Articles from the May 1, 2015 edition
Sorted by date Results 1 - 24 of 24
Medicare 'doc fix' is finally a done deal
After 17 temporary fixes over the past 11 years, Congress has approved legislation permanently blocking perennial cuts in physicians’ Medicare fees. In a rare show of genuine bipartisanship, the House and Senate both overwhelmingly passed the b...
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Improving online 'health literacy'
Health care and the ways we find health information have changed drastically over the years. New technologies in and out of the doctor's office have allowed us access to information like never...
Survey seeks input from Alaska caregivers
About 90 percent of long-term, informal health care in the United States is provided by unpaid caregivers, typically women, who spend more than $5,000 annually in out-of-pocket expenses. A survey from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Fairbanks...
Legislation largely still a work in progress
As of this writing it is difficult to wrap-up the legislative session, as they are still in session (day 4 past the regular 90 day period). Legislators have not yet come to agreement on the state’s budget, which they must pass, according to the s...
Driving? What about your medications?
In the past few years, more than one older Alaskan has been in the news for a driving accident while medicated — with tragic or near-tragic consequences. An 82-year-old man was driving his 6...
Looking into some Medicare benefits
Comparing services using the Medicare website This month, I am going to use the Medicare website (which you too can easily use at www.Medicare.gov/home health care). The three homes I picked out to...
'Whistleblower' reveals details about the crash of the C-17 at Elmendorf
Those of you (including this retired Army pilot) who have witnessed an aircraft accident first hand know the litany of emotional phases that one experiences. At first you deny the accident happened....
New classes to practice arthritis-friendly tai chi
Senior centers around Alaska are beginning to offer the Tai Chi for Health Institute’s Tai Chi for Arthritis classes just in time for May’s Arthritis Awareness Month. Created by Dr. Paul Lam, the Tai Chi for Health Institute’s 12 week program provi...
Researchers explore the health benefits of eggs, Vitamin D and cellphones
Can eating eggs help prevent type-2 diabetes? Researchers in Finland are reporting that eating eggs may benefit blood sugar metabolism. In the past, egg consumption has either been associated with an...
Dementia care workshops to be offered in King Cove and Wrangell
An interactive workshop exploring the challenges faced by organizations and facilities in providing dementia care will be offered in King Cove and Wrangell this month. • May 12, King Cove Clinic conference room, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact: K...
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 theme is “Celebrate Your Age (It’s Older Americans Month”). May 5, Caregiver support meeting at Sterling Senior Center, 1 p.m. Ma...
Useful Medicare information in only a matter of minutes
The Medicare Minute Program is making its debut in Alaska. Launched in the summer of 2014 by the Medicare Information Office, it is quickly becoming a popular tool for seniors to educate their peers about their Medicare benefits and to protect...
Health fairs in May
Alaska Health Fairs, Inc. concludes its spring series of health fairs this month, featuring free health screenings and education, low cost blood tests and more. The tests can help you learn about your health and detect potential problems early, when...
Early Anchorage remembered
Betty Berry settles into a friend's living room couch early on a grey April morning and opens up a journal, "Elberberry Tales," stories told by her father-in-law, Frank Olin Berry. His words had been...
Spicing up the menu in Haines
Diners had Navajo tacos as the first of a new monthly feature of ethnic and regional foods at Haines Senior Center lunches. Basic Navajo fry bread, interpreted in different forms around the country,...
Enjoy salad and a style show May 8 in Palmer
The Pioneers of Alaska Women’s Igloo #11 proudly presents “Let’s Tip our Hats to Fun and Fancy” Annual Salad Luncheon and Style Show featuring fashions from “Garden Gate of Palmer.” The event will take place Friday, May 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at t...
New health clinic coming to Chickaloon
Chickaloon Village Traditional Council (CVTC) celebrated construction of its new health and wellness building – Ahtnahwt’aene’ Nay’dini’aa den (Aht-nah Hwĭ-tănnă Nie-dĭnny-ah den) Gathering Place, meaning “Ahtna People Chickaloon Place,” – with...
Gold rush entertainers dazzled Hollywood
Although the frenzied gold seekers of the North lacked most of the luxuries, not to mention necessities, of civilized living, they did have theaters – even opera houses. There had been entertainment i...
Leslie Caron danced her way to Hollywood
Only a handful of actresses danced in feature films with both Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire. One was Leslie Caron. Although her last feature film was a decade ago, she hasn't been exactly idle since....
Networking for Anchorage senior service providers
Interested in learning more about businesses and agencies providing senior services in the Anchorage area? Want to get the word out about your own service? The monthly Interagency Breakfast, sponsored by Older Persons Action Group, is an opportunity...
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 12 and 26), 9 a.m. to noon. Kenai Senior C...
Why you need a will in addition to a revocable living trust
Dear Jonathan: I recently updated my estate planning, which included a new will, as well as a revocable living trust. I decided to go with the trust because I want to make sure that my estate is not probated at my death. I recently read that if all...
How to silence an excessively 'clicky' iPad, and other top tech advice
Q. I use my iPad during business meetings and the clicking sound it makes when I unlock it is distracting. Is there some way to silence that noise? A. Having invested years perfecting the art of stating the obvious, my best recommendation would be...
Celebrating Jack London
San Francisco, where the city's port ships out hundreds of thousands of tourists north to Alaska on cruise ships, has another Alaska connection nearby, a literary one – Jack London Square in Oakland j...
