Articles written by Emily Kane
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Reevaluating Alzheimer's treatments
Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disorder, which presents with impaired cognition, and diminished quality of life for the patient but ultimately even more so for the caregivers. Prominent Alzheimer’s researcher Alexandra O...
5 basic steps to improving digestion
1. I know you’ve heard this before, but it is so important that it bears repeating: Chew, chew, chew. This means both slowly and thoroughly. To be totally graphic about it, you want anything you swallow to be a soupy consistency. Especially meat. F...
Self-care for the holidays and beyond
A reader emailed me this question: I want to take better care of myself, but I’m having trouble committing. Any tips for creating a good routine? Here was my reply. Thanks for sparking a good column topic! Intention is key. That’s the best place to...
Learn more about supplements and how to use them
Supplements are different than over-the-counter medicines because medicine is given to change the physiologic workings of the body-suppress cough, decrease mucus, dampen inflammation-whereas...
Maintaining muscle mass as we age
Like keeping your bones strong, maintaining or even building muscle as we age requires daily movement and good nutrition. Staying strong as we age will not only be useful for hauling groceries, keepin...
Studies debunk long-held cholesterol misconceptions
Most of us seniors have grown into adulthood "knowing" that total cholesterol levels over 200 "cause" premature death from cardiovascular disease. Like most medical facts, the truth is complex,...
Treat your stomach right and it will treat you right
Stomach acid blockers are some of the most popular medicines on the market. You can get them over-the-counter (OTC) in supermarkets, drug stores, gas stations, Costco, Amazon, you name it. They range in strength from Tums (basically just calcium...
Keep an eye on your vision health
If you wear glasses (or contacts) try to minimize their use to times when you are reading, driving or doing other precision work. But if you're just lounging around at home and can bathe, cook,...
Resolutions, opportunities for behavior change
Even though January first is just another day, many of us will invest some energy in reviewing our successes in the year flown by, and strategize for further personal gains in the precious time that remains ahead. This is an excellent exercise in sel...
The season of remembrance and giving thanks
One of the most poignant exercises I have experienced was during hospice training in which participants envision, and write down, four favorite people, four favorite places, four favorite activities and four favorite objects. In the exercise, we...
Healthy nutrition requires planning and effort
There are many health benefits to getting leaner, going well beyond fitting more comfortably in your clothes. It is important to savor food, take time to cook nice meals and especially take time to chew and enjoy every mouthful. Food is so yummy,...
Focus on food, exercise for lifetime health
Is your “lifestyle” correlated to your health? Although the intuitively obvious answer is a resounding “yes”, very little credence is given in the standard of care to the powerful impact of your day-to-day choices on your wellbeing. It’s not just...
Save your brain with these approaches
An estimated 6.5 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease today. This is nearly 11% of seniors in the U.S. The cost of caring for patients with Alzheimer’s is approaching $300 billion annually, which is greater than the...
Foods and strategies to aid gut function
Finding your best food plan and sticking to it will prolong your life and greatly increase your wellbeing. It's hard to be cheerful with a distressed gut. Gut and brain tissue originates from the...
Try this natural regimen for healthy skin
Hello! I have been a primary care provider in Juneau Alaska for nearly 30 years, as well as a health writer, yoga enthusiast and instructor, musician, and lover of the great outdoors. My professional focus is on wellness. I particularly enjoy helping...
Stop the corporate Medicare money-grab
As a primary care doctor, I believe Alaskans must understand that a critical portion of our Medicare dollars is bleeding away into privately held corporations, which inherently value profits over people. Recently, Direct Contracting Entities (DCEs) h...
