‘Stress down’ for Alzheimer disease this Friday

Do you find yourself forgetting things? Well, much of this might be related to stress in the workplace, says the executive director of the Kenora-Rainy River branch of the Alzheimer Society.
So Margaret Schonewille is encouraging all area businesses to take it easy for “Stress Down Friday” this Friday (Feb. 20) and donate the proceeds to the local Alzheimer Society.
“In Fort Frances, we have two participants—Robert Moore School and Howarth’s Home Centre,” Schonewille said from her office in Kenora.
“Others might be doing it, but they haven’t sent in their acknowledgment,” she added. “But even if they aren’t registered at the time, they can do it and send us the money.”^Participants just pay $2 to take part in the event and everyone gets to enjoy a stress-free start to their weekends, said Schonewille.
She added the idea for the “stress down” day came from the fact younger people across Canada have been contacting the Alzheimer Society to inquire if their stress-related memory loss is an indicator of Alzheimer disease.
The “stress down” day not only is a chance to raise money for the Alzheimer Society, but to raise awareness of stress-related memory loss.
How the day will be “stress-free” will be determined by each workplace— the point is to have a little fun. Some suggestions to do this include:
•choosing a theme and dressing accordingly;
•organizing a five-minute miniexercise class;
•enjoying a head and shoulder massage;
•going out for lunch or afterwork drinks;
•taking your break at a different time; or
•playing relaxing music while you work.
“Even if the boss just decides to bring in doughnuts for everyone that day, that counts,” noted Schonewille.
A suggested donation is $2 per participant, but any greater donation won’t be turned away.
Proceeds will go towards supporting individuals and families living with Alzheimer Disease in the Kenora-Rainy River districts.
To register your business, contact the Alzheimer Society at 1-807- 468-1516 or 1-800-682-0245.
A package will be sent to all hosts to assist them with this event.