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Stories
4 Perspectives on Alzheimer's Disease
Hello e-club members,
   
 
My name is John Hobday. Let me introduce myself to you: I have a technology and educational background, am a former Spanish teacher at Chaska High School and Valley View Middle School in Edina, took 2 years off to do a programming project for a predecessor (sort of ) of Rosetta Stone (tech, education and language), and while waiting for another teaching position to come open, I started a small business and got a consulting  job with the Minneapolis Department of Veteran's Affairs around Alzheimer's Disease.  The project was to develop a CD-ROM for family caregivers (internet was not really widely  used at this time in 1996-97).  It resulted in another project with the University of Minnesota and the VA, and then another, and then a series of grants to develop online training around Alzheimer's and dementia.  Fast forward 20 years.
   My company just turned 20 last June, and we are the only company in the US, that is devoted exclusively to online training for families and professionals around Alzheimer's Disease and other brain disorders.  As part of these training programs we do filming projects around the country of real family members, care providers, experts, and most-importantly, people with Alzheimer's and dementia (the patients, if you will).  We had a filing in Mississippi in July, and it was our 25th state.  Sort of a milestone.
   Here is a short video of my personal story regarding my grandmother who died from Alzheimer's disease right as  my company was starting.  (Click Here)
   So--as I speak at conferences, Rotary Club Meetings, in the community, etc., I always get questions around a few very common topics:
 
1.  Where are we in finding a cure?
 
2.  What is the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia?
 
3. What can I do to prevent this for myself?
 
  Here are 4 different Ted Talk 
    Alzheimer's Disease is not Normal Aging and We Can Cure it:  (Click Here)
    What You can do to Prevent Alzheimer's:  (Click Here
    I'm Preparing to Get Alzheimer's:  (Click here)
 
   BY the way, dementia is an umbrella term of symptoms like many memory issues, attention, abstract thinking issues, etc.  Alzheimer's is one of over 200 diseases that cause dementia symptoms and gets worse over time.  So dementia is a general term, and Alzheimer's is a specific disease.  This said, about 80% of alldementias are Alzheimer's, so if someone is declining with memory issues, the high likelihood is that it will be Alzheimer's.  Sometimes testing has not been done to confirm this, or a doctor may want to shield the family from a diagnosis....so the family is just told "dementia."   This is an OK approach, but Ii think it is also a bit of a disservice to the family.  An Alzheimer's diagnosis is difficult to hear, but one positive is that you usually have years to get affairs in order, try some of the medications on the market, spend more quality time with family, etc.  You also know that you are not alone.  I am happy to discuss this on one of our Zoom video calls if you have more specific questions.  For more information on what we do please (Click here)
 
How Rotary is  assisting recovery in Puerto Rice
 
 
                                            
   Puerto Rico is an island in the Caribbean, the smallest of the Greater Antilles, which is distinguished by its natural beauties, the talent of Puerto Ricans in music, arts, and sports, and above all for the warmth of its people. But the so-called island of Enchantment was transformed by what already has been classified as the most catastrophic event in the history not only of Puerto Rico, but of the United States. More than a month after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, our people are still struggling to recover from the impact of this natural phenomenon, which left so much desolation in its wake.
  Thousands of families have lost their houses totally or partially, either by winds of more than 185 miles per hour (295 km/h) or by the heavy rains that caused landslides that obstructed a lot of major roads, and overflowed all of our rivers and lakes. The force of the winds snatched the greenery out of our mountains, demolished much of our trees, and caused millions in damages to the infrastructure of the country.
   But the response from Rotarians in District 7000 was quick and precise. A few days after the hurricane, several clubs around the island began to provide humanitarian aid to those affected. The help included non-perishable food, water, hygiene kits, water filters, solar lights, and power generators. 
    Rotarians in Puerto Rico are now focused on the recovery and reconstruction phases. Rotary clubs have developed plans to work with pumping systems for renewable energy projects in communities without potable water, the installation of water filtration systems, and the rollout of community economic development projects for the most affected areas. Disease prevention efforts in areas affected by the hurricane are also taking place, among other initiatives.Rotary International has established a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) of the Rotary Foundation (number 614), to support projects for the recovery of Puerto Rico. Given the great work that remains ahead, contributions from Rotarians to this fund will be essential to help Puerto Rico get back on their feet.
Without a doubt, the “Isla del Encanto” will need several years to fully recover, and many hands to help its people achieve it. And within those hands will be those of Rotarians from Puerto Rico and around the world with their contributions, ideas and volunteering, which all will make the difference in the lifting of Puerto Rico.
How to help:
      A Rotary Foundation Donor Advised Fund designated by donors has been established to accept contributions that will aid hurricane victims in Puerto Rico. Visit the District 7000 website to learn more.
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Meeting Responsibilities
December 08, 2017
Hobday, John
 
December 15, 2017-
Grayson, Jon
 
December 29, 2017-
Hoffman, Alex
 
January 5, 2018-
Laffin, Kathy
 
January12, 2018
Martenson, Curlen
 
January 19, 2018-
Miller, Zachary
 
January 26, 2018-
Moore, Jonathan
 
February 9, 2018
Smith, Quentin
 
February 16, 2018
Smith, Stephanie
 
February 23, 2018
Venustus, Lindy
 
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Midterm rally
Hamline University
Jan 13, 2018
 
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Feb 10, 2018
9:03 AM – 2:00 PM
 
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Mar 08, 2018 – Mar 10, 2018
 
Russell Hampton
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