Memorial Day, formerly called "Decoration Day", is a day of memories for all those who have died in our nation's service. There are numerous stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also data that organized women's groups in the South were adorning graves just before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet offered the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead" (Source: Duke University's Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's very difficult to prove conclusively the roots of the day. It is likely that it had many individual beginnings; each of those towns and every organized or impromptu gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's established the general human need to honor our dead, each added honestly to the increasing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his formal proclamation in 1868. It is not vital who was the very first, what is significant is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about dividing. It is about reconciliation; it is about joining together to honor those who gave their all.

   Stress is commonly identified as the culprit behind poor health. It can weaken the immune system and open the door to a variety of diseases.

Stress, however, is not always bad. We need the right kind of stress to be healthy and live fulfilling lives. There is a word for this type of good stress. It is called eustress (eu is a Greek root word for good.)

  May is Older Americans Month, a wonderful chance to show our recognition for the older adults in our areas.

Since 1963, areas across the country have grouped together to observe Older Americans Month—a prideful practice that demonstrates our nation’s promise to identifying the contributions and successes of aged Americans.

   If you’ve ever moved, you’ve probably been surprised about how much you accumulated even in a short period of time. And now that you’re considering moving to a senior community, one of your biggest concerns may be what will fit in your new home.

  On May 6, 2012, we are joining the American Nurses Association in commemorating Nurses: Advocating, Leading, Caring, as part of National Nurses Week, which is held May 6-12, annually. The reason for the week-long observance is to raise awareness of the importance of nursing and help educate the community concerning the role nurses master in meeting the health care needs of the American people.

  The decision to moving agining adults out of the family home is a complex one — both emotionally and practically. It requires a delicate balancing act between their safety and their emotional stake in staying put. Each of these is important, and helping them make the right decision (while remembering that as long as they are of sound mind, it’s ultimately their decision) requires care and planning.

  Here are some options on how to to spread the heart of gardening in your local community.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is comparable to a group of conditions called motor system disorders, which are the outcome of the loss in dopamine-producing brain cells.
 

Thinking about housing arrangements for the future can be a stressful, anxiety-provoking topic for both you and your family. However, it doesn’t have to be. While it may feel easier to put off thinking about it until later, the earlier you face your specific issues, the more choices and control you will have over your future living arrangements.

   As we age, many of us are faced with the prospect of revising our living arrangements. While thinking about moving can be a source of anxiety and stress, planning ahead can give you more choices for the future, making a big difference in your level of independence and quality of life. If home upkeep and maintenance has become overwhelming, if you’re starting to need help with some services, or if you’re simply looking for a community with more transportation access and opportunities to socialize, an independent living facility may be a good option. To decide if it’s right for you, learn about your choices in independent living, including common types, and find help in choosing a residence.