March 16, 2005
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Bud Bunce (503) 233-8373
bbunce@archdpdx.org
Spirituality and Aging Conference
The 2005 Archdiocesan Spirituality and Aging Conference will be held on Saturday, April 30 at St. Pius X Parish Center (1280 NW Saltzman Road, Portland). The conference will begin at 8:00 a.m. with registration and conclude at 3:30 p.m. The conference will consider spirituality, healthcare, and caregiving.
Sister Kathryn James Hermes will give the spirituality keynote address:
The Wisdom and the Struggles of our Aging Brothers and Sisters: Making
a Difference in 8 Powerful Ways. This presentation will consider how those
of mature years share their faith with others. It will also consider the
struggles they experience. It will consider the feelings of fear, helplessness,
and anger which older persons sometimes experience.
Sister Kathryn James, a Daughter of St.
Paul, holds a Masters in Theological Studies from Weston Jesuit School
of Theology. She is the author of Surviving Depression: A Catholic Approach
and Prayers for Surviving Depression (Pauline Books and Media; www.pauline.org).
She lives in Boston where she writes, maintains pauline.org, and offers
spiritual direction.
The healthcare keynote address will be presented by Dr. Leslie Koralek, Ph.D. His presentation will be Addiction & Older Adults: Overcoming myths and seeking healing. Addiction comes in many forms: substance abuse, sex, and gambling. However, the impact of personal addiction is almost always devastating personally, professionally and spiritually. This presentation will consider how to recognize addiction in one's own life, or in the lives of friends and family. This presentation investigates the psychological nature of addiction and offers practical suggestions for overcoming addiction and intervening in personal or family situations. Dr. Koralek will also address common myths surrounding addiction. A special consideration will be given to those issues faced by older adults and their families.
Dr. Leslie Koralek holds a doctorate in clinical Psychology from Psychological Studies Institute in Palo Alto, CA. A recovering alcoholic and drug addict with twenty-nine years of sobriety, he has twenty-five years experience working in the treatment field. He is the co-founder of Springbrook, a nationally recognized treatment center originally established to treat addicted physicians. He was also involved in the founding of Oregon's impaired physicians program. Dr. Koralek travels nationally and internationally helping families and friends intervene on loved ones who are suffering from addiction.
Lynda Crandall, RN, GNP will give the keynote address on caregiving, Mental
Health and Mental Illness in Aging: Points on a Continuum. Mental health
is fundamental to health. This interactive presentation will offer an overview
of normal age-related changes as well as the prevalence of mental illness
and mental health problems that most commonly present in later life. Steps
directed toward prevention will
be highlighted along with the principles
of intervention for older adults. Resources will be discussed and opportunity
for questions and answers provided.
Lynda Crandall is a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner who has worked in the field of geriatrics and geriatric mental health for thirty years. She has provided direct care in the nursing home setting and at the Oregon State Hospital Geriatric Program; training and consultation, at all levels of care. She has authored several chapters in nursing text books and a number of training manuals on aging and mental health. She currently works at Seniors and People With Disabilities as the Behavioral Health Coordinator in the Office of Licensing and Quality of Care, and serves as Board President for the Alzheimer's Network of Oregon. Lynda is a parishioner at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Keizer, Oregon.
Until April 22, the conference registration fee is $22 per person. After April 22 or at the door, the fee is $25. For groups of three or more, the fee is $15 per person. A simple lunch is included. A conference brochure with registration form is available on the Archdiocese of Portland web site: www.archdpdx.org/marriage&family/events.htm. For further information, contact the Archdiocese of Portland, 503-233-8319.
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