Alzheimer's Association Annual Report

Here in northern Michigan we are one piece of a much larger pie. The National Alzheimer's Association released it's Annual Report for 2009. There is a lot of good stuff in this report, it's worth the read and you can find it here.

Besides the usual "what happened in 2009" stuff, the report also shows how efficiently the organization is using the money you have given. To be clear, 70% of what you donate to our local offices stays right here in northern Michigan to continue to assist and educate families in our area. The other 30% is sent on to the national organization. This is how we are all helping to find the cure.

We hope that 2010 will bring the medical break-through we're all working towards!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

From the staff:

We wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy time this holiday season.

Cold Weather is Here

It's time to think about cold weather safety for our seniors. Older adults can lose body heat fast. Thinking ahead can stop problems before they happen. Here are some easy things you can do.

Indoors:

1) Set thermostats at 68 degrees or higher (shut off unused rooms to save on the heat bill)
2) Keep throws or blankets handy, on the back of chairs and the couch
3) Wear layers of clothing, even inside, a t-shirt or long johns will help
4) Wear slippers or shoes

Outdoors:

1) Wear a hat and a scarf, we lose a lot of body heat from our head and neck areas
2) Wear layers of clothing for more insulation
3) Avoid going out on very windy days if possible

Signs of Hypothermia:

1) Cold hands and feet
2) Puffy or swollen face
3) Pale skin
4) Shivering (but if severe, there may be no shivering)
5) Slow or slurred speech
6) Acting sleepy
7) Being angry or confused

If you suspect someone of hypothermia, call 911 right away. Keep in touch with elderly loved ones. With a little vigilance we can avoid problems this winter.

Alpena County November Respite Program

2009 marks the 26th anniversary of President Ronald Reagan’s designation of November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.

Alzheimer’s affects not only those who have the disease, but their family members as well. The role of caregiver is often overwhelming. Caregivers wear themselves out with the daily care for their loved ones. Taking a weekend, a day or even a few hours for themselves is very important for their own health and well being.

Recognizing this month, a local grant has made it possible for the Alzheimer’s Association to offer caregivers a special time just for them without the worry of their loved one. Caregivers can apply for $200 in reimbursement for respite care. This is restricted to residence of Alpena County and a doctor’s diagnoses of dementia is required. This program is only available for the month of November. Enrollment is starting now and is limited to a first come, first served basis.

For more information on this special program and other Alzheimer’s Disease resources available in Northern Michigan, please call the Alpena Alzheimer’s Association office at 356.4087.

The Memory Walks are almost HERE! There is still time to get involved and still time to donate. The animated icons to the right will get you started. Join the fun! Do something good! Help end Alzheimer's!


Alpena Walk - Saturday, September 19th, 10:00am at Bay View Park

Traverse City Walk - Saturday, September 26th, 9:30am at F&M Park

Gaylord Walk, Swim, Skate - Saturday, November 7th, 8:30am at Otsego Sportsplex

Alpena Memory Walk Team Captain Kick Off

Calling all team captains for the Alpena Walk!
Our Team Captain Kickoff Pizza Party will be:

Monday, Aug 31st, from 5:00pm - 6:30pm
(or whenever you can make it)
at VFW Post 2496 on Connon St. in Alpena

Come and see your fellow team captains, meet the staff, enjoy pizza and salad, and we'll review the Walk to date and details. Bring a couple of teammates, family or friends. Please RSVP the office at 989.356.4087 so we have an accurate count. See you then!

TEENS IN ACTION SPOTTED IN GAYLORD!!!!

Three of Northern Michigan's Alzheimer's Associations TEENS IN ACTION members made the trek from Traverse City to Gaylord to help with the United Way Kick-Off. Kate Teglas, Kelly Send and Kassidy Teglas spent three hours using their artistic talents painting dinosaurs, turtles, horses, dogs, footballs....and the list goes on....on the faces of excited children. These talented young ladies also promoted the Region's Memory Walks and provided education on the Association.