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Oct. 1 Memory Walk

BANGOR – The Alzheimer’s Association’s 15th annual Maine Chapter Memory Walk will take place Saturday, Oct. 1, beginning at Westgate Manor on Union Street, and in 14 other communities throughout Maine. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk at 9 a.m.

Nearly 1,200 people are expected to participate statewide to raise funds to aid those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is a complex, progressive illness that destroys brain cells. Common symptoms include gradual memory loss, problems with reasoning or judgment, disorientation, difficulty in learning, loss of language skills and decline in the ability to perform routine tasks.

The Memory Walk is the largest national fundraising event to support individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. It attracts a wide audience of individuals, families, caregivers, corporate and community leaders. Americans who have participated in the walks have raised more than $175 million for programs and services to support those with Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 30,000 Maine people and 4.5 million Americans. It is the fourth-leading killer of adults nationwide. Unless a preventative measure or a cure is found, it is estimated that 11 million to 16 million Americans will have Alzheimer’s by 2050.

There is growing evidence that lifestyle affects brain health. Eating right and staying mentally and physically active help maintain the brain.

The fundraising goal for the Memory Walk is $315,000. The funds stay in Maine to support programs and services, which include the 24-hour telephone Helpline, 50 caregiver support groups, education and training programs, care management, public policy and advocacy, as well as research to find a cause, cure, treatment and prevention.

The Memory Walk also raises public awareness of the disease, and honors friends and family suffering from the disease. To register for the walk, visit www.mainealz.org, or call the Maine Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association at (800) 660-2871.

Successful Aging Series

BUCKSPORT – As part of the Successful Aging Series, the program, “When to Yield: Making Good Decisions About Driving,” will be presented by licensed social worker Dottie VanHorn, 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the Bucksport Senior Center on Outer Broadway. The program is sponsored by the Eastern Agency on Aging and the Bucksport Bay Healthy Communities’ Senior Resource Committee.

According to statistics, older drivers under 75 years of age are generally safe drivers who are less likely to be involved in accidents as their age increases. However, for drivers over 75, the risk of accidents increases when older adults are affected by medical conditions, medication usage and reduced physical function. Recognizing when these factors are affecting the driving ability of a spouse, parent or loved one is important for everyone’s safety.

VanHorn, caregiver resource specialist with Eastern Agency on Aging, has decades of experience in assisting families with handling these sensitive questions. She will explain the risk factors that affect driving ability, approaches to family conversations, options for limiting driving or alternative transportation, testing for drivers, and handling the denial or refusal of the driver to recognize his or her impairment.

The program is free and open to the public. For information, call 469-6682.

Assisted Living Week

ORONO – National Assisted Living Week was Sept. 11-18, and Dirigo Pines Retirement Community scheduled a number of activities to recognize and celebrate the work that its employees do for its residents.

The theme for the week was A Fair to Remember. Sunday started with an appreciation brunch. Monday was a Blue Ribbon Bake-Off with entries from staff and residents. Thursday offered a display of handiwork, including art, quilts and woodworking, and Saturday was a fair on the patio complete with hot dogs and cotton candy. Staff wore special colors each day during the week to observe National Assisted Living Week.

Eat healthier

BANGOR – Dr. Mary McGowan, director of Cholesterol Treatment Center at Concord Medical Center in New Hampshire, and Dr. Ginger Schirmer, president of Med2000 Inc. in Bedford, Texas, will share tips on good fats and carbohydrates 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the Spectacular Event Center.

They will join other health care experts at the 13th annual Cardiac Symposium sponsored by Affiliated Healthcare Systems, Eastern Maine Medical Center and Northeast Cardiology Associates. The cost of the lecture is $5. To register or to obtain information, call 973-7302, or visit https://secure.emh.org/emmc/etc/register.htm.

Health grant

BANGOR – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $936,708 in grants to various entities in Maine for health services. Penquis Community Action program was awarded $49,249.

Aid to hurricane victims

BANGOR – River City Therapy and Wellness Center, 268 State St., Bangor, will open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24. Services will be provided at regular prices and proceeds will be donated to the Salvation Army to use in its relief efforts on behalf of those displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

For more information, call Debra Roof, 990-0188, ext. 91.

Program evaluator

BANGOR – Connie Barrett, staff developer in education services at The Acadia Hospital, has become a program evaluator for the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission Inc. The league is responsible for accrediting all types of nursing education programs, including those in all 50 states, the U.S. Territories, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and Scotland.

Barrett will receive special training and then will be available to perform a site visit as part of an accreditation team.

Honored deacon

BANGOR – Clinician Peggy Day of The Acadia Hospital, an ordained deacon in the Episcopal church, was recognized recently by the North American Association for the Diaconate at a special event in Atlanta on June 11. In 1995, the association initiated a program to provide formal recognition for the ministry and the work of deacons. Day was praised for her outreach, mentoring and service – in particular for her focus on women’s issues.

Respite for caregivers

BANGOR – Westgate Manor has available a respite bed for people with dementia. Caregivers who need a break from caring for a person with dementia may call Kristie Miner at 942-7336 to schedule a time for respite between now and the end of the year, or to obtain more information.

Divorce and Beyond

OLD TOWN – Divorce and Beyond, an eight-week support group for those going through divorce, meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, beginning Sept. 28, at Holy Family Church in Old Town. People of all faiths are encouraged to attend. The cost is $20 for the eight-week session. To learn more about the group, call (800) CARE-002, ext. 772, or e-mail bwood@ccmaine.org.

Health screenings

BANGOR – In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Penquis CAP Breast and Cervical Health Coalition, in coordination with the Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program, will sponsor free women’s health screening days and educational programs.

In Bangor, screenings will be held 1-4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at St. Joseph’s Breast Care Center, Penquis CAP Health Services and Penobscot Community Health Center.

Women 50 to 64 years old with limited or no insurance coverage and who meet certain income guidelines qualify for the screening program, which includes a mammogram, clinical breast exam and a PAP-pelvic exam. To get more information and make an appointment, call (800) 350-5180. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

Disaster drill

BANGOR – St. Joseph Hospital supported the efforts of local amateur radio operators who participated in a disaster drill in Bucksport on Sept. 17.

“Ham” radio operators of the Penobscot County Amateur Radio Emergency Service participated in a mock disaster drill staged in Bucksport, and asked permission to set up their base station at St. Joseph Hospital in Bangor, where they communicated between a mobile unit in Bucksport and fellow radio operators at other hospitals.

In the event of an actual mass casualty event, such as an explosion, storm, accident or terrorist incident, many would be transported to hospitals in Bangor for treatment if there were such an event in or near Bucksport.

The radio operators typically participate in mock mass casualty exercises in the Bangor area, sharpening radio messaging skills and learning to adapt to differing scenarios.

“They become a vital communications link in mass casualty events, particularly in a situation like the Gulf Coast, in which normal [lines of communication] like telephone and cell service can be disrupted,” said nurse Barbara Hildreth, emergency management coordinator at St. Joseph Hospital.