Caregivers’ Luncheon February 20; American Heart Health Month
Caregivers’ luncheons are important to the purpose of the SaddleBrooke Stroke/Neuro Support Group, giving caregivers a chance to discuss concerns about assisting loved ones affected by stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and rarer neurologic disorders. If you are your own caregiver, we also welcome you. This month’s luncheon will be held Friday, February 20 at 11:30 a.m. in the home of a member. If you wish to join us, please contact Elke Mulligan, membership chairperson at 825-3641 or Esta Goldstein, program chairperson at 825-1181 so that we may welcome you.
American Heart Health Month
February is American Heart Association month, offering many special programs aimed at reducing the incidence of heart disease and stroke; remember that these formerly separate entities consolidated efforts a few years ago. Efforts to inform and educate the American public are reaping rewards; cancer in its many forms is poised to edge out heart disease as America’s number one killer in a few years. Increasing awareness of the importance of exercise, weight control, smoking cessation, control of hypertension and dietary modification are yielding results! More of us know the meaning of our cholesterol and triglyceride readings as well as why we are or are not on statins for modification.
Exercise—for Heart Health and Mood Modification
The SilverSneakers program at HOA1 Fitness Center now offers sessions on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. and Fridays at 1:00 p.m. for $4 or $6 per session, depending on individual health insurance coverage. Recent studies from Sweden’s Karolinska Institute uncovered a cascade of biochemical events (in mice) that begin with exercise and end with unusual resilience in the face of stress resulting in mental wellness and showing that exercise acts as an antidote to that gloomy feeling sometimes associated with winter, even in Arizona! Humans have generally felt this, but these studies are aimed at determining the exact biochemistry associated with that phenomenon!
Alzheimer’s Talk in SaddleBrooke February 25
Wednesday, February 25 at 2:00 p.m. in MountainView Ballroom West, Morgan Hartford, Program Director of the Alzheimer’s Association, will speak on Caregiving and Stress Issues for Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s disease does not just affect the person diagnosed, but can significantly impact those who care for them. His presentation will help these families learn ways to better care for themselves while they are caring for the person with dementia, including skills and techniques to manage stress.
Another session relating to care issues will be held Thursday, March 31 at 2:00 p.m. Sally Simpson, elder care law specialist at Simpson Law Office PLLC, will provide an Overview of Elder Law Issues in Arizona.