Happy New Year! It's time again! Though we all have a tendency to avoid making those dreaded New Year’s Resolutions, they are not really a detriment to us. No matter what age we find ourselves, anything that holds us accountable is a good thing! Even if it’s an annual self determination at the beginning of each year to hold ourselves accountable to those habits and ways of life which promote the good in our health and relationships. So, if you’re stalling on making a few fresh aspirations in the New Year, let me suggest the top ten healthy New Year’s resolutions for older adults by HealthinAging.org: 1. Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats: In later life, you still need healthy foods, but fewer calories. 2. Consider a multivitamin: Consult your healthcare provider about any nutrition issues that may need over-the-counter vitamins or nutrition supplements. 3. Be active: Physical activity can be safe and healthy for older adults — even if you have heart disease, diabetes, or arthritis! In fact, many of these conditions get better with mild to moderate physical activity. 4. See your doctor regularly: You should schedule an annual Medicare wellness visit with your healthcare provider around your birthday month to discuss health screenings and any changes in your advance directives. Don’t forget to find out if you should be getting any new or booster immunizations. 5. Toast with a smaller glass: Avoid excessive drinking – even on a social level. 6. Guard against falls: One in every three older adults falls each year and falls are a leading cause of injuries and death among older adults. Exercises such as walking or working out with an elastic band can increase your strength, balance, and flexibility and help you avoid falls. Also ask your healthcare provider to check that you’re not taking any pills that can make you more likely to fall. 7. Give your brain a workout: The more you use your mind, the better it will work. 8. Quit smoking: It is never too late to quit. You can still reduce your risk of many health problems, breathe easier, have more energy, and sleep better if you quit smoking. 9. Speak up when you feel down or anxious: About 1 in 5 older adults suffers from depression or anxiety. Some possible signs of depression can be lingering sadness, tiredness, loss of appetite or pleasure in doing things you once enjoyed. You may also have difficulty sleeping, worry, irritability, and wanting to be alone. If you have any of these signs for more than two weeks, talk to your healthcare provider and reach out to friends and family. 10. Get enough sleep: Older adults need less sleep than younger people, right? Wrong! Older people need just as much — at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. Avoid daytime naps, which can keep you up in the evening. http://www.healthinaging.org/resources/resource:top-10-healthy-new-year-s-resolutions-for-older-adults/ #HealthyAging #HealthinAgingorg

Spring is here! Flowers and trees are starting to bloom, the birds are singing, and the sun is shining. We can all say goodbye to the cold gloom of winter and say hello to the longer, warmer days that spring affords us! Yes, spring is beautiful, but it is also painful to many as it marks the start of allergy season. It is estimated that more than 50 million people across the country suffer from allergies each year. According to research, they are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S.! Unfortunately, allergies are often unrecognized and therefore go untreated in seniors. Allergies are an inflammatory condition that can have a greater impact on seniors than in the younger population due to age-related changes in their immune systems. Allergies are an abnormal response of the immune system where the body's defenses react to a usually harmless substance in the environment, such as pollen, animal dander, or food. Actually, almost anything can trigger an allergic reaction. But in the spring, more often than not, POLLEN is the culprit! As pollen levels rise, you may hear people say they have hay fever, which is another term for seasonal allergies. They aren’t actually allergic to hay but seasonal pollen or other irritants. Here are some basic symptoms associated with seasonal allergies: 1. itchy eyes, nose, and throat 2. sneezing and / or coughing 3. stuffy or runny nose 4. watery eyes 5. fever 6. dark circles under your eyes 7. aches and pains 8. fatigue and weakness You can take some action now to prevent symptoms from slowing you down. Some symptoms can lead to more serious illnesses, including sinus infections, ear infections, and upper respiratory infections. Quick Tips: 1. When pollen counts start to rise, limit time outdoors 2. Keep your windows and doors closed when pollen is at its peak 3. Change your air conditioner filter, keep the air circulating to filter the outdoor air or use an air purifier indoors to clean the air of pollen 4. Wash your hands frequently especially when returning from the outdoors 5. Avoid outdoor activities that stir up pollen, such as lawn mowing, and wear a mask if they cannot be avoided 6. Dry your laundry in the machine, not outdoors on a clothes line, to keep pollen off your clothes and bedding 7. Avoid visiting with people who have colds 8. Learn the triggers for your allergies and avoid them Treatments include over-the-counter products, prescription drugs, and allergy shots. Your doctor will know the correct treatment for your particular allergy! Still, you can prevent some symptoms by staying indoors when pollen counts are high and always running the air conditioning. Hopefully you can avoid some of the uncomfortable symptoms of allergic reactions from happening to you this spring and summer! Source: seniorcarecorner.com #AvoidAllergies #seniorcarecornercom #HealthyAging

Nursing and rehabilitation centers offer different levels of care, depending on the needs of a patient. After an acute illness or injury, patients often need short term care that includes the services of skilled nurses trained in physical recovery and rehabilitation. A stay at a short term rehabilitation center varies from only a few days to many weeks, depending on the patient's needs and functional capacity. What Is Considered Short Term Rehabilitation? Short term rehabilitation is also known as post-acute or skilled nursing care. Physicians prescribe short term care for patients that need concentrated help after suffering from an injury, illness or after surgery. The term of rehabilitation varies according to the patient's condition and prognosis. If a patient can go home after a hospital stay and only return to a facility for scheduled rehabilitation appointments, a stay in a short term rehabilitation center is not necessary. Short Term Rehabilitation Characteristics A stay in short term rehabilitation center is always temporary with a goal of returning home as soon as possible. While in the center, the patient receives care 24 hours per day from skilled providers who are able to handle any new issues or setbacks as they arise. This transitional period is a vital part of recovery and includes a variety of therapy types, including physical, speech, occupational, and others. For those with specific dietary needs, a dietitian on staff ensures proper nutrition during the stay. Short Term Rehabilitation Benefits The primary benefit for patients receiving short term care is the ability to recover while being monitored for emergency setbacks. The medical team involves providers who treat acute issues and those who have the goal of assisting patients in regaining strength, coordination, stamina and balance. Access to this type of care around the clock often leads to a faster and more complete recovery than attempting to recover at home. A short term rehab center allows patients to feel more comfortable than in a hospital setting, giving them the freedom to bring in food, clothes and personal items of their choosing. A quality short term rehabilitation center lets patients experience many of the comforts at home while still having the peace of mind of constant medical care. Who Needs Short Term Rehabilitation? Not all patients need short term care after a hospital stay since most can transition back home immediately. Some surgeries that include orthopedic, cardiac or pulmonary conditions need additional time under the care of medical professionals without a prolonged hospital stay. Severe acute illnesses often need extra recovery time since the patient needs to regain strength and stamina. Some patients also need continuous IV treatment that must be administered by a medical professional. Many short term centers also provide end of life and hospice care to patients who would like to spend their time with around the clock compassionate, comfortable and peaceful care. Quality Short Term Rehabilitation Center Acute post-surgery or illness care should be as comfortable as possible. If you or a loved one are recovering from an illness or have an upcoming surgery that will likely require a stay at a short term care rehab center in Guntersville, Marshall Manor Nursing and Rehab Center provides high-quality and compassionate care in a comfortable and safe facility. For more information on their services or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at 256-582-6561.

Medicaid As stated in the previous segment, Medicare, HMO's, and some secondary health insurance policies cover skilled nursing care or therapy in the nursing home typically only for a limited amount of time. Indeed, skilled nursing facilities care for a variety of residents. Some are there for a temporary stay while receiving rehab from an injury, illness, or surgery. Others, who require around the clock nursing care because of the expertise that is required to meet their needs, are there as permanent or long-term residents. Because of the substantial costs of long-term placement in a skilled nursing facility, many find it necessary to apply for the “Medicaid for Institutional Care” benefit. This is a different type of Medicaid than that which covers doctor office visits and prescriptions out in the community. Long-term Medicaid in a skilled nursing facility requires an entirely different application process. *Alabama Medicaid Long Term Care Program: Alabama is an income cap state, meaning that in order to be eligible for Medicaid long term care benefits there is a hard income limit. Income cap states require the amount to be no higher than their limit at the time of their application for benefits. Single Individuals: For all programs, an applicant must be a resident of Alabama and a U.S. citizen or have proper immigration status. An applicant for Nursing Home Medicaid must also be a resident of an approved skilled nursing facility for at least 30 consecutive days to be eligible for Medicaid benefits. Applicants need to meet medical approval by Medicaid. The nursing facility must submit the medical information to Medicaid. The income limit for Nursing Home Medicaid is $2,199 per month for an individual (this income limit changes each January). There is a personal needs allowance of $30.00 per month that is not factored into the countable income. The resource limit is $2,000 before the first day of the month. This means that in order to be eligible for Medicaid you must not have more than $2,000 in resources on the first day of any given month. Married couples: If the community spouse has less than $2,003 per month (2017) he/she is eligible to retain some of the institutionalized spouse’s income to reach the minimum (this amount changes each July). If the community spouse has gross income at or above $2,003, no additional income can be allocated from the institutionalized spouse to the community spouse. Alabama is an “income first” state, meaning the state limits the right to petition for an increased community spouse resource amount (CSRA) to couples whose combined income fails to meet the community spouse’s income needs. Basically, this means a community spouse can petition for an increased CSRA where there’s an income gap only after factoring in the nursing home spouse’s income first. If the community spouse’s resources are less than $27,000 he/she may retain some of the institutionalized spouse’s resources to reach the minimum. The maximum amount of resources the community spouse can retain equals one-half of the couple’s total assets up to a value of $238,440. Meeting the various financial limits is often a process involving the structuring of one’s assets so they can be considered exempt and / or placing excess assets into trusts. The Medicaid applicant cannot give away their excess assets as Medicaid looks into financial records as far back as 60 months prior to the application date. The applicant cannot sell anything below fair market value as this will result in ineligibility as well. *Source: https://www.seniorplanning.org/long-term-care-medicaid-eligibility/alabama/ It is important to remember that the long-term Medicaid benefit for permanent care in a skilled nursing facility is awarded by the state of Alabama Medicaid agency and not the facility. All applications are reviewed by the Alabama Medicaid Agency and must meet their criteria before the benefit can be awarded. As always, Marshall Manor is glad to help in this course. It is not difficult but it is extremely detailed! Feel free to call or come by our business office anytime Monday thru Friday between the hours of 8am and 4pm to discuss any questions you may have about the Medicaid Long Term Care application or process. For further information on qualifying for Medicaid: http://www.medicaid.alabama.gov/CONTENT/3.0_Apply/3.2_Qualifying.aspx #LongTermCare

January happens to be National Blood Donor Month. Being a blood donor holds a special place in my heart for many reasons. But the main reason is from first-hand experience of the gift of life that donating blood affords. My daughter, Sarah, was only a few months old when she was diagnosed with a rare but life threatening blood disorder – a viral suppression of her bone marrow. This caused her to have a short stay in the hospital and several blood transfusions. She just turned twenty-five on New Year’s Day, but that would not have been possible without the treatment and blood she received while in the hospital when she was a baby. This blog is dedicated to LifeSouth, a non-profit community blood bank serving more than 100 hospitals in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. LifeSouth is our community blood center. With more than 30 donor centers, 45 blood mobiles, and 2,000 blood drives a month, the blood they collect from donors helps patients in our local hospitals. It directly serves the needs of patients right here in our community helping to save lives. According to LifeSouth.org, to be a blood donor you must be in good health, 17 years-old or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, and show a valid photo I.D. See…it’s EASY! There are SIX Types of Blood Donations: Whole Blood: Whole blood donation is the most common type of blood donation. You can donate whole blood every 56 days. Whole blood donors are always needed to replenish the blood supply and is often used in emergencies and traumas. Double Red: Very much like whole blood donations, if you meet certain criteria, double red cell donation allows you to safely donate two units of red cells during one appointment. You can donate double red every four months. Platelets and Plasma: You can donate platelets every two weeks and plasma every four weeks. Platelet transfusions are essential in treating many different types of cancer. Sickle Cell: Patients who have sickle cell, a genetic blood disorder that affects the body’s red blood cells, may need many blood transfusions in a lifetime, some as frequently as every four weeks. While transfusions can increase the amount of healthy red blood cells, multiple transfusions can cause complications. To reduce complications, finding donors whose blood types more precisely match these patients is crucial. If you desire, your blood can be tested to see if you are a special match for a patient with sickle cell disease. Cord Blood: LifeCord is a community-based public cord blood bank that collects and stores umbilical cord blood for the purpose of clinical cures and basic research in the field of stem cell transplantation. LifeCord is a program of LifeSouth, which performs community and donor education, cord blood collection and processing, distribution of the cord blood units, and evaluation of transplant outcomes. We also work to increase the diversity of donors from which cord blood is collected. Autologous: This is when a patient provides his or her own blood before a scheduled surgery. Procedures like bilateral knee or hip replacement, knee or hip revision, complex revisions of cardiac procedures, and complex spinal surgeries are likely candidates for an autologous donation. Your physician should send a completed Request for Autologous Collections and if the request is approved, you will be scheduled for the collection. Some patients, for various reasons, are not good candidates for self-donations. Other patients have medical problems requiring clearance by a medical specialist before they can donate blood. I encourage you to find the time and the will to give blood. There is no doubt that you will be helping to save a life! #LifeSouthorg

Preston Health Services, is pleased to announce that Marshall Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, recently received a deficiency-free health care survey, during their recertification, from the Alabama Department of Public Health. Deficiency-free surveys are difficult to achieve, and can only be accomplished through the cooperation of dedicated staff in all areas of care throughout the facility. To receive a deficiency-free survey, the facility must meet all of the safety and quality measures set forth by state and federal regulations during an unannounced, on-site inspection. These inspections include standards for facility safety, quality of care, environmental services, activities and food service, as well as many other aspects of care. View our deficiency-free health care survey here. About Marshall Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Marshall Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a 91-bed facility located just off of Lake Guntersville in the heart of Guntersville, AL. The facility staffs trained, effective, and dedicated employees, including R.N.s and L.P.N.s, 24 hours a day. Our on-site therapy department offers the best in physical, occupational, and speech therapy services. Other services offered include; restorative, treatment of wounds/ surgical incisions, diabetic, and hospice care, as well as pain management. There are beauty and barber services offered as well as full-time activities with staff who provide regularly planned daily activities and periodic outings while promoting independence, safety, and quality of life for our residents. Our facility is dedicated to helping our residents stay physically active and young at heart while meeting their unique social, emotional, spiritual and intellectual needs. To schedule a tour of our facility please call 256-582-6561.

There is a myriad of things at Christmastime which are meant to create an atmosphere of celebration, wonder, and excitement. Carols are playing in every store and even on the streets. Garland and greens deck the halls of churches and court houses alike. Christmas trees (and an occasional leg lamp) are in many household windows, and there are enough bright lights everywhere that they can actually be seen from space! With all the jolly cheer in the air, you would think that everyone would be full of happiness and glee. But, more often than not, Christmastime and the arrival of winter initiates the onset of depression and sadness for countless individuals. These bouts of downheartedness and gloom can sometimes be temporary or merely seasonal episodes. But for a lot of seniors, it’s a more permanent condition. Seniors are not alone though! Did you know that depression happens to be one of the most common health conditions in the world? Depression isn't a weakness, nor is it something that you can simply "snap out of." Depression is a medical illness that involves the mind and body. One thing is for sure, depression is painful. If you are suffering from depression or experiencing depression like symptoms, we encourage you to see your doctor immediately. Like any illness, an effective diagnosis and treatment plan can help reduce even the most severe symptoms. Here are some suggestions from DailyCaring.com on the offensive towards battling depression: 1. Treat sleeping problems: Many seniors who live alone are prone to sleeping problems which can aggravate depression. Keep a regular sleep schedule! 2. Realize you have a purpose: Take up a hobby or try social pastime activities such as card playing or volunteer work for a local charity. 3. Engage in social interaction: Visit friends and extended family, take part in group outings, and attend community events. 4. Stay physically active: Gentle exercises such as walking and age-appropriate workouts can help a senior stay in solid physical, mental, and emotional shape. 5. Eat healthy: Fiber rich food such as fruit and vegetables are a must for seniors, and so are whole grains and lean protein. Minimize sugar, starch, and unhealthy fats. 6. Treat yourself to a chore or two: Meaningful responsibility is good for anyone at any age! 7. Seek professional help: Contact a mental health professional and sign up for counseling. It takes a measure of courage to do this but your bravery will pay off in the long run. 8. Keep an eye on pills: If you have been prescribed antidepressants, you should make sure you take these medications regularly and obey doctor’s orders in terms of dosage, lifestyle, and diet. Source: http://dailycaring.com #DailyCaringcom #DepressionHurts

Over the course of the past five blogs, there has been a lot of information, nuts and bolts, and criteria thrown at you. The main thing we want you to take away from it all is that we are here to serve you! We certainly understand that the process by which you or your loved one is admitted into a skilled nursing facility is multi-faceted and comes with many emotions and stressors. Please don’t hesitate to call, email, or come by our facility with any questions you may have. We want to make the admission process go as easily and smoothly as we can for you. You're invited to sit down face to face with our admissions personnel or business office manager. You can schedule a tour of our campus or just drop by when you can. We are here for you! The remainder of this final blog in the series will highlight additional options for payment or payment assistance for long-term care in a SNF. *Department of Veterans Affairs The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may provide long-term care or at-home care for some veterans. If your family member or relative is eligible for veterans’ benefits, check with the VA or get in touch with the VA medical center nearest you. There could be a waiting list for VA nursing homes. (Marshall Manor is not a VA affiliated home.) To learn more about VA healthcare benefits: Call 1-877-222-8387, or visit www.va.gov/health or www.caregiver.va.gov. You can also find more information at Geriatrics and Extended Care: Paying for Long-Term Care. *Social Security Disability Income This type of Social Security is for people younger than age 65 who are disabled according to the Social Security Administration's definition. For a person to qualify for Social Security Disability Income, he or she must be able to show: The person is unable to work The condition will last at least a year The condition is expected to result in death Social Security has "compassionate allowances" to help people with Alzheimer’s disease, other dementia, and certain other serious medical conditions get disability benefits more quickly. To find out more about Social Security Disability Income: Call 1-800-772-1213 / TTY: 1-800-325-0778 / or visit www.ssa.gov. *National Council on Aging The National Council on Aging, a private group, has a free service called BenefitsCheckUp®. This service can help you find Federal and State benefit programs that may help your family. After providing some general information about the person who needs care, you can see a list of possible benefit programs to explore. These programs can help pay for prescription drugs, heating bills, housing, meal programs, and legal services. You don’t have to give a name, address, or Social Security number to use this service. To learn more about BenefitsCheckUp® Call 1-571-527-3900, or visit www.benefitscheckup.org Benefits.gov For more information about Federal, State, and local government benefits, go to www.benefits.gov or call 1-800-FED-INFO (1-800-333-4636). *Long-Term Care Insurance Long-term care insurance covers many types of long-term care and benefits, including palliative and hospice care. The exact coverage depends on the type of policy you buy and what services are covered. You can purchase nursing home-only coverage or a comprehensive policy that includes both home care and facility care. Many companies sell long-term care insurance. It is a good idea to shop around and compare policies. The cost of a policy is based on the type and amount of services, how old you are when you buy the policy, and any optional benefits you choose. Buying long-term care insurance can be a good choice for younger, relatively healthy people at low risk of needing long-term care. Costs go up for people who are older, have health problems, or want more benefits. Someone who is in poor health or already receiving end-of-life care services may not qualify for long-term care insurance. *For Your Research Still, other options for payment or payment assistance for long-term care in a skilled nursing facility include: Reverse Mortgages Life Insurance Annuities Trusts *Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/ #LongTermCare

It’s December! Can you believe 2017 is almost in the books?! That’s one of the most fascinating things about time. Even though just about all of us have a daily routine, consistently maintain a calendar, make appointments, and know what season it is, TIME is still constantly taking us by surprise. We experience the ambush of time stealthily passing whenever we see a child for the first time after a few years only to realize that they are not a child anymore but an adolescent or even an adult! We still have them in our minds as that child we once knew the last time we saw them. But now they have transformed seemingly overnight. I am keenly aware of the surprising effects of time when I look in the mirror closely. TIME is so interesting in these regards. It is the one thing that is always present and yet always passing at the same time. It is simultaneously both current and transient. This time of year is special for many reasons. I am particularly fond of it because of all the preparation and expectancy. It begins just before Halloween and extends through the New Year. Whether it’s retail stores, churches, or individual households, EVERYONE seems to want to decorate and prepare for what has been labeled the “most wonderful time” of the year. Although this can be bothersome and somewhat irritating to some people, it does not bother me in the least. From the majestic lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the White House lawn to the somewhat redundant, homely, and poorly lighted angel, star, snowflake, or reindeer decorations that small, rural, towns put up on their power poles – all are a welcome sight in my eyes. That’s because they are all done in preparation for a very important event. I like them because they are a clear signal to everyone that there’s something about to happen! Something worth celebrating. Something BIG! And what is this “something” that’s about to happen? I think it can all be summed up in one word: ADVENT. Simply put, Advent is the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event. When it comes to the Advent of Christmas, it pertains to all three! We spend our time looking at lights that are placed on evergreen trees during the cold, dark evenings of Advent and look forward to Christmas day when we can offer gifts to show our appreciation and love for family and friends. We sing carols, give to our preferred charity, and go to parties with colleagues in celebration and homage to the spirit of the season that is Christmas. We light candles, tell stories, and pray for peace. My mom and dad used to always impart to us the importance of our name. They would admonish us to protect our name and not let it become tarnished because, “You only have the one name that you’ve been given and there’s a lot in a name.” It was true when they were speaking of an individual or a product. At its core, Christmas is about giving and receiving. It is surrounded by proclamations of joy, light, faith, and hope. These virtues have always been at the heart of the season because they have always been at the heart of Christmas. It's all in the name! That brings us back full circle to another mesmerizing thing about time. Even though time is always passing and yet always present at the same time, there is another aspect of time that is always pending. What does the FUTURE hold? The Advent of Christmas seems to almost force us to think about time in all three dimensions – past, present, and future. Christmas prompts us to always find cause to give and paves the way for us to receive the greatest of gifts. It also calls one and all to experience those things that are TIMELESS - realities such as life, joy, light, and hope that only a name like Christmas could even suggest much less make possible. Christmas. Yes, there’s a LOT in a Name. #MerryChristmas #Advent

Today is National Mammography Day which is observed annually on the third Friday in October as part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Established by President Bill Clinton in 1993, this day serves as a reminder to all women that the best defense against breast cancer is early detection. A mammogram can often detect a problem before there is any outward physical sign. It’s important to make sure you are getting regular checkups! On Saturday, October 28th, Marshall Manor and the Terrace Lake Retirement Community will enter a team in the 8th Annual Pink Pumpkin Run hosted at the Guntersville Civitan Park by The Foundation for Marshall Medical Centers. Our team is sponsored by an actual cancer survivor who we participate in honor of and also by other individuals on the team. This year’s events will feature an 80’s theme. Our team slogan will be, “BEAT IT,” and we’ll be decked out in black T's along with the white glove and jeweled hat that Michael Jackson fancied on his infamous "Thriller" Tour. It’s all in good fun to raise funds for a great cause! The Foundation for Marshall Medical Centers donates proceeds from the Pink Pumpkin events to cancer care service programs offered at Marshall Medical Centers. The main beneficiary of the Pink Pumpkin proceeds will be the Mammography Assistance Program (MAP) at Marshall Medical Centers North and South. Through the funds provided from MAP, many women who cannot afford a yearly mammogram are offered assistance and a way to overcome these financial obstacles. We have ALL been touched or affected in some way by cancer. Well over a thousand individuals representing several teams will participate in honor and memory of loved ones and friends who have fought the battle against cancer. Perhaps the most inspirational each year are the many survivors who participate in all of the Pink Pumpkin events, volunteer as workers, and / or donate funds to the cause. People of all ages and backgrounds come together to fight together. This is a wonderful tribute to the human spirit and the inherent will in all of us to overcome and help others to overcome even the greatest of challenges. For more information on the 2017 Pink Pumpkin Run you can call The Foundation for Marshall Medical Centers @ 256-571-8026 or visit them online @ http://www.pinkpumpkinrun.com/. #Fight4ACure #PinkPumpkinRun

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the number of Americans living with Alzheimer's disease is growing fast. An estimated 5.5 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer's dementia. Of this 5.5 million, an estimated 5.3 million are age 65 and older and approximately 200,000 individuals are under age 65 and have younger-onset Alzheimer's. That means 1 in 10 people age 65 and older (10 percent) has Alzheimer's dementia! Because of the increasing number of people age 65 and older in the United States the number of new cases of Alzheimer's and other dementia is projected to soar. Today, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer's dementia every 66 seconds. By mid-century, someone in the United States will develop the disease every 33 seconds. As with cancer, we have all been affected by Alzheimer’s in some form or fashion. November is Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. This gives us a great opportunity to raise awareness of the disease and offer some supportive information about helpful services offered locally for those coping with or caring for people with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s Services of Marshall County (ASMC) is a non-profit, volunteer organization and resource center serving Alzheimer's patients, caregivers, and professionals. ASMC overall mission is: To provide patient and family with support, information, education, and referral services. To educate the public and health care professionals about Alzheimer's disease and dementia. To advocate for improved public awareness for patients, family members and other caregivers. To support dementia research. Founded in April, 2006, ASMC is a volunteer group of caring professionals working to promote awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, support Marshall County families, and raise funding for their scholarship services and dementia research. ASMC services include: RESPITE CARE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM The rigors of day to day care can take a toll on the caregiver of a patient. This program offers scholarships for qualifying patients so the caregiver may have personal time away. INCONTINENCE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM These products can be very costly, but they are essential for patients who can no longer control their bladder and bowels. Through our scholarship program ASMC will provide incontinence products free of charge and these products would be delivered to the homes of qualifying patients each month. EDUCATION ASMC sponsors outreach programs which provide educational speakers to the public free of charge and also, we provide educational pamphlets to local civic groups, schools, churches, etc. CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS ASMC sponsors continuing education seminars for professional healthcare workers employed by hospitals, nursing homes, assisted care facilities, etc. These count toward CEU credits. SUPPORT GROUPS ASMC works in conjunction with local support groups for furthering Alzheimer's Education. For more information on Alzheimer’s Services of Marshall County contact: Alzheimer's Services of Marshall County P. O. Box 2842 Albertville, AL 35950 256-279-0053 asomc.net Statistical information in this blog provided by: alz.org #AlzheimersAwareness #ASMCNET #ALZORG

We all have little lapses in memory like leaving the keys in the door, forgetting someone's name, or missing an appointment. No matter what your age, exercising your brain can make a difference in maintaining memory capacity. Here are some activities that can strengthen your memory and help you stay mentally sharp: 1. Stay mentally active… Just as physical activity helps keep your body in shape, activities that stimulate the mind help keep your brain in shape, and memory loss at bay. Do crossword puzzles, read a section of the newspaper that you normally skip, or learn to play a musical instrument. Volunteer at a local church, school, or community organization. Journal writing and working with your hands to build or create can help as well. 2. Socialize regularly… Social interaction helps ward off depression and stress, both of which can contribute to memory loss. Look for opportunities to get together with loved ones, friends, and others. This is especially necessary if you live alone. When you're invited to share a meal or attend an event, go! 3. Get organized… You're more likely to forget things if your home is cluttered. Jot down tasks, appointments, and other events in a special notebook or calendar. You might even repeat each entry out loud to help cement it in your memory. Keep your to-do lists current and check off items you've completed. Set aside a certain place for your wallet, keys, and other essentials and always return them there. 4. Focus… Limit distractions, and don't try to do too many things at once. If you focus on the information that you're trying to remember, you'll be more likely to recall it later. It might also help to connect what you're trying to remember to a favorite song or another familiar concept. 5. Eat a healthy diet… A heart-healthy diet is as good for your brain as it is for your heart. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Choose low-fat protein sources, such as lean meat, skinless poultry, and fish. What you drink counts, too. Not enough water or too much alcohol can lead to confusion and memory loss. 6. Include physical activity in your daily routine… Physical exercise can also increase mental abilities. Physical activity increases blood flow to your whole body, including your brain — which may help keep your memory sharp. Always consult your doctor before beginning and while maintaining a regular exercise regimen. 7. Manage chronic conditions… If you're worried about memory loss – especially if memory loss affects your ability to complete your usual daily activities – consult your doctor. She or He will likely do a physical exam, as well as check your memory and problem solving skills. Sometimes other tests are needed as well. Treatment will depend on what's contributing to the memory loss. Follow your doctor's treatment recommendations for any chronic conditions such as thyroid problems, high blood pressure, and depression. The better you take care of yourself, the better your memory is likely to be! #HealthyAging #AlzheimersAwareness #ALZORG #ASMCNET #BrainPower