2023-2024 Speaker Series
Take All the Right Moves for Health and Safety
St. James NEST’s third speaker series, Take the Right Moves for Health and Safety, will focus on ways to keep yourself healthy and safe to ensure that you are able to enjoy this chapter of your life to the very fullest. If you aren’t yet familiar with St. James NEST, its purpose is to provide services and support to St. James' residents to enhance their ability to make aging in place a reality. All of our programs aim to address issues that might affect your ability to do that.
Your Mind Matters: The Best Way to Love Your Brain
Wednesday, September 13, 2023 - 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Speakers: Brooke Vallaly, Alzheimer’s Association, Eastern North Carolina Chapter and Rosalie Calarco, AARP North Carolina
This collaborative program from the Alzheimer’s Association Eastern NC and AARP North Carolina dives into the science around brain health. Research is still evolving, but evidence is strong that lifestyle behaviors may have the biggest impact in reducing your risk of cognitive decline. Identify how certain behaviors affect our brains and bodies and learn recommendations that will help you take control of brain health.
Speaker Materials and Resources: You can access a recording of the event presentation here. Handouts included: Debunking Myths About the Aging Brain, Exercise & Brain Health, Six Things to Consider Before Buying Supplements, Better Heart, Better Brain, Healthy Living for Your Brain & Body, and AARP Brain Health Resources.
Understanding an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 - 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Speaker: Brooke Vallaly, Alzheimer’s Association, Eastern North Carolina Chapter
One in four people will receive an Alzheimer's diagnosis in their lifetime. The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or Dementia is life-changing and leads to many questions.What will this mean for you and your family? How do you plan for the future? Where can you get the help you need? Hear from other people and families who understand what you are going through, and learn more about what you need to know, what you need to plan and what you can do as you and your family navigate this new chapter.
Speaker Materials and Resources: You can access a recording of the event presentation here. Handouts included: Tips for Managing Aggression, Agitation, and Sundowning, Understanding Alzheimer's Genes, Understanding Memory Loss,10 Tips for Living with Alzheimer's, What Do We Know About Preventing Alzheimer's Disease?, and Principles for a Dignified Diagnosis. For a wealth of information on Alzheimer's and dementia, visit the Help and Support section on alz.org.
January 23, 2024 - 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Speaker: Carrie Pasquarello, Global Secure Resources Inc.
Carrie Pasquarello, the CEO and Co-Founder of Global Secure Resources Inc. will discuss the essentials of travel safety and emphasize the importance of being proactive, prepared, and protected to prevent travel mishaps. The program aims to enhance travelers' ability to identify, evaluate, and avoid potential risks. Ultimately, the main objective of this program is to equip travelers with the necessary tools to ensure a fun and rewarding travel experience, while minimizing stress and ensuring safety. Carrie's program handout: Tips for Traveling Abroad 2024 and you can watch The Strategize Your Travel Safety presentation video here.
Taking Steps to Minimize Cancer Risks for Yourself and Your Family
March 19, 2024 - 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Speaker: Sarah Davis, Oncology RN, Hope Abounds Network
Sarah Davis, from Hope Abounds Network, will discuss the advantages of adopting healthy behaviors. These habits can significantly improve your overall health and reduce the likelihood of developing many types of cancer. During the program, Sarah will provide tips on how to take charge of your well-being and encourage your loved ones to do the same. A family being aware of their cancer history impacts their care for generations to come. The session will be interactive, featuring live polling and information on genetic screening. A program you will not want to miss!
The Importance of Food Choices as We Age
May 21, 2024 - 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Speaker: Janice Shannon, MS, CNS, LN, JES Nutrition and Wellness
The dietary choices that we make each day impact our overall health. As we age, the dietary choices we make become even more important in the role that it plays in how we feel and engage with life. Janice will discuss a major misdirected focus, conflicting information, and the challenges that can exist when trying to eat to support a healthy lifestyle. She will discuss what the focus should be; as well as what foods build us up, and which ones can tear us down.