Please share this information with the senior citizens you serve.
Rutgers University Senior Citizen Audit Program
This special program was created by the Rutgers University Board of Governors to permit retired New Jersey residents, age 62 or older, to attend courses on a space-available, noncredit basis. There are no tuition costs for auditing courses.
Here are details about the program:
Only courses offered during the spring and fall semesters on the Camden, Newark, or New Brunswick campuses are open to auditors. No other courses offered at the university are available under the Senior Citizen Audit Program, including courses offered during other terms.
Auditors are not permitted to audit on-line courses.
Courses listed as closed in the online Schedule of Classes at http://soc.ess.rutgers.edu/soc —those that have reached maximum capacity—are not open to auditors.
Auditing is a courtesy offered at the discretion of the professor. If the professor informs you that auditors are not permitted, please select another course.
Auditors must wait until the first day of class to have a professor approve and sign the Permission to Audit form for the appropriate semester.
Auditors are passive participants. Please wait for the professor's invitation to participate. Registered, matriculated students are always given priority for the professor's time.
Your name will not appear on the professor's roster. Your status is that of a nonregistered auditor.
Please go to the website and select the campus nearest your location and download the Camden, New Brunswick,or Newark Senior Citizen Auditor Packet.
Calling all photographers! The Brick Township Department of Parks & Recreation is hosting a contest for amateur photographers and the winning submission will be used on the cover of the 2011/2012 Parks & Recreation Brochure.
“This contest gives residents of all ages the chance to showcase their talents while showing what make Brick Township so special,” said MayorStephen Acropolis.“I am looking forward to seeing the photos that are submitted.”
Residents are asked to submit nature photographs that showcase the natural beauty of Brick Township.Photos with human subjects will not be considered.Only digital photographs will be accepted and may be e-mailed to contest@bricktownship.net. Photographs should be in JPG form and attached to the message.
Each digital submission should be accompanied by the photographer’s name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, age and number of years living in Brick Township.It should also include a brief description of the location and subject matter of the photo and one or two sentences about the photographer.There is a submission limit of 2 photos per person.
The winning photographer must certify that the photo is original and not copyright protected in any way. The photograph will become the property of the Township of Brick and may be used by the Township in the future.
The deadline for all entries is January 28, 2011.For more information, call the Brick Recreation office at 732-262-1075.
It is estimated that there are currently 35.6 million people worldwide with Alzheimer’s disease. This figure is projected to grow to more than 115.4 million people by 2050.
DHA ‘Fish Oil’ Supplements Do Not Appear To Slow Cognitive, Functional Decline In Alzheimer’s Disease
November 3, 2010
Adapted from JAMA
Video courtesy of JAMA
Patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) who received supplementation with the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), believed to possibly reduce the risk of AD, did not experience a reduction in the rate of cognitive and functional decline, compared to patients who received placebo, according to a study in the November 3 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on aging.
Joseph F. Quinn, M.D., of Oregon Health and Science University and the Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, Ore., presented the findings of the study at a JAMA media briefing at the National Press Club.
“Several studies have found that consumption of fish, the primary dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids, is associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline or dementia. Some studies have found that consumption of DHA, but not other omega-3 fatty acids, is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer disease,” the authors write. However, those studies were observational and did not control who received DHA. Animal studies that used DHA showed reductions in Alzheimer-like brain pathology.
Dr. Quinn and colleagues conducted a randomized, controlled trial to examine whether DHA supplementation would slow the rate of cognitive and functional decline in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. The study, which was conducted between November 2007 and May 2009 at 51 U.S. clinical research sites, included 402 individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Participants were randomly assigned to DHA at a dose of 2 grams/day or to identical placebo (60 percent were assigned to DHA and 40 percent were assigned to placebo). Duration of treatment was 18 months. Changes in cognitive and functional abilities were assessed with the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale.
“In summary, these results indicate that DHA supplementation is not useful for the population of individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer disease,” the authors write.
The researchers add that “because part of the rationale for the trial was epidemiological evidence that DHA use before disease onset modifies the risk of Alzheimer disease, it remains possible that an intervention with DHA might be more effective if initiated earlier in the course of the disease in patients who do not have overt dementia.”
Disclaimer:The information provided in this section is a public service of the American Health Assistance Foundation, and should not in any way substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional and is not intended to constitute medical advice. Although we take efforts to keep the medical information on our website updated, we cannot guarantee that the information on our website reflects the most up-to-date research. Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice; all medications and supplements should only be taken under medical supervision. The American Health Assistance Foundation does not endorse any medical product or therapy.
The Township of Brick and the BrickTownshipPublic Schools celebrated the opening of the new playground and park at MidstreamsElementary School on Friday, November 19.The park was created through a partnership between the Township and the Schools and is the third community park to be renovated in the past two years.
“This is a great moment for the Township, our schools, and the Midstreams community,” said Mayor Stephen Acropolis.“The new playground and park at MidstreamsSchool will provide students of the school and the families of BrickTownship with a safe, modern place to play, relax and enjoy together for years to come.”
“The school community is very grateful for this shared service partnership which made the MidstreamsElementary School playground renovation possible”, said Superintendent of Schools, Walter Hrycenko. “We invite all residents to enjoy the new playground with their family after school hours.”
The Township of Brick awarded a contract to Down to Earth Landscaping of Jackson Township for the improvement of MidstreamsElementary School’s park and playground in the amount of $926,038.00.
The MidstreamsElementary School improvement project included improvements to landscaping including lighting and fencing, a basketball court, fitness stations, outdoor classrooms, decorative pavers, and an irrigation system.The playground is equipped with security cameras to better protect the investment.The playground is ADA compliant and has a rubber bond play surface.
The Township used tree planning grant money through the New Jersey Forestry No Net Loss program to offset the landscaping costs of the project.The Midstreams PTO has raised funds through their “Leave a Legacy” program in which they sold personalized brick pavers to be placed in the playground.
The groundbreaking for the playground was held in June along with the groundbreaking for a new playground and community park at EmmaHavensYoungSchool.That project is expected to be completed in the near future.
“This beautiful new playground is a great example of what happens when everyone joins together to reach a common goal,” said Board of Education President Kim Terebush. “This playground is not only made possible because of the shared service agreement between the Board of Education and Township, but also because of the parents and students who continuously fundraise and donate to improve our schools.We sincerely thank everyone for all of their efforts.”
“The new park at Midstreams School and the nearly finished one at Emma Havens Young Elementary School are great examples of how important it is for a municipal government and a town’s schools to work together to improve a community,” said Council President Anthony Matthews.“The Council is going to continue look to work with our schools and other agencies to make BrickTownship a better place.”
These are the latest parks to be slated for improvements as part of Mayor Acropolis’ and the Township Council’s efforts to create safer and cleaner neighborhood parks.Last year, they unveiled the improvements to ArrowheadPark and FredePark.
Programs and Services for Seniors Outlined 11/10/2010
TOMS RIVER – From community support to home support, and from nutrition support to caregiver services, Ocean County is ready to submit its 2011 Senior Area Plan Contract Update to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services for program funding.
"This is a major funding source for programs affecting Ocean County seniors," said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, Chairman of Senior Services. "This funding, which totals $4,056,988, helps us to provide the essential programs and services that help keep our seniors healthy and independent and also provides help to their caregivers.
"It is often a lifeline for our aging population in Ocean County," Vicari said.
The 2011 Senior Area Plan Update includes 52 programs with 22 service providers from throughout the county. The programs are funded through federal, state and county funds totaling more than $6 million. A break down of the funding sources includes 45 percent from the federal government, 22 percent from the state and 33 percent from the county.
"Ocean County is unique with its large population of retirees who have moved here from other areas of the state," Vicari said. "Ocean County leads the way with the highest percentage of households with Social Security income - totaling 43 percent.
"More than 50 percent of the residents accessing the services from the Ocean County Office of Senior Services are 75 and older while 17 percent are 85 and over," Vicari said. "These populations begin to have more and more special needs as they get older."
The staff of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services, from Jan. 1 through the end of October 2010, have responded to over 10,000 clients and there were 6,000 visitors to the office's website.
"Through our Area Plan Contracts, there were over 460,000 units of service provided to over 33,000 individuals," said Jane Maloney, Director of Senior Services. "Of those served 2,820 were caregivers and 1,492 of these caregivers were over 60 years of age.
"In addition, there were almost 210,000 home delivered meals during the first 10 months of the year and 56,000 congregate meals served totaling 266,000 meals that were provided so far this year," she said.
Vicari noted the Ocean County Office of Senior Services serves as the focal point where older adults and their families can turn to for information regarding services and programs. The 2011 Area Plan Contract Update outlines Ocean County's plan for addressing the current and future needs of seniors living in Ocean County.
Through its 2011 Aging Services Plan, Ocean County again expects to serve over 35,000 individuals with access, home support, community support, nutrition and caregiver services.
"These are key areas that help our seniors maintain their independence and their quality of life," Vicari said.
Vicari stated that many are familiar with Ocean County's safety network of services for the frail/disabled elderly, however, he said, the Office of Senior Services also has an important role in assisting the newly arrived older adult in preparing for a healthy future.
"Our Office of Senior Services has a wide array of information and programs to promote healthy aging," he said. "Whether it is one of the four HealthEASE activities or educational programs to help people prepare for the numerous aspects of Medicare, we try to meet the many needs of our older adult population."
He noted that there is continued emphasis on the accessibility of services within the aging services plan.
"Ocean County has developed a good system of outreach sites countywide," Vicari said. "These sites provide for trained outreach staff to link older persons with programs; the services are there, people just need help connecting." A major emphasis for the Office of Senior Services is to get the word out to the county's residents.
"So far this year, the Office of Senior Services has provided 136 presentations to residents in communities throughout Ocean County," Vicari said. "Providing good information is essential when outreaching the people who will benefit most from our programs and services. Older adults can get help from Ocean County. It's important we let them know how to access it."
More information on senior programs in Ocean County is available by calling the Office of Senior Services at 732-929-2091 or by visiting it's website at www.co.ocean.nj.us.
Mayor Stephen Acropolis and the Brick Township Council are proud to announce that the New Jersey Society of Municipal Engineers has named the Brick Township Municipal Building Solar Panel System the Municipal Construction Project of the Year.The award will be presented during the Society’s luncheon during the annual New Jersey State League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City on Wednesday, November 17, 2010.
“We are honored to win this award and be recognized for doing what is best for our taxpayers,” said Mayor Stephen Acropolis. “Using renewable energy to cut energy costs and produce invaluable revenue makes sense and we are going to work to continue to use it in the future. I thank our engineers from Birdsall Services Group for their outstanding work on this project and for their guidance.”
Earlier this year, the installation of a 125kW roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system and a 12kW ground-mounted solar photovoltaic system at Brick Township Municipal Complex was completed.The system will produce about 158,511 kWh annually.The project cost $765,000, approximately $235,000 under what was budgeted.It was funded through the 2009 Capital Budget.Birdsall Services Group was the engineer on the project and oversees the management of the Township’s Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program.
In May, the Township awarded a contract to Knollwood Energy for the purchase of SRECs from the Township.In June, they presented a check in the amount of $22,274 for the first SRECs sold by Brick Township.The Township anticipated annual revenue of about $77,000 a year from the sale of SRECs and has been exceeding the estimates since the summer.
The solar photovoltaic project was born out of the township’s comprehensive Sustainable Energy Master Plan that was developed by Birdsall Services Group with input from the Mayors Advisory Committee on Renewable Energy (MACRE).Future projects that are part of the plan include the installation of a wind turbine at the Drum Point Sports Complex that could generate 30,000 kilowatts of electricity and the construction of a 24-acre, 7.5 megawatt solar field at the site of the French’s Landfill.
Heavy Smoking Doubles Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia Risk
October 28, 2010
Adapted from GolinHarris International
Heavy smoking in midlife is associated with a 157 percent increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and a 172 percent increased risk of developing vascular dementia, according to a Kaiser Permanente study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. This is the first study to look at the long-term consequences of heavy smoking on dementia.
Researchers followed an ethnically diverse population of 21,123 men and women from midlife onward for an average of 23 years. Compared with non-smokers, those who had smoked more than two packs of cigarettes a day had more than a 157 percent increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and 172 percent increased risk of vascular dementia during the mean follow-up period of 23 years.
Vascular dementia, the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer's disease, is a group of dementia syndromes caused by conditions affecting the blood supply to the brain.
"This study shows that the brain is not immune to the long-term consequences of heavy smoking," said the study's principal investigator, Rachel A. Whitmer, Ph.D., a research scientist with the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, Calif. "We know smoking compromises the vascular system by affecting blood pressure and elevates blood clotting factors, and we know vascular health plays a role in risk of Alzheimer's disease."
Researchers analyzed prospective data from of 21,123 Kaiser Permanente Northern California members who participated in a survey between 1978 and 1985. Diagnoses of dementia, Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia made in internal medicine, neurology, and neuropsychology were collected from 1994 to 2008. The researchers adjusted for age, sex, education, race, marital status, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, body mass index, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and alcohol use.
"While we don't know for sure, we think the mechanisms between smoking and Alzheimer's and vascular dementia are complex, including possible deleterious effects to brain blood vessels as well as brain cells," said study co-author Minna Rusanen, M.D., of the University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital in Finland.
This study is the latest in a series of published Kaiser Permanente research to better understand the modifiable risk factors for dementia. This ongoing body of research adds to evidence base that what is good for the heart is good for the brain, and that midlife is not too soon to begin preventing dementia with good health. The other studies led by Whitmer found that a large abdomen in midlife increases risk of late-life dementia, elevated cholesterol levels in midlife increase risk of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, and low blood-sugar events in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes increase dementia risk. Another Kaiser Permanente study led by Valerie Crooks of Kaiser Permanente in Southern California found that having a strong social network of friends and family appears to decrease risk for dementia.
County Can Help with Medicare Questions 10/28/2010
OLDER ADULTS living in Ocean County who receive Medicare should be aware that a postcard from the National Processing Center is a form of solicitation for insurance companies and not an official document from the federal government.
The card, which has been mailed to Medicare beneficiaries, carried the warning: "Important: Projected Medicare Changes."
The postcard states that proposed cuts to existing government programs include a significant reduction in the federal Medicare program, which may result in an increase in premiums and fees that you must pay… and a decrease in some benefits.
The postcard encourages recipients to sign and return the postage paid card in order to receive more information about the changes and how they will personally affect the beneficiary and their present health care provider.
Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, Chairman of Senior Services, noted the card is not an official document from Medicare and appears to be a marketing tool that will result in older adults unknowingly signing up to receive materials from insurance companies.
"Our seniors need to know this is not an official notification from the federal government," Vicari said. "If seniors have questions about Medicare or their coverage they should ask the experts and that help is available right here in Ocean County."
Vicari said seniors can call the Ocean County Office of Senior Services at 732-929-2091 or visit the County Connection at the Ocean County Mall, Toms River, for assistance and information on the Medicare program.
"Insurance can be a very difficult road to navigate," Vicari said. "In Ocean County we make every effort to provide the information our seniors need so they can make the best choices for them.
"This sort of marketing just makes worse the confusion that already may exist for our seniors when attempting to determine the insurance coverage they need," Vicari said. "Marketing materials that can be misleading are of no benefit to seniors living in Ocean County."
Freeholder John P. Kelly, Director of Law and Public Safety, noted that if seniors feel they are being scammed they can turn to law enforcement in Ocean County and also the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs.
"Making certain our seniors are safe is a priority in Ocean County," Kelly said. "It's important to bring these kinds of situations to light so seniors can make informed decisions on how to handle this kind of marketing material."
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