Articles from the May 1, 2017 edition
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Aging and Disability Resource Centers offer various levels of assistance
Are you looking for resources that will allow you to maintain your independence as you age? Look no further than your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). Servicing locations all over...
The 4th is still with us
There's a magnet for memories in Anchorage. Ask people about the 4th Avenue Theatre and memories come flooding back. They seem to come in two waves. Seniors remember the early movies shown there, some...
Proposed budget cuts could severely curtail effective senior health care research and initiatives
The Trump administration has proposed slashing the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget, saying it is bloated with unnecessary expenses resulting in waste and abuse. It has also proposed to eliminate the independent status of the Agency for...
Governor clarifies position on Pioneer Homes
Editor’s note: This is an April 13 letter Gov. Walker addressed to Alaska Pioneer Homes Division Director Vickie Wilson; Pioneers’ Homes Advisory Board Co-Chairs Robert Silvertsen and Robert Hall, Sr.; Juneau Pioneer Home Administrator Gina Del Ros...
Legislators work on senior services budget
The Senate Finance Health and Social Services Subcommittee closed out the operating budget for FY18 for the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) on Mar. 14. The Senate Subcommittee was able to reduce the DHSS budget by an additional 5...
Imposter phone calls and utility scams
Imposter scams are on the rise – in fact, in 2016, according to the Consumer Sentinal Network, it ranked number two with 472 reported complaints by Alaska consumers, directly behind lottery/sweepstakes scams. Much of the time, these schemes are by p...
Shady tactics drive prescription drug prices to obscene levels
Sudden price spikes in older drugs are putting patients at risk of going without vital medicine. A new report by the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging uncovered an insidious business model that’s leading to monopoly pricing power and a...
Helping refugees face unique challenges
Editor's note: This is the sixth article in a series from the Diverse Elders Coalition, looking at different segments of the senior population. Cambodian American elders face many challenges similar t...
Getting in shape for getting outdoors
With the snow melting and the sun shining, we start thinking of being outside doing things like fishing, hiking, gardening, golfing and camping. If during the winter you have been inactive or...
May brings finale for spring health fairs
Alaska Health Fair’s Spring 2017 health fair season is coming to a close this month, so try and make it to one of the remaining events in your local community. These events offer free health screenings and education, low cost blood tests and more. T...
Medicare offering more free tests and services
Are you aware that if you have Medicare Part B you are eligible to receive a large number of preventive services that will cost you nothing? Medicare’s goal in offering these preventive screenings i...
Baby Boomers threaten to overwhelm the VA
The volume of veterans set to reach retirement age in the next decade will put tremendous pressure on the VA healthcare system. The Long-Term Supports and Services (LTSS) is one program the VA is atte...
Prediabetes is best controlled by lifestyle changes
Prediabetes is a surprisingly common condition among U.S. adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 86 million U.S. adults (more than one in three) have prediabetes, with only about 9 million even aware that they...
Boomers and hepatitis C
Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve recently read that all baby boomers should get tested for hepatitis C. Is this really necessary, and if so, what are the testing and treatment procedures? – Healthy Boomer Dear Healthy, It’s true. Both the U.S. Preve...
Free training and support for family caregivers
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following peer support meetings in May. This month’s focus is on National Physical Fitness and Sport Month. Join for a time of caring and sharing, followed by a walk outside. May 2...
Health benefits of tea, risk calculators
Drinking tea may help combat Alzheimer’s disease A new study is suggesting that drinking tea may help reduce the risk of cognitive impairment in older adults and for those who are genetically at r...
Hospice of Anchorage helps with transitions
Hospice of Anchorage has been around since 1980 and is a nonprofit, 501(c) (3) organization and a partner agency to United Way of Anchorage. We are a community agency comprised of an interdisciplinary team – volunteers, nurses, social workers, v...
Commission on Aging quarterly meeting, May 9
The Alaska Commission on Aging will conduct a quarterly meeting May 9 by way of videoconference and teleconference sites located around the state. Public participation is encouraged. The commission advocates for state policy, public and private...
Gold brings post office to Circle City
While the Southeast town of Sitka claims the first U.S. Post Office established in America's new possession of Alaska in 1867, Circle City – located on the banks of the Yukon River – holds the hon...
Marty Allen still making 'em laugh
Known for his trademark salutation, "Hello Dere," his bug-eyed comic stare and wild Brillo-pad hair, veteran comedian Marty Allen is still making audiences laugh. "I get up in the morning and the only...
Expedited Social Security for veterans
On Memorial Day, we honor the soldiers and service members who have given their lives for our nation. Social Security respects the heroism and courage of our military service members, and we remember those who have given their lives in defense of fre...
Social Security experts answer your questions
Staff from Alaska’s Social Security office will be available for questions via videoconferencing at the following locations and times: Kodiak Job Center, on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month (May 9 and 23), 9 a.m. to noon. Kenai Senior C...
Medicaid and Medicare: Same thing?
You like potato, I like potahto You like tomato, I like tomahto Potato, potahto, tomato, tomahto Let’s call the whole thing off! The point the Gershwin brothers were making, I take it, was that s...
Grandkids' video games are an opportunity
Q. A couple of times when I answered my phone the first voice I heard asked if I could hear them. It seemed harmless, but I wonder. Is it harmless? A. No, it is likely a scam. There is a similar technique that has been making the rounds recently. It...
Get the world-class treatment in Denver
Denver is an outdoor city filled with urban adventures. The Mile High City is known for its world-class cultural attractions, thriving craft breweries and famous music scene, all within easy reach of...
