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New 'Take Time Texas' website offers resources for caregivers

New 'Take Time Texas' website offers resources for caregivers

Caring for a loved one is rewarding, but it can also be stressful – mentally, physically, emotionally and financially. To address these concerns, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) today is launching a website – www.taketimetexas.org – that provides the resources caregivers need to take an occasional break from their day-to-day responsibilities.

Released by Texas Health and Human Services Commission:

TakeTimeTexas.org is the first statewide clearinghouse of information for both caregivers and providers of “respite” services – those services that allow caregivers to take a temporary break in order to restore or strengthen their ability to continue providing care for a child or adult with functional needs.

“Having cared for my mother during her eight-year battle with Alzheimer's disease, I understand the overwhelming challenges that caregivers face every day,” said state Sen.

It’s time for cancer survivors and loved ones to sign up for annual RFL

It’s time for cancer survivors and loved ones to sign up for annual RFL

Each year Relay For Life raises money for American Cancer Society to spread awareness efforts and help those affected.

The community drive also honors those who are or have battled cancer, remembers those who have lost the fight and offers hope for a cure through research and early detection.

Click here for the ACS homepage for information about how to participate.... Read More

Helping aging parents avoid financial fraud

Helping aging parents avoid financial fraud

Released by the Better Business Bureau:

Fraud targeting senior citizens is a growing concern as millions have fallen victim to scammers. Better Business Bureau encourages families to keep the lines of communication open with their elders regarding finances and to recognize some common cons targeting senior citizens.

According to a June 2010 survey by Investor Protection Trust, more than 7.3 million senior citizens—roughly 20 percent of Americans aged 65 or older--already have “been taken advantage of financially in terms of an inappropriate investment, unreasonably high fees for financial services, or outright fraud.”

“Having a serious conversation with your elderly parents about how they are managing their money is not easy, but it is extremely important in order to help protect them from unscrupulous crooks,” said Alison Southwick, BBB spokesperson.

Adorable 'designer' siblings looking for a home of their own

Adorable 'designer' siblings looking for a home of their own

There are many good reasons to adopt a shelter pet; the pets there are current with their shots, are spayed or neutered, and are ready to go home with you after you fill out the adoption paperwork and pay the adoption fee.

Shelter pets often seem to know that you saved their lives, and show loyalty and love to their adopted family.

Not only that, but some doctors say that pets are great stress-relievers. It's hard not to feel better when a friendly dog greets you at the door with a happy face and wagging tail. Pets are no substitute for a doctor's help if you are depressed, but they are definitely a help. In the eyes of a pet, you are  the most important person on the planet.

The pets pictured here are siblings who have been surrendered to the Henderson County Humane Society. For more information about these adorable mixed 'designer' breeds, call the shelter at (903)677-7387 for information about how to meet these dogs.

Bring a lonely pet into your home for real holiday joy!

Bring a lonely pet into your home for real holiday joy!

If you are on the fence about pet adoption, take a look at these faces and give it some thought. Perhaps you have room in your family and in your home for a pet who would add a lot of love and joy to your life.

Did you know that having pets in your home can be beneficial to your health? Read this article on WebMD that tells how pets help keep Alzheimers patients calm and are good for cardiovascular health, among other things.

Always be sure that you are committed to pet ownership before adopting, however. Take into consideration whether your apartment complex or rental home allows pets, how much you would likely spend on food and supplies, how much time you are home, and so forth. 

Talk to the wonderful people at the Henderson County Humane Society if you have any questions or concerns.  (903) 677-7387 or go by the shelter at 901 W.

Light up a Life for Hospice of East Texas

Light up a Life for Hospice of East Texas

Released by Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce:

Light up a Life for Hospice of East Texas  - 6pm at Reagan Park. The tree lighting ceremonies to honor the memory of a friend or loved one will be held in ten different locations throughout East Texas.

Light Up A Life is the annual fund-raiser for the Hospice of East Texas, a nonprofit community-based organization. Proceeds from Light Up A Life enables the organization to provide exceptional end-of –life care to any patient and their families throughout East Texas despite their ability to pay.

A gift of $10 or more represents a light on the Hospice Tree.

The Hospice of East Texas has served the East Texas region for 29 years. Every patient and their patient and their family are surrounded with a team of physicians, nurses, certified nurse aides, social workers, chaplains, bereavement staff and volunteers.

Diabetic support group at PRCIL

Diabetic support group at PRCIL

Released by Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce:

The monthly Diabetic Support group meeting will be held at the Palestine Resource Center for Independent Living (PRCIL) Thursday, October 20, 2011  at 2pm.

Kevin Watts with Crown Home Health will present on overview of the connection between Diabetes and Hypertension. 

For more information contact PRCIL at 903-729-7505,  1-888-326-5166 (toll-free, long distance) 421 Ave A.<?xml:namespace prefix = o />