World Alzheimer's Day 2009!

On September 21st every year (since 1994) is World Alzheimer's Day! I wanted to let everyone in the WEGO Health community know about all the different ways to get involved with World Alzheimer's Day, the Alzheimer's Association, and the cause in general. One of the most important traits of a Health Activist is raising awareness and spreading information about health causes. Whether Alzheimer's has affected you personally and is a cause you align yourself with closely or not, this is a great time to learn more about Alzheimer's and support the great work that advocates of the Alzheimer's community are doing every day. And remember - if you help someone else's favorite health cause, they may help yours—and we can all work together to get these causes their rightful attention and support. I think this quote from the Alz Association website really sums up what our goal as Health Activists is, "Alzheimer's is here to stay unless we join together. It doesn't matter if you live in Albany, Alabama or Albania; what does matter is that you take action."

• Join a Memory Walk team (or start your own). Click here to find the Memory Walk that's nearest to you. You can join one of the teams and walk for Alzheimer's awareness. You can also volunteer to help out with those who are walking (if you don't want to walk yourself). If you'd like to start your own walk or walk team - I'm sure there is still time. Some Memory Walks are being held in October as well. Learn more here

• Write Congress! There is a form email you can send right on alz.org. "For every dollar the government spends on the costs of Alzheimer care, it invests less than a penny in research to find a cure. Tell lawmakers to increase research funding now!"

• Go "Casual for a Cause!" or "Go Purple!" In workplaces across the country, September 21st is Casual Day - employees dress down or wear jeans in exchange for a small donation (usually $5) to the Alzheimer's Association. You could even encourage people to wear purple in honor of the cause. Put up purple balloons around the office, celebrate by sharing a cake with purple icing, have a purple lunch (with purple foods or toothpicks, etc). Also - feel free to choose another day in September as your Casual for a Cause. More Go Purple ideas here.

• "Get grounded in the fight against Alzheimer's" - organize a morning coffee break (ask your local coffeeshop to donate the coffee) and offer a cup to co-workers in exchange for a small donation to Alz. Also ask employees to "get grounded" in facts about Alz on alz.org

• Host a Tailgate Party or other party and gives proceeds to the Alzheimer's Association. Have friends over or meet at a favorite restaurant in honor of Alz. Check out more details about doing that here.

• Educate Co-workers, friends, and family members about early detection and how important early diagnosis is. Join the Alzheimer's Early Detection Alliance. Learn more here.

• Share these Facts and Figures about Alz or Take the Brain Tour

• Contact your local Alzheimer's Association

• On September 21st tweet about #alzheimers

• If you're a caregiver - share your story. Write a blog post on WEGO Health about your experience with Alzheimer's.

• Prepare for Alzheimer's Awareness Month - November

What other ideas can you come up with to raise awareness for Alzheimer's?

Join the Alzheimer's Group
Become a fan of Alzheimer's Awareness on Facebook