Wellness Wednesday

Today we are sharing information that was presented to our retirees at their chapter meeting in October. This information comes from The Alzheimer's Association, which has a local chapter in southeast Michigan.

Metro Detroit Office - Chapter Headquarters

25200 Telegraph Rd., Suite 100
Southfield, MI 48033
248.351.0280
Open: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

You can also seek help by calling 800.272.3900, email helplinegmc@alz.org, or visit their website https://www.alz.org/gmc.

Worldwide, 55 million people are living with Alzheimer's and other dementias. 6 million live in the United States.  Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common cause of dementia. Dementia is not a specific disease. It's an overall term that describes a group of symptoms.

There are 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's and this 45 second video names them: 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's & Dementia.

The following tips are for everyone!

National Audiology Awareness Month is an annual designation observed in October. This time of year is prime for stimulating our senses: smelling pumpkin spice,  tasting apple cider, seeing the leaves turning colors, and feeling the weather as it changes. How about what we hear? Although it's something many of us take for granted, our ability to hear and listen is one of the senses we rely on the most.

           The thing about hearing loss is that no one can see it. --actress Marion Ross

We live in a noisy world, so get those ears checked!

Listen as these professionals explain in this 1:15 clip about How Audiologists Can Help Video.

• Sensorineural Hearing Loss
• Hidden Hearing Loss
• Non-Syndromic Genetic Hearing Loss
• Syndromic Genetic Hearing Loss
• Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection
• Noise-Induced Hearing Loss  
• Auditory Process Disorders
• Ototoxicity
• Symptoms such as Tinnitus (ringing in the ear), Vertigo, and Dizziness

We are offering safety tips so everyone can enjoy this celebration, whether you are going to a place to celebrate, going door-to-door for trick-or-treating or attending a community wide event.

Safety Tips for Drivers

• #1: Be alert for trick-or-treaters and other pedestrians.
• #2: Slow down and scan the road. Remember: Slower speeds save lives.
• #3: Watch for young trick-or-treaters in unexpected places. Children may be unaware of traffic and dart into the street unexpectedly.
• #4: If you see a drunk driver, contact law enforcement.
• #5 Turn on headlights early in the day to spot kids from further away, especially in inclement weather
• #6 Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
• #7 Eliminate any distractions inside your vehicle so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treaters

• #8: Carry glow sticks or flashlights, use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags, and wear light colors to help kids see and be seen by drivers.
• #9: Join kids under age 12 for trick-or-treating.
• #10: When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. Choose face paint over masks when possible. Masks can limit children’s vision.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

• #11: Before festivities begin, create a “buddy system” to get each other home safely and prevent walking alone.
• #12: Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
• #13: If possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.

Safety Tips for Attendees of Halloween Parties

• #14: Before drinking, choose a designated driver, or schedule a ridesharing, ride-hailing or taxi service.
• #15: If you drink, do not drive for any reason. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect driving ability.

Safety Tips for Hosts

• #16: Be responsible and take action to make sure guests get home safely.
• #17: Prepare to call taxis rideshares, provide sleeping accommodations, or — if you’re sober — drive guests home yourself.
• #18: Collect car keys from guests who are drinking.
• #19 Provide non-alcoholic beverage options.

Let's take the precautionary steps to prevent dangerous and life-threatening fires.  According to the National Fire Prevention Association, the winter months see an increase in home fires, deaths and injuries. These are the months when we turn on the heat to keep our homes warm.

• Make sure your heating source is well maintained. Whether it's a fireplace, wood stove, a furnace or electric heat, check the equipment before using or have them serviced.
• Don't store items near your heating source. Boxes, clothes, and other fuels may ignite if they are close.
• Make sure draperies and furniture and other combustible items are kept far enough away from a heating source.

3 Common Causes of Fire

1. Kitchen - It's important to not leave burners or grills unattended. Make sure to use proper equipment and to keep dish towels, clothing and other items away from heating elements and open flame. Keep pets secured away from the kitchen, especially when you're not home. They can inadvertently turn on burners.
2. Candles - Never leave a burning candle unattended. As an alternative, use battery-operated candles for ambiance.
3. Smoking - Unattended cigarettes or overly full ashtrays start fires. Curious children might play with matches or lighters. Keep them well out of their reach.

More National Fire Prevention Month tips

DO YOU KNOW WHERE THE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ARE LOCATED AT HOME AND WORK?
Get a fire extinguisher and make sure it's not outdated. Most fire extinguishers have an expiration date. Place one on each floor of the house and work location and in garages, too.  The National Safety Council recommends this acronym, PASS, to remember the steps of how to use a fire extinguisher.

Have an escape plan. We practice fire drills at school but practice them with your family and make sure everyone knows where to go depending on where the fire is in the home. Have at least two ways to get out of the house, too. Set a meeting place for everyone.

In the event of a fire, do not try to salvage items before leaving. Personal effects can be replaced, but lives cannot. Instead, keep valuable documents in a fireproof box for recovery later.

Here is a deeper analysis of why providing this mental health, safety, and awareness information to employees is necessary : Supporting Employees With Mental Health.

List of topics we have covered, 

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. #BThe1To take the five action steps for communicating with someone who may be suicidal. These are supported by evidence in the field of suicide prevention: Read here about The 5 Steps which are:

1. Ask
2. Be There
3. Help Keep Them Safe
4. Help Them Connect
5. Follow Up

Listen to this short video as this college student from Canada offers insights on his suicidal thoughts and asking for help: You Are Not Alone

Just a few decades ago, little was known about cancer, and when someone was diagnosed with the disease, their chance for survival was slim. Today, however, we know much more including how to diagnose it earlier, treat it more effectively and, most importantly, help prevent it from occurring in the first place. --Dr. Matthew Gall

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer (other than non-melanoma skin cancer) diagnosed in men in the United States. Furthermore, it’s the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men, after lung cancer, in the United States. Click here to read more: What is Prostate Cancer?

More than 108,000 women in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with a gynecological cancer in 2024. Furthermore, about 32,000 will die from one. Each gynecological cancer has different signs and symptoms, as well as different risk factors. As with most cancer, the risk of developing a gynecologic cancer increases with age. Click here to read fact sheets about the 4 types of gynecological cancer: What is Gynecological Cancer?

On this National Day of Service and Remembrance, we must ensure that darkness is no match for the light we shine by engaging in acts of service and charity.--Barack Obama

It’s been more than two decades since 9/11. Honor and commemorate the sacrifices made that day by remembering the heroes, armed forces, first responders, and countless others’ acts of service to defend our nation’s freedom. 

On the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, people of all ages and backgrounds are invited to participate in community service projects to honor the lives and service of those we lost on September 11. Cross divides, differences, and ideologies to serve with neighbors and strangers alike to build important bridges in your communities.

The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance is a chance to help others in tribute to those killed and injured on September 11, 2001, first responders, and the countless others who serve to defend the nation’s freedom at home and around the globe.

Find a community service project near where you live or work.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood, essential for building cells, hormones, and vitamins. There are two types of cholesterol.

The Risks of High Cholesterol

High LDL cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis, where plaques form in your arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. According to the CDC, individuals with high cholesterol are twice as likely to develop heart disease.

Causes of High Cholesterol

Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption, are