Kathy J. Wards Blog - Announcements, News & Much More: 09/01/2007

PRACTICE - EDUCATION - SCIENCE

[KJW #089] Activating Peace, Better Quality of Life, Better Health and Good Energy... that's how we began the events of World Elder Peace Month on Friday, September 21st, UN International Day of Peace.

Annual Therapeutic Recreation Conference,
Brandon, Manitoba, Canada

CONVIVENCIA , a wellness retreat with elders and
caregivers, Spokane, Washington, USA

Title: Clinical Therapeutic Recreation For Elders and Caregivers
(curriculum written by Kathy J. Ward)
Evidence-based medicine, research and practice.

Telehealth from Spokane, Washington to Brandon, Manitoba

Co-creating healing communities by nurturing a culture of integrated process improvement where everyone is invited.
Beyond leisure, how therapeutic recreation (TR) interventions can better whole-person-centered wellness and the quality of life of our communities.
Beyond leisure, how (TR) interventions can influence and better neuroplasticity, cognitive reserve and brain health.
Beyond leisure, how (TR) interventions can nurture; patient-care, social, emotional, physical, intellectual and vocational wellness, sensory and motor skills.

E-mails from the participants:

1. Hi Kathy - Thank-you so much for the awesome session on Friday! The feedback was very favorable.
Kathy Foley, RPN RN
Program Educator

2. Dear Kathy, A million thanks for making your two hours with us so memorable. The extent to which you practice what you teach was evident throughout the program. You spoke from the heart, which it is seldom incorporated in health care presentations, I think.
Susan

3. Hi Kathy, your presentation has made a profound change in the way I do my job. Thank you. "You're good! You were not only humorous, but entertaining and creative in your approach"

Where can I purchase your books?
Louis

TOMORROW IS TODAY!

CONVIVENCIA , a wholistic health and wellness retreat with elders and caregivers at St. Joseph Family Center. A meaningful and transformational experience for everyone.

Our participants, elders and caregivers, enjoyed sessions of Reiki, Tai-Chi, Whole-Person-Centered Wellness, Vegetarian Supper, Spirituality and Aging, Energy and Color Meditation, Inspirational Movies, Soul Collage, Healing Massage, Detox Juices to build up body's immunity and much more...

(1) participants during energy meditation.
(2) Sarah explaining the soul collage.

(3) some of the participants wearing a crazy hat at dinner time.
(4) at our whole-person-wellness class

Sister Celeste Crine and Kathy J. Ward guided sessions of Reiki, Tai-Chi and Color Meditation. Some of our participants experienced these healing
and good energy practices for the first time.

Wearing crazy hats, enjoying a cup of hot tea made by one of our participants... during our social hour getting ready to watch
an inspirational movie.

Want to know when is our next wholistic wellness retreat?
write to: connection@kathyjward.com

Everyone is invited...

Peace be with you!

* * * * * *

Please send inquiries, requests for programs, speaker and consulting services with WEL, World Elder Land or Kathy J. Ward to connection@kathyjward.com

Peace be with you!

Kathy J. Ward, MA, MS, CTRS, ADC, CGP, CALA
Universal Peace Ambassador,
Cercle Universel des Ambassadeurs de la Paix - Geneva Switzerland
President of WEL, World Elder Land
Holistic Health Practitioner and Consultant
President of ERT, Elder Recreation Therapy
Therapeutic Recreation Consultant
National Assisted Living Administrator Certified
Board Member, Activities, Adaptation and Aging Journal
Author
National Alzheimer's Association Speakers Bureau
Love Ambassador - Florida, USA
Member of the World Poet Society - Greece
Ambassador of Happiness For Elders - Connecticut, USA
Cell: (240) 393-5456

© Copyright 2007 Kathy J. Ward. All rights reserved.
No part of KJW blog or KJW websites: WEL, World Elder Land, ERT, Elder Recreation Therapy, BWCA, Better World Community Adventures, may be reproduced, totally or partially, in any form or by any means, without the written prior permission of the author. The use of our materials in KJW websites, conferences, group presentations, publications or network computer system is prohibited without the written prior permission of the author. The use of proposals presented and discussed during individual meetings by WEL or KJW is prohibited without the written prior permission of Kathy J. Ward. There can be a civil penalty for a person or organization that violates KJW copyright.

posted by KJW Announce # 9:44 PM 0 comments

PRACTICE - EDUCATION - SCIENCE

[KJW #088] Whole-Person-Centered Wellness Retreat For Elders and Caregivers

The Franciscan St. Joseph Family Center and WEL, World Elder Land have teamed up to offer a meaningful, fun and nurturing whole-person-wellness program

Everyone is invited...

The word "CONVIVENCIA" means;
"to live with, live together and to coexist".

September 21 - 23, 2007

Objectives of the program:

During CONVIVENCIA all participants will learn how to influence the natural ability of the body for "self-repair" and "rejuvenation", and how to co-create healing and better health.

During CONVIVENCIA each elder (55+) attending the program will learn meaningful and practical ways to nurture all aspects of whole-person-centered wellness; social, psychical, emotional, vocational, spiritual and intellectual wellness.

During CONVIVENCIA everyone will enjoy and learn about color meditation, Tai-Chi class, energy work Reiki class, inspirational readings and movies, breathing work and relaxation, creative and healing arts, nature walks, listening to nature and our bodies, body detoxification and healthy diet, happiness and health workshops, four wellness presentations and more...

During CONVIVENCIA every elder will learn the meaning and purpose of the "Journal For A Better Life." and how to begin your own wholistic wellness plan.

Instructors:

Sister Celeste Crine, OSF, MA, Director of Spirituality and Healing Arts at St. Joseph Family Center

and

Kathy J. Ward, MA, MS, CGP, CTRS, ADC, CALA, President of WEL, World
Elder Land and Universal Peace Ambassador.

Registrations: (509) 483-6495 - Spokane, Washington

Questions: (240) 393-5456

Arrival: Friday, September 21 at 2:00 p.m. (check-in and orientation)

Departure: Sunday, September 23 at 2:00 p.m. (evaluation and departure)

Click here to view a copy of the flyer

Peace be with you!

* * * * * *

Please send inquiries, requests for programs, speaker and consulting services with WEL, World Elder Land or Kathy J. Ward to connection@kathyjward.com

Peace be with you!

Kathy J. Ward, MA, MS, CTRS, ADC, CGP, CALA
Universal Peace Ambassador,
Cercle Universel des Ambassadeurs de la Paix - Geneva Switzerland
President of WEL, World Elder Land
Holistic Health Practitioner and Consultant
President of ERT, Elder Recreation Therapy
Therapeutic Recreation Consultant
National Assisted Living Administrator Certified
Board Member, Activities, Adaptation and Aging Journal
Author
National Alzheimer's Association Speakers Bureau
Love Ambassador - Florida, USA
Member of the World Poet Society - Greece
Ambassador of Happiness For Elders - Connecticut, USA
Cell: (240) 393-5456

© Copyright 2007 Kathy J. Ward. All rights reserved.
No part of KJW blog or KJW websites: WEL, World Elder Land, ERT, Elder Recreation Therapy, BWCA, Better World Community Adventures, may be reproduced, totally or partially, in any form or by any means, without the written prior permission of the author. The use of our materials in KJW websites, conferences, group presentations, publications or network computer system is prohibited without the written prior permission of the author. The use of proposals presented and discussed during individual meetings by WEL or KJW is prohibited without the written prior permission of Kathy J. Ward. There can be a civil penalty for a person or organization that violates KJW copyright.

posted by KJW Announce # 10:34 PM 0 comments

PRACTICE - EDUCATION - SCIENCE

[KJW #087] Nurturing and Understanding Our Human Brain... you are invited!

The Brain Injury Association of Washington - Spokane Chapter,
St. Luke Rehabilitation Institute and WEL, World Elder Land,
have partnered to present:

Brain Health, Rehabilitation and Non-Pharmacological Treatments

Wednesday, September 12
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: St. Luke Rehabilitation Institute
711 S Cowley St, Spokane - Room: 2006
(parking is located in the upper level parking lot, outside Room 200)

Admission: Free, open to the public

Speaker:
- Kathy J. Ward, MA, MS, CTRS, ADC, CGP, CALA, President of WEL, World Elder Land, Universal Peace Ambassador

Introduction by:
- Ashley Richards, Attorney at Law, Spokane Chapter President for the Brain Injury Association

Closing remarks by:
- Gloria Malmoe, Support Group Leader, BIAW

* * * * *

BRAIN ANATOMY

Brain Health: At a join meeting at the National Council on Aging and the American Society on Aging in Pittsburgh, neurologist Paul Nussbaum told the audience:

"Autopsies have recently identified people who suffered from Alzheimer's disease, with dead neurons and shrinking brains, but never showed any symptoms. The common denominator was a high level of formal education or occupations that presented rigorous mental tasks."

Brain Injury: In the United States traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death for persons under age 45. TBI occurs every 15 seconds. Approximately 5 million Americans currently suffer some form of TBI disability. The leading causes of TBI are motor vehicle accidents, falls, and sports injuries.

What is the difference between a traumatic brain injury and an acquired brain injury?

A traumatic brain injury is an insult to the brain, not of a degenerative or congenital nature, caused by an external physical force. An acquired brain injury is an injury to the brain which is not hereditary, congenital, or degenerative. Causes of acquired brain injuries include traumatic brain injuries, aneurysms, infections of the brain and stroke.

A study from 2002 (Mosenthal, A.C. 2002) confirmed that the mortality rate from TBI is higher in the geriatric population at all levels of head injury.

There are several factors that contribute to the great danger of falls to older individuals, including:

Some elders take medications that may affect perception and/or balance, therefore increasing the risk of falling. Some may have other medical conditions that make falls likely (i.e., visual limitations, orthopedic problems, fatigue...) External factors associated with falls among the elderly include a history of one or more prior falls, lack of exercise, improper footwear, poor nutrition, and hazards in the home like shoes, magazines or books by the walking areas.

Preventing Falls
Even older people (ages 65 and up) should exercise regularly, as daily physical activity will increase a person’s strength and sense of well-being. There are many exercises that improve balance, and health care providers can guide individuals to the exercise program that is best for them.

Improving lighting in the house can help our elders see better, especially at night when then get up to go to the bathroom.

Photos: (1) Intracerebral hemorrhage. (2) Broken blood vessel causing hematoma. (3) The dark area in the upper left area is the hematoma.

The brain is vulnerable to traumatic damage in two ways. The cerebral cortex can become bruised - contused - when the head strikes a hard object (or a hard objects strikes the head). Or, the deep white matter can suffer diffuse axonal injury when the head is whiplashed without hitting a hard object (or being hit by one).

The well-known phenomenon of the Shaken Baby Syndrome (a very serious form of child abuse. Shaking a baby even for only 2 or 3 seconds can cause brain damage.) is an example. Severe shaking greatly stretches and damages delicate nerve cells, at times causing very significant injury or even death. In adults, severe whiplash can involve severe forces that may shake or rotate the brain enough to cause permanent brain damage.

common type of head injury

Overview of this program

How the brain works: its functions, neurobiology and neurogenesis

Learn more facts about the brain and how can we nurture a better brain

Understanding brain injury and what sort of "stimulation" bolster brain cells and cognitive reserve

Learn more about environmental factors than can cause "neurotoxic effects" or brain injury, (metals, solvents, fuels, pesticides, monoxide, and more...)

Coping with Brain Injury: How "over stimulations" like; emotional tension, competitiveness, anxiety and pressure lessen the ability to maintain independence and better brain rehabilitation

How to improve memory, cognition, impaired executive functions, and motor coordination skills. Learn more about brain food and social support networks for a better health

Coping strategies for care-givers adjusting to brain injury

* * * * *

www.kathyjward.com/KJW

Please share your ideas or feedback to us.... send inquiries, requests for programs, speaker and consulting services with WEL, World Elder Land or Kathy J. Ward to connection@kathyjward.com

Peace be with you!

Kathy J. Ward, MA, MS, CTRS, ADC, CGP, CALA
Universal Peace Ambassador,
Cercle Universel des Ambassadeurs de la Paix - Geneva Switzerland
President of WEL, World Elder Land
Holistic Health Practitioner and Consultant
President of ERT, Elder Recreation Therapy
Therapeutic Recreation Consultant
National Assisted Living Administrator Certified
Board Member, Activities, Adaptation and Aging Journal
Author
National Alzheimer's Association Speakers Bureau
Love Ambassador - Florida, USA
Member of the World Poet Society - Greece
Ambassador of Happiness For Elders - Connecticut, USA
Cell: (240) 393-5456

WEL Offices: SPAIN, COLOMBIA, USA, VENEZUELA and DENMARK

posted by KJW Announce # 12:26 PM 0 comments

PRACTICE - EDUCATION - SCIENCE

[KJW #084-B] WEL Meaningful Summer Adventures With Our Elders and Their Caregivers - Part II

1. Washington, D.C. - Conversation with Remarkable Elders: About peace, wellness and their dreams.

Kathy asked: My dear elders, I hope that you know that you can make a difference in our world, communities and right here, right now. Not tomorrow or maybe one of these days... let's talk about NOW. So let's imagine that you could send a message to the world right now, and that more than 80 millions of people are listening to you... what would you say to the world?

Sonia, 72: Our words are very powerful and we need to be more sensitive about what we say and how we say it. I still remember the words of a police officer more than 30 years ago. He changed my life with the words he said. He does not even know it because I understood the meaning of his words two years later. I am sure I am not the only one that has been inspired by him.

Barbara, 89: I will say to the world "Happiness... pass it on!"

Kathy: I love that Barbara, can I use this phrase to print bumper stickers for everyone?

Barbara, 89: Yes, but only you... and let me know what happens.

Ruth, 77: I think that the heart of gold that all of us have needs to be shared with everyone. The whole world needs it.

Kathy asked: How would you give peace a chance?

Candice, 76: I think that we need to even off resources and facilitate equality of opportunities for everyone. There is plenty in the world for everyone. Poverty is not acceptable and we need to learn how to use less and share more.

Don, 82: Being always helpful. Attitude is the key. We can make a difference everywhere with a good attitude. I have three sons but only the first two completed their PhD. My third son only graduated from college. Who do you think is more successful in life? My third son and I think it is because of his attitude. He is always positive and determined. He got that from me. I have always look at the glass half full rather than half empty.

Rose, 91: It is vanity to do with more what we can do with less.

Tom, 53: I can give peace a chance with faith. Beyond trust, faith is when we stop being afraid, when we do not consider ourselves "the center" of everything. Faith is when I know that "God" is in my center. And when I listen to that voice inside of me I am with PEACE.

Kathy: I think that if we ask God for the future of our human family and our planet Earth most probably God will say...

"I can inspire you but, it is in your hands."

2. Chevy Chase, MD - Celebrating life with our elders.
The "Bench of Dreams" dedication ceremony.

Once again we are honoring our elders by LISTENING to them and their dreams, and by empowering and facilitating their heart's desires.

Kathy asked: Do you have a dream or an inspiring story that can be shared with everyone today?

Rose 92: "Yes, I remember that my father was always asking me at home, "Rose how was your day at school?", so I started to tell him all the bad and negative things that happened. Then my father asked me, "Rose, tell me the good things that happened today?" Then I needed to stop and think about it because I was not focused on it, so it was not easy to answer his question. Then I learned that I was focusing more in the negative than in the positive. I could remember good things too and tell him about it, but I was not used to do that."

Norman, 87: "I have a dream. I have always dreamed that I could see the picture of this planet from outer space. I want to make sure that countries are imaginary lines and that we are not divided."

Rose, 92: I think that we should have done this 50 years ago.

(1) Elders and Terri Adams, Activities Director, mapping out their dreams as they hold the two stones in their hands. (2) An elder tossed one stone onto the Earth, so that the sacred Earth will remember and help materialize this dream. Click here to view the original and first Bench of Dreams, created by Dr. Robert Muller, Chancellor Emeritus of the University For Peace, in M. Rasur, near the University For Peace in Costa Rica

This Bench of Dreams is dedicated to Robert and Barbara Muller on this happy day, "Grandparent's Day 2007."

- See photo collage of a "Bench of Dreams" Grandparent's Day in 2005.

- See photo collage of a "Bench of Dreams" Grandparent's Day in 2004

3. Potomac, Maryland - "Yoga For Elders" Intergenerational
Program at Byron House Assisted Living.

Karen Kinnecome, Director of Byron House invited me this summer to guide some Yoga classes for our elders. During the classes we conversed about the power of the mind to better our thoughts, emotions, behaviors and overall quality of life. We practiced better breathing work, positive visualization and awareness of movement. It was a lot of fun!

I asked the elders... what can you do to quiet your mind when you find yourself focusing on negative thoughts?

- Virginia, 100: I play my favorite music and do not allow negative thinking "ruin my parade."

- Danny, 67: I take walks and for every step I make I try to think about something to be grateful for.

Here is a photo collage of YOGA WITH ELDERS at Byron House.

4. Alexandria, Virginia - Summer Pajama Party with elders and caregivers. Creativity and humor and tonics for better longevity.

HAPPINESS IS HEALTH !

Please share your ideas or feedback to us.... send inquiries, requests for programs, speaker and consulting services with WEL, World Elder Land or Kathy J. Ward to connection@kathyjward.com

www.kathyjward.com/KJW

Peace be with you!

Kathy J. Ward, MA, MS, CTRS, ADC, CGP, CALA
Universal Peace Ambassador,
Cercle Universel des Ambassadeurs de la Paix - Geneva Switzerland
President of WEL, World Elder Land
Holistic Health Practitioner and Consultant
President of ERT, Elder Recreation Therapy
Therapeutic Recreation Consultant
National Assisted Living Administrator Certified
Board Member, Activities, Adaptation and Aging Journal
Author
National Alzheimer's Association Speakers Bureau
Love Ambassador - Florida, USA
Member of the World Poet Society - Greece
Ambassador of Happiness For Elders - Connecticut, USA
Cell: (240) 393-5456

© Copyright 2007 Kathy J. Ward. All rights reserved.
No part of KJW blog or KJW websites: WEL, World Elder Land, ERT, Elder Recreation Therapy, BWCA, Better World Community Adventures, may be reproduced, totally or partially, in any form or by any means, without the written prior permission of the author. The use of our materials in KJW websites, conferences, group presentations, publications or network computer system is prohibited without the written prior permission of the author. The use of proposals presented and discussed during individual meetings by WEL or KJW is prohibited without the written prior permission of Kathy J. Ward. There can be a civil penalty for a person or organization that violates KJW copyright.

*

posted by KJW Announce # 12:56 PM 0 comments

PRACTICE - EDUCATION - SCIENCE

[KJW #086] Our Elders On The Global Agenda.

WEL, World Elder Land Continues Emphasizing The Importance Of:

1. The Inclusion Our Dear Elders In the Process of Betterment of Their Own Lives and Our Communities... Present and Future

2. Including Aging On Global Priority Agenda

Meetings in Washington D. C. and New York this August 2007. Kathy Ward, Universal Peace Ambassador and president of
World Elder Land discussing perspectives, work in progress
and the importance of nominating
UN Goodwill Ambassadors For Elders all over the world.
(Photos: David Smith in Washington D. C. and
in N. Y. with Alexandre Sidorenko, UN Focal Point on Aging.)

UN Goodwill Ambassadors For Elders can advocate, network and find better ways to work with and for elders, and
to facilitate a global agenda, resources and efforts
on the real needs of our elders.

Since 2004 WEL continues communicating and encouraging world leaders and everyone to support our petition for the nomination of UN Goodwill Ambassadors For Elders all over the world.

H.R.H. Prince of Asturias, Felipe de Borbón
UN Goodwill Ambassador Harry Belafonte
UN Former Assistant Secretary General, Dr. Robert Muller
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Laureate 1984
Infanta Cristina of Spain, Duchess of Palma de Mallorca
Nelson Mandela, Noble Peace Prize in 1993
Dr. Kofi Annan, Former UN Secretary General and Noble Peace Prize in 2001.

The true self-actualization of humanity is not in achieving 'things' but it is in transcending, challenging our limitations and reaching our dreams for better spiritual human evolving. In consequence we live our life inspiring with our work and better lifestyle choices. Day-by-day we can succeed in our common vision for a better world for our elders when we proceed together, firmly, focusing INTENTION and ATTENTION in our heart's desires.

WEL continues embracing in brotherhood the UN Program on Aging and all our fellow human beings for your noble, meaningful and heartfelt work to help materialize a better, more fair and happy world for our elders.

WEL, World Elder Land - Global Action On Aging

Our vision:

Our elders are a blessing for our human family.

It is our moral responsibility to treat our elders with respect, to love them and to value their many years of contributions and learning experiences.

Civic Engagement: Increasing the understanding of evidence based global aging issues... everyone is invited to practice better ways to help millions of elders in the world who day-by-day experience isolation, discrimination, violence, abuse, legal protection, a happy and safe home, and limited health care services.

By actively including our elders in the planning, implementation, testing and evaluation of our spiritual human evolving, in our communities of place and communities of interest, we contribute and facilitate their social inclusion, vocational wellness, physical and psychosocial health, their spiritual and intellectual wellness and much more...

Our elders can help us sharpen our listening skills, weave a better present and future for all of us, dissolve negative egos or better the use of our resources.

Our elders are not a "product" or a "problem" in our global society. As caregivers we can facilitate, network and influence, NOW, a better and healthier quality of life for the treasures of our communities, our elders.

Social support networks, "universal old-age pensions" that can reduce poverty, and better health for our elders can to be a priority so they can end their journey with us, on their "graduation day", with dignity, happiness and surrounded by the visible love of their human family.

Our elders can speak their mind and heart boldly and freely based on their experience and better ways... and as Nelson Mandela said..."elders can support courage where there is fear, foster agreement where there is conflict, and inspire hope where there is despair."

Let's continue co-creating a better world for our elders...

Everyone is invited!!!

* * * * *

Join us ...

A month of world events; better practices, civic engagement, advocacy and meaningful projects with and for our elders

September 17 - October 17, 2007

- UN International Day of Peace, September 21
- UN International Day of Older Persons, October 1
- International Day of St. Francis, October 4th
- UN International Day of Eradication of Poverty, October 17

* * * * *

www.kathyjward.com/KJW

Please share your ideas or feedback to us.... send inquiries, requests for programs, speaker and consulting services with WEL, World Elder Land or Kathy J. Ward to connection@kathyjward.com

Peace be with you!

Kathy J. Ward, MA, MS, CTRS, ADC, CGP, CALA
Universal Peace Ambassador,
Cercle Universel des Ambassadeurs de la Paix - Geneva Switzerland
President of WEL, World Elder Land
Holistic Health Practitioner and Consultant
President of ERT, Elder Recreation Therapy
Therapeutic Recreation Consultant
National Assisted Living Administrator Certified
Board Member, Activities, Adaptation and Aging Journal
Author
National Alzheimer's Association Speakers Bureau
Love Ambassador - Florida, USA
Member of the World Poet Society - Greece
Ambassador of Happiness For Elders - Connecticut, USA
Cell: (240) 393-5456

WEL Offices: SPAIN, COLOMBIA, USA, VENEZUELA and DENMARK

© Copyright 2007 Kathy J. Ward. All rights reserved.
No part of KJW blog or KJW websites: WEL, World Elder Land, ERT, Elder Recreation Therapy, BWCA, Better World Community Adventures, may be reproduced, totally or partially, in any form or by any means, without the written prior permission of the author. The use of our materials in KJW websites, conferences, group presentations, publications or network computer system is prohibited without the written prior permission of the author. The use of proposals presented and discussed during individual meetings by WEL or KJW is prohibited without the written prior permission of Kathy J. Ward. There can be a civil penalty for a person or organization that violates KJW copyright.

posted by KJW Announce # 7:56 PM 0 comments

Sunday, September 30, 2007

[KJW #089] Activating Peace, Better Quality of Life, Better Health and Good Energy...

Saturday, September 15, 2007

[KJW #088] Whole-Person-Centered Wellness Retreat For Elders and Caregivers

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

[KJW #087] Nurturing and Understanding Our Human Brain... you are invited!

Thursday, September 06, 2007

[KJW #084-B] WEL Meaningful Summer Adventures With Our Elders and Their Caregivers - Part II

Monday, September 03, 2007

[KJW #086] Our Elders On The Global Agenda.

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