Cascade Regional Blood Services will be conducting the following mobile blood drives in your service area:
· Thursday – Feb 13, 8:15am – 2:15pm at Franklin Pierce High School, 11002 18th Avenue East
· Friday – Feb 21, 8am – 1:30pm at Bethel High School, 22215 38th Ave E
· Monday – Feb 24, 8am – 2pm at Mount Rainier Lutheran High School, 12108 Pacific Ave S
· Thursday – Feb 27, 1:30pm – 6:30pm at Spanaway Safeway, 15805 Pacific Ave S
The Pierce County Long-Term Care Ombudsman program is taking on the improper marketing and misuse of certain prescribed drugs for the treatment of behavioral symptoms of dementia. The drugs most often used include Risperdal, Seoquel, Abilify and Invega. The misuse of these drugs, especially for elderly and for people who have a dementing illness, can have serious, life threatening side effects.
“Prescription drug use plays an important role for individuals with dementia,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources manager. “But in certain situations, strong drugs may have been given inappropriately simply to control behaviors stemming from Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Families need to understand their rights and responsibilities in advocating for their loved ones.”
The Ombudsman Program is hosting a series of free community seminars to help friends and family members advocate for their loved one who may be at risk.
• March 7 – 12 p.m. Salvation Army Senior Center (4009 9th St. SW, Puyallup)
• March 10 – 1 p.m. Bonney Lake Library (18501 90th St. E, Bonney Lake)
• March 12 – 6:30 p.m. Spanaway Library (13718 Pacific Ave S, Spanaway)
• March 15 – 11 a.m. Olympic Alzheimer’s Residence (3025 14th Ave. NW, Gig Harbor)
• March 17 – 12 p.m. Pierce County Annex (2401 S. 35th, Tacoma)
• March 19 – 2:15 p.m. Wheelock Library (3722 N. 26th St, Tacoma)
• March 26 – 2 p.m. Gig Harbor Boys & Girls Club (8502 Skansie Ave, Gig Harbor)
The major concern centers on the use of the medications for reasons other than their intended use (referred to as “off label”). Research indicates that 83% of the medications were used for reasons other than their designed use. Sedating patients to control their behaviors frequently denies any quality of life and can lead to rapid physical and mental deterioration.
The Pierce County Long-Term Care Ombudsman program is a service of Pierce County Community Connections. Staff and volunteers of the program advocate for the rights and quality of life of residents living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family homes with special attention to residents who may be unable to communicate effectively on their own.
My friend, Frank Blair, lost his daughter Sheena 4 years ago to a drunk driver in an accident near Everett. The emotions, frustrations and sadness he and his family have gone through since that night have been painful to watch. The unbearable sorrow of losing a beautiful adolescent child is heartbreaking. Frank and his wife Carol have spent countless hours since them getting the message to others about the deadly combination of alcohol and cars. They have run victims panels and promoted legislation. Most of all, they have stolen our heart with their perserverence.
On the fourth anniversary, Frank wrote this letter on Facebook. He agreed to let us share it with you.
- – - – -
I wrote this on Sheena’s page.
Well sweety it’s been four years since you were taken from us. It was at about this time that I texted you the the result of the speed skating race at the Olympics. I wrote that Ohno had been DQed. I expected my phone to blow up but it was silent. I couldn’t know it at the time but you were already gone. A couple hours later I left a voice mail asking if you were coming home. You weren’t.
I remember that you could tell what I was thinking without asking. I could tell what YOU were thinking too. I took GREAT pride in my ability to make you laugh. I could make you laugh SO hard that I would look over at you and you would be sitting there with your mouth WIDE open, nothing coming out, tears rolling down your cheeks. I would have to poke you in the ribs to make you breath. GAWD I miss your laughter. But I can hear it in my heart.
I hope you are proud of us for moving your spirit forward and helping to keep others from losing the people they love. This hurt deep, but you know that. I can feel your spirit when I need to the most. When I’m sad, when I’m angry, when my spirituality is low and when I want to give up.
I feel your spirit when I see a spirit Eagle, I feel your spirit when I see a rainbow, when I hear a little frog croak and when we see a deer where there’s never been one seen before.
We miss you BAD. Our love for you keeps us sane. Our memories of you make us smile. Maybe some day this will hurt less. I don’t think so. Love you SO much. Miss you more.
Participants needed for group discussions of military retiree healthcare use: 
The US Army Surgeon General has tasked the RAND Corporation, a nonprofit research institute, to study the use of healthcare services by military retirees and their family members. A team of researchers from RAND will be coming to the Joint Base Lewis-McChord area on March 21-22 to organize group discussions with members of our military retiree community.
If you are a military retiree or spouse of a military retiree and under the age of 60 you are likely eligible to participate. The discussions will last about 90 minutes and participants will be paid $40 for their time. Please call the RAND research team at (888)800-2689 or email them at RetireeHealthcare@rand.org for more information.
Only about 10% of adults have long term care insurance. Given that Medicare does not cover long term care, how smart is that?
Long term care can be expensive. Long term care insurance is expensive. Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources will offer an impartial look at the pros and cons to long term care insurance, reasons to buy and reasons not to buy. This is an information-only event. Participants will get straight-forward information about the benefits and disadvantages to a plan.
“Long Term Care Insurance: Smart or Foolish?” will be presented twice:
•Monday, April 14; 7 to 8 p.m.
Soundview Building
3602 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma
•Wednesday, April 16; 7 to 8 p.m.
Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community
1301 N Highlands Parkway, Tacoma
“Our culture often denies aging,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources manager. “It’s easy to not even think about long term care insurance. It can be very expensive and most of us never think we will need care for an extended period of time. But before turning our back on such a policy, it’s important to know what it is we are rejecting.”
The workshop will cover a number of important topics: long term care services and the need for care, the upside and downside to long term care insurance, what insurance really does, who should buy it and who should not buy it, the consequences of doing nothing and alternatives to long term care insurance.
“Long Term Care Insurance: Smart or Foolish?” is an information-only workshop. There will be no selling of products. The workshop is sponsored by the Pierce County Aging & Disability Resource Center. It is free and open to the public. RSVPs are requested in advance by calling (253) 798-8787.
For more information about the workshop itself, call the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center at (253) 798-4600.
USA.GOV — Saturday, April 26 is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Between 10AM and 2PM on April 26, bring your unwanted prescription drugs to a collection site near you.
Properly disposing of medicines is important to human health and the environment. If you dispose of drugs on your own, check out these tips from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (PDF).
“BARK FOR LIFE” A CANINE EVENT TO FIGHT CANCER
SATURDAY: May 31, 2014 – 10:00AM
Presented by: CENTRAL PIERCE RELAY FOR LIFE
LeMAY PIERCE COUNTY REFUSE AND MILGARD WINDOWS DOORS
10:00am Registration and Yappy Hour
at Spanaway Park (14905 Bresemann Blvd. S., Spanaway, WA.)
HALF MILE WEST OF 152ND AND PACIFIC AVE.
Donation: $20.00 Dog and walker (includes doggie bag)
(Individual walkers welcome $10.00)
*All Dogs must be on no longer than a 6’ leash. One dog per walker.
JOIN OUR CHEAT’N DOG POKER RUN. $5.00 DONATION – -LOTS OF PRIZES FOR OUR BEST HANDS.
Food and beverages available. Event shirts and items from the Relay for Life store.
For more information call Mary Crook 253-228-0663 or email to: macrook@maxhealth.com.
WE ASK THAT YOU PRE-REGISTER ON OUR WEB SITE: WWW.BARKFORLIFEOFCENTRALPIERCE.COM
OR CONTACT ME FOR A PAPER REGISTERATION.
REGISTRATION WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE EVENT.
PLEASE ASK YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO DONATE TO YOUR PARTICIPATION ON THIS SITE AS WELL.
The American Cancer Society Bark For Life honors the caregiving qualities of canine companions and is a non-competitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness in the fight against cancer. By supporting Bark For Life, you help the American Cancer Society save lives and help us move closer to a world with less cancer and more birthdays.
Families dealing with the prospect of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia face an uncertain future. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s. Most families work diligently to provide for the needs of their loved one in their own home as long as possible.
Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources will host free showings of two films that explore the dynamic of families coping with caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Before and after the films, local service providers will be available to answer questions about the resources available to families in the area.
“Iris: A Memoir of Iris Murdoch” tells the true store of Iris Murdoch. After decades of marriage, Iris begins experiencing forgetfulness and dementia, her husband struggles with his own hopelessness and frustration to become her caregiver. The theme of unconditional love is woven throughout. Stars Kate Winslet, Judy Dench and Jim Broadbent. The film will show Monday, May 12 at 6:15 p.m. at the Grand Cinema, 606 S. Fawcett in Tacoma. RSVP required.
“A Song for Martin” focuses on Martin, a conductor and composer and Barbara, a concert violinist. They meet in middle-age and marry but soon after find out that Martin as Alzheimer’s Disease. The moving story is considered one of the most realistic depictions of caregiving on film. (Swedish film with English subtitles.) The film will show Monday, May 19 at 6:15 p.m. at the Grand Cinema, 606 S. Fawcett in Tacoma. RSVP required.
“These films are two of the most notable productions that focus on Alzheimer’s,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of Aging and Disability Resources. “Our goal with these two showings is to provide hope and information that will enable people to better understand and appreciate all that goes into caring for people with this disease.”
Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and is the only cause of death among the top 10 that cannot be prevented.
The two films are free and open to the public. RSVPs are requested in advance by calling (253) 798-8787. Reserve for either event or both. The events are sponsored by Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources. For more information about the films, call the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center at (253) 798-4600.
Whether the need happens suddenly or over a period of years, when the necessity for extended health care happens, knowing about community resources is a necessity. The worst case scenario is to have to make decisions about long term care in a crisis.
“Options for the Future: Living Choices for Older Adults & People with Disabilities” is a free information-only opportunity to learn about the wide variety of services and resources in Pierce County. Topics to be addressed include in-home care, geriatric care management, elder law, adult family homes, assisted living, skilled nursing homes, memory care, Medicare, Medicaid and community resources in Pierce County.
“Life is fragile,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, Manager of Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources. “For some people – even the youngest and healthiest individual, life can change in a blink with an accident or illness. For others, the gradual onset of disabilities may lead to need for extended care. In either case, knowing about community resources and how to tap into them is crucial.”
“Options for the Future” will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 20 at the Pierce County Library Administrative Center, 3005 112th Street East in Tacoma. The event is jointly sponsored by Pierce County Community Connections Aging & Disability Resources and the Health Care Providers Council of Pierce County.
Participants will have the chance to learn about services and resources and ask questions of local professionals in the long term care services network. The workshop is free and open to the public. For more information about the workshop itself, call the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center at (253) 798-4600.
[Reproduced from the Relay for Life webpage] Sign up
Bark For Life of Central Pierce Spanaway Park Saturday, May 31, 2014 Teams: 6 Dollars Raised: $145.00 Participants: 9 Dollars Raised: $145.00
The American Cancer Society Bark For LifeTM is a noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer.
By supporting Bark For Life, you help the American Cancer Society save lives, and that helps us move closer to our ultimate goal of a world with less cancer and more birthdays.
So bring your best canine friend and join us for a fun-filled day starting with a walk, and then continuing with demonstrations, contests, and games.
___________________________________________________________
Things to know:
PIERCE COUNTY — There are just four days left to pre-register for the annual Tour de Pierce summer bicycle ride through central Pierce County.
The ride begins in Puyallup at the Gold parking lot of the Washington State Fairgrounds and winds through Puyallup, Sumner and adjacent farm lands. Riders can also take advantage of a mid-course rest stop offering light refreshments and restrooms.
“The 24th annual Tour de Pierce bike ride helps to promote bicycle awareness and safety along with fitness and fun,” said Cara Cross, recreation supervisor with Pierce County’s Parks and Recreation Services division. “Come rain or shine, we’ll be enjoying a day of fresh air in the Pacific Northwest and it’s all for a good cause, so I encourage everyone to sign up today before registration prices go up Saturday.”
Riders can download and submit registration forms from Pierce County’s website, or they can be mailed to Tour de Pierce, 14422 Meridian E., Puyallup, WA 98375. Race fees prior to June 13 are:
Tour de Pierce riders are required to wear CPSC approved helmets. Cross says the route will be clearly marked and riders will receive a map of the course the day of the ride. Registration on ride day is open from 7:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and includes refreshments and a number bib. Proceeds fund low-cost recreation programs for youth and families in Pierce County.
Cascade Regional Blood Services, your local blood bank is going to have a blood drive this week. June 26, the mobile blood donation unit will be at the Spanaway Safeway, 15805 Pacific Avenue South in Spanaway. The hours are from 1:20 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
For more information about the local blood bank, this is your link.
Cascade Regional Blood Services is your community blood center. We have supplied blood to MultiCare Health System and Franciscan Health System hospitals and clinics in Pierce and South King Counties since 1946. Along with supplying blood and blood products to our community, we also perform specialty therapeutic procedures.
CRBS is a member of national organizations Blood Centers of America and America’s Blood Centers, which provide us additional resources and support.
One of the most difficult challenges families face is the time when an older adult should no longer get behind the wheel of a car. The automobile is often seen as the last symbol of a person’s independence and removing that can be devastating.
“Giving Up the Keys” is a conversation about ways that families can deal with the situation when it’s time for a family member to no longer drive and make it as painless as possible for all concerned. The event will be held four times in July:
July 16
(903 Tacoma Avenue, Tacoma)
(3602 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma)
July 21
(2401 S. 35th Street in Tacoma)
(1116 Fryer Avenue in Sumner)
The conversation will explore issues commonly faced when Alzheimer’s and other dementias make driving dangerous – signs and symptoms of a problem, laws of the road, preparing for a conversation, the role of health care professionals and additional concerns.
“There is no more heart wrenching issue,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, Manager of Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources. “Taking away the keys is a difficult decision and one that can tear families apart. So dealing with it with firmness and compassion is paramount.”
The conversation will be led by Lisa Troyer, a family caregiver case manager with Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources. Lisa has frequently worked with numerous families dealing with this issue. Additional resources will be presented courtesy of community partners.
The conversation is free and open to the public. There is no RSVP required. For more information about the event itself, please call (253) 798-4600.
Sunday July 20th from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. Limeberry Graham is hosting a donation car wash for Mckenzie Harris and family at O’Reilly’s Auto Parts 10117 24th St Graham WA.
Come One, Come All – to help support Limeberry Graham support the Harris Family.
Here is the Team Mckenzie: Support the Harris Family Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TeamMcKenzieHarris
A l ink to The News Tribune story on the accident.
The University of Washington Autism Center, in collaboration with Seattle Children’s Hospital, is currently seeking families to participate in the Infant Brain Imaging Study. If you are pregnant or have an infant less than three months of age, with an older child who has an Autism Spectrum Disorder, the Infant Brain Imaging Study is an exciting way to see your baby’s development and contribute to early autism detection research.
By participating, your infant will benefit from complementary developmental assessments and parent feedback, as well as radiation-free Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, at five intervals from ages 3 months to 3 years, in addition to full reimbursement of your travel expenses and study compensation for your time.
If your family is interested in participating or you would like to learn more about the study, please contact Erin Murray at murray21@uw.edu or (206) 543 2125.
Nicolette Bainbridge Brigham, PhD, BCBA-D, Director of Training and Outreach, UW Autism Center, Affiliate Assistant Professor of Psychology
University of Washington, Center on Human Development and Disability
Box 357920, Seattle, WA 98195-7920
Ph: 206-221-5674
Fax: 206-598-7815
www.depts.washington.edu/uwautism
CAUTION: Toxic Algae present at Ohop Lake, Spanaway Lake, Twin Lakes, and Whitman Lake July 17, 2014
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department wants you to know there is a toxic algae bloom in the above lakes. These lakes are unsafe for people and pets.
You can easily identify a toxic algae bloom because of its unusual color or appearance in the water. Usually a bloom makes the lake surface look like pea soup or green paint, but sometimes the bloom may be a different color (bluish or brownish). Wind and rain can greatly change the amount and location of algae in the lake.
Swallowing lake water containing algae or prolonged skin contact with the algae may result in illness, such as muscle weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or nausea. Anyone who swallows water containing large amounts of algae should seek immediate medical attention.
The risk to pets is much greater than the risk to people. Pets have smaller body sizes and are more likely to drink water containing a heavy concentration of algae. If a pet ingests a large amount of algae and is showing signs such as vomiting, lethargy, disorientation, or seizures, take it to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Runoff from fertilizers, animal and human waste reach our lakes and contribute to algae growth. Reducing the use of fertilizers, properly maintaining septic systems, and properly disposing of pet waste helps improve water quality in lakes, streams, groundwater, and Puget Sound.
For more information, please contact Ray Hanowell at (253) 798-2845 (rhanowell@tpchd.org), or Lindsay Tuttle at (253) 798-3530 (ltuttle@tpchd.org), or visit our website at www.tpchd.org/toxicalgae.
We walk all over them but most of the time there’s no complaint – until it’s too late. The average woman will own 450 pairs of shoes in a lifetime. Men will own about half that many. Yet few people have their feet measured professionally, trusting only their feel. But a lifetime of ill-fitting shoes can result in pain and discomfort in our later years.
“If the Shoe Fits…The Secrets of Walking for Health” is a free, information-only presentation about feet, shoes and the science of selecting the right fit to last a lifetime. Participants will learn about how and why feet change and how shoes should be evaluated for long-term benefit.
The presentation will be held four times in September:
Sept. 15
• 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. (Pierce County Annex Main Meeting Room, 2401 S. 35th Street in Tacoma)
• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Lakewood Senior Center, 9112 Lakewood Dr. SW in Lakewood). Please RSVP for this site at 798-4090
Sept. 17
• 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. (County-City Building 7th Floor Conference Room, 930 Tacoma Ave. S. in Tacoma)
• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Summit Branch Library, 5107 112th St. E., Tacoma)
“We talk all the time about aging in place,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources. “The most important way to age in place is to stay physically active. Owning the right pair of shoes makes all the difference in the world if someone wants to keep moving. Good fitting shoes are the best way for families to support their loved ones – and themselves – into their later years.”
“If the Shoe Fits…The Secrets of Walking for Health” will be presented by Bobby Lozier, who is certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics. Lozier will speak about foot anatomy, balance and circulatory issues, shoe design and features, shoe fit, how feet change, diabetes and foot care, health issues that are revealed in feet and specialized pedorthic products.
The workshop is an information-only presentation sponsored by the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP is requested for the Sept. 15 presentation at the Lakewood Senior activity Center by calling (253) 798-4090. No RSVP is needed for the other three presentations. For more information call (253) 798-4600.
Alzheimer’s is officially the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and the fifth leading cause of death for those aged 65 and older. About one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. The vast majority of care for individuals with Alzheimer’s happens in the home – provided by family members.
The annual Pierce County Alzheimer’s Caregiver Conference provides information, support and encouragement for caregivers, family members and friends who are giving care in the home. The conference will be held Thursday, Sept. 25, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1315 N. Stevens in Tacoma. The event is free but RSVP is required by calling (253) 798-8787.
Alzheimer’s kills more than prostate cancer and breast cancer combined. It is one of the most known diseases worldwide but it is also one of the least understood. Medications are available which delay symptoms but as yet there is no cure or prevention. Increasingly, women are at the epicenter of the Alzheimer’s epidemic.
The Alzheimer’s Caregiver Conference will feature keynote speaker Ann Hedreen – writer, teacher, caregiver and filmmaker. Hedreen produced “Quick Brown Fox,” a feature-length documentary of her mother’s journey through Alzheimer’s and impact it had on the family. Additional sessions will focus on legal issues, caregiving tips and in-home helps including the influence of pet therapy. Local service providers and community-based resources will also be on hand for participants to gain a better understanding of local supports and resources.
“The challenges facing caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s are incredible,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, Manager of Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources. “Caregiving places incredible physical and emotional demands on spouses and families. While researchers continue to seek a cure, the best we can do right now is to provide the best support possible to those individuals who continue to provide loving care to people with dementia.”
The Pierce County Alzheimer’s Caregiver Conference is an informational event sponsored by the Health Care Providers Council of Pierce County and the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center. For more information contact the Aging & Disability Resource Center at (253) 798-4600 or (800) 562-0332.
Join the Foreman’s of Spanaway at Magnuson Park in Seattle to spread awareness of Huntington’s Disease and raise money for the families effected. You can choose to walk or run the 5K!
Huntington’s Disease continues to threaten our family as we know one day that several of our dearest loved ones will suffer the devastating effects of it….unless the brilliant scientists working to find a cure or at least a treatment to help slow or decrease the symptoms have an exciting breakthrough. The only way for this to happen is to continue to help fund their research. These walks have proven to be extremely beneficial in supporting research as well as providing assistance to families currently suffering from this disease.
Your presence at our walk to help spread awareness or even a small donation will mean so much to our family. Most importantly, please remember to pray for Kim, Sebastian and Christian and all others in the HD community. ALWAYS live in the moment and spend time with your loved ones.
Thank you for helping. It is very special to us.
The Foreman Family
XOXOXOXO
To learn more about Huntington’s Disease, please visit http://www.hdsa.org.
Redeemer Lutheran Church 1001 Princeton Street, Fircrest, WA Dr. Connett separates fact from fiction. This discussion will include the latest research on water fluoridation: toxicity, harmful effects, efficacy and safety. He will review the alarming relationship between water fluoridation and lower IQ and negative brain changes.
