LI's Gurwin Healthcare Raises Alzheimer's Awareness With Walk

COMMACK, NY — Gurwin Healthcare System brought awareness to Alzheimer’s Awareness Month by hosting a walk on Nov. 7.

More than 35 people walked, including Stuart B. Almer, president and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System, as well as Gurwin patients with Alzheimer's and their family members.

“Each November, the Gurwin campus is aglow in teal to support Alzheimer’s Awareness Month,“ Almer said. “Our skilled nursing and assisted living communities, as well as our adult day care program 'go teal,' hosting teal-themed activities, programs and even teal-colored foods to raise awareness. Gurwin’s Social Adult Day Care Program staff organized this year’s Alzheimer’s Walk to bring together program participants, their caregivers and team members. The event was successful in not only supporting research for a cure, but also helping to shine a light on services that are available to Long Islanders living with Alzheimer’s Disease and their families.”

Light the World in Teal is an annual program held in November as part of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, where people and places around the world “go teal” to raise awareness and show support for the millions of people affected by Alzheimer’s.

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) chose the color teal after color psychology studies showed it to be a calming color.

"This is helpful when designing and decorating spaces and events to be welcoming and comforting to those living with Alzheimer’s," Gurwin Healthcare wrote, citing information from the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. "So, next time you see someone dressed in teal, remember the more than 6 million people living with Alzheimer’s and the help they need!"