Douglas Friedman, Director of Communications, Alzheimer’s Association San Diego/Imperial

Living well, the very goal for those who read this publication, can be achieved in many ways, by many measures.

It goes without saying that a healthy diet, exercise, and positive social interaction can contribute to your “living well.”  Travel, hobbies, friends, and accomplishments can lead to what the Alzheimer’s Association calls “a life well led.”

Beyond that fine distinction, there are significant measures we can take that will carry one to a level beyond just living well or a life well led.  We call it “giving back.”

For those who give back, either through charitable contributions, committing time to help others in the community (from participating in charity walks to visiting hospital patients), or simply promoting help for those in need on social media, their lives are enriched by a shower of gratitude from those they have helped.

At the Alzheimer’s Association here in San Diego and Imperial Counties, the gratitude we have for volunteers cannot be overstated.  Whether participating in our Walk to End Alzheimer’s, managing an information table at a fair or festival, or simply helping in our office is a greatly appreciated act of kindness.

Right now, the Alzheimer’s Association is looking for community educators to lead educational programs throughout the county, including “The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s,” “Managing Money: A Caregiver’s Guide to Finance”, “Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia” and more.

Volunteers are trained, in English and/or Spanish, and provided with all the tools necessary to make a presentation.  Hours are flexible, with a commitment as little as two hours per month.

Please consider how this small act of kindness will bring comfort and knowledge to others.  The impact you can make is considerable.

For more information on becoming an Alzheimer’s Association community educator, go to https://www.alz.org/sandiego/volunteer or email Rebecca Turman at rturman@alz.org.