Wellness Council News
Wellness Council News and Activities October 2011
OBSERVANCES:
National Fire Prevention Month
Click HERE to see the West Allis Senior Safety video on fire safety and other safety tips for seniors. This video was produced by the West Allis Senior Safety Workgroup, which originated from the Milwaukee County Department on Aging's Connecting Caring Communities Project.
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer incidence and death rates generally increase with age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2010), “…3 to 4 out of every 100 women who are 60 years old today will get breast cancer by the age of 70.” Take time this month to help increase awareness of breast cancer issues, including early detection and encouraging women to take charge of their own breast health. Click here to learn about Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2011 - 2012.
National Dental Hygiene Month
To increase public awareness about the importance of all individuals being educated on oral health.Click HERE to visit the American Dental Hygienists’ Association to learn about Senior Oral Health. Whether caring for natural teeth or dentures, seniors face a range of special oral concerns, including root decay and periodontal disease. You can keep your smile healthy by following a routine of proper oral care and making regular visits to your registered dental hygienist and dentist.
October 1st – International Day of Older Persons
Dedicated to honor, respect and care for the world's elderly. Remember, someday you hope to be included among this group! Do something during the month to make older adults in your life feel special. Click HERE to learn more
October 2nd through 8th – National Gerontological Nurses Week
This special week of observation works to advance the specialty practice of gerontological nursing to improve the care and well-being of older adults. Click HERE to learn more.
October 9th through 15th – Fire Prevention Week
Compared with the general population, older adults are twice as likely to be killed or injured by fires. Hold an open house in partnership with your local fire department to educate older adults in your community on fire safety. Click HERE to visit the National Fire Prevention Association to learn how. Also go to the Federal Emergency Managment Agency to learn about their education program specifically designed for older adults. Click HERE to learn more.
Oct 23-31 National Red Ribbon Week
This oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaches millions of young people annually. However, drugs can affect a person of any age, and Red Ribbon Week helps us prevent drug abuse for adults and older people as well. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health, it is projected that by the year 2020 the number of senior citizens with alcohol and drug problems will soar by 150 percent. Click HERE to learn more. Displaying a red ribbon is a symbol of intolerance of drug use.
OCTOBER EVENTS/ACTIVITIES
October 20th Wellness Council Meeting
Thursday, October 20, 2011 from 2:30-4:00 pm at the Clinton Rose Senior Center, 3045 N. Martin Luther King Drive Milwaukee, WI 53212. Stacey Vojvodich, Program Director for the five MCDA owned senior centers operated and managed by Interfaith. Stacey will give a presentation on senior center services and activities.
For more information, contact Jonette N. Arms at jonette.arms@milwaukeecounty.com or 414-289-6073.