GTX Corp develops GPS Equipped Shoe for Alzheimer's Patients

GTX Corp. has developed 3,000 pairs which will be sold online and at select retailers by Aetrex Worldwide, theAFP reported. The $300 shoes contain a GPS system in the heel that lets family members track the location of the wearer.

Family members can also establish a safe zone which will set off an alert if a family member steps out of it, Katie Lindendoll, CBS The Early Show's tech expert , said in a segment.

Who can the shoes help?

This shoe could be especially beneficial for people in the earliest stages of Alzheimer's, according to Dr. Andrew Carle, director of the senior housing administration at George Mason University's College of Health and Human Services, who served as an advisor to the project.

"They might be living in their home but they're confused," Carle told the AFP. "They go for a walk and they can get lost for days." Carle said some studies show up to 60 percent of Alzheimer's sufferers will wander and become lost - and half of those who are not found within 24 hours might die.

This isn't the first device to ensure Alzheimer's patients safety. There are bracelets and pendants that contain address information in case a person wanders, and some are equipped with tracking devices. But sometimes sufferers rip those off since the disease triggers paranoia, so they might dislike the unfamiliar object. Shoes on the other hand might not be so unfamiliar.

Nearly 6 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association. By 2050, that number might rise to 21 million.

Source: cbsnews.com

Celebrating Harvest Fest and Honoring American Service Personnel

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today.

Have you used one to say "thank you?"

~William A. Ward

To commemorate the season, residents along with their family and friends, CWSL volunteers and staff celebrated Harvest Fest on Saturday, October 15th.


A social hour was held prior to lunch with entertainment at North Ridge.


Canned goods were collected for donation to Operation Bootstrap for the benefit of our community neighbors in need.

Harvest Princess

Dancing up a storm at Harvest Fest!

Thanks to everyone for their donations to Operation Bootstrap

Showing their appreciation for our military personnel serving overseas; assembling care packages as part of Assisted Living Week.

Contributed by Lori Schuler; Marketing and Activity Director

for Central Wisconsin Senior Living.

Rhythm & Brew Beach Bash Debuts Players' Lounge in Stevens Point

The Alzheimer’s Association proudly announces the newest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer  care support and research.  It is the 1st Annual Rhythm and Brew Beach Bash with live music, plenty of food, and a beer and wine tasting extravaganza.  The music by Cadillac Pete and Heat, featuring Howard ‘Guitar’ Ludtke, is a local blues band.

The event will take place here in Stevens Point, Friday, November 11, 2011, and will be held at the Players Lounge, 2124 Rice Street, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.  Tickets will be $30.00 in advance and $35.00 at the door. Rhythm and Brews Beach Bash is brand new to the Stevens Point area and we are so pleased to make it an annual event!  A strong team of community volunteers has been working hard at planning, selecting ‘craft’ brews, wine, gathering prizes, lining up music, and selecting a tasty menu for our guests.

We invite you to be a part of this fundraiser and support the efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association of Stevens Point. In addition to monetary sponsorships for this fundraiser, we welcome in-kind donation of services, food prizes, or silent auction items.  All contributions, great or small will help defray the costs of the event, allowing the proceeds from ticket sales and the auction to go directly to the local programs and services provided by the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Your support is needed to help ensure the success of the year’s event.

Alzheimer’s is the nation’s sixth leading cause of death and affects 5.4 million people today.  Currently, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s and that number is expected to grow to as many as 16 million by 2050.  Our future is at risk unless we can find a way to change the course of this disease. This event brings awareness to this overwhelming disease and raises needed dollars for care, support and research for those in our community. 

When Alzheimer’s touches your life the Alzheimer’s Association is here for you.  Alzheimer’s disease is a frightening diagnosis to face. Wherever you are, Alzheimer’s Associations are nearby with community programs and support services.  Anytime day or night, call them for reliable information and support.  Online guide helping individuals and families find the right care options locating licensed facilities in your area when placement of loved one is needed.  Alzheimer’s Association library provides a variety of research and reference services.

We are determined to end this disease and provide support for those affected now and in the future.  Attend the Rhythm and Brew Beach Bash or support the fundraiser and unite in a movement to reclaim the future for millions.  Together, we can raise awareness and funds to enhance Alzheimer care and support.

To purchase tickets or donate contact us at the following phone numbers:

715-393-3950

715-295-0650

Donation, ticket and event information can be found on the Alzheimer's Association - Great Wisconsin Chapter or Point Players Lounge

Feel free to distribute the poster featured above. After you click on the image you can either download it to your computer and distribute as an email attachment, embed it in an email or print for display in your community.

Area Walk to End Alzheimer's raises more than $17,000

The true charm of pedestrianism does not lie in the walking, or in the scenery, but in the talking.  The walking is good to time the movement of the tongue by, and to keep the blood and the brain stirred up and active; the scenery and the woodsy smells are good to bear in upon a man an unconscious and unobtrusive charm and solace to eye and soul and sense; but the supreme pleasure comes from the talk.

~Mark Twain

Saturday, September 17th: the day we've been looking forward to and training for when area walkers, volunteers and teams gathered for the start of the Alzheimer's Association's Walk to End Alzheimer's. This year's event was a great success and helped raised more than $17,000 for local programs of the Alzheimer's Association.

Central Wisconsin Senior Living was proud to host this year's event with Harmony Living Center. The Walk was led for a community volunteer committee that included CWSL's Kelly Opiola and Lori Schuler.

                                 The Spirit Award was presented to the Sky Club Team.
                                                     Never, Never, Never, Give Up!


"There has never been a greater need for residents to join in the fight against Alzheimer's disease," said Diana Butz, Alzheimer's Association development and marketing director. "As many as 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease and funds raised will provide support services to the residents of this area living with Alzheimer's. The level of support shown by the Stevens Point community for the Alzheimer's Association is truly amazing."


Donations are still being accepted. You can contact Kelly Opiola at Central Wisconsin Senior Living or visit the Alzheimer's Association web site at www.alz.org/gwwi and click on the Stevens Point Walk to End Alzheimer's link or click here.


If you are interested in joining the 2012 Planning Committee contact Kelly Opiola at Central Wisconsin Senior Living.

Under Pressure

God didn't do it all in one day.  What makes me think I can?  ~Author Unknown

Sound familiar? While we all are aware that stress is the root of sleepless nights and can lead to a myriad of health issues, we pay little heed to the warnings and charge ahead attempting to do it all. Browse the self-help section of the library or your favorite book store and the number of books written to help us all remove stress from our lives is a testament to our desire to live life stress-free. 

Here are just a few suggestions that we can easily apply to our lives allowing us to concentrate on the important things in our life. It's been said that if we did just that - there would be a shortage of fishing poles.

Be prepared. It's more than the Girl Scout's motto. Keep some cash on hand, avoid letting the gas level in your car fall into the empty zone, keep pain relievers such as Tyelnol or Advil on hand was well as over the counter antacid and treatment for mild diarrhea. Taking care of the 'small details' on a daily basis will help ease your mind and reduce stress.

Reverse your dinner/breakfast caloric intake. You know that eating breakfast is good for you - the word for the first meal of the day instructs us to "break the fast." Our constant motion, get it all done right now society has made breakfast something that we can "eat on the go." Debbie Mandel, a stress-management expert and author of "Addicted to Stress" advocates making breakfast the biggest meal of the day and dinner your smallest. A breakfast of lean proteins to fuel your brain to think straight and complex carbohydrates, like oatmeal or multi-grain bread, will help keep you in a good mood.

Get organized. Studies show we are more likely to forget things if our homes are cluttered. Apparently someone has seen my kitchen counters and dining room table. If you are stressed about forgetting appointments or other events, get into the habit of writing them down in a special notebook, calendar or electronic device such as your Smartphone or computer. Repeating each entry out loud as you write it down will help commit it to memory. Set aside a certain place for your wallet and your keys and put them away in the same place every day.

Take a walk around the block. Yes, exercise at any time of the day is better than no exercise at all but the experts agree that when it comes to eliminating stress and setting the tone for your day, the morning is the best time to get your heart rate up. If you're like me, you'll feel great about crossing "exercise" off your list at the start of the day, but the added benefits of boosting the energizing endorphins will help carry you through the rest of your day.

Clear your mind. Lack of sleep is one of the major causes of stress. If you are anxious about something your brain will trigger the adrenal glands to make you more alert. Meditate or do some simple breathing exercises to help prepare your body for sleep.

Socialize. We all know that getting together with friends and family can help keep depression at bay but did you know that depression and stress can contribute to memory loss? Seek out opportunities to get together with loved ones - especially if you live alone. When someone extends an invitation to share a meal or attend an event - go!