A "Pro-Cures" FDA
One week into the Obama Administration and the choice of a new Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration may be only days away. This is a critical moment for anyone who will face a life-threatening or life-shortening disease or disability. Aging Baby Boomers take note: in time, if not right now, the FDA choice will affect you directly and personally.
Wear Red for Heart Disease Awareness
This post was written by Valerie Hagan, former Health Programs Coordinator at the Alliance.
During the past couple years, you may have noticed red dress pins being worn by women across the country. Maybe you also noticed the red dresses printed on some food labels in your local grocery store. This red dress has become the national symbol for heart disease awareness in women. On February 6, National Wear Red Day, wear red and encourage those around you to talk about heart disease—the number one cause of death for women in the U.S.
Eyeing a Healthy 2009
This post was written by Valerie Hagan, former Health Programs Coordinator at the Alliance.
January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month--perfect timing to add an eye exam to your list of New Year’s resolutions.
Gearing Up for the Silver Tsunami
This post was written by Valerie Hagan, former Health Programs Coordinator at the Alliance.
As the Silver Tsunami approaches, more and more families will be faced with the choice of staying at home and caring for their loved one or finding outside assistance. The uBOT-5 from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst may be available to help.
While most people in a recent survey said they would encourage a loved one to seek early diagnosis if they suspected Alzheimer’s disease, when faced with the reality, only a small number sought out early diagnosis.
I recently came across this news. Automaker Nissan has created a suit that simulates the affects of aging. This suit, worn by auto designers, mimics a bulging stomach, slow reflexes, physical weakness, and even vision problems. The designers’ goal is to make vehicles that are very friendly and drivable for an ever growing aging population thanks to the baby boom generation.
Silver Alerts for Missing Seniors
This post was written by Valerie Hagan, former Health Programs Coordinator at the Alliance.
One frightening reality Alzheimer's caregivers face is the potential for a loved one to wander and not be able to find their way home. A new idea has emerged--an Amber Alert system for the elderly, appropriately called Silver Alert.
Voters for the American Express Members Project recently chose the Alzheimer’s Disease: Early Detection Matters campaign as the project they would most like to see funded. Close to 90,000 card members cast a vote—choosing from more than 1,000 potential projects. In the end, the winner was a campaign that will educate people about the importance of early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s—receiving $1.5 million in funding.
