Health Education Resources

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Category: Health Education Resources

August is National “Make a Will” Month, and it’s a great annual reminder to update your will if needed and create a will if you don’t have one already. A will is an important estate-planning document that can help you transfer your assets with ease. Having a proper will can make the difference between a smooth transfer of assets and a probate nightmare.

Let’s learn more about what wills are, why you need one, and some tips on how to create or update your will during National “Make a Will” Month.

What Is a Will?

A will, or a “Last Will and Testament,” is a legal document that outlines your intention for the distribution of your assets after your death. It is an integral part of a comprehensive estate plan and helps your loved ones avoid legal and financial loopholes and know what to do with your assets. These explicit instructions are essential and can help everyone avoid a lot of headaches.

Wills vs Trusts

When you’re researching estate planning documents, you have likely come across both wills and trusts. While both documents can help dictate what you want to do with your assets when you’re gone, there is one main difference.

The primary difference between a will and a trust is that a trust takes effect as soon as it’s created and signed, while a will does so only after you pass away.1 There are also two different types of trusts to consider: irrevocable and revocable.

Irrevocable trusts are trusts that can’t be changed or canceled after they have been signed.

Revocable trusts can be changed, and the grantor has the right to change the terms or even end the trust.

Some other differences between wills and trusts are that a will requires probate to transfer items to beneficiaries, but trusts can avoid probate. In addition, wills are public record and trusts can remain private. Because a trust takes effect right when it’s created, it can be used if you become incapacitated and unable to make decisions independently.

Do You Need a Will?

We face so many financial obligations every day, so should creating a will be at the top of your list? Most financial experts say yes, you need a will. Even if you don’t have substantial assets to transfer, a will can still help your family feel more confident about your wishes. In addition to making the transfer of assets easier, here are a few benefits of having a will:

• It allows you to distribute your property and protect your loved ones after you pass away.
• It can provide peace of mind to you and your family.
• You can plan for those in your care (e.g., naming a legal guardian for your children or pets).
• It may prevent family conflict.
• It can eliminate confusion over assets.
• It can ensure that your assets go to the people you want to have them.
• It can help you build a lasting legacy.
• You can use your will to benefit charity.

These are just a few of the many benefits of having a will. To celebrate National “Make a Will” Month, let’s look at how to create a will.

How to Create a Will

Creating a will can be a straightforward process, or it can involve the help of attorneys and financial advisors. Also, the process will depend on where you live because every state has different requirements for creating a will.

Generally, the first step in creating a will is to determine what you want to include. You should include instructions for passing along your assets after your death, including ownership and other instructions. You may consider working with an attorney to ensure that your will contains everything it needs.

Next, you will likely sign your will in front of two witnesses, and these two witnesses will also sign your will. Some states require a self-proving affidavit that you sign in front of a notary, other states require your will to be notarized, and some states don’t require any special self-proving documentation as long as you sign and witness your will correctly.

Whether you have $10 worth of assets or $10 million, creating a will is a good idea to ensure your family knows your wishes. Wills help make the transfer of assets easier and give you and your family more peace of mind. Consider creating or updating your will this August for National “Make a Will” Month!

Resources:

https://trustandwill.com/learn/what-is-a-will

https://www.freewill.com/learn/3-reasons-to-make-a-will-this-make-a-will-month

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/california-make-will-32181.html

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Category: Health Education Resources

July is Healthy Vision Month, and it is a good time to schedule an eye exam to check for common eye problems. The CDC’s Vision Health Initiative partners with the National Eye Institute to encourage all Americans to make vision a health priority this month. Most vision issues can be prevented, so it is important to take care of your eyes.

Each year, the National Eye Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health, recognizes the month of July as Healthy Vision Month. This is an opportunity to bring attention to eye health and recognize opticians and other eye care professionals.

This year’s theme for Healthy Vision Month is Eye on Health Equity. The theme emphasizes the importance of equity in vision and eye health care. Having healthy eyes and vision are as pertinent to overall health and well-being as are mental and physical health. Everyone should have open access to eye health care from optometrists and other eye care professionals, and this year’s Healthy Vision Month theme is an opportunity to recognize and start conversations about how to close the gaps in vision care among different populations.

This month is also a time to learn how to protect your vision and eye health.  Getting regular eye exams (including eye dilatation) is important, but there are other factors that influence vision.  Some ways to protect your vision and eye health include:

• Receiving regular eye exams
• Maintaining a healthy diet
• Not using cigarettes or other tobacco and nicotine products
• Wearing sun protection for the eyes when outdoors
• Wearing protective eyewear when necessary
• Learning about your family’s eye health history

Because Allen Temple is committed to our congregation’s and community’s overall health and wellbeing, we are adding a new feature to our annual health fair.  Please join us at this year’s Holistic Health Fair—our 43^rd—where we will partner with a local chapter of the Lions Club to provide FREE vision screening and FREE eyeglasses.  Everyone is welcome and there is no medical insurance or documentation required.  This critical service will be available as part of the Health Fair on Saturday, July 15^th, 10am-2pm.  Registration is recommended!

Sources:

Center for Disease Control, National Institutes of Health

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Category: Health Education Resources

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that typically starts with mild memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with problem-solving. As it progresses, it can lead to more severe symptoms, such as the inability to communicate, recognize loved ones, and carry out basic tasks.

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month aims to raise public awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. The month is an opportunity to educate people about the signs and symptoms of the disease, the risk factors, and the importance of early detection and diagnosis.

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month also promotes research into the disease’s causes, treatments, and potential cures. It also seeks to reduce the stigma and discrimination surrounding Alzheimer’s disease. By raising and understanding, people may be more compassionate and supportive of those affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  To show our solidarity with those impacted by this disease, we can wear a purple ribbon to show our support.

Alzheimer’s Facts

• Prevalence: Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-70% of all cases. It affects an estimated 6.5 million Americans aged 65 and over and could increase four times by 2050.
• Symptoms: Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder impacting a person’s memory, thinking, and ability to carry out daily activities. Early symptoms may include forgetting recent events or conversations, difficulty with problem-solving, and confusion about time or place.
• Treatment: While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, medications and interventions can help manage symptoms and improve a person’s quality of life. Medications include cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine.
• Risk Factors: Age is the main risk factor for Alzheimer’s. The risk doubles every 5 years after age 65. Other risk factors include genetics and head injuries. There may be a link between Alzheimer’s and certain medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.

Information and support

Many organizations are available to support people affected by Alzheimer’s. They include:

• Alzheimer’s Association: The Alzheimer’s Association provides support groups, education programs, and care consultations to help families cope with the challenges of the disease. To access these resources, visit alz.org or call their 24/7 helpline at 1-800-272-3900.
• National Institute on Aging: The National Institute on Aging is a government organization providing information on Alzheimer’s disease and other aging-related health topics. Their website offers information on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, caregiving, and resources for clinical trials and research studies.
• Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: This nonprofit organization offers a helpline (1-866-232-8484) staffed by licensed social workers, support groups, educational materials, and a network of resources for Alzheimer’s care.
• Local senior centers: Many senior centers offer support groups and educational programs for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s. To find a local senior center, visit eldercare.acl.gov or call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

 

Content source: CDC, Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; Medical News Today; NIH National Library of Medicine

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Category: Health Education Resources

Mental health is wealth, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month, which is celebrated in May. The stigma around mental health and treatment has long existed, even though this has started to change. Still, people hesitate to seek help or even talk about it with their loved ones for fear of being judged and facing unnecessary backlash. Simple logic dictates that if we are hurt anywhere, we must seek treatment to get better. This applies to both our mental- and physical well-being. 

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. since 1949. Every year during the month of May, NAMI joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Together, we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support the millions of people in the U.S. affected by mental illness. 

While mental health conditions can affect anyone regardless of background, culture or identity, the experience of racial trauma and ongoing discrimination can cause and significantly worsen symptoms. Additionally, communities of color face added barriers to mental health care, such as cultural stigma, lack of available mental health professionals and inadequate community-based treatment options. This is something we must change: Mental health conditions don’t discriminate, and neither should our mental health care system.

Mental Illness Affects Everyone 

Mental illness affects nearly 60 million Americans every year. Regardless of race, age, religion or economic status, mental illness impacts the lives of at least one in four adults and one in 10 children across the United States. People living with mental illness need help and hope. They need a community that supports them, their families, and their recovery.

Did You Know?

One in four adults experience a mental health condition in a given year, including depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other conditions. Faith and spirituality are essential elements of healing and recovery for many, yet many clergy and people of faith feel ill-equipped to provide appropriate support, education and assistance to persons living with mental illness. NAMI FaithNet can help.

What is NAMI?

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI FaithNet is an interfaith resource network of NAMI members, friends, clergy, and congregations of all faith traditions who wish to encourage faith communities who are welcoming and supportive of persons and families living with mental illness.

NAMI FaithNet strives to encourage welcoming, caring congregations as well as to promote the vital role of spirituality in the recovery journeys of many who live with mental health conditions, those for whom faith is a key component.

Through NAMI FaithNet | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness and through efforts nationally and in local communities, NAMI and NAMI Affiliates encourage an exchange of information, tools and other resources which will help educate and inspire faith communities about mental illness and the vital role spirituality plays in recovery for many.

An Advocate’s Prayer

O God of Light and Knowledge, -- we pray that darkness, fear and ignorance about serious mental illnesses might be dispelled by the light of knowledge.

            We pray for Peace and Wholeness – for those with troubled minds and hearts, that broken lives and relationships might be mended.

            We ask for Understanding -- that the walls of stigma, labels, exclusion, and marginalization might be broken down through education and advocacy.

            We pray for Healing -- for men, women and children living with mental illness, for better treatment, for steadier recovery, for greater opportunity to work and serve. 

            We ask for Faith and Hope – for those who feel no one cares.  Dispel their despair through a cup of cold water, an outstretched arm, a listening ear, and a committed advocate.           

            We offer our Thanks - for new discoveries in medical research, for faithful caregivers, for dedicated mental health professionals and persistent researchers.

            Most of all, O God of Steadfast Love, we thank you for your Love -- that sustains the weary, that defends the weak, that sets the lonely in families, that brings beauty out of ashes, that brings a song in the night; that inspires courage to hope, to watch, to work for a new and brighter Day.

            AMEN.