The Longest Day
Celebrating The Longest Day® All Week Long!
For the fifth consecutive year, the departments of Recreational Services, Kent State of Wellbeing and Employee Wellness have come together to sponsor The Longest Day® at Kent State, in conjunction with the Alzheimer's Association.
Alzheimer's disease is often referred to as "the long goodbye" because of its slow nature and lasting emotional and physical drain. In honor of people fighting the disease and those who love and care for them, the Alzheimer's Association encourages the public to host events on the longest day of the year - the summer solstice - while raising funds and awareness to advance Alzheimer's care, support and research.
Read on to learn about the many ways you can participate in this special week.
June 20 – 23 (The following activities last all week!)
The Longest Day Photo Challenge
There are two categories you can photograph for the challenge.
- FIND IT. Take advantage of the extra daylight with an outdoor scavenger hunt
- DO IT. Engage in activities to support your brain health or let someone else know you’re thinking of them.
View or Download the Longest Day Photo Challenge Flier (PDF)
Enter to win prizes by sending in at least 3 photos of yourself and your family or friends (four-legged, too) participating in the FIND IT activities, DO IT activities, or both! Submit photos to wellness@kent.edu by Monday, June 26 to be entered into our prize raffle.
Have fun with it! Full-time, benefits-eligible employees participating in the Wellness Your Way program will earn 10 Tier Two points under the "Move for a Cause" category. You will not need to submit a form; your points will appear under "Move for a Cause" on the Be Well portal in the coming weeks. Encourage students to participate as well!
Free Classes with the Department of Recreation and Wellness Services
Come visit the SRWC to try out FREE classes! All faculty and staff can demo any class the SRWC offers from June 20 - 23. Individuals that attend these classes will be entered into a drawing for an Employee Wellness prize pack!
Tuesday, June 20, Noon - 1 p.m.
Webinar: Maintaining a Healthy Brain
Diseases of the brain are scary. As we age, we want to keep our brain functioning well. Join Michael Schechter, MD of Be Well Solutions, as he discusses:
- The basics of brain function and the unique elements of the human brain
- Strategies to maintain memory and concentration
- Normal changes vs. abnormal ones
- Strategies to maintain a healthy brain throughout life
This program is open to ALL full- and part-time employees. For full-time, benefits-eligible employees participating in the Wellness Your Way program, this session is worth 10 Tier Two points.
Wednesday, June 21, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
The Longest Day - Outdoor Activities
Join us in the quad by Heer Hall on Kent Campus for a variety of activities themed around brain health! These activities are open to ALL full- and part-time employees. For full-time, benefits-eligible employees participating in the Wellness Your Way program, participation in this activity is worth 10 Tier Two points. A sign-in sheet will be located at our check-in table!
- Brain Walk: Progress around a course while completing various brain games and riddles. This can be done individually or with friends!
- Picnic Games: Have some fun while playing some of our favorite yard games- cornhole, disc golf, giant jenga, and more!
- Selfie Station: Come take a picture with the “Longest Day Selfie Frame” and share why the Longest Day is important to you!
- Donations: **Optional** Make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association (a QR code will be available)
- Alzheimer’s Resource Table: Learn more about Alzheimer’s and the Alzheimer’s Association
Thursday, June 22, 10 - 10:30 a.m.
Webinar: Alzheimer's and the Aging Brain
Alzheimer's is a disease that affects the brains of many individuals around the world. Join Kelly Cichy, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator Human Development and Family Studies at Kent State, as she shares key findings on brain aging and how Alzheimer's disease affects the brain.
This program is open to ALL full- and part-time employees. For full-time, benefits-eligible employees participating in the Wellness Your Way program, this session is worth 10 Tier Two points.
Friday, June 23, 11 - 11:30 a.m.
Webinar: Caring for Individuals with Dementia
Being a caregiver can be rewarding, but yet very stressful. Join Donna Alexander, Long Term Care Administration Coordinator, as she discusses how to care for individuals with dementia.
This program is open to ALL full- and part-time employees. For full-time, benefits-eligible employees participating in the Wellness Your Way program, this session is worth 10 Tier Two points.
For questions about The Longest Day at KSU, please contact Employee Wellness at wellness@kent.edu.