Today: last day to volunteer for Forget Me Not Days

Each year, our volunteers collect donations for the Alzheimer’s Association and raise awareness of the disease. In exchange for a donation, volunteers hand out packets of Forget-Me-Not seeds to plant in honor of the more than five million people living with Alzheimer’s. Please join us as we celebrate Bankers Life 14th annual Forget Me Not Days® fundraiser to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter.

Forget Me Not Days – Volunteer Registration

Please join us as we celebrate Bankers Life 14th annual Forget Me Not Days® fundraiser to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter.

Each year, our volunteers collect donations for the Alzheimer’s Association and raise awareness of the disease. In exchange for a donation, volunteers hand out packets of Forget-Me-Not seeds to plant in honor of the more than five million people living with Alzheimer’s. What started as a grass roots fundraiser has blossomed into a national fundraising campaign, helping to raise more than $4.1 million for the Alzheimer’s Association. The event will take place on TWO WEEKENDS this year.

June 2016

Friday – Saturday

3 – 4

×Volunteer registration is closed.

Join Bankers Life agents and community volunteers in the CITY OF CHICAGO as they collect donations and spread awareness in front of their offices, tourist attractions and in the city neighborhoods.

June 2016

Friday – Saturday

10 – 11

×Volunteer registration is closed

Join community volunteers and student groups in the SUBURBS as they collect donations and spread awareness at their local Jewel-Osco and in front of their community business and/or intersections.

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

http://optimumseniorcare.com/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/OptimumseniorcareIL

Good Neighbor Pharmacy pledges support to help fight Alzheimer’s disease

Good Neighbor Pharmacy locations across the country will be raising awareness for the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease and funds for care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association in June. During Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, Good Neighbor Pharmacy customers who donate a minimum of $1 will receive a The Longest Day pin-up to honor someone facing Alzheimer’s. As an official sponsor of The Longest Day, Good Neighbor Pharmacy is committed to raising a minimum of $100,000 for the fight to end the disease.

In response to customers’ growing concern around Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia,Good Neighbor Pharmacy is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association^® on a national education and fundraising campaign.

As an Official Sponsor of the Alzheimer’s Association’s The Longest Day event, Good Neighbor Pharmacy is committed to raising $100,000 for care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.

You can support the cause and show all those facing Alzheimer’s they’re not alone by making an online donation today.

100 percent of donations made on this page benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

http://optimumseniorcare.com/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/OptimumseniorcareIL

Antonette Smith’s Longest Day Father’s Day party

The Longest Day is a team event to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association. Held annually on the summer solstice, the duration of this sunrise-to-sunset event symbolizes the challenging journey of those living with the disease and their caregivers. In this article, we feature one of our Longest Day participants, Antonette Smith.

The Longest Day is a team event to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association. Held annually on the summer solstice, the duration of this sunrise-to-sunset event symbolizes the challenging journey of those living with the disease and their caregivers. Teams are encouraged to create their own experience as they fundraise and participate in an activity they love to honor someone facing the disease. In this article, we feature one of our Longest Day participants, Antonette Smith.

What is your connection to Alzheimer’s Disease?
My grandfather died from the disease in 2014.

How did you come to be involved with the Alzheimer’s Association and The Longest Day?
First as a Walk To End Alzheimer’s supporter, then through a formal partnership with the Association and my sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. When I learned of the partnership, I was excited and wanted to help in any way that I could.

What activities have you done for The Longest Day?
Last year we partnered with other chapters to organize a 16 hour event that included a prayer line, social media blitz, information distribution at local churches, nursing home visits and a Father’s Day Party where we honored Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers.

Why is raising funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s disease important to you?
It allows me to honor the great man that my grandfather was by offering education and support to patients, their families and caregivers.

Why should others participate in The Longest Day?
Because this disease could touch you if it hasn’t already. The sadness and sometimes exhaustion it brings to families can be overwhelming. Participation increases awareness and support! I look forward to the Longest Day 2016 and every person we are able to reach through our efforts.

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

http://optimumseniorcare.com/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/OptimumseniorcareIL

Sign up now to honor people facing Alzheimer’s on The Longest Day

The Longest Day®, taking place on June 20, is a sunrise-to-sunset team fundraising event to honor those with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Register by tomorrow, June 2, to receive your Welcome Kit, which includes materials to help you raise funds as well as a special T-shirt to show the world you’re part of The Longest Day.

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

http://optimumseniorcare.com/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/OptimumseniorcareIL

Chicago goes purple for Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month

Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month is held every year during the month of June. This year in the Chicagoland area we have received approval from the Building Owners and Management Association (BOMA) and commitments from 34 buildings that will join us by lighting up purple, the association’s signature color. We invite you to participate in one of our many events held throughout the month.

ALZHEIMER’S & BRAIN AWARENESS MONTH…

is a chance for the Alzheimer’s Association to hold a global conversation about the brain, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Everyone who has a brain is at risk to develop Alzheimer’s, which is the only leading cause of death that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.

During June, we not only ask you to wear purple and use your brain to help fight Alzheimer’s disease we invite you to participate in one of our many events held throughout the month including The Longest Day on June 20…a sunrise-to-sunset event to honor those facing Alzheimer’s with strength, passion and endurance. Start a team today to raise funds and awareness.

Take the Purple Pledge

THE FACTS

• Alzheimer’s is a fatal disease.
• Alzheimer’s disease kills nerve cells and tissue in the brain, affecting an individual’s ability to remember, think and plan.
• As the disease advances, the brain shrinks dramatically due to cell death. Individuals lose their ability to communicate, recognize family and friends, and care for themselves.
• Everyone who has a brain is at risk to develop Alzheimer’s.
• Currently, there is no way to prevent, cure or even slow Alzheimer’s.
• Today, 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, including an estimated 200,000 under the age of 65. By 2050, up to 16 million will have the disease.

GO PURPLE

A special thanks to the buildings that are committed to Go Purple during the month of June.

10 WAYS TO LOVE YOUR BRAIN

• BREAK A SWEAT: Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.
• BUTT OUT: Evidence shows that smoking increases risk of cognitive decline. Quitting smoking can reduce that risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked.
• HEADS UP!: Brain injury can raise your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wear a seat belt, use a helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike, and take steps to prevent falls.
• CATCH SOME ZZZ’S: Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.
• BUDDY UP: Staying socially engaged may support brain health. Pursue social activities that are meaningful to you. Find ways to be part of your local community – if you love animals, consider volunteering at a local shelter. If you enjoy singing, join a local choir or help at an afterschool program. Or, just share activities with friends and family.
• STUMP YOURSELF: Challenge and activate your mind. Build a piece of furniture. Complete a jigsaw puzzle. Do something artistic. Play games, such as bridge, that make you think strategically. Challenging your mind may have short and long-term benefits for your brain.

• HIT THE BOOKS: Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. For example, take a class at a local college, community center or online.
• FOLLOW YOUR HEART: Evidence shows that risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke – obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes – negatively impact your cognitive health. Take care of your heart, and your brain just might follow.
• FUEL UP RIGHT: Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive function is limited, certain diets, including Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may contribute to risk reduction.
• TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH: Some studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline, so seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress.

http://www.optimumseniorcare.com/services/alzheimerscare.php

http://optimumseniorcare.com/blog/

https://www.facebook.com/OptimumseniorcareIL