage you to explore a variety of resources. The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) offers a wealth of information on disability rights and advocacy. The Disability Pride NYC website provides insights into the history and significance of Disability Pride Month, as well as details about events and activities. Additionally, the ADA National Network offers educational materials and webinars on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and best practices for fostering an inclusive environment. By engaging with these resources, we can all play a part in promoting awareness, understanding, and pride within the disability community.
- National Disability Rights Network (NDRN): NDRN
- Disability Pride NYC: Disability Pride NYC
- ADA National Network: ADA National Network
Feel free to visit these websites to learn more about Disability Pride Month and how to support the disability community.
Celebrating National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
July marks National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the unique mental health challenges faced by racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States. Mental health conditions do not discriminate, but the access to mental health care, quality of treatment, and social stigmas often vary among different communities. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, African Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population. Yet, they are less likely to seek mental health services due to stigma, cultural barriers, and lack of access to quality care. Similarly, Hispanic and Asian American communities face unique stressors, such as immigration-related trauma and language barriers, which can complicate mental health care.
At Pearl Interactive Network, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that supports the mental well-being of all our employees. It is crucial to recognize that minority communities often face systemic barriers to mental health services, including socio-economic disparities and limited availability of culturally competent care. By acknowledging and addressing these challenges, we can contribute to a more equitable and supportive environment for everyone. We encourage our team to educate themselves on these issues, engage in open conversations about mental health, and seek out resources that promote well-being and inclusivity. Together, we can help break the stigma and ensure that all people have access to the care and support they need.
Sources:
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- American Psychological Association
UV Safety Month: Protect Your Skin and Eyes from Harmful Rays
July is UV Safety Month, a timely reminder from the Employee Engagement Department to protect your skin and eyes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays. According to the CDC, excessive UV exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the United States. UV rays, which come from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps, can damage skin cells even on cloudy days. Peak UV intensity occurs between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., making it crucial to take protective measures throughout the day.
Beyond skin protection, safeguarding your vision is equally important. Prolonged UV exposure can increase the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, leading to serious vision problems. To protect your eyes, the CDC recommends wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Wrap-around styles are particularly effective as they prevent UV rays from entering from the sides. Coupling these with a wide-brimmed hat can offer additional protection. By adopting these practices, you can enjoy outdoor activities safely while reducing your risk of skin cancer and vision impairment. Stay sun-safe and protect your skin and eyes this UV Safety Month!
For more information, visit the CDC Sun Safety page.
Sarcoma Awareness Month: Let’s Spread Knowledge and Support
July is Sarcoma Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness about sarcoma, a rare and often misunderstood type of cancer that arises in the bones and soft tissues. At Pearl Interactive Network, we believe in the power of knowledge and community support. Sarcoma can affect individuals of all ages, and because of its rarity, it’s crucial to educate ourselves and others about its symptoms, treatments, and the importance of early detection. Throughout this month, let’s come together to support those affected by sarcoma, share information, and foster a sense of solidarity.
To deepen our understanding and extend our support, we encourage everyone to explore the following resources. The Sarcoma Foundation of America (www.curesarcoma.org) provides comprehensive information on sarcoma research, patient support, and advocacy efforts. For medical insights and treatment options, visit the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org). Additionally, the National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov) offers detailed resources on the various types of sarcoma, clinical trials, and latest advancements in research. By utilizing these valuable resources, we can contribute to the fight against sarcoma and support those on their journey.
Independence Day Recipes:
Were you looking for recipe ideas to make your next Independence Day POP! Well look no further as we have some recipes right here! Just click the links below the image to get access to the recipe.
Red White and Blue Frozen Vodka Slushies
Check out more amazing recipes by clicking here!
What’s Coming Up Soon?
- 7/26 – 7/29 2024 Virtual Olympic Activities
- FIVE exciting virtual Olympic activities – with a Gold Medal Winner from each EVENT! All Gold Medal Winners will be announced at the end of all the events! (8/12) All Gold Medal winners will receive a Sugar Wish!
- 7/26: If I were an Olympian
- Fun Questions sent via email.
- 7/29: Speed Typing “Who has the fastest time.”
- Take a typing test and send back a screenshot of your results!
8/2 – 8/9 2024 Virtual Olympic Activities
- 8/2: The Nations of the World! “Guess the Nation’s Flags”
- A PDF will be sent out via email – email your answers back!
- 8/5: Olympics’ Trivia
- Air Table form will be sent out via email.
- 8/9: Acrobatic Words! Unscramble the Olympic Terms
- Air Table form will be sent via email.
9/1 – 9/30 Pearl’s 20th Anniversary Celebration
- Expect to see various activities, games, and much more!
