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[OCT. 23, 2001]  Susan, a 51-year-old area woman, used to look forward to her visits to Virginia Beach to see her mother, Lou. They would comb the sandy beaches, looking for additions to Lou’s shell collection and take road trips to Texas or Rhode Island.

"We did a lot of traveling. We would just get in the car and go. One year, we rented a motor home, which is something I always wanted to do, and we went to Florida. We had a blast just being together and enjoying each other’s company. I was looking forward to retiring — we had lots of plans to travel," she said.

In the past two years, both women’s lives have changed dramatically. There are no future travel plans, and even a trip to the grocery store or a simple conversation can be a difficult experience.

"Sometimes my mother doesn’t even know who I am, and it’s only going to get worse," Susan said.

Susan’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain, which results in impaired memory, thinking and behavior. The disease, which affects four million people nationwide, is the fourth leading cause of death in adults.

Although there were warning signs for the past decade, it was only a few years ago that the situation required prompt action. Susan, (who requested that her last name not be used), moved her mother back to central Illinois and became her primary caregiver while maintaining a full-time job. She is in the process of selling her own home so she can move into a house with her mother.

Although Susan has two married brothers who live out of state, she made the decision to take care of her mother.

"Fortunately for me, I’m the only daughter and don’t have a spouse and kids. But even if I had a family, I’m the one that’s closest to her, and I can relate to her," she said.

"My life has totally unraveled. But I’m willing to do this. She’s my mom, and you want to provide and protect (your mom)," she said.

Despite good intentions, the burdens of caring for a loved one with the disease can be overwhelming.

"You have to have a sense of humor or you’ll cry. I cry a lot and get angry a lot. I would recommend (to others) to find a support group and learn what you can and can’t do. My job is not to make her happy; my job is to protect and provide for her. At times I get angry at her and the disease. You need to get counseling and deal with feelings of anger and guilt and realize you can only do so much," she said.

"In the patient’s mind, the bad guy is the caregiver. My mom gets upset with me, because she thinks I’m the one who won’t let her go back home to Virginia or spend money. You have to accept that. I will look back on this and know I did the best I could."

Experts predict that by the year 2050, as many as14 million in the United Sates will have the disease. While people of all ages can suffer from the disease, research shows that the older a person gets, the higher the risk is of getting the disease.

When German physician Alois Alzheimer first described the disease in 1907, it was rare. Today, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, affecting 10 percent of people over the age of 65 and nearly half of people aged 85 and older. However, because of improved testing and greater public awareness, physicians are seeing an increase in diagnosed patients in their 40s and 50s. Alzheimer’s disease strikes both men and women and all races and socioeconomic groups. In Illinois 540,000 people are affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Before the disease, Susan’s 72-year-old mother was an immaculate housekeeper who loved to sew, crochet, travel, read and collect shells.

"She has four bookcases full of books. She loved to read. Now, she can read one newspaper all week long. Seeing her die emotionally and physically is sad. She writes me little notes, and her spelling is atrocious. She was always able to express herself well. Now, we have no meaningful conversations. We talk about things in the past. In five minutes, she can repeat the same story four times," she said.

Now, it’s the little things they have found they can do together that eases some of the pain of the situation, liking taking their dogs for a walk in the park or going out for a milkshake — two of her mother’s favorite things.

Susan said there are three things that are really difficult about her mother’s disease. "The dreams of the future are decimated. My mother says hurtful things because of paranoia. I have to step back and realize it’s the disease and not my mother talking, but it’s hard to not personalize it. Also, the randomness and unpredictability of the disease — one minute she’s there and the next she’s gone," she said. "Her reality and my reality are two different things. She can’t live in my reality, so I have to live in hers."

Through a support group, Susan is learning not only how to deal with her mother’s disease, but also recognizing how to take care of herself and what her limitations are.

"It’s surprising how comforting it is. You realize you’re not the only one, and you learn about ideas of how to handle situations. Just being able to talk about it helps. It’s a lifeline," she says of her support group.

James Dearing, program manager at the Great Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, said loss of memory is the most frustrating aspect of the disease, for both the person with the disease and their family.

"Forgetting names and memories they have shared is very troubling. It’s very frustrating for spouses and for the children when Mom and Dad forget who they are. And for the patient, forgetting and losing reality in their world is probably one of the most frustrating things," he said. "The disease disorients them to time and place. They may be living in 2001, but they feel like they are living in 1950 and looking for the house they grew up in, for example."

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The association is the only national voluntary organization dedicated to conquering Alzheimer’s disease through research and providing information and support to people with the disease, their families and caregivers. Founded in 1980 by family caregivers, the association has more than 200 chapters nationwide and is the leading funding source for Alzheimer research after the federal government.

The local chapter focuses on education programs, support groups and offering information to the public. Monthly meetings of a support group at the Oasis in Lincoln were canceled recently, but two support groups meet in Springfield:  at the Hope Presbyterian Church, 2211 Wabash Ave., and at Westminster Presbyterian Church, located at Walnut and Edwards. More information can be obtained by calling 1 (800) 823-1734 for meeting times and dates.

Workshops, seminars and conferences on Alzheimer's disease are also offered throughout the year. The programs, designed to increase knowledge of the disease, are appropriate for family and professional caregivers. Program topics include research developments, caring for the Alzheimer individual and coping strategies.

Dearing said that during his 10 years working in the long-term care health field, he developed a passion for working with Alzheimer’s patients and their families to ensure they received a good quality of life. He advises people who are diagnosed with the disease and their family members to prepare for the future as soon as possible.

"After the initial shock, people should find out as much as they can and know what to expect, including legal issues. They need to be proactive and need to be aware of their options later on in life. From diagnosis, this disease can last from two to 20 years," he said.

Matters that should be addressed in the early stages of the disease are legal issues, such as power of attorney, a will and health care proxy; health care insurance; financial affairs, such as bank accounts, stock certificates and mutual funds; and future housing options.

While it may seem premature to think about those issues in the early stages of the disease, Dearing said matters that require judgment and attention to detail is best done early, while the person with the disease is able to make decisions.

Even though Alzheimer’s is an incurable illness, there are important interventions, including medical and behavioral treatments, that can treat some of its symptoms. This is especially true if the disease is diagnosed early.

If a person suffers from several of the 10 warning signs, such as disorientation, poor judgment and changes in personality, they are advised to see a physician. Not everyone with Alzheimer’s disease has all of the warning signs, and not all signs have to occur for the disease to be present. Experts advise contacting a health care professional for an evaluation if you have concerns or show several of the warning signs.

Most people with Alzheimer’s live about eight to 10 years after symptoms appear, but life expectancy varies widely.

The three most common stages of the disease are mild, moderate and severe.

The first, or mild stage, usually lasts two to four years. People in this phase may say the same thing over and over, get lost easily and undergo personality changes, among other symptoms.

The moderate stage of the disease is often the one that last the longest, from two to 10 years. People in this phase may become more confused about recent events, believe things are real when they aren’t, require close supervision, pace, argue more often and have problems with simple daily activities.

The final stage of the disease, which lasts from one to three years, requires constant care, 24 hours a day. Those in the final stage may not use or understand words, recognize family members or care for themselves.

Additional information on the disease is available at the Greater Illinois Springfield office at (217) 726-5184 or this website:
www.alzheimers-illinois.org

[Penny Zimmerman-Wills]

[OCT. 15, 2001]  The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s most recent "National Household Survey on Drug Abuse" showed a dramatic increase in the first-time use of marijuana by youngsters ages 12 to 17. Although the rates are still well below the peak of 15 years ago, they have more than doubled since 1992. Because of this alarming trend in drug use, there is an urgent need to educate young people about the dangers associated with marijuana use.

SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Prevention has joined forces with Logan-Mason Mental Health to respond to this alarming trend in drug use. Logan-Mason Mental Health is a local organization that is dedicated to prevention efforts. Alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse prevention programs are accessible to every seventh- and eighth-grader in Logan County through Logan-Mason Mental Health’s prevention specialist. Through its efforts, the local organization is fighting to prevent a continued increase in marijuana use among the young people in Lincoln and Logan County.

There are numerous misconceptions about marijuana, which lead many teens and preteens, and some parents, to believe it is harmless — even though marijuana is an illegal drug, and using it can bring serious consequences. Consider the following facts:

•  Marijuana use increases risk of injury. Marijuana or hashish-related emergency room visits increased by 17 percent between 1994 and 1996, and increased 219 percent since 1990.

•  Marijuana is often used in combination with other illegal and dangerous drugs, such as PCP and crack cocaine, and its use increases the risk of involvement in other criminal activities.

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•  In 1995, more than 120,000 people who entered drug treatment programs reported marijuana as their primary drug of abuse.

•  Marijuana use causes a loss of inhibitions, which can lead to behaviors that have lifelong negative consequences.

"It is vital that we educate the young people in our community about the dangers of marijuana use," said Kristi Simpson, prevention specialist for Logan-Mason Mental Health. "Many teens and preteens think marijuana is cool — use is on the rise even for 12-year-olds. We must fight the glamorization of marijuana by arming our kids with the facts."

Simpson goes into all the Logan County public schools presenting programs on life skills to seventh-graders and the truth about drugs to eighth-graders.

To receive free, valuable information about marijuana and other illicit drugs, contact the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, 1 (800) 729-6686 or TTY 1 (800) 487-4889, or visit http://www.health.org/reality.

For more information about substance abuse prevention efforts in Lincoln and Logan County, call Kristi Simpson of Logan-Mason Mental Health at (217) 735-2272.

[Logan-Mason Mental Health news release]

[OCT. 5, 2001]  Logan County Health Department will have flu and pneumonia immunizations available beginning Monday, Oct. 15. 

The flu and pneumonia shots will be available at the Health Department, 109 Third St., on a walk-in basis during normal business hours, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and on the Mobile Medical Van at regular scheduled times of operation. Both facilities are closed on Monday, Oct. 8, and Monday, Nov. 12.

The cost for flu shots is $14, and pneumonia shots are $17. Medicare will pay for flu and pneumonia shots; clients must bring their Medicare card to the clinics with them. Medicaid will also pay for flu shots; clients must bring their Medicaid card with them.

People at high risk should get the flu shot as soon as the vaccine is available. Those at high risk include:

•  People 65 years of age or older.

•  People with serious long-term health problems.

•  People with immune system problems.

•  Women who will be in second or third trimester of pregnancy during flu season.

•  Children receiving long-term aspirin therapy.

•  Employees of nursing homes or other chronic care facilities.

•  Health-care workers or anyone coming in close contact with people at risk of serious influenza.

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Everyone else should wait until November for flu shots. October and November are the optimal months for receiving flu vaccination. Centers for Disease Control recommends, however, that vaccination continues into December, January and beyond — as long as vaccine is available.

Flu clinics on Monday, Oct. 22, and Monday, Oct. 29, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. are recommended for women only, as Logan County Health Department will also offer free osteoporosis screenings and breast cancer awareness information, along with flu shots. Women over 50 years of age are encouraged to get the free bone density screening as well as educational materials. The bone density screenings will be done by radiology technicians at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital. The screenings are funded by the Illinois Department of Public Health, Office of Women’s Health. No other Health Department services will be available during these times except WIC.

For more information, contact Logan County Health Department at (217) 735-2317.

[News release]

Health Matters

A monthly feature from  Logan County Health Department

[OCT. 1, 2001]  Today, one out of every eight American women will develop breast cancer at some point in her lifetime. (Male breast cancer incidence is small, but it is important to know the disease can affect men.) The most important thing for you to remember is that breast cancer is best treated when found early. Total breast health is the key to early detection.

How should you look for breast cancer? There are several early detection methods:

Mammogram or X-ray — A mammogram is a special breast X-ray that can detect 90 percent of cancers — even before a lump can be felt. The American Cancer Society recommends that women have annual mammograms beginning at age 40.

Clinical examination — Women should have their breasts checked by a health professional once each year. It is important to remember that most lumps found in the breast are not cancerous. However, any lump needs to be checked by a doctor as soon as it is found. Again, breast cancer can be treated best when it is diagnosed as early as possible.

Breast Self-Examination — Beginning at age 20, all women should check their breasts monthly. Look for:

•  Any lump or thickening in the breasts.

•  Any change in skin texture or in breast size or shape, or a nipple discharge (fluid coming from the nipple).

The National Cancer Institute recommends that women follow these steps in doing monthly breast self-examinations:

1. Stand in front of a mirror that is large enough for you to see your breast clearly. Check each breast for anything unusual.

2. Watching closely in the mirror, clasp your hands behind your head and press your hands forward.

3. Next, press your hands firmly on your hips and bend slightly toward the mirror as you pull your shoulders and elbows forward.

4. Gently squeeze each nipple and look for a discharge.

5. Raise one arm. Use the pads of the three middle fingers of your other hand to check the breast and the surrounding area firmly, carefully and thoroughly. Some women like to use lotion or power to help their fingers glide easily over the skin. Or complete this step in the shower when your skin is soapy. Concentrate on feeling for any unusual lump or mass under the skin.

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Feel the tissue by pressing your fingers in small overlapping areas about the size of dime. Make sure to change the amount of pressure to feel all levels of breast tissue. To be sure you cover your whole breast, take your time and follow a definite pattern: lines, circles or dividing the breast into "wedges."

6. It is important to repeat Step 5 while you are lying down. Lie flat on your back, with one arm over your head and pillow or folded towel under the opposite shoulder. This position flattens the breast and makes it easier to check. Check each breast and the area around it very carefully using one of the patterns described above.

The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program is currently offered through the Logan County Health Department and covers the following counties: Sangamon, Macon, Morgan, Cass, Piatt, DeWitt, Mason, Menard, Logan and Shelby counties. Breast and cervical screening services are provided to eligible Illinois women. Eligible women may receive:

•  Information about breast and cervical cancer.

•  No-cost screening services, including mammograms, clinical breast examinations and Pap smears by health-care professionals in their area of residence.

•  Instructions on how to do a breast self-examination at home.

•  Referrals for follow-up medical attention if abnormal test results are received.

•  Reminders to return for annual screenings.

Screening services are provided to Illinois women who meet federal income guidelines. To find out if you are eligible, call (800) 269-4019 or call the Logan County Health Department at (217) 735-2317.

[News release]

Lincoln Park District

Red Cross

Events

October 2001

Sunday, Oct. 28
SPONSOR: Lincoln Junior Woman's Club and Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital
WHAT: Special Deliveries sibling class
WHERE: ALMH Education Room, third floor, 315 Eighth St.
WHEN: 1-3 pm

Monday, Oct. 29
SPONSOR: Logan County Health Department
WHO: Women
WHAT: Clinic offering flu shots, free bone density screening and breast cancer awareness information
WHERE: Logan County Health Department, 109 Third St.
WHEN: 8-11:30 am

Honors & Awards

Announcements

Are you wearing your red ribbon?

[OCT. 25, 2001]  Oct. 21-27 is Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week was established to help raise awareness and mobilize communities to fight against alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

Red Ribbon Week was brought into existence in 1985 to commemorate Enrique "Kiki" Camarena. Kiki was a drug enforcement agent who was killed in the line of duty by a drug cartel in Mexico. Red Ribbon Week became a national celebration in 1988, encouraging youth, parents, and communities to take a stand and express their commitment to a drug-free lifestyle by wearing red ribbons.

In recognition of Red Ribbon Week, the Alcohol, Tobacco, & Other Drug Task Force is hosting mock DUIs at the three Logan County high schools. This is the schedule:

•  Lincoln Community High School — Thursday, Oct. 25, at 9:45 a.m. in the park district’s parking lot

•  Hartsburg-Emden High School — Thursday, Oct. 25, at 1:30 p.m. in front of Hartsburg-Emden High School

•  Mount Pulaski High School — Wednesday, Oct. 31, at 10 a.m.

Special Deliveries sibling class scheduled

[OCT. 17, 2001]  The Lincoln Junior Woman’s Club, in conjunction with Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, is hosting a Special Deliveries sibling class on Sunday, Oct. 28, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Education Room on the third floor at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, 315 Eighth St., Lincoln.

The sibling classes, which are offered quarterly, are designed to help children become more comfortable with a new baby brother or sister. The afternoon will consist of safety tips for children, a tour of the hospital’s new Family Maternity Suites, craft time and refreshments.

All ages are invited to attend. There is no fee for the class, but reservations are required. For more information or to register for the class, please call the ALMH Family Maternity Suites at (217) 732-2161, Ext. 235.

The Rural Health Partnership has announced the schedule for its mobile health unit. Effective Feb. 1, 2001, the unit will run as follows:

For more information on the mobile health unit schedule and services, contact Dayle Eldredge at (217) 732-2161, Ext. 409.

This family resource list to save and use is provided by the Healthy Communities Partnership (732-2161, Ext. 409) and the Healthy Families Task Force.         

Resources for Logan County families

Agency	Phone number	Address
911	911 (Emergencies) 732-3911 (Office -- non-emergency)	911 Pekin St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital	732-2161	315 Eighth St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Aging (Department of)	785-3356	421 E. Capitol, #100 Springfield, IL 62701-1789
American Cancer Society	546-7586 (24 hour)	1305 Wabash, Ste. J Springfield, IL 62704
American Red Cross	732-2134 1-800-412-0100	125 S. Kickapoo Lincoln, IL 62656
Catholic Social Services	732-3771	310 S. Logan Lincoln, IL 62656
Chamber of Commerce	735-2385	303 S. Kickapoo St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Community Action (CIEDC)	732-2159	1800 Fifth St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Community Child Care Connection	525-2805 1-800-676-2805	1004 N. Milton Ave. Springfield, IL 62702-443
Crisis Pregnancy Center	735-4838	513 Pulaski St. Lincoln, IL 62656
DCFS (Department of Children & Family Services)	735-4402 1-800-252-2873 (crisis hotline)	1100 Keokuk St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Heartland Community College GED Program	735-1731	620 Broadway St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Hospice Care of Illinois	1-800-342-4862 (24 hour) 732-2161, Ext. 444	720 N. Bond Springfield, IL 62702
Housing Authority	732-7776 732-6312 (24 hour)	1028 N. College St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Illinois Breast & Cervical Cancer Program	735-2317 1-800-269-4019	LCHD - 109 Third St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Illinois Department of Public Health	782-4977	535 W. Jefferson Springfield, IL 62761
Illinois Employment and Training Center (replaces JTPA office)	735-5441	120 S. McLean St., Suite B Farm Bureau Building Lincoln, IL 62656
Legal Assistance Foundation	(217) 753-3300 1-800-252-8629	730 E. Vine St., Ste. 214 Springfield, IL 62703
Library - Atlanta	(217) 648-2112	100 Race St. Atlanta, IL 61723
Library - Elkhart	(217) 947-2313	121 E. Bohan Elkhart, IL 62634
Library - Lincoln	732-8878	725 Pekin St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Library - Mount Pulaski	792-5919	320 N. Washington Mount Pulaski, IL 62548
Lincoln Area YMCA	735-3915	319 W. Kickapoo St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Lincoln/Logan Food Pantry	732-2204	P.O. Box 773 Lincoln, IL 62656
Lincoln Parents’ Center	735-4192	100 S. Maple Lincoln, IL 62656
Lincoln Park District	732-8770	1400 Primm Rd. Lincoln, IL 62656
Logan County Department of Human Services (Public Aid)	735-2306	1550 Fourth St., P.O. Box 310 Lincoln, IL 62656
Logan County Health Department	735-2317	109 Third St., P.O. Box 508 Lincoln, IL 62656
Logan Mason Mental Health	735-2272 1-888-832-3600 (crisis line)	304 Eighth St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Logan-Mason Rehabilitation Center	735-1413	760 S. Postville Dr. Lincoln, IL 62656
Oasis (Senior Citizens of Logan County)	732-6132	501 Pulaski St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Project READ	735-1731	620 Broadway St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Salvation Army	732-7890	1501 N. Kickapoo Lincoln, IL 62656
Senior Services of Central Illinois	732-6213 1-800-252-8966 (crisis line)	109 Third St. Lincoln, IL 62656
Sojourn Shelter & Service Inc.	732-8988 (217) 726-5200 (24-hour hotline)	1800 Westchester Blvd. Springfield, IL 62704
U. of I. Division of Specialized Care for Children	524-2000 1-800-946-8468	421 S. Grand Ave. West, 2nd Floor Springfield, IL 62704
U. of I. Extension Service	732-8289	122 S. McLean St. Lincoln, IL 62656

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