The Aging in America Conference Aging in America, the ASA-NCOA annual conference, is scheduled for March 15-19, 2009 at Bally's and Paris Hotels in Las Vegas. This conference provides unparalleled learning and networking opportunities for the diverse members of the aging network and for other professionals in aging, business and healthcare both in the United States and abroad. The call for presentations will remain open until August 1, 2008. We invite you to look over the instructions and consider submitting a proposal. New Directions in Hospice and Dementia Care

The recent American Federal Administration may have given many a cause for negative emotions - but one thing we got right was the sponsorhsip of South African Hospices through PEPFAR- 2008 Country Profile: South Africa National HIV prevalence rate among adults (ages 15-49): 18.1% Adults and children (ages 0-49) living with HIV at the end of 2007: 5.7 million AIDS deaths (adults and children) in 2007: 350,0001 AIDS orphans at the end of 2007: 1.4 million South Africa is one of PEPFAR’s 15 focus countries, which collectively represent approximately 50 percent of HIV infections worldwide. Under PEPFAR, South Africa received nearly $89.3 million in fiscal year (FY) 2004, nearly $148.2 million in FY 2005, more than $221.5 million in FY 2006, and $397.8 million in FY 2007 to support comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care programs. PEPFAR is providing nearly $590.9 million in FY 2008. South Africa’s AIDS epidemic is one of the worst in the world. It is a generalized epidemic, affecting all segments of society. In 2005, the Human Sciences Research Council released updated information on HIV prevalence and HIV-related risk behaviors. Of the study population, 10.8 percent were HIV-positive. The findings on behavior change showed that nearly half of all men and more than one-third of women over 15 years of age reported behavior change, including abstaining from sex, being faithful to one partner, reducing the number of sexual partners, and using a condom.2 These behavior changes may be related to strong prevention programs implemented by a wide range of stakeholders, including the South African Government, non-governmental organizations, and faith-based organizations. However, HIV data gathered in the country’s extensive antenatal clinic surveillance system suggest that HIV prevalence has not yet reached a plateau, and is still increasing among certain population groups.3 We are going to hear about the wonderful work these folks are doing and see if we can get more involved on an individual level. TUNE IN!

Children are not supposed to die. Yet, an estimated 50,000 American children will die this year from life-limiting illness, while worldwide, over seven million children and their families face this tragedy. Today, less than one percent of children needing hospice care in the United States receive it. Why? Join me and my distinguished guest, Ann Armstrong-Dailey, Founding Director/CEO of Children's Hospice International (CHI), a non-profit organization in Alexandria, Virginia as we discuss hospice services for children. The focus will be on the continuum of care for children and their families from the time that a child is diagnosed with a life-threatening condition — with hope for a cure — through the bereavement process, if cure is not attained. Increased awareness will lead to increased resources for this much needed specialized child care. CHI provides comprehensive programming, education and activism on behalf of children and families. Please visit their website and take the time to look at the “write your representative" link. You too can become proactive on this issue. http://www.chionline.org The devastating impact of a child’s death can often lead to increased incidence of job loss, drug and alcohol abuse, divorce and even emotional disturbances by the survivors. Children's hospice care encourages the families’ participation and thus eases their emotional strain and grief, yet with so few serving the country, families in difficulty have turned elsewhere. Join me and special guest, Dr. Patricia Munhall, a nationally board certified psychoanalyst and psychodynamic therapist (NAAP, AABC, ACAP, ABAP), international lecturer and renowned author, as we discuss the impact on the survivors. http://www.miamitherapy.com/Biog.htm In closing, I will dedicate this program with a poem and a message of love and compassion for those who have experienced this tragedy.

Dr. Zoe A. Lewis held a book signing for her new book "I hope they know . . . The Essential Handbook on Alzheimer's Disease and Care" and a one hour discussion at The JML Care Center for local residents and professional caregivers. Contact the facility for more information for future dates.

Distinguished guests from The National Institute for Jewish Hospice, Catholic Hospice of Pittsburgh, PA, Hospice of Michigan and the Zen Hospice Project, San Francisco, Ca., join Dr. Zoë A. Lewis for her inaugural blogtalkradio broadcast, HOSPICE RADIO, to discuss the faith-based approach to care. Guests will share Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Buddhist end-of-life cultural traditions. Dr. Lewis chose November to debut her show spotlighting National Hospice month - bringing awareness to hospice services for an international audience. Hospice Radio is a one-hour interview-based program featuring host Dr. Zoë A. Lewis, a recognized Internist and Hospice and Palliative Care physician. She is an internationally recognized author and speaker on end-of-life care and Alzheimer’s disease and care. Program segments will explore end-of-life concerns clouded in mystery and confusion and will feature guests with national and international expertise. Hospice Radio is the first program of its kind with a medical specialist as your host and distinguished guests sharing wise and compassionate advice, information and support. Each program will be designed to educate an international audience and will be presented in the way millions worldwide are choosing to get up-to-date, relevant information - in an engaging talk show format. This show benefits anyone with a life-threatening illness along with their caregivers, and loved ones. The program is not intended to provide specific individual medical advice rather it will enlighten listeners with knowledge regarding chosen topics. Hospice Radio is solely created and produced by Dr.Zoë A. Lewis as a public service. You will be able to tune in LIVE on the program date and time or listen to archived programs right here by clicking on the blogtalkradio icon - or go to the blogtalk radio site directly at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/drzoehospiceradio.

TABLETOP EXHIBIT SPACE I will be discussing and signing my books and offering a 10% discount to SF Writers association members.

Dr. Zoe A. Lewis will discuss self-publication in the digital age and present her success story with the hope to inspire others. "When I invited Dr. Zoe Lewis, who once attended one of our meetings, to be our guest speaker, she responded, "I learned a lot from the first meeting I went to, so it is my turn to give back." Dr. Lewis (Zoe) has also spoken on end of life issues at Culture in the City." To join the South Florida Writers Association: Click Here

Listen to Dr. Zoë and her host Michael Levy discuss her new book, "I hope they know……The Essential Handbook on Alzheimer’s Disease and Care” taped on Wednesday, August 20, 2008. Dr. Zoë is honored to be invited as the co-host for Michael Levy's Point of Life Inspirational Internet Radio Program, heard free worldwide. Please tune in for the hour as she has arranged for fellow Alzheimer disease specialists, caregivers and contributing authors to phone in that hour! Click on the link below to listen to the archive.

PointOfLife.com

Listen to Dr. Zoë discuss her new book, "I hope they know……The Essential Handbook on Alzheimer’s Disease and Care” taped live Saturday, August 9, 2008. She was a guest in the 4th segment of the program now archived on this website here-- "Coping with Caregiving" heard free worldwide.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN NOW!