Have Yourself a Stress-Free Little Christmas

"The holidays!" = excitement, anticipation and joy. But also = added stress, too many extra activities crowded into an already busy schedule, not enough time or money. We're so busy taking care of others and meeting their needs that we often fail to take care of ourselves. Usually, we're the last item on the personal "to-do" list! Here are special gifts you can give yourself - gifts that are totally unrelated to shopping, spending money, and fancy wrappings.

Gift 1: Tear up your "holiday script."
Gift 2: Don't get caught in "the family time warp."
Gift 3: Cut yourself some slack.
Gift 4: Know your limitations and take care of yourself in mind, body and spirit.
Gift 5: Remember that some of the best gifts you can give have nothing to do with money.
Gift 6: Evaluate traditions and "habits" and make some changes that are no longer overdue.
Gift 7: When you're feeling angry, depressed, sad, or lonely, reach out and ask for help.
Gift 8: Be willing to replace old ways of thinking with new thoughts and new ideas.
Gift 9: Stop feeling guilty about what you haven't done, and enjoy your accomplishments.
Gift 10: Make time for joy.

We can all use lessons to stress-proof our hurried, harries and hectic lives - not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.

This presentation is based on two chapters from Jean's book, "Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This: Stories and Strategies for a Less Stressed Life." Pick up a copy for yourself, or someone special on your holiday shopping list or order online at www.jeangatz.com. Your can also order autographed copies by calling Jean's office, 225-769-6800 or emailing jean@jeangatz.com.

My Grandparents Story¬– A Special Scrapbooking Day

Grandparents Story – A Special Scrapbooking Day sponsored by Children’s Coalition of Greater Baton Rouge. To create lasting memories for grandchildren and great-grandchildren of their grandparents or great-grandparents affected by Alzheimer’s disease and/or dementia.

Hosted by Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area on 3772 North Blvd.in Baton Rouge, LA.

The event is Saturday, September 12th from 10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. For children 8 to 18 years of age, any children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian. There is no experience needed. Please bring as many family photos as you would like to put in your scrapbook. All other supplies will be available. Light lunch will be served. Pre-registration required: Seating is limited and available to first 35 registrants. Call for pre-registration 225-334-7494.

Cholestrol linked to Alzheimer's?

CNN.com reports that a recent study indicates there is a possible link between high cholesterol and dementia. Click here to read more.

Catherine's Internship Experience

As a summer intern at Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area, I am leaving with much more than I came with. I never realized how common and devastating the Alzheimer’s disease was until I met people from all walks of life – discovering the majority of them knew someone personally coping with this disease or knew someone that had passed because of it.
As I worked in public relations office connected to the respite center, Charlie’s Place, I discovered that even the office workers - from the receptionist to the executive director - were passionate about their work. It has become more and more apparent that the workers truly care about the families coping with Alzheimer’s and really strive to spread awareness about the incurable disease. Charlie’s Place workers enjoy working first hand with the Alzheimer’s patients that arrive everyday, while the office work is done to raise funds for the respite center and keep the organization running in hopes of educating and comforting families coping with Alzheimer’s.
I knew since I was young that I knew I wanted to work with non-profit organizations, so what I am taking from this experience is to “do what you love and love what you do.” Much like the passionate workers at Alzheimer’s Services, in the near future I hope to be a strong believer in the organization I will work for.

-Catherine Wiemer, LSU PR student and Alzheimer's Services Summer 2009 PR Intern

June Events at Alzheimer's Services

Here are a few pictures from our June events.

After Five Sponsor Event held June 18th with 2009 Walk/Run to Remember Honorary Chair LSU Lady Tigers Basketball Coach Van Chancellor.

Coach Chancellor spoke to the crowd at the event.


Board Member Charlie Valluzzo (left) with Alzheimer's Services Executive Director Barbara Auten and LSU Coach Van Chancellor.



Fiesta Table Host Celebration held June 26th honoring the Memories in the Making Luncheon table hosts.

Table Hosts(from left to right) at the luncheon: Lowry Griffon, Alzheimer's Services Development Director Debbie Kidder Little, J.H. Martin and Marilyn Allgood.


Ole'!! A picture of the crowd joining the fun.

Announcing the 2009 Walk/Run to Remember Honorary Chair

LSU Lady Tigers Basketball Coach Van Chancellor is the Alzheimer's Services 2009 Walk/Run to Remember Honorary Chair! Coach Chancellor will be representing the 15,000 families in the Greater Baton Rouge area affected by Alzheimer's disease on Saturday, September 26th at the LSU "Old Front Nine". Geaux Tigers!
Please pick up a brochure at any area McDonald's or visit us online at www.BRhope.com to sign your team up today!

Alzheimer's disease and Marriage

A recent study found that your odds of getting dementia or Alzheimer's disease decreases if you're married. Click here to read more about this study.